Chapter 10: Random Acts of Kindness

As my buddies said their goodbyes and split up, I found myself driving solo on my usual route home. Élise's tips kept playing in my head, her words really hitting me. She was all about partners surprising each other with sweet gestures throughout the day.

So, on a whim, I decided to act on her advice and do something special for my darling Baby Corrigan. That dude had always been crazy about colognes, so I made a spontaneous detour to this fancy boutique nearby, stocked with a killer selection. When I walked in, the little bell above the door chimed, announcing my arrival and I inhaled the fragrance-infused air.

Let me tell you, that boutique was a feast for the senses. Shelves were stacked with these beautifully designed bottles, and the whole place had this chill vibe that invited you to explore. And the air? It was a symphony of scents, with perfumes and colognes mixing together in the coolest way.

Determined, I dove into my mission to find the perfect cologne. I checked out each bottle like a detective, soaking in the unique combos of scents they offered. Some were too strong, others too flowery, but I kept at it, hunting for a fragrance that would capture Baby Corrigan's essence.

And then, finally, my eyes locked onto this one bottle, nestled among the others. It had sleek and classy glass, topped with a shiny silver cap that glimmered in the soft store lighting. I sprayed a bit on a test strip and brought it close to my nose.

A subtle aroma filled the air, caressing my senses with its blend of warm spices, citrus hints, and a touch of woodiness. Man, this scent screamed confidence and elegance, a perfect match for Baby Corrigan's charm and style.

Feeling satisfied with my find, I made my way to the checkout counter. The clerk there was friendly, exchanging a few pleasant words before I handed over the cash. I could feel the excitement bubbling up inside me as the cologne was carefully wrapped, a testament to its fancy contents.

When I got home, I barely had time to set the cologne down before the front door swung open, and in walked hubby. He looked wiped out, you could see it in his tired posture and weary voice. "Hey, love," he greeted, his words dripping with weariness.

But I couldn't contain my excitement, so I rushed over and welcomed him with open arms, a big ol' grin on my face. "Guess what I got for you!" I blurted out, brimming with anticipation.

I whipped out the cologne in one of those over-the-top, movie-style reveals, you know, like a "ta-da" moment. I handed it to him, and I swear his eyes barely glanced at it for a split second before he shifted his focus right back to me.

He gave me a gentle peck on the forehead, his gesture carrying a hint of detachment. "Thanks, babe," he murmured, his voice weighed down by exhaustion. Without wasting any time, he scurried up the stairs, claiming he desperately needed some sleep.

As I watched him retreat to our bedroom, a wave of mixed emotions washed over me. Sure, I was excited, but there was a touch of disappointment too. Yet, I understood the fatigue that was weighing him down. Sometimes, even the smallest gestures can slip by unnoticed when you're dead tired.

Internally, I reminded myself not to let that disappointment overshadow the thoughtfulness behind my surprise. I had picked out that cologne with love and care, hoping it would bring him joy. In the peacefulness of our home, I took a deep breath, relishing the lingering scent of the cologne on my skin. I knew that soon enough, it would find its way on Baby Corrigan's and become a part of our shared moments, no matter when that may be.

But as I climbed those stairs, reason went out the window, and all I could think was, "He didn't even mention the fact that I went out of my way to snag that cologne for him."

The audacity…