Printed Hearts Chapter 36-40 | CraftyCotton.co

 

Chapter 36: Sweet Love Scene in the Kitchen

The morning sun poured through the kitchen window, casting golden beams of light across the countertops. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air, mingling with the soft, comforting aroma of something cooking on the stove. Mimi stood at the kitchen entrance, watching Ben move around with an ease and confidence that only someone who truly knew the art of cooking could have.

Ben was wearing a simple t-shirt and sweatpants, his sleeves rolled up as he chopped vegetables, humming softly to himself. The kitchen was warm, filled with the sounds of sizzling eggs and the gentle clink of utensils. Mimi couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him, his movements fluid and calm, as though he had all the time in the world to make breakfast.

"Smells amazing," Mimi said softly, stepping further into the room.

Ben turned around, his face lighting up when he saw her. "Morning," he said, his voice warm, the kind of voice that made her feel like she was the only person in the world. "I thought I’d make us a little breakfast this morning. How’s that sound?"

Mimi leaned against the doorframe, watching him as he added the final touches to the breakfast spread. There was something so domestic, so loving about the way he moved—so effortless, like this was something they did every morning. And in a way, it felt like they had.

"It sounds perfect," she replied, her heart swelling with affection.

Ben smiled at her, his eyes softening as he set down the spatula and stepped toward her. He reached out, gently brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her skin. "I’m glad you like it," he said, his voice lower now, filled with something more intimate than just words.

Mimi’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching at the tender gesture. She could feel the warmth of the room, the warmth of him, and it made everything feel so right. "You always know how to make everything feel special," she whispered.

Ben’s smile deepened, his hand sliding to her waist, pulling her gently toward him. "I want to make every moment special for you," he murmured, his lips brushing lightly against her forehead.

Mimi leaned into his embrace, feeling the heat of his body against hers. The kitchen, with its simple breakfast and soft light, felt like a world of its own, one where only the two of them existed. "I love you," she said softly, the words coming from a place of deep, unspoken connection.

"I love you too," Ben replied, his voice filled with sincerity, his hands tracing a slow, loving pattern on her back.

He cupped her face gently, tilting her chin up so that their gazes met. There was something about the quiet intimacy of this moment that made her heart swell—being together, in this little corner of their new life, was enough. She didn’t need grand gestures or words—just this feeling, this love that they shared.

Ben leaned down, capturing her lips with his in a kiss that was slow, tender, and filled with everything they couldn’t say. Mimi responded instinctively, her arms wrapping around his neck as she kissed him back, the warmth of the kitchen now blending with the warmth in her chest.

The kiss deepened, and for a moment, they forgot about everything—the breakfast waiting, the world outside, everything except each other. Time seemed to stand still as they shared this simple, sweet moment of love.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless and smiling, Mimi rested her forehead against Ben’s, her eyes closed in contentment. "We should probably eat before everything burns," she said, her voice light with laughter.

Ben chuckled softly, his arms still around her. "You’re right. But I wouldn’t mind staying like this a little longer."

Mimi smiled, her heart full. "I wouldn’t mind either."

Together, they moved toward the table, hand in hand, ready to share a simple breakfast, the kind of breakfast that was more about the love they shared than the food itself. It was moments like this—quiet, intimate, filled with tenderness—that made life feel so incredibly sweet.

Chapter 37: Preparing a Space for Mimi

The day was unfolding peacefully. Mimi had just finished her breakfast, and the soft light filtering through the windows filled the room with a warm glow. Ben was at the counter, cleaning up after their meal, humming a quiet tune under his breath. Mimi, on the other hand, had taken a seat at the kitchen table with her laptop open. Her fingers danced over the keys as she checked her emails, the familiar routine of work settling in.

There were a few orders for watercolor paintings, messages from clients, and updates on various projects. But one email caught her eye—Ben had sent her a message, titled "A Space for You."

She clicked it, curious. The message was simple: I know you work from home, and I want to make sure you have a comfortable place to do your art. I’ve been thinking about setting up a dedicated space for you. What do you think?

Mimi smiled softly, feeling a rush of affection for Ben. His thoughtfulness always caught her off guard. She quickly typed back, her fingers flying across the keys.

That’s so sweet of you, Ben. I’d love that. A space just for my work would be amazing. Thank you.

Ben, still at the counter, glanced over at her as she sent the reply. His eyes lit up with satisfaction. "I’m glad you like the idea," he said, wiping his hands on a towel. "I’ve been thinking that you deserve a space that’s just for you and your work. A place to create and be inspired."

