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.

Lenora, and I make our way to the kitchen to start putting food away and talking about the details of the special

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

frame is ornate,

head as I look

own a bakery. The recipe has been in their family for generations and they wanted you to have i t. Cason translated it

so much, Sweetheart. It’s perfect,” I smile at such a thoughtful gift, “Can we contact them

he says as he kisses

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 dress. She isn’t wrong.

so I can’t say no. So an hour before the

takes it to the closet. I’m standing in the closet with her and Delilah looking at the bag, dreading what is inside. The side of the black bag says Givenchy in

color matches my hair. It is a floor-length style with spaghetti straps

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

I’m telling you, people won’t even notice the scars when they see how beautiful the dress is on you,” Delilah reassures me,” They all already love

so happy you finally get to look as beautiful

so happy to have her back. She always

trust you and Lex likes the dress too. Let me

the dress.”

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

the closet before he stops and backs up to get another

eyes are

turns to Lenora, “Leni, no. Find

hands on her hips, “And you are not going to stop her. And not only are

he wants to start an argument with his sister, but