Page 32 of Beauty and the Grendel

I woke up the next morning, my heart heavy but determined. Griiq and I spent the day exploring the vibrant streets of Florida, trying to distract ourselves from the looming uncertainty of my parents’ decision. We’d laughed, shared stories, and basked in the warmth of each other’s love, but the weight of the impending verdict never left our minds.

I smiled as I set my phone down. “I just talked to my parents. I invited them to dinner to get to know you better.”

Griiq and I showed up at the cozy steak restaurant, the aroma of sizzling meat and savory spices filling the air. We waited, minutes ticking by as we sipped on glasses of red wine. He reached across the table, his hand gently squeezing mine in a comforting gesture. “It’s going to be okay, Harlow,” he whispered, his eyes filled with understanding.

I nodded, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. “I know. I just... I wanted them to see how happy you make me, how much you mean to me.”

As the minutes turned into an hour, it became painfully clear that my parents weren’t coming. The server approached our table, a sympathetic look on his face. “Would you like to order now, or would you prefer to wait a bit longer?” he asked gently.

I glanced at Griiq, a sad smile playing on my lips. “I think we’ll order now. Thank you.”

We ate in silence, the weight of my parents’ absence hanging heavy in the air. I pushed my food around my plate, my appetite gone as the realization sank in. They weren’t coming. They hadn’t accepted Griiq, and they likely never would.

As we left the restaurant, the cool night air brushing against my skin, I turned to Griiq, my heart heavy but resolute. “It doesn’t matter,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “I love you, Griiq, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. With or without my family’s blessing.”

Griiq pulled me into his arms, his embrace warm and comforting. “I love you too, Harlow. More than anything in this world. If you’re sure about this, then I’m with you every step of the way.”

We returned to the hotel, a sense of finality settling over us as we packed our bags. I carefully folded my clothes, my mind racing with thoughts of the future. A future without my parents, but a future filled with love and adventure, with Griiq by my side. I sent a text to my parents.

Our flight leaves in 4 hours. We won’t bother you again.

As we zipped up our suitcases, I took one last look around the room, memories of our time in Florida flashing through my mind. The laughter, the tears, the moments of love and heartache. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, but through it all, Griiq had been my rock, my anchor in the storm.

We made our way to the airport, our hands intertwined as we navigated the bustling terminals. As we boarded the plane, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness, a longing for the family I was leaving behind. But as Griiq settled into the seat beside me, his hand gently squeezing mine, I knew I was making the right choice.

Chapter 22

Griiq

As we stood in line to board the plane back to Vermont, my heart raced with anticipation. Harlow’s hand felt warm in mine, a reminder of the love and connection we shared. The future stretched out before us, filled with endless possibilities and the promise of a life together.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted behind us. I turned to see Harlow’s parents running towards us, their faces flushed and their breath coming in short gasps. They waved their arms frantically, trying to get our attention.

“Harlow! Griiq! Wait!” her mother called out, her voice carrying over the din of the busy airport.

We stepped out of line, confusion written across our faces. Harlow’s father reached us first, placing a hand on my shoulder as he caught his breath.

“Don’t go,” he said, his eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and urgency. “You need to change your flight.”

Harlow furrowed her brow, glancing between her parents. “What’s going on? We have to get back to Vermont.”

Her mother shook her head, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her lips. “We have a surprise for you both. Come back to our home with us.”

I exchanged a puzzled look with Harlow, unsure of what to make of this unexpected turn of events. Her parents had always been supportive of our relationship, but this sudden request caught us off guard.

“But what about the castle? And Grimsby?” I asked, my mind racing with the responsibilities we had left behind.

Harlow’s father squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. “It can wait. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this.”

I searched Harlow’s eyes, seeking her thoughts on the matter. She smiled softly, her gaze filled with love and trust. “Let’s go with them, Griiq. Whatever the surprise is, it sounds promising.”

My heart swelled with love for this incredible woman who had stood by my side through everything. I nodded, a grin spreading across my face. “Alright, let’s do it.”

We gathered our bags and followed Harlow’s parents out of the airport, leaving the plane and our plans behind us. As we walked, her mother looped her arm through Harlow’s, whispering excitedly about the surprise that awaited us.

The Florida sun beat down on us as we exited the airport, a stark contrast to the cool mountain air we had grown accustomed to. Harlow’s father hailed a taxi, ushering us inside with a knowing smile.

As the taxi pulled up to Harlow’s parents’ home, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The house looked just as I remembered it from our last visit, with its pristine white exterior and immaculate landscaping. Harlow’s hand found mine as we walked up the path, her touch a reassuring presence amid my uncertainty.

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