Page 55 of Rogue’s Reckoning

It's a picture from Wren's last birthday. She's beaming at the camera, her dark curls framing her face, eyes sparkling with joy. She's wearing a princess dress and has frosting smeared across her cheek.

Rogue's breath catches audibly as he looks at the image. His eyes drink in every detail, a mixture of wonder and pain crossing his face.

"She's beautiful," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "She looks just like you."

I can't help but shake my head slightly. "She has your eyes," I say softly, surprising myself with the admission.

Rogue looks up at me, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you," he says earnestly. "For showing me this. For giving me a chance."

I nod, putting my phone away. "I haven't decided anything yet," I remind him. "But I'll be in touch once I've had time to think and talk to Wren."

As we stand to leave, Rogue hesitates. "Willow," he says, his voice low, "I know I have no right to ask this, but... are you happy? Have you found someone who treats you the way you deserve?"

The question catches me off guard. "I'm... content," I answer carefully. "Wren is my priority. I haven't really thought about dating."

Rogue nods, a mixture of relief and sadness in his eyes. "You deserve to be happy, Little Flower," he says softly, using the old nickname that sends a jolt through my heart.

I don't respond, unsure of what to say. Instead, I gather my things and head for the door. Rogue follows, maintaining a respectful distance.

Outside the café, we stand awkwardly for a moment.

"Thank you again for meeting me," Rogue says. "I know it couldn't have been easy."

I nod. "It wasn't," I admit. "But maybe it was necessary."

As I turn to leave, Rogue calls out one last time. "Willow?"

I look back at him.

"I meant what I said in the letter. I'm proud of you. For everything you've accomplished, for the mother you've become. You're incredible."

His words stir something in me, a mixture of pain and longing that I thought I'd buried long ago. I give him a small nod before turning away, unable to trust my voice.

As I walk to my car, my mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Meeting Rogue again has brought up feelings I thought I'd dealt with, memories I'd tried to forget. But it's also shown me a side of him I wasn't sure still existed—the caring, remorseful man I once loved.

SIXTEEN

ROGUE

My heart is pounding as I pull up to the park. This is it. After five long years, I'm finally going to meet my daughter.

I spot Willow sitting on a bench near the playground, Wren playing on the swings nearby. My breath catches in my throat as I watch her, her dark curls bouncing as she swings higher and higher. She's even more beautiful than in the picture Willow showed me.

Willow sees me approach and stands, her body tense. I can't blame her for being wary.

"Hey," I say softly as I reach them. "Thanks for letting me come."

Willow nods, her eyes never leaving Wren. "Remember what we talked about," she says. "You're just a friend for now."

"I understand," I assure her.

Willow calls Wren over, and I feel my heart skip a beat as my daughter runs toward us. She looks at me curiously, her big eyes—my eyes—taking me in.

"Wren, honey," Willow says, kneeling down to her level, "this is my friend, Rogue. He wanted to meet you."

"Hi, Wren," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "It's nice to meet you."

Wren looks up at me, a shy smile on her face. "Hi," she says. "Do you want to see me go down the big slide?"

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