Mimi looked up from her screen, a smile tugging at her lips. "You don’t have to do all this, Ben. I can work anywhere."

She glanced around the house, which was larger than any space she had ever lived in before. The rooms seemed endless, the high ceilings and sprawling open spaces felt almost too grand for her. The idea of a whole room dedicated to her watercolor work felt surreal in a place so expansive.

"But you deserve it," Ben said, as if reading her thoughts. "You work so hard, and I want you to have a space that reflects that. Plus, I think it will make it easier for you to create in peace."

Mimi chuckled softly, standing up and walking over to him. She wrapped her arms around him, resting her cheek against his chest. "You spoil me, you know that?" she said, her voice light and full of affection.

Ben hugged her back, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I just want to make sure you’re happy. And I know how much your art means to you."

Mimi nodded, feeling grateful for the kind of support she had always dreamed of but never really expected. "I’m already happy, Ben. Just being here with you is everything."

Ben smiled down at her, his arms still around her. "I’ll take that as a yes, then. I’ve already got a few ideas about where we can set up the room."

Mimi pulled back slightly to look at him. "You’ve been planning this for a while, haven’t you?"

He grinned mischievously. "Maybe a little. I know you love your art, and I want to make sure you have everything you need. I’ll start working on it today. Just tell me if there’s anything specific you want in the space."

Mimi felt a wave of warmth wash over her. It wasn’t just the room that made her feel so loved—it was the thought, the effort, the fact that Ben understood her passion and was willing to make space for it in their home.

"Honestly, just a good desk and plenty of natural light would be perfect," she said, her heart swelling with gratitude. "And maybe a small corner with some of my favorite plants."

Ben nodded. "Got it. I’ll take care of everything. You just focus on your work."

As Mimi returned to her laptop to finish checking her emails, she couldn’t help but think about how fortunate she was to have found someone who not only supported her dreams but wanted to actively be part of them. The house felt big, yes, but in a way, it also felt like the perfect backdrop for the life they were building together—a life that was full of love, support, and room for both of their dreams.

"You know," Mimi said as she looked at Ben again, "this place is beautiful, but it’s a little too big for just the two of us, don’t you think?"

Ben laughed softly, stepping closer to her. "I thought the same thing when we first moved in. But you’ll get used to it. And besides, we’re going to fill it with so many memories, it’ll start to feel just right."

Mimi smiled, the thought of filling their home with laughter, love, and art filling her heart. "I think you’re right."

Ben leaned down and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Let’s make this place feel like ours—together."

And as she looked around at the bright, spacious kitchen, at the man who was so thoughtful and caring, Mimi knew that it already did.

Chapter 38: A New Chapter

Mimi sat at the desk in their spacious living room, her laptop open in front of her. The soft hum of the house was peaceful, and she couldn’t help but feel content in this new chapter of her life. The morning light was spilling in through the windows, casting a warm glow over everything. It was the perfect moment to pause and reflect.

She’d been meaning to write this email to Fey for a while now. They had always shared everything—big news, small moments, the ups and downs of their lives. It felt strange, in a way, to share such a big step in her life over email, but Mimi knew Fey would understand. After all, Fey was always busy, always hustling with her flower shop and artistic endeavors, but they always made time for each other.

Mimi opened her email, her fingers hesitating over the keyboard for a moment. It felt so strange, writing about moving in with Ben, yet it also felt incredibly right. She took a deep breath and began typing.

Subject: Big News!

Hey Fey,
I hope you’re doing well and that everything at the shop is running smoothly. I know you're super busy, but I wanted to share something important with you.

I’ve moved in with Ben. I know it might seem like it happened quickly, but it feels like the right step for me. We’ve been talking about it for a while, and after a lot of thought, I decided it was time for this next chapter.

I’m really happy here. Ben’s been amazing, and he’s so thoughtful—he even started preparing a space for me to work on my watercolor paintings. I feel so supported and loved, and honestly, it’s more than I could have ever hoped for.

I miss you, though. I know we haven’t been able to catch up much lately, but I wanted to let you know what’s been going on in my life. You’ve always been such an important part of my journey, and I wanted you to be one of the first to know.

I hope we can meet up soon. Let me know when you’re free, and we can have a catch-up over coffee or something—my treat!

Talk soon, and take care of yourself. I’ll be thinking of you!

Love,
Mimi

Mimi stared at the screen for a moment, her heart swelling with warmth. She had always been so grateful for Fey’s friendship and the way they supported each other, and now it felt like a new layer was being added to that bond. She hit "send" and sat back in her chair, her mind buzzing with the thought of Fey’s reaction.

