⭐ Zachary's POV ⭐

"Hey Dyl, how's baby Eli and Helen doing?" I propped my phone against my shoulder as I poured myself a cup of coffee.

"They're doing great! Eli is driving Helen and I nuts with his feedings though. Waking up every 2 hours to get his milk," Dylan replied and I could hear baby Eli's cooing in the background.

"But you would not have it any other way."

"You're absolutely right about it. Hold on lemme turn this into a video call." Dylan's tired but happy face made a brief appearance on my phone before he turned his phone to show me baby Eli.

My lips automatically twitched up into a smile at the sight of baby Eli. His angelic face and slightly chubby cheeks filled up the screen of my phone.

"Eli, that's Uncle Zach," Dylan said softly.

"Hi, buddy." I gave a small wave and baby Eli made a lot of movements and gurgling sounds. "Are you being a good boy to mummy and daddy?" Baby Eli's face lit up and I could see a small smile on his cute face. As if he's trying to answer my question with a yes.

"So what's up?" Dylan asked as turned away his phone from baby Eli.

"I'm calling to check if you're able to find the things that I've requested for the other time."

"Oh yeah, sorry my bad for not giving you an update. To answer your question, yes I managed to settle all of them."

"Great! Thank you! I feel bad for asking you since I know how busy you are right now," I thanked Dylan with a sheepish smile.

"No worries, man. Helen will nag me for days if I don't help you," Dylan reassured me as he sat himself down on the sofa.

"Dylan honey, I heard my name. I sure hope you're saying something good about me."

"We're saying what a wonderful mum you are to Eli, sweetie," Dylan said and I had to stifle a laugh.

"I don't believe that's what you said but I'll take the compliment." Helen's reply earned a chuckle from Dylan and me.

"See you in 3 weeks, Dyl. I will definitely treat you and Jake to a great meal," I promised.

"You really don't have to, we-" Dylan was interrupted by Helen who took over his phone.

"That's what friends are for Zach, we help each other. Besides we're just as excited as you are. Hurry up and marry Rach so you can make some babies. We all know the both of you will make cute babies." Before I could even respond, Helen passed Dylan back his phone. Both Dylan and I just stare at each other blankly for a few seconds.

"Wow okay, I wouldn't exactly say what Helen had said. But she's right. Anyways, lemme know if you need anything else."

"Thanks and I will," I nodded with a smile.

As I slid into the interior of my car, I heard a soft ding from my phone indicating I have received a new message. It was a message from my mum.

Mum: Hey sweetie, I'm booking a flight to LA now, what's the date that you want us to fly over again?

I had to check the calendar on my phone before replying.

Zachary: Exactly 3 weeks from now

Mum: Will there be enough time for us to prepare?

Zachary: We'll have 3 days to prepare, I believe it's more than enough

Mum: Okay, I'll bring the item you've asked for. But do remind me a few days before our flight. Can't wait to see everyone 😘

Zachary: Will do 😊 How are you and Dad doing?

Mum: We're enjoying our semi-retirement life. Don't think we'll retire that soon though. It's too boring, sometimes we're just staring at each other. Also, your dad can't wait for the upcoming trip, he keeps reminding me to book our flight 😂

Zachary: 😂😂 I'm sure y'all will find something meaningful to do. I've got to go, love you mum ❤️

Mum: Love you more sweetie ❤️❤️

Instead of waiting for Rachel outside of her apartment building, I drove straight to the parking lot. The clock above my dashboard tells me that I was 30 minutes early. A couple of Rachel's neighbours were heading out just as I was walking down the corridor to Rachel's apartment. I've been here enough times for them to recognise me and we exchanged greetings.

Just as I was about to press on her doorbell, Rachel's door flew open. Rachel's facial expression turned from in shock to embarrassment. She was still in her PJs and her hair obviously needed some brushing. Her cheeks were flushed and it seemed like she's contemplating whether she should shut the door or let me in. On the other hand, the trash bag she's holding onto caught my eye.

"Zach! Is my clock not working for the second time today or you're here too early?" Rachel ran her hand through her hair, attempting to make it look less messy.

"I'm here a little early." I bit my lower lip to suppress the smile threatening to spread across my face.

"If you don't mind, can you throw this for me?" Rachel asked and handed me the trash bag.

"Sure thing. You still look pretty to me babe," I commented and this time I didn't bother to stifle my laughter.

"Glad to know that," Rachel said dryly.

The next time Rachel opened her door, she changed out her PJs for a pink lemonade knit camisole top and a light blue denim shorts.

"You gave me a scare Zach. I really thought I was late," Rachel said as she was searching for something.

"I wanted to give you a surprise," I replied with a wink.

