“No,” I hissed under my breath.
I’d thought long and hard on tonight. Everything was perfect.
Our server escorted Milo onto the private balcony where wecould enjoy a night all to ourselves.
His suit made mine look all the frumpier. But I sucked in a breath and puffed my chest out a bit to fill my dark shirt. Milo’s bright pink silk shirt appeared all the brighter with a backdrop of the city lights.
This restaurant was so many stories up, it had a lovely view of Chicago while still capturing a bit of the moon’s light and the starry sky.
“Nice suit,” I said, taking a seat across from Milo at our private balcony table.
“What can I say? I felt like matching.”
I quirked a brow, staring at his simple black tie, then his jewelry accessories, and finding no hint of pink.
“If you’re lucky, you might get to see what matches the shirt.” Milo winked.
And suddenly, I found myself eager to skip dinner and get right to dessert.
A bitter breeze came in but couldn’t spoil our night out. The nearby enchanted lantern released tiny embers that kept us warm in this winter weather, adding an elegant atmosphere to our dining experience.
Milo’s eyes shimmered as he studied the fluttering embers like fireflies dancing in the wind.
“I’m glad you arranged this lovely little dinner,” Milo said, perusing the menu.
This was the type of decadent spot that didn’t label the prices of dishes or drinks. Most of their clientele didn’t mind spending a mortgage payment on a night out. Truthfully, since moving in with Milo, I didn’t really have many expenses.
Most of my money went to Ben, either for things he needed or the savings I started for his future. That left me with a lot of playing-around cash, so treating Milo seemed fitting.
Our server returned with a bottle of wine I’d preselected, poured our glasses, and offered us privacy while we looked over the menu.
“I’ll be honest, I’m surprised you picked tonight of all nights.”
“Seemed fitting.” I gave a half smile. “Besides, we haven’t had much time to breathe, let alone enjoy a little time together.”
“Just the two of us.”
“Three,” I said, offering a silent pause to Finn. “In spirit.”
“I wasn’t sure if you realized…” Milo tiptoed around his thoughts as he took a seat.
“I could never forget Finn’s birthday.” I gave a bitter smile, still unable to find full solace in knowing Finn was at peace. At least, I hoped as much. “I figured it was the best night to go out and celebrate.”
“What on earth are we celebrating?”
“Enjoying the small things.”
Milo eyed me suspiciously, a playful squint and teasing thoughts of judgment.
“Okay, okay, maybe I just realized it’s important to celebrate the small joys.” I raised my glass of wine, inviting Milo to join me. “We both know I’m brilliant at panic and stress and guilt and sulking and…well, I’m not much of a crier, but I can be a baby.”
“I’m not saying anything.” Milo chuckled, raising his glass to meet mine.
“It’s taken time, but I’ve learned to accept the things I can’t control—work with others to change them because we all knowI’m far too neurotic to simply accept them as is. However, I know how to be happy.”
“Never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“Never thought I’d make the time to be happy.” I shrugged. “Guess the world’s most annoying and persistent witch whittled me down.”
