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.

to start putting food away and talking about the details of the special day

leaves Bronx tells 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 of paper. It’s a recipe for a baguette written in French, but next to it i s another piece of paper

The frame

head as I look

The recipe has been in their family for generations and they wanted you to have i t. Cason translated it for me. I haven’t had a good

such a thoughtful gift, “Can

he kisses

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 dress. She isn’t wrong.

can’t say no. So an hour before the party, she brings the dress bag

in the closet with her and Delilah looking at the bag, dreading what is inside. The side of the

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

I feel a little self-conscious as I look at the dress. Delilah has already pinned my hair into an updo. I don’t mind if people close to me seeing

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

says in my mind, “I am so happy you finally get to look as

her back.

likes the dress too. Let me finish putting my makeup on, then you can help me

the dress.”

me like a glove. It shows off my curves and I have never felt more beautiful. I turn in the mirror to catch a glimpse of the back. The keloid scars were 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 case there is still some sort of lingering connection

closet before he stops and backs up to get another look at

His eyes are wide as he looks me

then turns to Lenora, “Leni, no. Find

are you not going to stop her, you’re not going to

to start an argument with his sister, but he knows now is not