Chapter Sixty Jennifer
Chapter Sixty
Jennifer
Tell me a more relaxing sound than a coffee machine preparing a latte macchiato. I’ll wait—because there is none.
Outside, soft snowflakes drift past the windows, painting the world in quiet white. It reminds me of the days Daniel and I met—only that the world seemed depressing back then. There was no snow, no cozy Christmas days—only the depressing truth.
Today? Everything feels so different from the day we met, just a year ago.
The scent of fresh pastries which probably just came out of the oven fills the cozy café, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I sit at a little window table, watching the snow gently dust the passing cars and the sidewalks, where bundled-up strangers walk with red noses and steaming breath.
I’m not entirely sure why I chose to come here today. When Daniel asked me what I wanted to do to celebrate our one-year anniversary, he offered a romantic dinner, maybe something elegant and expensive. But somehow… this felt right.
A little bakery in the heart of the city, filled with the comforting scent of vanilla and chocolate. This is where we had our first real and quiet talk, where things truly began between us.
Sure, we’ve come back here since—sometimes for breakfast, sometimes to pick up pastries Andrew made for us. But today feels different. Today is special.
And while I love it when Daniel spoils me with luxurious things, I don’t need them. Not today.
This, right here—cozy, simple, and meaningful—is more romantic than any five-star restaurant.
The soft chime of ceramic cups brings me out of my thoughts, and I look up to see my husband approaching, a latte in one hand and a cup of black coffee in the other.
He looks cozy today, in a thick black wool coat, snowflakes still clinging to his curls.
He tied them into a slick ponytail, but a few curls are hanging out in the front.
This is my husband? This sexy man? Oh my god. No wonder the grandmas sitting just a few tables away from us have been chit-chatting about us—or, well, about him.
The way he walks towards me with the drinks in his hands… It’s just like the first time. Only this time… we’re married.
And there’s something else going on as well.
“Does Andrew need a new assistant?” I ask with a teasing grin.
Daniel arches a brow. “Why are you asking, pretty?”
“He put up a help wanted sign on the door. One of my friends is searching for a job, that’s why I’m asking.”
He shrugs, not digging deeper, then gently places the latte in front of me. “No caffeine, just the way my wifey likes it now. Still don’t get how you enjoy coffee that doesn’t work on your body.”
I smile up at him. There he is—the man I love. “There are a lot of downsides to caffeine, you know. You should try a decaf life sometime, hubby. It’s good.”
He scoffs playfully and sits down across from me. “I don’t drink coffee for the taste, pretty. I drink it because I need it to survive.” He takes a long sip of his bitter, black brew.
Black, like his soul. How does someone drink that and still smile after? I’ll never know. I could never.
“I can tell,” I murmur, wrapping my hands around my warm glass.
We sit in quiet comfort for a moment, the snow continuing to fall gently beyond the window. The café is calm—just a few people here and there, including the three elderly women sitting by the fireplace near the corner, knitting and whispering like they’ve been friends for decades.
Whispering about Daniel and me, as well. Like mentioned before, I can hear them pretty well.
Maybe their ears don’t work as properly as they used to, or they just have no idea how quiet chit-chatting actually works.
Because the way they do it? God, I can hear every single word. Yes, one of them was just talking about their two cats. The other one mentioned her Chihuahua. And the other? I don’t know yet, but if I’d continue listening, I’d probably find out.
Maybe she doesn’t have a pet?
Just when I think it can’t get more peaceful in my mind, Daniel reaches across the table and runs his fingers gently over mine. “You look beautiful today,” he murmurs. “Cozy and glowing. Like… like you belong here. With me.”
Before I can respond, the jingle of a bell rings as Andrew appears from the back, a huge, almost scary smile on his face and two plates in his hands.
If I didn’t know he had just started dating Hayden, I’d think he was high on something. But no, that’s just love. Honestly, it’s adorable.
Daniel doesn’t know, though. Not yet.
