Page 116 of Late Nights & Love Lines
“It means no lie in teen-speak,” Stella whispers back, hooking her arm around her husband’s middle.
“Seriously, Dad. Next to Row, everyone else will be so mid.”
“Basic,” Stella says before Beck can interrupt Seren again.
“You found a dress?” I ask. Staring at her, I’m consumed with so much hope and love that it colors my words.
Rowan shrugs. “It was the best of the worst.” She chuckles as Tabby scoffs.
“Seren’s right,” Tabby says, smoothing down the bag in Rowan’s hand. “You’re going to swallow your dang tongue when she walks out in this dress, Seb. Don’t even think about keeping your hands to yourself because the second you release her, there’ll be an angry mob lining up to take your place.”
Jealously slithers up my tongue, making me hiss. “No one is taking my place.”
Seren smirks, and the blush on Rowan’s face creeps down her neck.
Before I can say anything else, a loudspeaker crackles to life behind me. “Welcome home, Walkers. Sebastian and Rowan, bring those babies out here, and let’s get this party started.”
“Welcome home?” Rowan’s gaze darts from me to the windows behind me.
“Oh, good grief, Beck.” Stella’s irritated voice barely registers. “You couldn’t put them off a couple more weeks?”
“What is this?” Rowan’s frozen to her spot, but Seren walks toward the windows as all the littles come barreling down the stairs.
They run past Rowan on either side, but she stands frozen in place with eyes so wide I see all the way to her darkest fears.
Tabby chatters relentlessly at our side about the welcoming committee, but it’s white noise to my ears and I’m not even sure if Rowan is registering that someone is talking.
A heavy hand lands on my shoulder. “We’ll take the kids outside.”
Beck.
I nod and move with cautious steps toward Rowan, afraid that any sudden movements will spook her.
She holds up her palm, halting my advance, blinks twice, then mumbles something about putting away her dress.
She’s gone before I can open my mouth.
“It’s been a long day,” Tabby says gently. “But when you talk to her, ask her about the other dress she and Seren picked out together. She might be putting down roots without even realizing it.”
The sounds of happiness drift through the salty air like a sensual dance of healing—two steps forward and one step back.
One of these days, hopefully, Rowan will allow me to lead her all the way forward to that happiness she so deserves.
28
HERE WE ARE
ROWAN
Ihadn’t meant to run, but here I am, sitting on Sebastian’s bedroom balcony, overlooking a beach party meant to welcome me home, taking pictures for Instagram that no one will ever see instead of being down there.
Home.
My palms sweat, and I wipe them on the hem of my sweater. The salt air is cool tonight, the breeze strong in its assault, a warning of storms to come.
“Row?”
Angling my head toward the balcony door, I smile at Miles. “Hey, bud.”
