Calix sliced the steak once the main course was served. He made sure every bite was small enough for Leslie to eat comfortably.
Even though she had started eating solid foods, everything still needed to be easily chewable.
"Here. Taste it," Calix forked one of the steak bites before bringing it to Leslie’s mouth, "Their chef is renowned for his secret recipes. I’ve tried so of his cuisines before."
"I can eat it myself," Leslie chuckled in helplessness. Despite saying that, she still let Calix feed her. Her eyes widened in delight upon savoring the steak, "It’s tasty!"
The at was so tender it lted instantly in her mouth. She loved how the natural flavors were enhanced by the seasoning instead of being overpowered by the spices.
"Hehe, told you," Calix’s lips curled into a smug smile. Raising his brows, he jokingly teased Leslie, "Should I learn cooking from this chef?"
"Well~ That sounds tempting, but..." Leslie burst into laughter. She playfully slapped Calix’s arm while covering her mouth, "You’re already a good cook ah..."
Raising his brows, Calix purposely exaggerated his expression, "Oh? I’m honored to hear that."
"Hehe, enough... Let eat myself..." Leslie took the fork from Calix’s hand. She urged him to devour his own plate of steak, "You haven’t touched yours..."
"Alright, I’ll eat. We still have desserts next."
Leslie refrained from laughing too much. She couldn’t wait to see what kind of desserts the waiters would serve them. Surely, they would be as delectable as the two earlier courses.
Calix’s lips lted into a smile as he continued looking at Leslie. She seed to completely fall in love with the steak including the other dishes. He was glad about his choice of picking this place for this surprise dinner tonight.
"..."
Blinking, Leslie couldn’t ignore the heat of Calix’s stare. She wondered how intense the blushing on her cheeks was now. Hopefully, they wouldn’t be too noticeable.
"Aren’t you eating?"
Leslie turned to Calix. She felt her grasp on the fork loosened as her heart pounded heavily against her chest. Despite that, she tried to sound as normal as she could.
Calix chuckled, amused to see the bashful look on Leslie’s face. Nodding twice, he casually responded, "Yeah, yeah, I’m eating."
Despite saying that, Calix still couldn’t stop staring at Leslie. He often darted his eyes from his plate of steak to her face, watching the fairy lights and candles illuminating her bashful yet delighted countenance.
Calix and Leslie savored so wine over the dishes. Laughter erupted over their chatter as they shared random talks. Despite sounding mundane, they perfectly enjoyed each other’s company.
The flickering candles gradually burnt low as much ti passed. They cast dancing shadows around the table. Even after cleaning the dessert plates, the husband and wife remained sitting side by side at the table.
Until...
Calix glanced at his wristwatch. The clock was pointing to nine in the evening. He and Leslie had been here for over one hour and a half.
Charming view of the rose garden. Romantic candlelit dinner with delectable dishes. Hearty laughter over their conversation.
This was the most suitable ti.
"Wanna take a stroll, Leslie?" Calix unconsciously grasped one side of his suit jacket. With a tilt of his chin, he gestured to the fountain, "We can sit at the bench there."
Leslie’s eyes sparkling, she quickly nodded in approval, "We should have a stroll before going ho..."
Calix stifled his laughter, sensing his nerves tensed up. He rose to his feet while asking, "Wanna walk or use the wheelchair?"
"I wanna walk."
"Co."
Calix knew Leslie couldn’t walk much yet but, he didn’t have any intention to stop her. He could easily carry her if her legs couldn’t handle walking anymore.
Supporting Leslie’s waist with one arm while holding her hand in the other, Calix carefully assisted her to stand from the chair. Her first few steps were wobbly before she regained so stability.
"I’ve never seen a rose garden as... pretty as this place. Hehe, perhaps back in Ro when I toured the... neighborhood."
Leslie wandered her eyes around, openly adoring the fresh blooms of roses amidst the fairy lights. The pleasant ti she spent in Ro months ago resurfaced in her mind.
Leslie’s words lured chuckles out of Calix’s mouth. He fondly looked at her even though her attention was only on their surroundings.
"Back when you’re still a soul? Haha, I’d never forget those tis ah."
"Hehe, you’re the lucky one to befriend a soul like ..."
Leslie laughed alongside Calix, agreeing with his perspective. She also wouldn’t ever forget the months she spent as a wandering soul.
"Ah!"
"Careful!"
The continuous strain gave Leslie’s legs out. Calix quickly caught her from falling. Without thinking, he swiftly carried her up.
"Your legs hurt so much? Should I call for soone?" Calix’s panicked voice rang in the air. He worriedly looked at Leslie.
"Nah... Just bring there," Leslie chuckled despite wincing in pain. She grasped Calix’s shoulders as she nestled her head on his chest, "We should sit at the fountain, rember?"
"...okay."
Calix brought Leslie to the garden fountain. The moonlight sprinkled on his back, casting shadows on his tensed expression.
"I’m alright. Don’t worry too much," Leslie smiled faintly as she noticed the way Calix looked, "Are you going to worry like this... all the ti?"
"I can’t help it," replied Calix quietly, followed by a sigh.
Leslie said nothing. Despite feeling bad to see Calix’s reaction, she couldn’t help but feel happy.
Once they reached the stone bench placed opposite the fountain, Calix carefully lowered Leslie to sit. Crouching down before her, he took her white shoes off.
"I didn’t get injured," Leslie softened her voice. She looked at Calix as he inspected both of her legs, "Hehe, I just need to rest ah. Co and sit here."
Pursing his lips, Calix checked Leslie’s calves down to her feet once again before he finally followed her words.
"Do you feel anything more than the usual strain?" asked Calix as he sat next to Leslie.
Smiling at Calix, Leslie playfully tapped the back of his right hand, "Nothing more than that... You know it’s not the first ti, right?"
"Yeah..."
Calix grasped his knees, aware that his tensed nerves caused him to overreact. Darting his eyes away from Leslie, he quietly scanned their surroundings, trying to calm his jitters.
Everything was perfect. He shouldn’t ruin this mont by acting all tense!
Returning his eyes to Leslie, Calix inwardly sighed in relief upon seeing her calm look. As if she didn’t feel any pain from her strained legs, she humd to a lody while looking at the glimring water’s surface.
Calix opened his mouth to speak but, no words flowed out of it. His mind was buzzing with the erratic pounding of his heart.
Sohow or other, he had to make himself clear by tonight lest he pointlessly delay this issue.
"Do you rember what I’ve asked you before? That ti when I asked if you could give us a chance to be a family with our daughter?[01]"
Calix’s llow voice brought Leslie’s gaze back to him. Smiling, she raised her brows at the sight of his nervous look.
Leslie didn’t imdiately answer Calix. She slowly retraced her mories back before nodding once, "I do. When we talked about Poppy by the lake..."
"Yeah, that one."
Seemingly lost in her sparkling eyes, once again words stuck to his throat. Yet, he coerced himself to push past his uneasiness.
Calix locked his eyes on Leslie’s as he earnestly asked, "Then, I’d like to ask you again. May you give our marriage a chance? For us to be true husband and wife?"
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Reference:
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