Chapter 46

It was a perfect afternoon spent with the families. Too bad Penne couldn't make it, Liz said while talking to Henry on their porch. "It's true," Henry replied, "It felt like something was missing without her here, like the family wasn't complete."

"Speaking of family, we need to make the guest list. I almost forgot that important detail, and time is running out."

"Don't worry, my love, we still have time."

"And the dress? Have you bought it?"

"Yes. It's beautiful!"

"No, you're beautiful. And I love you so much. I can't wait for our wedding day, to be able to call you my wife, to sleep by your side every night, to wake up with you..."

"There's no man as sweet as my future husband. But will you still love me when I'm big and round?"

"I'll love you no matter what."

They kissed, and Henry said he needed to go back to the office.

"I thought we were going to check out the house today. That was the plan, remember?"

"You're right, my love. I have a very important meeting, but I'll go, and as soon as it's over, I'll come back, and we'll go. What do you think?"

"No need to come back. I'll take a taxi, and we'll meet there. Tomorrow, I'm bringing the company car home, so I won't have to bother you or anyone else. After all, I need to run some errands, and I'll need my transportation with me."

"You never bother me. I'm always happy to have you with me. I'm just trying to speed up the projects because after the wedding, we'll be on our honeymoon, and I don't want anyone calling us. I want to be alone with you."

"I understand, my love. And I'm not demanding anything. We'll meet there later."

They said their goodbyes, and Henry left, asking Liz not to overexert herself.

Liz invited her mother, aunt, and cousin to go with her to see her house. They were all excited, and she asked for a taxi to pick them up.

She gave the company address first, as she wanted to take them there to meet Penne.

When they arrived, they went straight to her friend's office, and Penne was delighted to see Liz's mother and relatives.

They chatted a bit, had some coffee, and Liz said she was going to stop by Henry's office to pick him up so everyone could see the house. She asked Penne if she wanted to join them.

"Someone has to work around here, right?" Penne joked, hugging her friend. "But I'll come over later."

Liz asked the company driver to bring the car she drives from the parking lot. Soon after, he arrived and handed her the keys.

"Thank you very much," she said, and they headed to visit Henry at his office.

"I'll take you to see Henry's office. It's not far from here."

When they arrived at Henry's office, Liz walked in and asked the secretary if he was still in a meeting. She replied that it should be wrapping up soon and would check to give a more accurate update.

The secretary told Liz she was thrilled when she heard they were getting married and had never seen Mr. Henry so happy.

"Thank you. You're always so thoughtful."

"I'll wait for him in the café with my family. Please let him know we're there."

"Of course," the secretary replied.

They all went to the café to wait for Henry. Upon arriving, Liz saw Zoe having coffee with another employee.

"Good afternoon! How are you, Zoe?"

"Hi, Liz. I'm doing well. And you?"

"I'm very well, thank you for asking. This is my mother, aunt, and cousin."

"Good afternoon to all of you. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Her cousin shook Zoe's hand and introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Antony. Delighted."

"My name is Zoe."

"You're very beautiful. If you'd like to take me out for a night tour of the city, I'd be very grateful."

Liz watched her cousin flirt with Zoe in front of everyone and tried to change the subject.

"What would you all like? Coffee, water, tea, or soda?"

The three women ordered tea, and Antony asked for a soda. He continued chatting with Zoe, and Liz noticed they exchanged phone numbers.

At that moment, Henry arrived, greeted everyone, and walked over to Liz, giving her a kiss. He asked why they hadn't waited in his office.

"I didn't want to be a bother, so we came to have some tea. Is your meeting over?"

"Yes, my love. We can go whenever you're ready."

"I'm in the company car."

"You can come with me, and Antony can take the other car."

"Sounds good. Let's go."

Liz waved to Zoe and the other employee, and they left.