Chapter 16

SIXTEEN

M ari woke to the enticing aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee. She stretched, a smile playing on her lips as she realized Arden must be in the kitchen. Slipping into a cozy robe, she made her way downstairs, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

As she entered the kitchen, Mari was greeted by the sight of Arden, his muscular frame clad in a snug T-shirt and jeans, expertly flipping pancakes at the stove. He turned, his green eyes sparkling with warmth as he met her gaze. "Good morning, gorgeous." He grinned, gesturing to the table where a plate of crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a bowl of vibrant mixed berries awaited her. "I hope you're hungry."

Mari's heart swelled with gratitude. "Arden, this looks amazing. You're spoiling me!" She slid into her seat, marveling at the thoughtfulness of his gesture. It was a stark contrast to the cold indifference of her ex-husband, who had never bothered with such simple acts of kindness.

Arden winked playfully, setting a stack of golden pancakes in front of her. "Well, a beautiful witch like you deserves to be spoiled. Plus, I figured if I impress you with my culinary skills, you might just keep me around."

Mari laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Oh, is that so? I didn't realize I was dating a master chef."

"What can I say? I'm a wolf of many talents," Arden quipped.

As they savored their breakfast, Arden entertained Mari with tales of his mischievous childhood. "One time, I convinced my little brother that I could transform into a superhero," he chuckled. "I tied a cape around my neck and jumped off the shed roof, thinking I could fly. Ended up with a broken arm and a bruised ego."

Mari couldn't help but laugh, picturing a young Arden with his boundless enthusiasm and daring spirit. She found herself opening up in return, sharing stories of her own childhood and the close bond she shared with her sister, Molly.

As the conversation turned to more serious topics, Mari confided in Arden about her emotionally abusive marriage to Victor. "He was so controlling," she sighed, her eyes clouding with pain. "He made me feel like I was never good enough, that I couldn't make decisions for myself. It wasn't until he grew tired and bored with me that he allowed the divorce, acting as if it was his idea to be done with me. That's how I was finally able to escape his manipulative ways."

Arden reached across the table, his hand covering hers in a comforting gesture. "Mari, you are an incredible woman. What you went through with Victor was not your fault. You deserve to be cherished, respected, and loved for who you are."

His words washed over her like a soothing balm, reinforcing the trust she had placed in him. Mari squeezed his hand, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It took me years of saying that to myself to start to believe it. Thank you for your beautiful words."

Arden grinned. "You know, I've been thinking. As much as I love having you all to myself, I think it's time I put my money where my mouth is and take you on a proper date. What do you say?"

Mari's heart skipped a beat at the invitation. "I'd love that, Arden. What did you have in mind?"

"It's a surprise," he winked. "Just be ready by noon, and wear something comfortable."

Intrigued and excited, Mari nodded. "I can't wait to see what you have planned."

Mari wore a flowy sundress when Arden picked her up. "You look so beautiful," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "I love your hair down."

"Thank you." She glanced at the picnic basket in the back seat of his car. "What's that?"

"You'll see."

The drive to their destination was filled with easy conversation and laughter. When they arrived at the picturesque waterfall, Mari gasped in delight. "Arden, this is breathtaking!"

He grinned, leading her to a spot near the water's edge where he spread out the blanket. "I thought you might like it here. It's one of my favorite places in Whispering Pines. Let me set this up and we can sit here and watch the waterfall."

She gaped as he set out the blanket and opened the picnic basket. "I stopped by Molly's bakery and picked up a baguette and lemon tarts."

"Arden! Really?"

"Yeah. Then I swung by the Lone Wolf Café. Kade helped me pack a selection of artisanal cheeses and cured meats. Celeste told him what to do."

She giggled and watched him continue to take more stuff out of the basket.

"Before I went back to your place I stopped at Ivy's tea house and she hooked me up with a thermos of her famous lavender iced tea." He winked. "I have it in good authority you love that iced tea."

"I do," she said. She joined him on the blanket and gave him a kiss. "You've been paying attention."

"Of course, beautiful. What kind of man doesn't make note of his woman's favorites."

Her heart did a double beat when he called her his woman. Geez. She really was in trouble.

Mari couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. Arden's thoughtfulness and the effort he had put into planning their date touched her deeply.

"So…" Arden began, popping a piece of tart into his mouth.

Mari grinned. "So?"

He licked his lips and she almost drooled. "If you could learn any new skill or hobby, what would it be?"

Mari thought for a moment, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "I've always wanted to learn how to dance the tango. There's something so romantic and passionate about it."

Arden's eyes sparkled. "Well, maybe I could be your dance partner. I may have a few moves up my sleeve."

Mari laughed, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And what about you? What's something you've always wanted to do?"

He leaned back, his gaze drifting to the waterfall. "I've always wanted to go skydiving. The thought of freefalling through the air, the rush of adrenaline... it just seems like the ultimate adventure."

"Why am I not surprised?" Mari teased, nudging him playfully. "You always seem to be chasing the next thrill."

"What can I say? Life's too short not to take a few risks," he grinned, pulling her closer. "But I have to admit, falling for you has been the biggest adventure of all."

Mari's heart swelled with emotion, her eyes locking with his. "Arden…I-"

He cupped her face gently, his thumb caressing her cheek. "I know you're worried about us moving too fast, but my feelings aren't going to change. They're only going to grow stronger."

"Really?"

"Really," he growled softly before leaning closer.

Their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss, the warmth of the sun and the soothing sound of the waterfall enveloping them in a perfect moment of bliss.