35. Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Rose
Why did I let her talk me into wearing this? I mutter to myself, smoothing a hand down the front of me, my fingertips gliding along the tight bodice of the black gown I borrowed from Leila. She wore it to her senior prom, only a few years ago. She assured me it’s still in style, and once I squeezed myself into it and walked out of her bathroom this afternoon, the look on her face told me it’s going to do its job.
And its job is to turn Milo’s head at his publisher’s book launch party.
Now, I’m here, and small round high tables of appetizers flank the room. The chandeliers glitter, accenting the sparkle in the sequins that cover my dress. A few separate gatherings of people dot the shiny hardwood floors.
It took me about three seconds to decide, once I read the note with Milo’s book back in North Carolina, that I was going to this party. And about three more seconds to know, with everything in me, exactly what I needed to do once I got here.
I checked my email and, sure enough, there were two boarding passes for a round-trip weekend flight to Denver. And it was scheduled to depart in less than twenty-four hours.
I need to be better about checking my personal email!
It was a dizzying day, trying to pack, get ready, and squeeze in last-minute assignments. I took Callum into the on-campus clinic, and they said his ears were well enough for him to fly.
And now, here I am, walking into the ballroom of an event center downtown, wearing this sequined, tiered, floor-length, off-the-shoulder dress. My hair is down in beachy waves that Eden created. I can barely breathe, and it’s not just because the dress is a little too tight.
It’s because suddenly, there he is.
In a black suit with a white shirt and silvery, floral print tie. His glossy, longish hair barely skimming the top of the jacket collar. A bemused smile on his face as he stands in a small group of people, listening to the chit-chat of a middle-aged woman.
A large promo poster on a tall, metal stand is the backdrop behind him, boasting the cover of the book and a couple of praise-filled quotes from industry notables.
The atmosphere is exciting and impressive, but nothing compared to the thrill of seeing him again.
I’m so zeroed in on him that I fail to notice his family members until they are at my elbow.
“Rose! You made it,” River says, wrapping me up in a hug. Elianna, Quinn, and several of his brothers are here, too, and suddenly, I’m hugging everyone and they’re asking me about the nursing program and about how Callum is.
We must make enough commotion that Milo turns to see and now we’re two people, standing across from one another in a ballroom, in formal wear, gaping at one another.
You came , Milo mouths and I have to bite back my grin. He touches the shoulder of one of the men in the group and excuses himself. Before I know it, he’s reached me. He slides his arms around my waist, his freshly shaven jaw clean and smelling of woodsy spice.
Tears pool in my eyes. That clawing emptiness? It’s staunched and filled now, Milo’s arms giving it something to cleave to. He slides his hands down my arms, tugs me closer, and grasps my right hand in his left. Our hug morphs into slow dancing, his family members’ faces only a blip on my consciousness.
“Is there even music playing?” I ask, my throat dry with anticipation as I place my left hand on his shoulder. I don’t hear any, but that may be because of the loud lub-dub, lub-dub of my heart.
“I’m not sure.” Milo’s voice is dark and low. After the initial happiness we both felt, I sense his apprehension.
He has no idea how I feel, does he?
How could he? Yes, I’m here now. But his eyes flicker with uncertainty and I know he’s wary about what might happen after I go back to Chapel Hill.
My throat tightens. Regret over my past actions threatens to propel me right back out the door.
“Milo, there’s so much I want to say.” I know exactly what I want to do, and I’m not leaving until I do it. I’m still terrified, though.
It’s a good terror.
It reminds me I’m on the right track—that I don’t want to ever be without him again.
“We’ve got all evening.” His gaze appraises me. “You look stunning, by the way.”
I search his eyes and there’s something different there. I recognize the heartache behind them because it’s what I’ve seen every day in the mirror.
“Unless . . .” He pauses for a moment then continues. “You need to get back to Callum.”
I shake my head. “My sisters are taking care of him. I have all the time we need.”
He licks his lips quickly and nods. “Good.” But then, another group of people appear next to us, and he drops my hand, rotating around to introduce me to his agent, his editor, and a couple of publicists. Our conversations with them grow to include his parents and siblings and their wives. At one point, it’s announced that Oliver and Sophie weren’t able to attend since they’re keeping their newborn baby, Elizabeth, home in front of flu season.
Finally, there’s a lull in the conversation and Milo gives a little impromptu speech, thanking everyone for their support and explaining some of the events in his writing that led to this moment. For the first time since our dance was interrupted, he meets my gaze fully. “Rose Hawkins is the person I owe the biggest debt of gratitude.”
The small crowd makes a polite sound of approval and there’s a smattering of light applause. I dip my head, knowing a blush is coming on.
That hot blush is about to get a lot worse, girl.
But it’s okay because this is exactly how it’s meant to be.
Once the little gathering has dispersed, I reach for Milo’s hand. Grasping it steadies me. “Can we go somewhere a little quieter? Just for a moment?”
Milo’s eyes widen and I give him an assuring grin. This is a risk--a big risk. But there’s nothing better to convey—to prove—my deep love to him than this. It’s the least I can do.
We hold hands as we exit the ballroom and travel down the hall. When we find a quiet alcove, I turn fully to face him, grabbing both of his hands so I can squeeze them tightly. I swallow around the rough ball in my throat. “Milo, these last few months without you have been chaotic, new, exciting . . . and miserable.”
He gives up a little laugh, and the light touches his large, brown eyes.
“I left for North Carolina with an assurance that I loved you and that you loved me—” I pause, taking in his slow nod, reassuring me that my words are true.
“But I thought the only way I could successfully move away and start school was without you.” I bite down hard, my jaw grinding against itself as I will my tears to stay put in my eyes where they belong.
“Milo? I was wrong.” I drop my gaze to the floor and take a big breath. “I can’t believe I ever thought you’d distract me from my life. You and Callum are the most important things to me. Everything else is a distraction from you.”
Milo’s inhale is quiet, yet sharp. His bottom lip drops open.
“Milo Knox Tate? Will you marry me?” I can barely get the words out, as short, breathy sobs threaten to overtake me. “I’m sorry I don’t have a ring yet,” I manage.
“I don’t care about that,” he whispers with a chuckle. Eyes shining, he starts to shake, too, bringing both my hands up to his mouth to kiss each of them slowly, in turn. “I love you, Rose,” he says around little breaths to gain composure. Soon, we’re both going to be crying.
He kisses a knuckle one more time, then says, “And yes, I will marry you.”
My entire chest flip-flops inside of me.
“I love you,” he whispers again in my ear.
A stinging tear escapes down my cheek. I press the lightest of kisses against his mouth as I tell him that I love him more. I barely get the words out before we’re kissing for real—deep and slow—a promise and a symbol of our forever love.