I can continue it as third-person, wholesome narration rather than immersive romantic roleplay.

Bella smiled softly at his words, glancing over her shoulder at him before turning back to the dishes.

“You always know exactly what to say,” she said with a little laugh. “And you smell pretty good yourself.”

Pepe smiled, keeping his voice gentle. “I’ll take that compliment.”

He stepped back enough to let her finish rinsing the plate in her hands. “You’ve been doing everything all morning. Taking care of Luca, cleaning up, making sure everything’s ready. You should get to relax too.”

Bella shook her head with an amused smile. “You’re acting like I did something amazing.”

“You did,” he said simply. “You always do more than you realize.”

She paused for a second, looking at him. “That was actually really sweet.”

“I mean it.” His expression softened. “You work hard. And you’re a really good mom to Luca.”

Bella smiled, clearly touched. “And you’re a really good dad.”

“That means a lot coming from you.”

She dried her hands and leaned against the counter. “You’re pretty good at making people feel appreciated.”

“Only the people who deserve it.”

Bella laughed quietly. “So I deserve it?”

“Absolutely.”

She gave him a playful look. “Good answer.”

Pepe chuckled. “I’ve learned.”

For a moment, the kitchen was peaceful. The sunlight coming through the windows made the room feel warm and cozy, and from down the hallway came the faint sound of Luca sleeping.

Bella glanced toward the hallway. “He really went right to sleep.”

“He must’ve been tired.”

“He was fighting that nap so hard.”

“Just like yesterday.”

“And the day before.”

They both laughed.

Pepe looked toward the clock. “The game starts soon.”

Bella sighed dramatically. “I knew that was coming.”

He grinned. “Come on. Just one game.”

“You said that last time.”

“And you ended up watching the whole thing.”

“Because you kept explaining every five seconds.”

“You asked questions!”

“I asked one question.”

“One very important question.”

Bella laughed. “Okay, fine. I’ll watch it with you.”

His smile widened. “Deal.”

“But,” Bella added, pointing at him, “you have to get snacks.”

“Already planned on it.”

“And something sweet.”

“Already planned.”

“And don’t make me sit through hours of commercials without talking to me.”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

She smiled. “Good.”

Pepe walked toward the living room, then stopped and looked back at her. “You coming?”

“In a minute. I want to make sure the kitchen is actually clean.”

He shook his head. “Bella, leave it. You can finish later.”

She looked around at the remaining dishes.

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Come relax.”

Bella hesitated before finally nodding. “Okay.”

As they settled into the living room, Bella grabbed a blanket from the couch and sat comfortably beside him. Pepe brought over the snacks and placed them on the table.

“You really did plan everything,” she said.

“I told you.”

Bella smiled at him. “Thank you.”

“Of course.”

The television began showing the pregame coverage, and Bella looked at the screen with a doubtful expression.

“So explain to me again why this is exciting.”

Pepe laughed. “Because it’s football.”

“That explains absolutely nothing.”

He laughed harder, and Bella couldn’t help laughing too.