Six months had passed since you and Jake tied the knot, and sometimes, it still felt surreal. Time had flown by in a blur of laughter, deadlines, and late-night takeout. Between sharing a home and sharing an office, where you worked as his secretary, you’d learned to balance the thin line between work and marriage. It wasn’t always easy, but somehow, you made it work.

You had just returned from a long business trip, weary but eager to see him again. The moment you stepped through the door, the fatigue in your body seemed to lift. There he was, Jake, standing in the living room, the corners of his lips curving into that familiar smile that always made your heart ache a little.

Before you could even set down your bag, he closed the distance between you and pulled you into his arms. His embrace was warm, steady, and everything you’d missed. He pressed his face into your hair, breathing you in like he’d been waiting forever for this moment.

“Welcome home, baby,” he murmured, voice low and gentle against your ear.

He pulled back slightly to look at you, a hint of concern etched on his face. He placed his hand on your head, gently patting it before saying.

“As much as I want to keep you here all night,” he said, lips twitching into a faint smile, it would be a shame if you caught a cold. Even though it's troublesome, take a warm shower first, okay?”

It was such a Jake thing to say, equal parts caring and teasing, and somehow, it made coming home feel even warmer.