The night stretched on in the soft, serene stillness of the backyard, the only sounds the gentle lapping of water and the distant hum of crickets. Roman and Isabella had retreated from the hot tub after their quiet moments of reconnection, and now they sat wrapped in towels on the patio, the warmth of the night air comforting against their damp skin.

Roman leaned back against the patio chair, his fingers tracing lazy circles on the towel draped over his lap. Isabella sat beside him, her legs tucked up under her, as she gazed out into the darkness. The stars overhead twinkled, as if echoing the peace between them.

For a while, neither of them spoke. There was a comfort in the silence, a shared understanding that needed no words. The night had allowed them both to express emotions they had long kept buried, and though the air between them still felt charged, it wasn't with uncertainty. It was a quiet certainty-an understanding that they were here, together, and that was enough for now.

Roman finally broke the silence, his voice low and thoughtful. "I've missed you, Bella. I've missed this-us."

Isabella turned her head, meeting his gaze. She could see the depth of sincerity in his eyes, the weight of everything he was trying to say, and it made something stir in her chest. She wasn't ready to fully open up yet, but the walls that had once stood between them were beginning to crack. And that was a start.

"I've missed you, too," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just didn't know how to make it work again."

Roman's hand found hers, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "We don't have to figure everything out in one night, Bella. But we can take it one step at a time."

Her chest tightened at his words. She could see the vulnerability in him now, the man who had once seemed invincible but who was now standing before her, willing to rebuild what had been lost. She could feel the weight of his desire to try-to make it work-not just for him, but for her, for their family.

"I don't want to rush it," Isabella said, her voice steady. "I'm not sure what this looks like, but I know I want to try."

Roman smiled, a real smile that reached his eyes, and squeezed her hand gently. "We'll figure it out together. No pressure."

Isabella nodded, the feeling of relief washing over her. The past few years had been filled with uncertainty, with moments of doubt and fear, but now, as she sat beside Roman, she could feel the foundation beginning to shift. They didn't have to have all the answers tonight. They didn't have to solve everything in one go. But they were in it together now, and that was enough.

They sat there for a long time, letting the quiet settle between them, the weight of the night's conversation lingering in the air. It was a comfortable silence, the kind that only came with the people you trusted most.

Roman was the first to stand, offering his hand to Isabella. "Come on. Let's go inside. We can sit down and just... talk."

Isabella took his hand, feeling the familiar warmth of his touch as they walked back into the house. It was late, but neither of them seemed in any hurry to sleep. They were content, for now, just being in each other's presence.

Inside, they settled onto the couch, their bodies close but not quite touching. Roman draped his arm across the back of the couch, and Isabella leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. It felt natural, like it had always been this way.

Roman let out a long sigh, and Isabella felt the tension in his body ease. "I've got so much to make up for," he said quietly. "But I'm here now. For good."

Isabella closed her eyes, letting herself savor the comfort of his words, the warmth of his presence. She didn't need grand gestures or promises right now. All she needed was the honesty in his voice, the sincerity in his touch, and the quiet understanding that they were both willing to take the first steps toward rebuilding.

"We'll take it slow," she said softly. "But I think we can make it work, Roman. One step at a time."

Roman kissed the top of her head, a silent promise in the action. "One step at a time."

And in that moment, in the quiet of the night, Isabella knew that whatever came next, they would face it together. One step at a time.