Chapter 5: Happiness
John broke the kiss after a few minutes. " Ya know, Doc, I think I know just how to cheer you up," he told Marlena.
She smiled. "How?" she asked.
"Simple. Dessert," he replied, returning her smile.
She laughed. "But, John, the baby. I can't drink champagne."
He laughed, too. "You underestimate me, Doc." He smiled mischievously as he went into the kitchen. He returned a few minutes later with a bottle of sparkling cider, wine goblets in his pockets, some strawberries, and some whipped cream.
Marlena laughed again. "Oh, John, you think of everything, but when did you get the cider?" she asked as she sat the bottle, the whipped cream, and the goblets on the coffee table.
"I drank it when I was grieving to keep from getting drunk, so I kept a full stock on hand. It reminded me of the champagne we drank together."
Marlena sighed. "Oh, John, I'm so sorry you had to grieve for me like that."
John nodded. "Me, too, Doc, but the important thing is, we're together now," he said, feeding her a strawberry as he led her over to the couch.
Marlena sat down slowly before nodding in agreement. She poured the cider and handed John a glass. "Here's to happiness," she said with a smile.
John smiled, too. "Hear, hear, Doc," he said, clinking his glass to Marlena's before kissing her.
Marlena returned the kiss, wishing she could stay in this moment forever.