“I thought you’d like some fresh, warm pastries,” he beams. “A pain au chocolat for the pretty lady, and some macarons for my dear brother.”
Daniel stares at him like he just offered him a kitten made of glitter. I try not to laugh, but the moment I hide my mouth behind my hand, a giggle escapes.
The side-eye Daniel throws me could kill a man. Uh, probably not the best way to word it. Not with him, anyway.
Andrew, however, doesn’t seem to notice—he’s too wrapped in his own joy.
“You’re glowing too much little guy,” Daniel mutters, side-eying his brother.
Andrew shakes his head, then winks at me before disappearing back behind the counter, but I know he’s keeping an eye on us.
The café is technically still part of the family’s business, getting used for money laundering— but today it just feels like a safe little snowy bubble.
This café is getting more and more recognition for its good coffee and pastries. And honestly? I love it. It’s not too known to be considered a full café, but he does have more locals coming here to eat breakfast or have a snack.
Perhaps, I should consider coming here more often. I’ve already missed the taste of the drinks and the food.
I take a bite of the warm pastry and nearly moan at the taste. The chocolate melts perfectly on my tongue, soft and rich.
Heaven. Pure heaven.
I’m about to say something when I notice Daniel watching me. His brow furrows. His hands clasp together like he’s debating something serious.
“Pretty…” he says softly.
“Hm?” I wipe a bit of chocolate from the corner of my lips.
“Why are you holding your stomach?”
I glance down, realizing my hand’s resting protectively against my belly. I blink, looking back at him.
“Are you feeling sick? Is the food bad? Or too sweet? Or… are you worried about gaining a few pounds? Because seriously, love, I don’t care that your belly is a bit rounder nowadays. You could gain twenty and I’d still—”
I burst out laughing, unable to stop myself. “Hubby, calm down, please—"
“I’m serious!” he insists. “I love you no matter what. I didn’t marry you for your weight or your looks—well, maybe a little—but that’s not the point, because fuck you’re the prettiest woman on earth— but I’d always think that way, no matter what.”
“It’s not that.” I reach across the table, placing my hand on his. “You love Mary, right?”
He scoffs. “Of course I do. She’s my daughter. I don’t care that I’m not her biological dad. She’s everything to me. Do I not care enough for her?”
God, I love this man. No words will ever describe how much exactly.
“Baby?” I say softly.
“Yes, pretty?”
“Would you rather she had a little brother or a little sister?”
His mouth opens slightly, but no words come out. His eyes widen. His lips part again, and this time he breathes—just barely.
I chuckle, tilting my head. “Surprise?”
He still doesn’t say anything. Instead, he stands up so quickly that his chair slides back across the wooden floor. Then, right there in front of everyone, he drops to his knees in front of me.
His warm hands reach for my belly, resting there so gently it almost makes me cry.
The three grandmas near the fireplace watch with fond smiles, nudging one another like they’re witnessing a fairytale.
They are.
Because this is a fairytale. Not a prince and princess one like you’d expect.
But one where I fell in love with the villain.
Daniel Caruso is the villain in my story.
And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Andrew comes out from behind the counter, eyebrows raised. “Wait… what’s going on—”
Daniel doesn’t even look at him. His eyes are only on me. “You’re pregnant. You’re… really pregnant?”
I nod, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Don’t act like that extra room in the house wasn’t in your plans already.”
“Fuck,” he whispers, “it totally was.”
Andrew, now next to us, lets out a little gasp. “You’re pregnant?” he says to me.
I flash him a cheeky grin. “Your brother insisted on not using a condom.”
Andrew makes a face. “Ew.”
Daniel shrugs proudly. “As if you’ve never had unprotected sex.”
Andrew’s brows shoot up, but he wisely keeps quiet. I give him a subtle smile.
Daniel stands slowly, leaning in and pressing the gentlest kiss to my forehead. Then another, to my temple. And finally, one more, right over my belly.
We’re still surrounded by people. But I don’t care.
It’s warm in here, the snow is falling, and everything in my world feels right.
Everything is perfect. It finally is.