Chapter 24. Lessons of Love

After lunch, Iris cleaned up while Nick fidgeted around the kitchen, checking the pantry, the refrigerator, and all the cabinets. "What are you hunting for? Don't tell me you're still hungry," said Iris, rinsing the dishes. 

"No, I'm full. I'm just checking what you have and what I'll get to eat for the next few days," he said, examining a jar of raspberry preserve. Iris looked at him with horror. She rushed to snatch it out of his hands. 

"Hey, that's mine. I can't share that," she said, holding it against her chest like a treasure. Nick grinned. "What are you grinning at?" she asked, puzzled by his reaction. 

"Now I know how to propose to you. With a jar of raspberry preserve, of course, even if I forget the ring," he laughed. Iris rolled her eyes.

"As if I'll marry you," she said, turning around to leave, but to her horror, Nick caught her arm and whirled her around. Before she could utter a single word, he pulled her into his arms, flush a