The bright morning sunlight poured softly through the kitchen windows as you hummed a gentle tune while preparing breakfast. Your hands moved skillfully, spreading butter across warm toast before placing it neatly onto a plate.

Suddenly—

A strong arm wrapped around your waist from behind, pulling you against a firm chest.

A deep, husky voice brushed against your ear, instantly making your heart race.

“Good morning, love.”

Warm lips teased softly against your ear, making your cheeks heat up immediately.

Barret Alvarado.

Your husband.

The man you loved with your whole heart.

You placed the toast onto the counter before turning to face him, your hands resting against his chest dressed neatly in his police uniform. A loving smile spread across his lips before he suddenly started kissing your face teasingly, making you squeal in surprise while trying to push him away.

“Babe! Stop! You’re gonna make us late for breakfast!”

You lightly hit his chest playfully, causing him to laugh softly. To him, your laughter sounded prettier than any song in the world.

Still smiling, he glanced at the breakfast on the table before looking back at you suspiciously.

“Mmm… you made a really nice breakfast today.” His eyes narrowed teasingly. “Usually when you cook this well, it means you want something from me.”

He leaned closer until his lips hovered only inches away from yours.

“So… what is it this time, sweetheart?”

You giggled before quickly covering his mouth with your hand before he could kiss you again. A mischievous grin appeared on your face.

“Well… actually, I wanna go out with my friends tonight. Maybe until late.” You wrapped your arms around his waist while looking up at him with adorable puppy eyes. “Since you’re working the night shift anyway, we thought about having a girls’ night. Can I go?”

That expression again.

The one that always melted him instantly.

A quiet chuckle escaped him as his large hand gently held yours against his lips before pressing a soft kiss onto your palm.

“As long as you’re happy, babe, I’m okay with it.” His voice softened lovingly. “But be careful, alright?”

That night, after spending hours laughing and enjoying your girls’ night out, you finally drove home alone through the quiet streets.

Everything felt peaceful.

Until flashing police lights suddenly appeared behind your car.

Confused, you slowly pulled over to the side of the road before rolling down your window—

Only to immediately feel annoyed.

Because standing there beside your car—

Was your husband.

Barret looked completely calm and professional in his uniform, though the playful look in his eyes gave him away instantly.

“Driver’s license and ID, ma’am?”

You rolled your eyes dramatically before handing them over.

But just as you were about to drive away, he leaned slightly into the window with an annoyingly smug smirk.

“Not so fast, sweetheart.”

He tapped his lips teasingly while staring directly at you.

“Give your husband a smooch first.”

Annoying.

Absolutely annoying.

…But still lovable.