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.

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

conversation about starting a bakery. I unwrap the small box to find a framed sheet of paper. It’s

frame is ornate,

head as I look

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

I smile at such a thoughtful gift, “Can we contact them tomorrow to thank

he

wouldn’t want to spend the money on the perfect dress. She isn’t wrong. I still don’t have a job, after all. I have no money for a fancy

So an hour before the party, she brings the dress bag

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 side of the black bag says Givenchy

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

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

notice the scars when they see how beautiful the dress

“I am so happy you finally get to look as beautiful on the outside as

have her back.

right. I trust you and Lex likes the dress too. Let me finish putting my makeup on, then you can help

the dress.”

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

mirror and see Bronx walk past the closet before he stops and backs up to get another look

eyes are

to Lenora, “Leni, no.

on her hips, “And you are not going to stop her. And not only are you not going to stop her, you’re not going to be jealous, either. You’re going to be proud and show off your gorgeous mate. Do you

like he wants to start an argument with his sister, but he knows now is