Delphinia wiped her damp forehead with the back of her hand, exhaling deeply as she surveyed the dining table. Steam rose from a variety of dishes—roast chicken glistening with golden brown skin, mashed potatoes whipped to perfection, fresh green beans sautéed with garlic, and a basket of warm dinner rolls. She had even baked a rich chocolate cake for dessert.
The counters were a disaster zone, showing just how much work she'd put into cooking, but Delphinia didn't care. Tonight's dinner had a purpose. She needed Evander to be in a good mood because she had a favor to ask. Just a small favor, she told herself, nothing he should object to—but with Evander, one could never be sure.
As the clock ticked closer to the time he usually came home, Delphinia darted around the house, tidying up and making sure everything was perfect. By the time she heard the rumble of his car pulling into the driveway, her heart was pounding—not because she was tired, but because she was excited.