Not long after, she heard her phone buzz on the coffee table. She reached for it, expecting a message from Ben, but it was from Fey.

Subject: Re: Big News!

Mimi!!!
Oh my gosh, I’m so happy for you! I can’t believe you’ve moved in with Ben, but I know you’ve been thinking about it for a while. I’m sure you’re both going to make it work beautifully.

I’ve been crazy busy at the shop, but you know I’m always here for you! I can’t wait to see you and hear all about it. And of course, I’m dying to hear all the little details—how’s the house? What’s it like living together? I’m sure it’s a whole new world for you!

Let’s make some time soon for a catch-up. I miss our little chats. And when you’re free, we should totally have a girls’ night! You, me, and Frida. We’ll relax, laugh, and maybe get into some trouble—just like old times.

Take care of yourself and Ben. Can’t wait to see you!

Love,
Fey

Mimi smiled widely as she read Fey’s reply. Her heart felt lighter, knowing that even though they were both on different paths right now, their friendship was still as strong as ever.

She quickly typed back, eager to share more:

Subject: RE: Big News!

Fey!!
You’re the best. I knew you’d be happy for me! I’ll tell you everything soon, I promise. I’m looking forward to catching up and maybe even getting into some trouble, like old times. 😊

Let’s plan something soon. I’ll check my schedule and let you know!

Talk soon!

Love,
Mimi

Mimi hit send and sat back in her chair, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She had shared her big news, and Fey’s response was exactly what she had hoped for—support, excitement, and love. It was a reminder that no matter where life took her, Fey would always be there, cheering her on, just like she always had.

As Mimi looked around their new home, a quiet sense of happiness settled in. She was starting a new chapter with Ben, but she knew that her connection with Fey would remain a steady and important part of her life. They were both moving forward, growing in their own ways, but their friendship would always be the thread that kept them connected.

Chapter 39: A Dinner to Remember

The evening was cool and crisp, typical of a winter night in Chiang Mai. Inside Ben’s spacious home, the kitchen was filled with the tantalizing scent of freshly cooked Japanese food. Ben had insisted on cooking dinner tonight, a gesture that Mimi greatly appreciated. Fey had just arrived, and the three of them were about to sit down for a cozy dinner together.

Fey had been looking forward to this evening. It had been a while since she had spent time with Mimi, and now that she had met Ben, it felt even more special. She was eager to see how the two of them interacted, to witness the dynamic they shared. Fey was happy for Mimi, seeing how much Ben supported her and how comfortable she seemed in his company.

“Mimi, this place is beautiful,” Fey commented as she walked into the dining area, looking around. “It’s so spacious. I love how it’s so open.”

Mimi smiled, nodding. “It’s been really great. Ben’s been so thoughtful, especially with creating a space for my artwork.”

Ben, who had been busy in the kitchen, turned with a smile on his face. “It’s nothing, really. I just want to make sure you’re comfortable, Mimi.” He gestured to the table, which was set with delicate plates, chopsticks, and bowls. The dishes were beautifully arranged—sushi rolls, sashimi, tempura, and miso soup. The soft lighting from the hanging lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow over everything.

Fey’s eyes widened as she sat down. “This looks amazing, Ben. I had no idea you could cook like this.”

Ben chuckled modestly, sitting down next to Mimi. “I’ve had a lot of practice. Cooking is something I enjoy. I thought it would be nice to prepare a meal for you both.”

As they all began to serve themselves, Mimi couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. There was something so comforting about this moment—sitting at the dinner table with two people she cared about, enjoying good food, and feeling completely at ease.

Fey took a bite of the sushi, her eyes lighting up. “Wow, this is incredible! I don’t think I’ve ever had sushi this fresh before.”

Ben grinned. “I’m glad you like it. I’ve been experimenting with different types of sushi for a while now.”

Mimi, who was enjoying her own plate of sashimi, glanced over at Ben. “You should open a restaurant, Ben. You’re really good at this.”

Ben laughed, shaking his head. “I think I’ll stick to my day job for now.” He looked over at Mimi, his eyes softening. “But I’m glad you like it.”

The conversation drifted from one topic to another—Fey talking about her latest floral arrangements, Mimi sharing her watercolor projects, and Ben chiming in with his thoughts on design and creativity. It felt easy, natural, like they had all known each other for years.

As they finished their meal, Fey leaned back in her chair with a satisfied sigh. “That was incredible, Ben. Thank you for such a wonderful dinner. You really outdid yourself.”

Mimi nodded, smiling at Ben. “I agree. You made the evening perfect.”

