Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future novel 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 | finally get to meet Bronx's parents. 2

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. | will take hugs whenever | can get them. | feel a familiar warmth coming from my hands. | 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. | take it as a compliment, "she smiles warmly at me.

“Thank you, Sandy," | smile shyly.

“No nono. You call me Mom, young lady," she gives me a faux stern look. 2

“A-alright, Mom," | test the word in my mouth. It is going to take some getting used to. | have never called anyone Mom before. Not even my real mother. | 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. | think | win him over when | offer him an oversized snickerdoodle.

Lenora shows off her baby bump and announces she and Milo are having a girl. Sandy and | 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 it. It's pretty adorable. | 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 us with hugs. Michael and Milo pull Bronx to the living room to chat. | 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 he has putin. °

“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.

Sandy, Lenora, and | make our way to the kitchen to start putting food away and talking about the details of the special day Bronx and | shared yesterday.

We say our goodbyes and confirm the timing to meet up for the party later. Once everyone leaves Bronx tells me he has a gift for me even though we agreed not to exchange gifts. He insists | need it after our conversation about starting a bakery. | 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 is another piece of paper with the English translation. The frame is ornate, gold.

“Baguette?” | cock my head as | look at the recipe.

“Alpha Martin's in-laws own a bakery. The recipe has been in their family for generations and they wanted you to have it. Cason translated it for me. | haven't had a good time to give it to you, but after yesterday, it seems like the right time.” “Thank you so much, Sweetheart. It's perfect, "I smile at such a thoughtful gift, "Can we contact them tomorrow to thank them?”

“Of course, Baby” he says as he kisses the top of my head.

Bronx told me Solstice is a formal party, but Lenora had taken the liberty of buying a dress for me. She was convinced | wouldn't want to spend the money on the perfect dress. She isn't wrong. | still don't have a job, after all. | have no money for a fancy dress. ° She wants it to be a surprise, so | can't say no. So an hour before the party, she brings the dress bag to the apartment, along with a shoe 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 in large white lettering. She smiles while she unzips the bag.