The water was calm this morning, but it was foggy, so they were giving it half an hour to clear before taking the boat out. While Elizabeth had settled into one of the wooden Adirondack chairs, he sat on the edge of the dock, pants rolled, so his feet touched the water. It was cold, but he liked it.
"You've got your appetite back."
She was much more relaxed and easier to be around, not that he didn't cherish any time they managed to spend alone. He smiled as he watched her tear apart a muffin. She ripped off pieces and popped the chunks into her mouth instead of biting into it whole.
"Yeah, well, here I feel like I'm not actively lying to Henry's face," Elizabeth said.
Blake frowned. As much as he wished that he could take away her pain, the only solution to relieve that stressor would begin and end with telling her husband the truth about their relationship.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled.
He wasn't living guilt-free either. Having to look another man in the eyes while actively screwing his wife was stress-inducing. It took everything in him not to shake in his shoes when facing Henry.
"This is really good. Your mom baked these?"
Blake laughed as he used his hands to push up from the dock.
"We have a chef who comes a few times a week." He took the chair next to her. "He meal preps, but sometimes…" He reached over and stole a chunk of muffin. "…we're in for still-warm baked goods." Blake sucked the sugar from the tip of his finger before he grabbed her hand. "My mom can't cook," he added.
"Neither could mine."
His lips pulled up at the corners. "Neither can you," he teased, and they both laughed.
"I was hoping that you two hadn't headed out yet."
He dropped Elizabeth's hand as his mother walked down the dock. He felt like a teenager, hiding each of his relationships from her. She always had a habit of getting a little too involved.
He smiled. "Good morning."
"Good morning," Edie echoed.
Though it had just gone eight, she was already looking proper and put together in cashmere and pearls.
"Muffins, berries, and fresh orange juice," Edie said as she passed over the picnic basket she'd been clutching in her hand. "And scones. They just came out of the oven."
"Thanks, Mom." Blake peeked inside. "It was very thoughtful of you," he commented.
Edie clasped her hands together. "I have to maintain my reputation as a hostess." Her eyes turned to Elizabeth. "I hope you slept well, Dear. I told Blake to tell you that if you need anything at all, to just ask."
Blake rolled his eyes. "She knows, Mom."
"Thank you, Mrs. Moran."
"Edie," she corrected. "Mrs. Moran is Fred's mother." She squeezed Blake's shoulder. "Meredith and the lawyers are waiting, so I must be getting back. You two enjoy yourselves," she said before heading back towards the house. "Be safe!"
"She can be a bit much sometimes."
Elizabeth smiled. "She's sweet."
Blake offered her his hand after he stood.
"Ready?"
"I hope there's enough food for Matt," she joked.