"My third surprise today. First is my alarm clock when it decided to stop working at 3am. Imagine my horror when I woke up and saw how bright my room is but the clock tells me it's 3am," Rachel recounted and tied her hair.

"You didn't set any alarms on your phone?"

"That is my second surprise. I can't believe I forgot to set any alarms." Rachel went into her room and came out with a crossbody satchel bag.

"Okay, we're good to go," beamed Rachel. She hooked her arm through mine and led me to the door.

"Zach, relax. It's not my first time driving a car," Rachel assured me as she adjusted the seat so she would be able to step on the car pedals.

"I'm not nervous at all. Just not used to being a passenger," I replied.

"Fair enough. I'm not used to being the driver either," Rachel murmured as she keyed the address into her GPS.

The whole car ride was unusually quiet because Rachel prefers to focus on driving and not talking. When I was the driver, she would only talk to me when we're stopping for a red light. But today, the conversation was kept to a minimum. Rachel had a serious look on her face and I wouldn't want to distract her.

"Alright, I guess we're reaching soon," Rachel turned to me with a smile as we stopped for a red light.

"You must be curious about what we're going to do later," I said.

"You bet, so are you going to tell me now or?" Rachel quirked an eyebrow.

"We're going Go Karting!"

"Holy Cow, that's amazing, oh wait," Rachel couldn't finish her sentence because the traffic light turned green.

Once the instructor finished with guiding us through what we should look out for, Rachel and I proceeded to get on the vehicle. We tried going one round while adhering to all the safety rules. Our instructor gave us a thumbs up before moving on to the next couple.

"Hey I've got an idea," Rachel started and I could see the mischievous sparkle in her beautiful eyes. "The last person to reach the finishing line after 3 rounds will pay for dinner," she continued.

"Why not make it 5 rounds?" 

"Bring it on, Zach!" Rachel challenged as she put on her helmet.

"Speed is crucial, but safety is critical," I reminded and before Rachel was ready, I stepped on the pedal and zoomed off first.

"Zachary Davis!" Rachel screamed.

Each of us won 2 rounds and it all came down to the last round. It was a neck and neck race. We were both rushing for the finishing line, but I slowed down a little. Trying to make losing as natural as possible. Yes, I let Rachel win on purpose. No, it's not because I felt bad for driving off when Rachel wasn't ready. I have planned something for dinner, so if I lose, I get to proceed with my original plan.

"Cheating doesn't equal to winning am I right, Zach?" Rachel said smugly. I rolled my eyes in response which only earned me a smack on the arm.

"Sooo do I get to pick our dinner place?" Rachel questioned as she buckled her seatbelt.

"Not a chance, Rach."

"Oh man," Rachel pouted cutely.

"If you think that will make me change my mind..." I trailed off while shaking my head.

"Okay, you win," Rachel gave up and passed me her phone gesturing me to key the address into her GPS.

"You know the way back to my apartment?"

"Wait, what? You're cooking?" Rachel looked at me with both eyebrows raised.

"Not me, but we," I corrected her and chuckled. "Don't worry babe, I've looked up for recipes we can follow, shouldn't be that bad," I added as Rachel still have that bewildered expression on her face.

"Spicy Asian Tuna Stacks and Cheese Souffle.." Rachel murmured as she read through the recipes that I have found online. She then glanced up to meet my gaze and a slow smile spread across her face.

Rachel was visibly more relaxed as she drove us home. One night, we were reminiscing the past, talking about how we first met and the life we had after our breakup. Both of us felt that life is moving too fast and we were constantly chasing after goals we have set for ourselves. Sometimes we forget to appreciate the little things in life. As the saying goes, we should take the time to smell the roses. Stop for a moment in order to live in the moment.

I guess that's why Rachel suggested that both of us should plan 2 of our weekly dates. Like really plan it out in detail. Including switching roles in the car. When I was planning, I had to list out the things that Rachel likes and didn't like. Allowing me to relearn things about Rachel which I might have forgotten somewhere along the way.

When Rachel and I got back together, we're way past the initial honeymoon period new couples would go through. As we're not exactly a new couple. We didn't have the initial excitement to learn new things about each other. The whole planning process made me realise how important it is to keep the spark alive in our relationship. 

Both of us have grown so much since our breakup. Rachel essentially is still the same girl I have fallen in love with. Nothing much has changed except that she's more confident and vocal about her opinions. I really have to thank my lucky stars for leading Rachel back into my life again.

Author's notes:
Surprise! Second update in less than 2 weeks?? Who am I??

HAHAHA it has been sooo long since I've updated this fast 😂 I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! 😊

Can anybody guess what's going to happen next? I believe I have given some hints here and there 😉

Stay tuned and stay safe! 💕