Over the next few weeks, Roman and Isabella fell into a new rhythm-one that felt both familiar and brand new at the same time. It wasn't always easy. There were moments of hesitation, moments where the past crept in and reminded them of the pain they had once caused each other. But they were trying. Really trying.

And part of that meant making time for just them.

Their first official date night started off simple-dinner at a quiet restaurant by the beach. Roman had insisted on picking her up, even though they were staying in the same house. He showed up at her door with flowers, a playful smirk on his lips.

"For you," he said, holding them out.

Isabella arched a brow but took them, shaking her head with amusement. "A little traditional, don't you

Chapter 18: Rediscovering Us (Continued)

Roman shrugged. "Maybe. But I figured I'd start over and do things right this time."

Isabella looked down at the flowers-her favorite lilies mixed with white roses-and felt warmth bloom in her chest. It was a small gesture, but it meant something.

She looked up at him, smirking. "You know you didn't have to pick me up. I live here."

Roman grinned. "Yeah, but where's the fun in that? Just let me woo you a little, woman."

Isabella laughed, shaking her head as she set the flowers down on the entryway table. "Alright, alright. Let's go before I change my mind."

Their first date night was lighthearted, filled with laughter and easy conversation. They sat by the ocean, candlelight flickering between them as they talked about everything and nothing. It wasn't about hashing out the past or defining the future-it was about being present, about remembering what it felt like to just be together.

After dinner, they took a walk along the beach, Isabella slipping off her sandals to let the cool sand sink between her toes. Roman walked beside her, their hands brushing every now and then, neither of them making a move to pull away.

"You know," she said after a while, glancing up at him, "I was nervous about this. About us trying again."

Roman slowed his steps, turning to face her. "And now?"

Isabella hesitated, then smiled softly. "Now... I think I like this. Taking our time."

Roman nodded, reaching for her hand this time, threading his fingers through hers. "Me too."

After that night, date nights became a regular thing.

Some nights, it was simple-a late-night drive with the windows down, music blasting as they laughed and reminisced about old times. Other nights, they dressed up and went out, enjoying quiet dinners, movies, or long walks under the city lights.

One night, Roman surprised her with a private picnic in the backyard. He had set up string lights, laid out blankets, and even tried to cook (which, after one bite, Isabella gently suggested they order takeout instead). They spent the evening lying under the stars, talking about their kids, their dreams, and where they saw themselves in the future.

"Do you ever think about it?" Isabella asked, rolling onto her side to look at him.

Roman turned his head, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "About what?"

She hesitated, then spoke softly. "What life would've been like if we never split up?"

Roman exhaled, his fingers reaching up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah. All the time."

There was no sadness in his voice, just honesty.

"But I also think," he continued, "that maybe we needed to go through everything we did to get here. To appreciate what we have now."

Isabella held his gaze, her heart tightening. He wasn't wrong. The time apart had been painful, but it had also allowed them to grow. And now, as they lay under the stars with a renewed sense of hope, she realized that what they were building now was stronger than what they had before.

She reached out, lacing her fingers with his. "Maybe you're right."

Roman smirked. "I am right."

She rolled her eyes, laughing as she nudged him playfully. "Don't get used to it."

As the weeks passed, their dates became more effortless, their connection deepening with each one. It wasn't about erasing the past-it was about embracing the present and giving themselves a chance at something new.

One night, after a particularly fun evening at a little jazz lounge downtown, they arrived home to a quiet house. The kids were already asleep at Roman's mom's for the night, giving them a rare moment of uninterrupted time.

Roman leaned against the front door after locking it, his eyes scanning Isabella as she slipped off her heels. "You looked beautiful tonight."

Isabella smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "I always look beautiful."

Roman chuckled. "Can't argue with that."

She stepped closer, her hands sliding up his chest. "Tonight was nice."

Roman's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her against him. "It was," he murmured, his voice lower now, filled with something deeper.

For a moment, they just stood there, their bodies close, their breathing slow and even. The tension between them had been growing for weeks-lingering touches, stolen glances, the quiet longing in their eyes.

Isabella tilted her head up, brushing her lips against his in the softest of kisses. Roman responded instantly, deepening it, his hands gripping her waist tighter.

She sighed into him, letting herself get lost in the warmth of his embrace.

Maybe, just maybe, this time, they were getting it right.