Chapter 691: SIMPLE THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR

“I think I gained some weight,” Cayenne told Stefan one sunny morning. It was Saturday and they were planning to shop for Kyle’s birthday gift. Last year, they weren’t able to celebrate his birthday because she left for Italy with Stefan. This year, Kyle refused to celebrate it again because he was busy with so many school projects since he was a graduating student. Therefore, it was decided that they will just have a family dinner.

“I don’t think you did,” Stefan answered even though he knew that Cayenne has gained some. It wasn’t because he wanted to comfort her but because he wasn’t really bothered with it. No matter the size of his wife, he will love her still.

“I think I did.” Cayenne retorted grumpily. “I weighed myself last month and compared to my weight this month, it’s obvious that I gained 5 pounds.”

“It’s not much,” Stefan commented but seeing her disappointed expression, he pulled her close and made her sit on his lap. “See? You are not heavy at all. I can do you while standing.”

“Hooligan!” She pushed him away and ran to their room. She was blushing from his words and her concern flew right off the window. She has completely forgotten her worry about weight.

In the afternoon, Stefan and Cayenne went to the mall to buy some gifts and more groceries for family dinner. Taking this chance, Stefan also looked around to get some ideas for the wedding giveaways. His wedding was slowly approaching and he has yet to finalize everything.

“What gift shall we give Kyle?” Cayenne asked because she wanted something that can be used and not displayed. She was someone who gives gifts that people can really make use of. “He’s got so many shoes already and he’s got clothes. He said he didn’t need a new bag and he does not need gadgets. What else then?”

.....

“How about a polaroid camera? He loves to travel with his girlfriend, right? It would be great for them to make memories last with photographs.”

“Alright. Let’s go with that.”

Followed by their bodyguards, the two of them went to the gadget and home appliances department. A lot of brands can be seen on this floor and they have visited this place many times already. Cayenne already knew which place offers better deals with good prices.

After buying the polaroid camera, they went to the supermarket and bought a lot of things. Stefan knew that the list on her phone included the names of the snacks that she likes. She just complained that she was gaining weight but she was listing a lot of junk foods again.

He didn’t spoil her shopping fun, though. She can eat all she wants; he will just be responsible for burning those calories and fats that she’d gain.

“Why are you swiping your card?” Stefan questioned when he caught her taking her own card out of her wallet. “Where’s my card?”

“I left it at home.”

“Do you have enough money? I’ll transfer – ”

“Did you forget that the last time I spent my own money was last year? And you transfer money to me every month. Where will that money go?”

Not only Stefan but even the other customers and cashiers were speechless. When the cashier saw Cayenne’s name on the card, her eyes brightened and she took out her handkerchief and a marker. Without saying anything, she handed them to Cayenne and smiled sheepishly.

Cayenne knew what the woman wanted to do but because it was crowded, she did it discreetly to make sure that Cayenne and Stefan won’t be swarmed up with people. After receiving her signed handkerchief, she instantly pocketed it and continued with her work. Only a few people noticed what she did but she couldn’t tell who the customer was because of her face mask and baseball cap that covers her face.

As soon as they finished buying what they needed, they went home and prepared for the simple family gathering for Kyle’s birthday. Kath was also invited to come since she was his girlfriend. She even came early to help with the preparation. This time, instead of buying a cake, Kath and Luiz made one for the celebrant.

Learning that it was Kyle’s birthday, Reuben sent him a gift through Erwin. Although they weren’t his children, he treated them like one because they were Cayenne’s brothers. Ingrid didn’t have any issue with that either. She even asked Erwin to bring the red packet for her.

Jillyanna and her family also sent their gifts for him. In the end, even though he wasn’t having a grand celebration, Kyle still received so many gifts from the people that he knew through his sister and brother-in-law.

Magnus and Ferdinand also came.

The Rule family knew that Kyle was celebrating his birthday but because Cayenne didn’t want them to be part of her family, the Rule family didn’t show up which she was very thankful for. If they came, it will only ruin her mood.

“Happy birthday, Kyle.” Erwin greeted him when he came home with lots of gifts in hand. Although he was a free man and could settle on his own, Stefan insisted that he stay with them until he can save enough money to chase after Sabrina. So, Cayenne’s home was like a home for everyone. It wasn’t something that bothers him. After all, he has something bigger for her. She just didn’t know it yet. “These gifts are for you. Just look at the senders.”

“Thank you and sorry for troubling you to get them.”

“No biggie.”

Cayenne caught a glimpse of one of the boxes and saw Elena’s and Tristan’s names on it. Her lips curled up to a smile knowing that the two have finally made up. She was really worried for them.

Their family dinner lasted until 9:00 in the evening. Kyle sent Kath home and the bodyguards also accompanied the others to return to their houses. The celebration wasn’t grandiose but Kyle was very happy to celebrate one with his father again. Before Jonas was sent to jail, they didn’t celebrate any of their birthdays because they don’t have money. When Cayenne got a job and they could celebrate a little, his father was no longer with them. Still, he was thankful for being given another year to live. Their life may not be as great as others but being able to live and the study was more than enough for them to thank God for.

Simple things are often taken for granted but for Kyle and his family who were once poor, simple things were enough for them to be happy.

***

After sending everyone off, Cayenne and Stefan went up to their room to take a few minutes of rest before taking a shower. Cayenne sat on the rattan chair on the balcony and looked at the moon hanging in the sky.

Stefan followed behind and snaked his arms around her before placing a kiss on her nape. “Hon, I think we need to exercise.”

Cayenne, having heard of these words, instantly thought of something which made her blush again. “No, not today.”

“You complained that you gained some weight and you ate a lot tonight again. It’s better for you to burn those calories soon.”

“We won’t be done in an hour if we do that. I need to wake up early tomorrow”

She knows him well and it made him want to tease her this time. Stefan smiled cheekily and pretended confused. “Hon, we will be done in an hour. It’s not like we will spend the rest of the night for exercise. What are you thinking?”

Cayenne felt the increase in temperature on her face and she elbowed him in annoyance. Even if she won’t admit what she thought, Stefan could tell what it was.

“We will only do some stretches and curl-ups. It can be done in an hour. Unless you wanted another form of exercise?”

Cayenne slapped his hands which hugged her from behind and even stepped on his foot. “You are the only one who thinks like that. I am not shameless like you.”

“What’s there to be ashamed of? I’m doing it with my wife. It’s only natural.”

“Hmph!”

“So, let’s go and exercise?”

Cayenne rolled her eyes at him. “Like I’d believe you.”

Stefan laughed at her response and carried her off. Cayenne instantly wrapped her hands around his neck and buried her face in his chest. “You are heavy. We really need a long session to burn these fats.”

“You said I’m not.”

“Yes, you need about 3 hours of exercise tonight. Shower or bed?”

“I won’t even benefit from this.”

“You will be slim again.”

“I don’t need this benefit. I want a baby!”

“A baby it is.”

Cayenne blinked her eyes and looked stupefied when he said those words and then she realized she wasn’t even fertile tonight. “I hate you! You will always calculate my cycle.”

Stefan only chuckled as he placed her down on the tile floor of the bathroom. “Wifey, let’s wait until you graduate. I promise we can have children.”

“That’s still over a year of waiting.”

“I know. In that way, I have ample time to mentally prepare myself.”

“You are not the one who’s going to get pregnant!”