Author’s notes:
I’m screaming!!! I'm working with a fandom artist on art for this chapter with Milo wearing chain body jewelry! He looks perfect!!! Come back here to see the art and check out their other works (thank me later!)
Milo
“Are you crying?” Rowan sat back down next to me and took my hand.
I sniffled. “Your speech was beautiful. The childhood memories when Raina helped you…then you hit us all with the funny story about all of you camping together for the first time.”
Rowan wrapped an arm around me. “Thanks.”
Someone tapped me on the shoulder, and I turned their way. “Here you go, sweetie,” said an older lady from the table behind us as she handed me a pack of tissues. She had her silver hair braided into two buns and pinned with golden pins in the shape of moths.
“Thank you so much. I love your hairdo.”
“Oh, you’re so sweet.”
The tables under the orangery-like glass construction were now covered with white cloth and elegant fruit and flower centerpieces. To the right, a stage was set up, and the band was preparing to play.
“Hi Aunt Judy.” Rowan moved his chair to face the lady.
“I see you finally found a man, Rowie.” She offered me a tender smile. “It’s the first time I know him to be in a relationship. Unless he’s been hiding well. We all thought that only a fated mate would get this man to settle.”
I swallowed.This isn’t real, you’re pretending to be boyfriends.“Oh, we really only just met.”
“Fate doesn’t care.” She waved a hand in dismissal. “Pay attention to how you read each other, and obviously, don’t forget your dreams.”
“Don’t scare him off, Aunt Judy,” Rowan said and pulled me closer.
A little girl in a pink suit and with scales on her cheeks skipped over to us. “Will you dance with me Rowie? You promised, remember?”
“Of course, Betty. Have you met Milo?”
“Hello.” I gave her a wave.
“I like your necklace.” She tilted her head. “Your chest-clace.”
“Thank you, sweetie. Take good care of Rowan for me.”
“I’ll give him back soon. Promise.” She crossed her heart and took Rowan by the hand. “Come on.”
“That’s Penelope’s daughter,” Aunt Judy told me. “But all the kids adore Rowie. He carries them around and never says no to a dance.”
I wouldn’t have pegged Rowan for a dancer, but my eyes didn’t lie. Little Betty stood on Rowan’s feet as they shimmied to music, but within moments, she was in his arms as they skipped between couples. Her giggles carried over the beat and motivated more children to take to the dancefloor.
“You can tell him how much you like him, you know?” Aunt Judy said.
I tore my gaze away from Rowan. “‘Scuse me?”
“I see the way you look at him.” She piled cherry tomatoes on her plate and waved a fork in Rowan’s direction.
“You would really get along with my aunt Ethel.”
“Is she wise and feisty?” She popped a tomato into her mouth.
I snorted a laugh. “Yes.”
“We’ll dance at your wedding then.”
