Chapter 123: Mark's Surprise

The raindrops were tapping against the windowpane in a rhythmic, gentle symphony. It had a very soothing effect when Olivia sat curled up on the couch with a sketchbook in her lap. She was so absorbed in her drawing that she barely heard Mark's key in the lock. It wasn't until his presence beside her registered that she looked up, the smile already spreading across her face. "You're home early," she said as she leaned in for a kiss. Mark smiled and kissed her back, though Olivia could sense a very nervous feeling from him. He moved just slightly, his eyes darting all over. "Everything okay?" she asked, closing her sketchbook and turning completely around to face him. Mark seemed to take one deep breath, as though about to fill his lungs with courage. "Yah, everything's fine. I just. I got something to show you." Curious, Olivia watched as Mark disappeared into their spare room, returning moments later carrying a large, flat package wrapped in brown paper. "What's this?" Olivia as