He was stirring the sauce at the moment she came up behind him, having been so focused on the task at hand that he had not noticed her arrival. He took in a slow breath at the sound of her voice, his head leaning back just enough so he could see her properly, while his free hand came down to rest against hers.
"Hello, Dora," he whispered with a good deal of warmth in his voice. He was happy to see her, happy that she had come. He pressed a quick kiss to her neck line before straightening up.
In one quick movement, he turned in her arms, placing his hands on her hips, looking down at her with the same smile, before he leaned in and gave her a proper kiss. After a few moments, he pulled away and took in another breath. "How was work today?" He often hoped for words of excitement, of change, but knew they were unlikely.