The Tavern’s proximity to Aegis made it a convenient lunch spot, and he did like routine to some extent, but it wasn’t actually on the agenda today. They had a whole afternoon to enjoy as they pleased. He answered her cryptically, and one more thing came together. “That depends on how fast you can get changed.”
It was like him to make reservations and not tell her about them. He wouldn’t have wanted to have her feel rushed when she was choosing a dress, but he didn’t mind putting a little urgency into things now. If they missed them, he would surely have ducked out to call and cancel without ever making any mention of it. “I did a little checking to find out where the best tiramisu is in town. I think that’s kind of an oxymoron, but I figure since you love coffee and chocolate and dessert in general, it ought to be your thing. We’ve got a twenty minute drive and an hour before we need to be there.”
He settled back down on the cushion he had previously occupied, to insinuate that he would be waiting right there when she came out. When she did, he was indeed there, thanking the woman who had helped her despite the dynamic between them, and reaching out his hand for Melisande to take. In public especially, he tended toward letting her reach for him rather than taking even that small liberty. If she did flinch away, it was awkward for them both, and he could tell easily enough that she always felt guilty for it. There was no sense in telling her it wasn’t her fault, because emotions were not always prone to responding to logic, so he simply tried to avoid the situation altogether. In a way, this was better. It made the act a more conscious thing, which drew attention to the desire behind it. He was always holding her hand, but it was a reassurance to know it came down to more than just habit. For now, at least. Arguably, that “honeymoon phase” wasn’t over for them yet, but either way it was something they could both enjoy for now.