CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

                                    

                                          
Marjorie lolled awake, the weight of someone shaking her shoulder stirring her lazy mind into consciousness, her throat dry and slightly sore.
She mumbled something incoherent as her eyes slowly fluttered, her vision gradually slipping into a clear view as she met Reece's azure eyes - watercolour blue, fading into a dark green.
"Morning Gorgeous." Reece smiled, his hair slightly messy with sleep as he watched Marjorie's tired expression, a tint of red lingering on her cheeks.
"What..what time is it?" Her voice was slightly hoarse, the taste of alcohol bitter in her mouth as she swallowed once more, her head pounding. 
"Eight."
"You woke me up at eight?" Despite her sleepiness, her anger was almost palpable as she glared at Reece through her half drooped eyes. Tiredness seemed heavy against her forehead, muffling her mind as she tried to sit upright, Reece's arm draped around her.
"I thought we could celebrate the Nursery Takeover some more." He said softly, tucking some curls behind her ear.
"Reece, we went to the bar with everyone for hours last night. I was shattered by 10 until Mia decided to buy me a really strong drink." She swallowed, grimacing as the taste of alcohol remained on her tongue, "I can still taste it. She knew what she was doing." 
Reece giggled, shrugging as he slid out of bed, "Fine, we won't go out and get your favourite ice cream." 
Marjorie's eyes widened as she clumsily  rolled out of bed, excitement bubbling through her, "I'm up! I'm up!" 
Reece chuckled as he climbed over to her, helping her untangle from the soft blanket that was wrapped around her legs. He swiftly placed her glasses back onto her nose, kissing just above her bright blue eyes before helping her to her feet. 
Marjorie grinned eagerly, quickly hurrying to the bathroom door, "I need a mint ice cream right now." 
Reece rolled his eyes sarcastically, allowing his gaze to follow her before shouting, "You're welcome, by the way!"
Marjorie met his grin, her curls bouncing on her shoulders as she winked and left through the bathroom door, leaving Reece content in the bedroom. 
In that moment, as the image of her beautiful features illuminated by the warm glow of the morning sun, he couldn't think of a more beautiful woman.
They drove to a nearby ice cream parlour, fairy lights dancing around the chilling pale paint as the ice cream was displayed vibrantly on the side, illuminated by the early morning sun. Reece couldn't help but admire Marjorie as she selected what she wanted, her smile costing more than anything in the world as her happiness brought him comfort. 
Sitting down at a nearby bench, the sky cast into a dark orange and fading pink, they looked out over the beach, relaxing as they watched the crystal waves lap over the soft sand. 
It was peaceful - something they had both been starved of for so long.
Marjorie gently took his hand in hers, interlocking their fingers as she pulled him up, their feet dancing over the the thin sand as she dragged him towards the water. 
She laughed lightly as he stumbled, a smirk appearing on Reece's face as he struggled to his feet, wrapping an arm around his girlfriend. He reached a hand into his pocket, fumbling over many discarded wrappers and rubbish until his fingertips met with the familiarity of a small box. He softened, relief flooding through him as the box remained safely in his pocket - a gift that would one day tie their love together for all of eternity. 
—
 
tw: roger 
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He saw it before he felt it.