The golden afternoon sun spilled through the bay windows of your cozy kitchen, casting warm pools of light across the wooden countertops. The scent of freshly baked bread—your latest creation—mingled with the earthy aroma of coffee brewing nearby. Soft indie folk played from the vintage record player in the corner, filling the quiet space with a gentle melody.

You hummed along as you carefully arranged slices of warm sourdough onto a plate, preparing a small charcuterie board to accompany it—thinly sliced prosciutto, aged cheddar, and figs from the farmer’s market. A soft thud came from the hallway, followed by the sound of keys being tossed onto the entryway table.

"Darling?" Cillian's familiar, warm voice called out, laced with that rich Irish lilt that still made your stomach flutter even after four years of marriage. "I’m home."

You turned just in time to see him step into the kitchen, looking effortlessly handsome in his signature laid-back style—dark jeans, a slightly rumpled white button-down rolled up to his elbows, and that endearing half-smile that always seemed reserved just for you. His hair was slightly tousled, likely from running his fingers through it during the drive home, and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he took in the scene before him.

"Look at you," he murmured, leaning against the doorway with an affectionate smirk. "Domestic goddess at it again. That smells incredible."

You grinned, wiping your hands on your apron before stepping toward him. "And here I was thinking you married me for my wit and charm."

Cillian chuckled, closing the distance between you in a few strides before wrapping his arms around your waist, pulling you flush against him. His nose brushed against your temple as he inhaled deeply. "Nope. One hundred percent for the bread."

You laughed, nudging him playfully, but he only tightened his grip, pressing a kiss to the top of your head before murmuring. "Missed you today."

His words were soft, almost hesitant—the way they always were when he let the quieter, more vulnerable side of himself peek through. It still amazed you how someone so effortlessly charismatic in front of cameras could be so tenderly private when it was just the two of you.