It was past three in the afternoon when Kate got dressed after their final shower together. They went down to the kitchen together, and on the table there was a note:

“Sir and Madam,

Shadow has already eaten and been walked. Lunch is in the oven to be heated. I didn’t want to bother you both, because my head was on the line. They say reconciliations can be intense, and with you two, I can confirm it. I hope you eat well.

Regards, Lucca.”

Bastien read it and put it away.

— Hey… I want to see it.

— No.

— Come on, I want to see it.

— No, it’s not for you.

— Come on…

Seeing her with those puppy-dog eyes, Bastien sighed and handed it over. Immediately, Kate’s cheeks flushed red when she read it. She returned the note to him and walked toward the oven.

— I told you I didn’t want you to see it… but you insisted.

— Never again, Bastien promised, pulling her into his embrace.

— Good girl.

Kate warmed up the lunch and served it. They ate together while Shadow sat watching them. She occasionally