The Morning After & A Family Farewell

The morning sunlight filtered through the window in Bobby's room, bathing the couple in a soft glow amid the sheets. The air was warm and everything quiet

Sophia woke first, blinking sleep from her eyes as they settled on her husband. Her husband. The thought sent a fresh flutter through her chest.

Bobby's arm laid over her waist, his body pressed against hers, holding her as if he'd never let go. Her muscles ached faintly, a quiet reminder of their wedding night—the whispered promises, every lingering touch, each slow, passionate movement between them. Yet she felt at peace.

She bit her lip, a warm smile tugging at her as last night's memories bloomed. Her fingers grazed his chest, marveling that, after all these years, he was finally hers.

Bobby shifted slightly, a sleepy smirk curling on his lips. "You keep touching me like that, and we're never leaving this bed."

Sophia let out a soft laugh, laying her chin on his chest. "That sounds tempting."

Bobby cracked one eye open, his brown irises clouded with sleep yet brimming with affection. "You staring at me, Mrs. Knight?' he murmured."

Sophia hummed, brushing her fingers up his arm. "Maybe."

He groaned, pulling her onto his chest and wrapping his arms around her tighter. "I could get used to waking up like this."

Sophia smiled against his skin. "Me too."

They stayed like that for a few minutes, enjoying the peaceful silence, the weight of reality settling in. they were officially husband and wife.

Bobby pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and let out a sigh. "Guess we should get up."

Sophia groaned, burrowing deeper into his arms. "Five more minutes."

He chuckled, tilting her chin until their gazes locked. "If we don't head downstairs soon, my mom might barge in here herself."

Sophia's eyes widened. "You don't think she'd actually—"

"Oh, she absolutely would."

With a yelp, Sophia shot upright. "I'm up!"

Bobby laughed, watching her fumble for a robe before darting into the bathroom.

God, he loved her.

Bobby and Sophia descended the stairs, the dining hall was alive with the aroma of fresh coffee and warm breakfast. After the wedding, both families had stayed overnight at the mansion, lending the morning an intimate, cherished glow. The table gleamed with an elegant spread—fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, vibrant fruit platters, and buttery croissants still warm from the oven.

Richard and Evelyn Knight sat at one end, cradling their coffee mugs, while Henry and Elena Lancaster occupied the other, their soft conversation drifting through the air. Lena lounged beside her parents, engrossed in her phone, only glancing up as Bobby and Sophia entered the room.

"There they are," Lena teased, setting her phone down with a smirk. "The newlyweds finally decided to show up."

Sophia flushed, but Bobby only rolled his eyes. "Not in the mood, Lena."

Lena grinned, clearly enjoying this. "I don't know, you're walking a little stiff, big bro. Everything okay?"

Sophia choked on air.

"Lena," Evelyn warned, shaking her head, though she was clearly holding back a smile.

Lena just laughed, sipping her drink.

Bobby pulled out a chair for Sophia before sitting beside her. As soon as he did, Evelyn reached over and patted his hand.

" So how does it feel, being married?" she asked warmly.

Bobby glanced at Sophia before smiling. "Perfect."

Sophia's heart swelled, and she reached for his hand under the table, giving it a small squeeze.

Elena smiled fondly. "I still can't believe my baby girl is married."

Henry nodded. "It feels like just yesterday you two were running around causing trouble."

Richard chuckled. "Some things never change."

Sophia laughed. "We were not that bad."

Lena raised an eyebrow. "Sophia, you and Bobby once turned the entire backyard into a mud pit because of a bet."

Sophia flushed. "Okay… maybe a little bad."

The room was filled with laughter as everyone reminisced about old memories, the warmth of family wrapping around them.

As breakfast continued, the conversation shifted.

"So, what time is your flight?" Henry asked, sipping his coffee.

"Eight tonight," Bobby answered.

Elena beamed. "Italy is going to be beautiful."

Sophia nodded excitedly. "I can't wait. I've been wanting to go for years."

Richard chuckled. "Well, you'll have plenty of time to explore."

Evelyn reached for a small box beside her and slid it toward Bobby and Sophia. "Before you leave, we have a little gift for you both."

Bobby took the box and opened it. His brows raised as he pulled out a set of keys.

Sophia gasped. "Are these…?"

Henry smiled. "Your new home."

Sophia's eyes widened, looking between their parents. "You bought us a house?"

Evelyn nodded. "Not just any house. A high-end estate just outside of the city. It has everything—privacy, space, and plenty of room for the future."

Sophia felt overwhelmed with emotion.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Elena squeezed her hand. "You two deserve it."

Lena smirked. "And now you really have no excuse to keep living here."

Bobby snorted. "You just want my room, don't you?"

Lena grinned. "Absolutely."

More laughter filled the room, and Sophia felt a deep sense of love and warmth.

This wasn't just a wedding—it was the merging of two families, now bound forever.

Later that evening, after packing and saying their goodbyes, Bobby and Sophia arrived at the private airport where their family had gathered one last time to see them off.

Elena pulled Sophia into a warm embrace. "Enjoy your honeymoon, sweetheart. And don't forget to relax."

Sophia laughed. "I promise."

Henry clapped Bobby on the back. "Take care of my daughter."

Bobby smirked. "Always."

Richard hugged Sophia. "Have fun, but don't forget—you've got a company to come back to."

Sophia chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

Evelyn kissed Bobby's cheek. "Call us when you land."

"Will do, Mom."

Lena smirked. "And Bobby?"

Bobby sighed. "What now?"

She grinned. "Try not to completely annoy Sophia on this trip."

Bobby groaned. "I hate you."

Lena laughed. "Love you too bro."

With one final round of hugs, Bobby took Sophia's hand, leading her toward the private jet waiting for them.

As they stepped inside, Sophia glanced back, watching their families waving from the terminal.

Bobby squeezed her hand. "You ready for some fun?"

Sophia smiled up at him. "More than ever."

As the plane took off, leaving behind the glittering city lights, Sophia leaned against Bobby, her heart full. Their journey as husband and wife had only just begun.