Chapter Seventeen: James comes Home

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Charlotte curled up on the couch, absently flipping through a magazine. She had spent the day keeping herself busy, but now, as evening approached, she found herself glancing at the clock more often.

Then, she heard it—the familiar sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Her heart skipped a beat.

James was home.

A Warm Welcome

The front door swung open, and James stepped inside, loosening his tie. His eyes immediately found Charlotte, and a slow smirk spread across his face.

"Missed me?" he asked, shutting the door behind him.

Charlotte rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Maybe a little."

James walked over, pulling her into his arms. "Just a little?"

She laughed, resting her head against his chest. "Okay, maybe more than a little."

He kissed the top of her head, inhaling her familiar scent. "Good. Because I missed you too."

A Sweet Surprise

Charlotte pulled away slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I made something for you."

James raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"

She grabbed his hand and led him to the kitchen, where the plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies sat on the counter.

James blinked, then turned to her with mock seriousness. "You? Baked?"

Charlotte placed her hands on her hips. "Hey! I can be domestic too."

James chuckled, picking up a cookie and taking a bite. His expression shifted, and he groaned in satisfaction. "Damn, this is good."

Charlotte smirked. "Told you."

James wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "You're full of surprises, Mrs. Clemens."

Charlotte looked up at him, a playful glint in her eyes. "You haven't seen anything yet."

James grinned. "I'm looking forward to it."

And as they stood in the kitchen, wrapped in each other's warmth, Charlotte realized that home wasn't just a place.

It was James.