Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 56

We have planned a little brunch gathering in our apartment, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. We just want to make sure we remember what is important. And to Bronx and me, that is family. Lenora and Milo come over and I finally get to meet Bronx’s parents

The first thing his mom, Sandy, does is give me a crushing hug and call me her son’s saviour. A little extreme, but she’s excited, so you know, whatever. I will take hugs whenever I can get them. I feel a familiar warmth coming from my hands. I quickly let go of her, feeling a little embarrassed.

“Oh! Honey, it’s alright. Bronx already warned me that your energy goes into overdrive when you’re happy. I take it as a compliment,” she smiles warmly at me,

“Thank you, Sandy,” I smile shyly.

“No no no. You call me Mom, young lady, “she gives me a faux stern look.

“A-alright, Mom,” I test the word in my mouth. It is going to take some getting used to. I have never called anyone Mom before. Not even my real mother. I hope the Moon Goddess understands.

Bronx has Sandy’s facial features including her green eyes but with his dad, Michael’s dark hair. Michael and Bronx have the same hulking size, personality, and mannerisms. Just like Bronx, Michael acts tough but can’t fool me, he’s a big softie. He is obsessed with making sure everyone has enough to eat. I think I win him over when I offer him an oversized snickerdoodle.

Lenora shows off her baby bump and announces she and Milo are having a girl. Sandy and I can’t stop admiring her and complimenting her pregnancy glow. Milo dotes over her, not letting her lift a finger for anything. Even when she wants a refill of her water, he jumps up and gets i t. It’s pretty adorable. I look forward to one day when that is Bronx and me.

Everyone is elated when we announce our engagement. Sandy and Michael nod approvingly at the ring and congratulate u

“Ovingly at the ring and congratulateur s with hugs. Michael and Milo pull Bronx o the living room to chat. I overhear Bronx tell Milo the good news about Saint and Lex but he insists that Milo should still lead the Solstice pack run. He deserves the honor for all the hard work h e has put in

“Does this mean we can finally crack that bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue?” Milo begs.

Bronx laughs and agrees. He asks Milo to invite James, Delilah, and Marco to join them in his office after the solstice party.

food away and talking about the details of the

me he has a gift for me even though we agreed not to exchange gifts. He insists I need it after our conversation about starting a bakery. I unwrap the small box to find a framed sheet

The frame is ornate,

I cock my head as

t. Cason translated it for me. I haven’t had a good time to give it to you, but after yesterday, it seems like the

It’s perfect,” I smile at such a thoughtful gift,

says as he kisses the top

told me Solstice is a formal party, but Lenora had taken the liberty of buying a dress for me. She was convinced I wouldn’t want to spend the money on the perfect

to be a surprise, so I can’t say no. So an hour before the party, she brings

along with a shoe box and takes it to the closet. I’m standing in the closet with her and Delilah looking at the bag, dreading what is inside. The

a shimmering silver dress. The color matches my hair. It is a floor-length style with spaghetti straps and a completely open

at the dress. Delilah has already pinned my hair into an updo.

the dress is on you,” Delilah reassures me,” They all already love you. When they see your scars, they are going to

look amazing!” Lex says in my mind, “I am so happy you finally get

back. She always knows just what

me finish

the dress.”

evident, but the dress helps distract from them. Oh also, Delilah had been right, Bronx’s tattoos have almost completely faded. But he decided to wait until they were completely gone before he gets new ones, just in

through the mirror and see Bronx walk past the closet

eyes are

Lenora, “Leni,

“And you are not going to stop her. And not only are you not going

wants to start an argument with his