Sugar, Spice & Secrets

5

The sun was streaming through the curtains, casting a warm glow in my room. I stood in front of the mirror, carefully choosing my outfit. I wanted to look my best for Caleb. After trying on a few different options, I settled on a simple yet elegant sundress that complemented my fair complexion.

I did not take time with my makeup since I was aiming for a natural look that highlighted my features, just like Caleb liked. He did not like how I looked whenever I put on quite an amount of makeup and as a result, he did not like that he got his hands and clothes stained whenever he wanted to touch my face.

After getting dressed, I spritzed on a light, floral-scented perfume that always seemed to catch Caleb's attention. It was a scent he loved, and it brought back memories of our special moments together. With a final check in the mirror, I left my room and headed to the kitchen.

My mother, who had always been supportive of Caleb and me, looked up from her cup of tea as I entered. She couldn't help but grin. "You look beautiful, sweetheart."

I blushed and gave her a quick twirl. "Thanks, Mom."

My dad chimed in, "Don't you think you're wasting time away with this man? You have been dating for... what? Three years?"

"Dad..."

My dad's disapproval of Caleb was no secret. He had reservations about our relationship, thinking that I was spending too much time with him and that it was distracting me from my career at the bakery. But my dad had a traditional mindset and believed that I should focus on my work and future if a man I wished to have a future with didn't have the same mindset as I did.

"Dad, we love each other," I tried to reason.

He sighed, setting his newspaper aside. "I just worry about you, pumpkin. I want you to have a successful life, and sometimes, I think Caleb might not be the right fit for that. Besides, you two have been together for quite a while. Have you thought about where this is going?"

I nodded, realizing that this conversation was inevitable. "We're taking it one step at a time. We want to build a life together, but we also want to make sure it's the right time for us."

My dad nodded, although not entirely convinced by my response. "I just want to make sure you're not settling for less than you deserve."

"I promise, Dad, I'm not settling. Caleb is a wonderful man, and I love him," I reassured him, my sincerity shining through.

My mom, always the voice of reason and a staunch supporter of our relationship, chimed in, her tone playful. "Oh, come on! Julie is just twenty-six, but you're talking like she's almost forty."

"Still–"

She playfully elbowed my dad, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she continued. "Remember when we were her age, and you were still chasing me all around town? Oh, don't let me get started on the romantic gestures he used to make. It's a wonder I didn't swoon on the spot."

My dad, ever the gentleman, playfully defended himself. "I was just a young man in love, trying to win over your heart."

"I've heard this story a billion times already!" I couldn't help but smile. They were the perfect example of a loving and enduring relationship.

Just then, the sound of a car horn outside interrupted our conversation. I glanced out the window to see Caleb waiting in his car. "That's Caleb. I've got to go. Love you both!"

With quick goodbyes and a kiss on my mom's cheek, I rushed out the door, excited for our date. I stepped outside, and as I approached Caleb's car, he flashed me a warm smile. I couldn't help but return it, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. There were no overwhelming flutters or racing heartbeats, just a sense of being at ease when I was with him.