Monday morning arrived with its usual café chaos: espresso machines hissing, trays clattering, and customers navigating the labyrinth of tables like it was some competitive sport.
For Lia Henderson, it felt… easier somehow.
Not because the café was calmer—it wasn't—but because Ethan Cruz was now officially hers.
"…Morning," she said, sliding behind the counter, tray in hand.
"…Morning," he replied, grinning like he'd won the lottery. "…Morning kisses are mandatory now, right?"
"…Mandatory?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow. "…Since when?"
"Since now," he said, leaning closer. "…New couple rules."
"…New couple rules," she muttered, shaking her head with a smile. "…You're impossible."
"Exactly," he said softly. "…And now officially yours."
Her cheeks warmed. "…Stop saying things like that," she whispered.
"Never," he said, eyes twinkling.
By mid-morning, Lia and Ethan had established a small routine: sticky notes, shared trays, and stolen glances.
"…You really like sticky notes," Ethan teased, peering over a pile of pastel reminders.
"Yes," Lia said firmly. "…They keep chaos manageable."
"And you," he said softly, "…keep chaos… tolerable. And charming."
Her stomach flipped. "…Stop," she muttered, even as she smiled.
By afternoon, the café had quieted. Lia and Ethan sat at a small table, sipping hot chocolate.
"…So," Lia said, daring to meet his eyes, "…now that we're… officially us… what does that mean?"
"Means," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "…we embrace the chaos together. Messy, ridiculous… amazing together."
"…Amazing," she whispered.
"And," he said, leaning closer, "…maybe we don't stop for interruptions anymore."
"…Maybe not," she whispered back, heart fluttering.
By evening, as Lia walked home, she reflected: life with Ethan Cruz was messy, unpredictable, and hilarious.
But most importantly, it was hers.
And she couldn't imagine it any other way.