Lucious hopped out of the driver's seat and rushed to the passenger side, yanking the door handle, silently urging Gwen to step out. His gaze was fixed on her lovingly as he watched her step out gracefully.
"You're such a gentleman, Lucious sweetheart," she whispered as she stood up straight.
"And you, my wife, are incredibly stunning. What can I not do for you?" he whispered as he shut the door and took her hand. His eyes grazed over her once more, admiring the way her dress hugged her curves.
"You might as well strip me with your eyes," Gwen teased.
"Oh permit me to, dear. It will be like honey to my soul," he replied with grandiosity in his voice. Gwen laughed, and then she looked up at where they were about to enter. She was struck by its grandeur and elegance. The place radiated class and luxury in a way that made her stare in awe.
The restaurant was located in the heart of the city, surrounded by towering buildings and bustling streets. Its exterior was adorned with sparkling lights and a polished marble façade that gleamed in the moonlight.
"Lucious, there was really no need for this, don't you think?" she asked, utterly stunned with the location he had secured for them.
"My love, let's enjoy tonight like we would in our young days. We didn't have time to explore this new era. Let's be a couple tonight, just you and I, in this stupidly expensive place. I don't care about the bill as long as you love it," he whispered and placed a kiss on her cheek.
"I love it so much, I love you so much. You're so thoughtful. I can't fathom just how much," she said amidst tears, and then she hugged him. Lucious trailed his hand on her back, soothing her as she wept on him.
"Come on, love, this is no time to cry, now is it? Come, let's go in, our night awaits," he said as he nudged her off him, wiped her eyes with his thumbs, and then he placed his lips on her forehead.
"You're so sweet," she whispered again.
"Anything for you, my love," he replied as they stepped into the restaurant.
The maître greeted them warmly and showed them to their reservation. As they had earlier deciphered, the ambiance was luxurious, with dim lighting, soft music, and plush chairs.
Lucious took Gwen's hand across the table, looking into her eyes as he spoke, "I'm so glad we could do this, just ourselves. You deserve a special night."
She began to scan through the menu when the waiter walked up to them.
"I will have um Lobster Thermidor with roasted vegetables by the side," she gave her order.
"What drink would you like, my love?" Lucious asked, handing her the beverage menu while he collected the food.
"White wine, please. Chablis precisely," she added with a smile.
"You have exquisite taste, ma'am. A serving of Lobster Thermidor and one Chablis coming right up. And what would you like, my good sir?" said the waiter in an accent heavily coated with French. Gwen blushed heavily, drawing a slightly disapproving glance from Lucious. She readjusted but continued to giggle with her hand on her mouth.
"Very well then, I will also have what she ordered. Oh, and lad, thank you for the compliment. Whatever goes to my wife also comes to me."
"Lucious!," Gwen exclaimed, giving him a light slap on his arm. "What? It's true," he added, turning to face the waiter who was smiling at the lovely sight.
"Oh, most certainly, sir. Two portions coming right up," the waiter declared and walked away.
"Lucious, you didn't have to do that," Gwen chastised him, laughing heartily while she did.
"Well, he shouldn't have complimented you with such ownership in his voice," Lucious recounted defensively.
"He's obviously French, which is why he appreciated my taste in choices."
"Speaking of which, how did you come across such a name? I'm telling you, I never would've been able to tell what I want if I looked at that menu," Lucious spoke with admiration laced in his tone.
"Really? Well, why didn't you tell me to figure something out for you?" she asked with a questioning gaze that held a bit of sympathy.
"Don't look at me like that, let's just hope that the meal is as delightful as it sounds," he said, closing the chapter impatiently.
"Oh, you will be most impressed when it hits your tongue," Gwen assured him and took his hand in hers, interlocking her fingers with his. The gesture caused him to look up at her, meeting her loving gaze.
"You're so beautiful, Gwen. I never thought I'd see you again," he whispered as his gaze turned solemn. His features glowed, radiating an otherworldly beauty about him. Gwen was momentarily entranced with her love for him – and his gorgeous face too.
"You're equally so, my love. As vibrant as the first day of our encounter," she whispered and squeezed his hand softly.
"How time flies. There was a time where we were just like Meredith and Atlas, and now look at us," he spoke with pride in his voice.
"We are about to close off our daughter's wedding – eventually, we'll have to deal with grandkids," Gwen whispered with a giggle.
"I already feel so old," Lucious replied, tugging her hand affectionately.
"We've come such a long way, Lucious. This is the time where we count our blessings, and from the looks of it, there's a lot."
"It's all you, Gwen," his voice was deep with love and appreciation when he spoke. Gwen beheld his intent gaze, her smile replaced with a solemn expression.
"Lucious," she whispered.
"I'll forever bless the day that I met you, my dearest wife. You are the best gift this world has given me – and then you gifted me with love and our daughter," he added with a chuckle, wiping a streak of tears with his finger. He locked his gaze back with Gwen, whose face was thoroughly soiled with her own tears.
"Oh my, did I make you do that?" he whispered as he brought out a napkin and dabbed her face.
"I love you, Lucious, and everything that has made our daughter become who she is now is a result of both of our efforts."
"You give me so much credit –"
"That's because you deserve it, my husband, my beloved," she let go of his hand, cupping his face lovingly. Lucious leaned in and closed his eyes, savoring her touch like silk to skin.
"Thank you, Gwen."
"Thank you, Lucious."