"Absolutely."

She held out her hand, and Bennett grasped it firmly.

After a moment's hesitation, she threw her arms around him. "Are you mad, Bennett?"

“Why would I be mad? You've gone to great lengths to surprise me, Mrs. Dreskin."

Eased by his response, Claudia felt her nerves settle. She avoided his gaze and murmured, “I'm just glad you're not angry."

Bennett raised an eyebrow, catching on to her earlier act.

So the little rabbit has learned to act her way out. He mused. Relieved to find Bennett in good spirits, Claudia's mood lifted instantly. "Did you get here early this morning?”

“What do you think? My wife was planning a surprise, and I couldn't interfere, could 1?"

Left speechless, Claudia could only shake her head.

They made their way to the hotel's bustling buffet restaurant.

As they entered, Claudia spotted a couple vacating their seats. Swiftly, she led Bennett toward them.

“We've got seats!" she announced.

“And that's all thanks to your quick moves, Mrs. Dreskin."

Feeling as though Bennett's tone held a certain oddity today, Claudia looked back at him.

The man simply asked, "What would you like to eat? I'll fetch it for you."

Claudia hesitated, aware that the busy restaurant Left her no option to stay seated to keep this table and let Bennett fetch the food for her.

After a moment, she finally said, "I'd like some risotto and a glass of watermelon juice, please."

Though her stomach cried out for an extensive feast, Claudia limited her order to maintain some semblance of decorum. She worried Bennett might find her ravenous appetite off-putting.

Sensing her hesitation, Bennett swept her hair aside and looked at her with a teasing smile. "Is that everything you want?”

Claudia gave a slight nod. "That's all!"

“Really?”

A tinge of embarrassment colored her cheeks. "Yes!"

Did she appear as though she could consume an entire buffet?

Glancing down at herself, Claudia concluded she didn't look particularly famished.