Page 92 of Just a Distraction

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.

Epilogue

Milo

One and a Half Years Later

“Ice cream at a time like this?”

Rose startles and tosses me a glance over her shoulder. “You’re supposed to be helping Callum with his suit.”

“I did. It’s done.”

I chuckle as I watch her lick a drip off one of the ice cream cones as she hands me the other one. She leans back against the countertop of the kitchenette in our Los Angeles hotel suite.

I wrap her up in a hug with my free arm and start licking up the drips off my cone.

“As much as I love the spontaneity…why are we eating ice cream right now? Callum’s going to want some but he’s dressed and ready to go…”

“I gave him his when you were with your brothers.” She plants a swift kiss on my cheek before pulling back so she can see my expression. “Well, where is he? I want to see my little prince.”

“The little prince is working on his shoes,” I explain, leaning past her and tearing a paper towel off the roll behind her. The length of her is glued to me, and here and now, in her incredible purple, sage, and gold dress, I feel the nerves start to dissipate for the first time in weeks. I run the paper towel under the faucet and then lightly wipe the dab of ice cream off the corner of her rosebud mouth.

“He’s putting on his new shoes by himself?”

I raise my brows in the air. “Are you surprised?”

“I know he always wants to do it himself now, but they’re brand new and haven’t been worked in yet.”

She’s right, he’s never worn them before. That’s because we bought him a new pair of shiny, black dress shoes to go with his purple suit, which consists of a blazer, vest, slacks and bow tie—all in Willy Wonka purple. We let him choose the color, since he’s three years old and he needs as many choices as we can give him. But the purple was a great choice, since the cover ofZehma of the Night Lochis the exact shade. Somehow, after much searching, Rose was able to find a dress in those exact colors as well. As for me, my classic black tux and gold and sage tie is fine.

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