Wanted to surprise you

6 months later

Olivia swayed to the music as she flipped pancakes, lost in her rhythm. Oliver sneaked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, making her jump. “Jesus, Oliver! Good thing I wasn’t holding a knife,” she laughed, swatting his arm. He grabbed a piece of bacon, stuffing it in his mouth. “Gonna have to run an extra mile after this,” he mumbled.

“Sit down,” she said, pulling out a chair. “Eat like a normal person.”

He grinned, staring at her like she’d hung the moon. The ring was ready, her dad and brothers already called. Tonight was the night.

“Don’t forget,” he said, “masked ball tonight. Dancing. Fancy stuff.”

“Forget? Oliver, you’re actually taking me? I’m impressed,” she teased, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

“Yeah, yeah,” he said, kissing her neck before heading out. “Fuck, you’re distracting.” He smirked, turning on his heel. “Later.”

The doorbell buzzed just as she stepped inside from the market. She swung the door open to find a courier holding four bo