Is this destiny?

Sarah woke up after her afternoon nap. It was less than twenty minutes long, but she was energized, probably because she was in friendly territory (how Sarah called it).

"Hey, beautiful…", Aiden greeted her as he kept his laptop on the side table.

He scooted lower and wrapped his arms around Sarah who snuggled next to him while humming in satisfaction.

"I have something planned for tonight…", Aiden murmured close to her ear.

Sarah guessed that it's something only for the two of them (three because she is pregnant). "Do we have time for that?"

"Mhm…", Aiden confirmed. "It's for the evening and night, and in the morning we will meet the others at the Lebedev family, as planned."

Sarah wanted to ask about the plan, but his mysterious look told her that it will be in vain because… it's a surprise. Well, Aiden never failed to deliver pleasant surprises.

It's Saturday, and everyone from the Cliffside Villa who arrived from Los Angeles or is staying currently at the Ceresc Solutions decided to go in the morning to the Lebedev family and spend another day with Sarah, Aiden, and Hong. They wanted tonight as well, but Aiden brushed them off by saying that he and Sarah deserve a date-night. Ah, it's hard to be a parent.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, Sarah and Aiden dressed up and Aiden led the way outside.

Sarah liked her light summer dress and the lack of formal wear told her that whatever Aiden planned, it will be in a casual atmosphere. She likes that.

Aiden was in his usual jeans pants, and a finely pressed white shirt combined with his confidence made him simply irresistible.

When they stepped out, Sarah circled around the sleek white BMW W2 Competition series while Aiden put a small travel bag with toiletries and a change of clothes in the trunk.

Sarah nodded in approval. Aiden knows his cars, and how to impress the lady. She was impressed.

Aiden opened the door for Sarah and helped her settle in before making his way to the driver's side with a spring in his step.

"You can rest if you wish…", Aiden told Sarah when he pushed the button and the engine roared. "The ride will be about one hour long."

Sarah smiled in response. She knows that he is thinking about her, but she does not want to miss a single moment. This whole atmosphere somehow reminded her of their days in college, when Aiden would give her a ride in his white Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe 2018 limited edition, and she didn't care where they are going, as long as she was by his side. Aiden is the only one who managed to get Sarah to let go of control (not including her family members), and Sarah still feels the same way in Aiden's presence… totally enchanted.

Aiden offered her his right hand, palm up, and Sarah laced her fingers with his, enjoying their subtle intimacy while gazing at the changing scenery around them. Aiden said that the ride will take about one hour, but to Sarah, it felt like minutes. 

After a short walk through a park in Bucharest, they emerged at the Lake Floreasca and Sarah was surprised that Aiden led the way onto a big restaurant-boat that was packed with patrons.

It was a totally touristy-experience and Sarah enjoyed every minute of it. The food was delicious, the music and the chatter were loud, and they gazed at the sky as it turned orange and purple while the sun descended behind the treetops.

There was a photographer going from one table to another, and Aiden scooted closer to Sarah so that they can take a photo for their travel journal which Sarah gifted to Aiden for their first Christmas together. Sarah and Aiden travel a lot and the pages would be filled by now, if not for Sarah's condition that entries are valid only if the trip is for 'pleasure only'. Well, this date definitely counts as pleasure only. 

After dinner, they walked on the Unirii square and stopped to enjoy elaborate fountains that were lit up for an enhanced visual experience.

From there, they made their way through Lipscani street which is in the old part of Bucharest. The street is blocked off for motorized traffic, lined with tall buildings that are several centuries old and Sarah loved it. The cobblestone street was congested by the tables from numerous bars and restaurants. Pedestrians made their way while trying to buy something in gift shops which were speckled between establishments that are urging customers to take a seat at their tables.

Aiden led Sarah to a pastry shop that offers drinks and a variety of desserts. They ordered mint iced tea, and savory cheese pie (placinta cu branza).

Aiden thought of getting something sweet for dessert, but he choose the same Sarah had. Whenever they are in Europe, Sarah prefers savory treats, which are not very popular in the United States. Aiden told Sarah a million times that Matias (the cook) can whip for them whatever she wants, but she says that it's not the same, so he gave up on that.

"Are your legs OK?", Aiden asked Sarah.

"Yeah, thanks. I can walk more.", Sarah assured him. She didn't want to cut this evening short and she knows that if Aiden suspects she is tired, he will discard whatever else he planned.

"There is no need for more walking.", Aiden said mysteriously and gestured toward his left where the street opened to a square. "Our hotel is right there."

"You planned for everything."

Aiden smiled smugly. He likes it when she praises him.

Sarah looked up and observed the buildings. She admires the details old architecture provides and Aiden knows that. He always thinks about her preferences. He is amazing like that.

Sarah knows that Aiden prefers high-end experiences where he has space and possibly extreme privacy, and tonight was a total opposite. Actually, even Sarah is not fond of crowds, but she finds it bearable when Aiden is by her side.

"How come you picked this for tonight?"

Aiden was surprised by this question. "Why do you ask?"

"Because when you pick a restaurant-boat for dinner, you book the whole thing."

Aiden was happy that she remembered their date in Paris.

He caressed Sarah's hand and looked into her green eyes full of love while responding: "The last few days were challenging, and I wanted us to experience an environment where people surround us, without trying to kill us."

Sarah reflected on his words and she had to agree with him. Since they started with their undercover mission at the Voronin family, they are always watching their backs and the atmosphere is getting tenser by the day. Sarah forgot that most of the people don't care about them and they would leave them alone. The number of people who are trying to separate or hurt them is very small, but they ended up concentrated at that tournament and it provided Sarah with a skewed image of reality.

Somehow, she understood what Igor is feeling. She thought that he is silly to be so amazed by everything around him, but now… she will give Aaron a few more tips on interacting with the mountain-man. Before he goes on a mission or takes any responsibility, Igor needs to heal.

And Sarah needs to heal as well.

Sarah looked at Aiden and she admired the man who is her husband. He knows exactly what she needs, even before she is aware of it.

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