Ben blushed slightly, looking down at his empty plate. “I’m glad you both enjoyed it. It was fun cooking for you.”

There was a brief, comfortable silence, and then Fey broke it with a teasing grin. “So, when are you two going to make it official? I think you’re both pretty much living together already, so why not just make it official?”

Mimi laughed nervously, glancing at Ben. “Well, we’re still figuring things out. But it feels really right.”

Ben nodded, his smile warm and understanding. “We’re taking things one step at a time. But I’m happy to have Mimi here. She makes everything better.”

Fey raised an eyebrow playfully. “That sounds pretty official to me.” She gave them both a wink and laughed, making Mimi and Ben chuckle along with her.

The evening wore on, and after dinner, the three of them settled into the living room with mugs of tea. They talked more about their plans for the future—Mimi’s career as a watercolor artist, Ben’s work as a software engineer, and Fey’s dream of expanding her floral business. There was an easy camaraderie between them, a bond that felt new but somehow familiar.

As the night grew later, Fey stood up, stretching her arms. “I should probably get going. It’s been such a lovely evening, though. Thank you again, Ben, for the amazing dinner. And Mimi, I’m so happy for you both.”

Mimi stood to give her a hug. “Thank you for coming, Fey. It means a lot that you’re here with us.”

Ben also stood, giving Fey a nod. “It was great having you over. We’ll have to do this again sometime.”

Fey smiled, walking toward the door. “Absolutely. I’ll be in touch. Take care, you two.”

As Fey left, Mimi and Ben stood in the doorway, watching her drive off. Mimi turned to Ben, her heart full. “That went really well. I’m glad she liked everything.”

Ben smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I’m glad too. It was nice having her here. And I’m really happy you’re here with me, Mimi.”

Mimi smiled up at him, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She was exactly where she was meant to be.

Chapter 40: Warmth in the Air

The night had settled into a comfortable silence, with only the soft hum of the house and the occasional rustle of wind outside breaking the peace. The temperature outside had dropped, but inside Ben’s home, a warm, inviting atmosphere enveloped everything. Mimi and Ben were sitting on the couch, wrapped in the gentle glow of soft, amber lights that flickered from the lamps around the room. A quiet calm had settled between them.

Mimi leaned back against the cushions, her feet tucked underneath her. The memories of the evening still lingered in her mind—the laughter with Fey, the delicious meal Ben had prepared, and the simple joy of being together. She felt completely at home here, in this space, with him. The warmth wasn’t just from the heating or the tea they’d been sipping; it was something deeper, a quiet connection that filled the room with a sense of belonging.

Ben, who had been gently scrolling through his phone, glanced over at her and smiled. “It’s really nice, isn’t it?” he said, his voice soft and warm. “Having a peaceful evening, just the two of us.”

Mimi smiled back, nodding. “It is. Sometimes, the quiet moments are the best ones.” She turned toward him, her eyes sparkling in the dim light. “I feel so... content. Like, I can just be myself here, without worrying about anything.”

Ben’s gaze softened, and he shifted closer to her on the couch, his hand finding hers. The warmth of his touch made her heart flutter. “You’re always welcome to be yourself with me, Mimi. I want this to be your safe space. A place where you can always feel at home, no matter what.”

Mimi squeezed his hand, feeling a surge of affection. His words resonated deeply with her—he had always been so thoughtful, so attuned to her needs. She had never imagined she’d find someone who made her feel this way, so completely understood and cherished.

“You make me feel so special,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Like I matter, like my dreams and my feelings are important. And I think that’s something I’ve always wanted.”

Ben’s eyes shone as he smiled at her, his voice low but sincere. “You matter more than you know, Mimi. You’ve always mattered. You’re incredible, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”

The warmth between them was palpable, a quiet love that didn’t need grand gestures or loud declarations. It was in the simple moments—sitting together in the quiet of the evening, hands entwined, hearts connected in understanding.

Mimi rested her head on Ben’s shoulder, sighing in contentment as she closed her eyes. “I think I’ve found exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Ben kissed the top of her head gently. “I’m glad. I think so too.” He paused for a moment, and then added with a teasing tone, “Though, if you ever need a reminder, I’ll be right here to give you one.”

Mimi laughed softly, lifting her head to meet his gaze. “I think I’ll be reminded every day.”

They sat together in the soft warmth of the room, their hearts full, knowing that this quiet moment—just the two of them—was exactly where they both needed to be. The night stretched on, but neither of them was in a hurry. In that peaceful stillness, they had everything they needed: each other, and the quiet, tender warmth of love.