The weekend after the declaration of love in the office.
Emma had one day off. Saturday. A day that could be used to relax and spend time with people who are important.
Emma decided to go shopping. Not for herself. But for Lily.
Lily had been home for three days since being discharged from the hospital. Lily still needed rest and recovery, but her condition was already much better. The doctor said that the surgery was successful and Lily could start physical therapy in a few weeks.
Emma wanted to give Lily something. Something special. Something that would show that Emma appreciated and loved Lily very much.
Emma didn't know exactly what to buy. So Emma texted Marcus.
"What should I buy for Lily? She just got out of hospital and I want to give her something special," texted Emma.
Marcus's reply came within minutes.
"What about something she could use during recovery? Maybe a book? Movie? Or something that could entertain her?" replied Marcus.
Emma thought. Movie was a good idea. Lily liked movies. But Emma wanted something more personal. Something more meaningful.
Emma replied: "Maybe something that could help her relax? Something that reminds her that she's safe and loved?"
Marcus's reply came again: "How about a stuffed animal? Or a comfort item? Something soft and warm to cuddle?"
Emma smiled reading that message. Marcus gave a thoughtful suggestion. Marcus understood that Lily needed a comfort item that could remind her that there were people who cared about her.
Emma texted back: "That's perfect. But I want more than that. I want to make a special box containing several items that could make her smile. I need help. Do you have time today to help me shopping?"
Marcus replied quickly: "Of course. I'll pick you up at 11 AM. We go shopping together."
Emma felt warmth in her chest. Marcus immediately agreed to help. No hesitation. No complaint. Just pure willingness to support Emma in something that was important.
At 11 AM, Marcus arrived with his car. Emma was already ready.
They went to a large shopping mall. A mall that had many different stores.
First, they went to the bookstore. Emma browsed through the children's section. Emma picked several colorful and engaging books. Books about adventure, friendship, and hope. Emma thought that stories like this could help inspire Lily and make her feel better.
"This one is good," said Marcus while pointing to a book about a little girl who survived an illness and became strong.
Emma looked at the book. "Yeah, this one resonates. Lily could relate."
They bought four books.
Then they went to the teddy bear section. There were many different stuffed animals. From small to large. From simple to sophisticated with different textures.
Emma picked a teddy bear that was soft and cuddly. Color cream with a pink nose. The bear looked gentle and comforting.
"This one is perfect," said Emma while holding the bear. "Lily could cuddle with this when she feels lonely or scared."
"Yeah, it's perfect," agreed Marcus. "Lily is going to love this."
They bought that teddy bear.
Then they went to a store that sold premium hot chocolate and tea. Emma picked a special collection of hot chocolate that had different flavors. Hot chocolate with marshmallows. Hot chocolate with vanilla. Hot chocolate with cinnamon.
"Lily could enjoy this when she's resting," said Emma. "Something warm and comforting."
Marcus smiled. "Good thinking. Lily is going to appreciate this."
Finally, they went to a store that sold art supplies. Emma picked quality colored pencils. A pretty sketchbook. Fun stickers.
"Lily likes drawing," explained Emma. "During recovery, she could spend time with creative activity. This could keep her mind occupied and make her feel productive."
Marcus nodded with approval. "You really thought this through. Lily is very lucky to have a sister like you."
Emma felt her eyes getting watery slightly. Emma didn't expect such a compliment from Marcus.
They checked out with all the items. They made a beautiful gift bag with tissue paper and ribbon. They arranged items inside the gift bag with careful manner.
On the way home, Emma sat in the passenger seat and looked at the gift bag in the back seat.
"Thank you," said Emma to Marcus.
"For what?" asked Marcus while driving.
"For coming with me today," answered Emma. "For helping me pick items that are meaningful. For understanding that this is important to me."
"Of course," answered Marcus simply. "Lily is family. And family supports each other."
Family. Marcus said Lily was family. Not just wife's sister. But family.
Emma felt something warm and complete in her chest.
They arrived home at 1 PM.
Lily was already in the living room. Lily was sitting on the sofa watching TV gently. Lily still needed to take it easy, but could move around a little bit.
"Emma! Marcus!" greeted Lily with a happy voice. "Where did you two go?"
"We went shopping," answered Emma with a smile. "We have a surprise for Lily."
Emma gave the gift bag to Lily.
Lily's eyes became big with excitement. "For me? Really?"
"Yes, for you," answered Marcus with a warm smile. "Because you were very brave during surgery. We want to celebrate your recovery."
Lily carefully opened the gift bag.
Lily first took out the teddy bear. "Oh my god, this is so cute!" shouted Lily while hugging the bear. "I love it!"
Then Lily took out the books. "Books! My favorite!" Lily read the titles with excitement.
Then Lily found the hot chocolates. "Hot chocolate? This is so nice!"
Finally, Lily found the art supplies. "Drawing supplies! This is perfect! I was getting bored sitting here all day."
Lily looked at Emma and Marcus with watery eyes. "Thank you. Thank you so much. This is the best gift ever."
Lily hugged Emma first. "Thank you, sister. Thank you for taking care of me."
Then Lily turned to Marcus. Lily hesitated for a moment.
Lily hugged Marcus too. "Thank you, Marcus. For helping my sister. For being so nice to us."
Marcus hugged Lily back gently. Marcus felt something tender in his heart. A heart that before was focused only on business and money. Now completely melted by the presence of a little girl who was so pure and grateful.
They spent the rest of the day together with Lily. Emma helped Lily drink hot chocolate. Marcus helped Lily set up her new art supplies. They all watched a movie together with Lily sitting between Emma and Marcus.
Simple moments. Quiet moments. Moments that were not expensive. Moments that were not fancy. But moments that were meaningful and full of love.
When Lily fell asleep while leaning on Marcus's shoulder, Marcus looked at Emma.
Emma smiled back. Emma understood that this was an important moment. A moment where Marcus officially became part of Emma's family. Not just as a husband in a contract. But as a person who truly cared and was present.
Later that night, after Lily had gone to sleep, Emma and Marcus sat on the house balcony. Fresh and cool night air.
"You know what I realized today?" said Emma while leaning on Marcus's shoulder.
"What?" asked Marcus.
"I realized that my life is completely different now," answered Emma. "Few months ago, I only focused on survival. Working hard to provide for Lily. Trying to make ends meet."
"And now?" asked Marcus.
"Now I have someone who truly supports me," continued Emma. "Someone who didn't just help with money, but also with presence. Someone who cares about Lily like she's his own family."
Marcus turned and looked at Emma. Marcus held Emma's hand.
"I also realized something," said Marcus. "I realized that our relationship started as a business deal, but it became something much more valuable than any business transaction."
"What is more valuable?" asked Emma.
"Connection," answered Marcus. "Real, genuine connection with a person who makes you feel less alone. A person who understands your struggles. A person who is willing to stand beside you through everything."
Emma rested her head on Marcus's shoulder. They sat on the balcony in comfortable silence. Under the stars. With the city lights twinkling in the distance.
A simple moment. But powerful.
A moment that showed that love was not just about romance or passion. Love was also about showing up. About being present. About putting the people you care about first. About celebrating small moments together.