Mornings in their new apartment started slower now. Sunlight spilled lazily through the sheer curtains, warming the soft cream sheets tangled around them. Naya stirred first, blinking against the light, her head tucked under Nian's chin. His arm was still draped over her waist, his palm resting protectively on the curve of her belly.
She shifted slightly, and he mumbled, eyes still closed, voice gravelly, "You're not going anywhere."
She giggled, running a hand along his jaw. "We promised Jace pancakes."
"I'll bribe him with toast."
"No, doctor Xu. You promised the boy banana pancakes and you will deliver."
He cracked one eye open, smirking. "Fine. But only if you kiss me first."
She leaned down and gave him a lazy, soft kiss—slow like molasses, like Sunday mornings should always be. He sighed against her lips, eyes still closed. "Best deal I've ever made."
---
Downstairs, Jace was already awake and watching cartoons with his stuffed lion and panda. "Mamaaaa! Babaaaa! Where's my cake-pans?"
"Pancakes, baby," Naya corrected, scooping him into her arms. "And Baba's on it."
"Baba is tired," Nian muttered, tying his apron.
"You're a surgeon and a billionaire. Pancakes shouldn't be your villain," Naya teased.
---
Later, they sat on the floor of their sunroom, Jace painting with watercolors, smudging more on himself than on paper. Naya had dreadlocks tied into a high bun, and she wore Nian's oversized T-shirt. He watched her from across the room, sipping tea, heart full.
"I could do this forever," she whispered as Jace dozed off in her lap mid-scribble.
"You will," he replied. "We both will."
She looked up. "Really?"
Nian put down his mug, crossed the room, and kissed her forehead. "I'm not letting you go again, Naya Ayen."
---
That night, after Jace was tucked in and the city hummed outside like a lullaby, they curled up on the couch, a glass of wine between them.
"I miss home sometimes," she said suddenly. "Juba. The noise. The rhythm. The sun."
Nian laced their fingers together. "Then we'll visit. As a family."
She smiled. "I like the sound of that."
He was quiet for a moment. Then, with a slow breath, he said, "I've been thinking of proposing."
Naya blinked, heart stuttering.
He grinned. "I mean again. Properly. No more quiet agreements or courthouse papers. I want to give you something beautiful."
"Nian…"
"And I want you to say yes. Loudly. In front of the whole world."
She covered her mouth, tears rising. "Then I'll need a dress."
"And I'll need to start rehearsing my vows."
---
They needed an escape.
Not from each other, but from the chaos, the schedules, the hospital calls, and even the weight of family expectations. Naya had just wrapped up her internship. Nian had taken a rare two-week leave. And Jace? He was more than happy to vacation with the people he loved most in the world.
They chose a quiet, misty mountain resort tucked in Lijiang, Yunnan. Stone villas framed by cherry blossoms. Cobblestone paths dusted with snow. A perfect blend of quiet luxury and the charm of old China. Naya's eyes widened the moment they stepped out of the car.
"This place looks like a dream," she whispered.
"You are my dream," Nian said smoothly, brushing a snowflake off her lashes.
---
Jace giggled wildly as he tried to make a snowman with Nian, who—despite being a genius surgeon—somehow managed to give the poor snowman two left eyes.
Naya laughed until her cheeks hurt. She wore a pale pink turtleneck, thick wool coat, and a scarf that Nian insisted on wrapping around her neck "the proper way." Her dreadlocks tumbled down her back in long, neat ropes—she looked like a walking goddess amidst the white landscape.
That evening, Nian disappeared after dinner with Jace, who was being tucked in by one of the villa staff babysitters.
Naya was relaxing in the outdoor onsen bath behind their villa, snowflakes gently melting into the steam. A warm robe hugged her skin when she stepped out, cheeks pink, heart at peace.
She followed the soft trail of lanterns winding through the snow-dusted path. At the top of the hill, near a quiet lookout point, was a wooden gazebo wrapped in string lights. Inside, soft music hummed. A small fire crackled beside a bottle of wine. And Nian—her Nian—stood in a black turtleneck, his breath forming little clouds.
She covered her mouth. "You did all this?"
"I had help." He smiled, walking forward, offering her his hand. "Dance with me?"
They danced in the cold, barefoot hearts in the snow.
Then he pulled back, his voice barely louder than the breeze. "Do you remember that night in Juba? When you kissed me in the hallway?"
She nodded slowly. "I couldn't help myself."
"Neither could I," he whispered. "And I still can't."
He knelt down—slow, intentional—and pulled out a black velvet box.
Inside was a silver band, simple yet elegant. Set in the center was a sapphire, deep blue like Jace's eyes when they widened in wonder.
"Naya Ayen… will you marry me properly this time? Will you let me be your home, your shelter, your scandal, your safe place?"
She blinked, already sobbing. "You're really asking me that again?"
"Yes. With the stars above and the mountains watching."
She knelt too, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed him hard.
"Yes, Nian Zeyan Xu. Yes, a thousand times."
---
They didn't go back to the villa immediately.
They stayed under the stars, talking until their lips turned numb, hearts pressed close. When they finally walked back, fingers intertwined, Naya looked over her shoulder at the gazebo.
"I'll never forget this night."
"You better not," he said. "I had to bribe five staff members and a wedding planner for this."
She burst out laughing.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I know," he replied with a soft s
mirk. "And I'll keep earning that love for the rest of my life."