Page 35 of Seeking Shadows

“We’re gonna have a picnic!” she announces, her voice high with excitement, like I’ve just discovered the meaning of life.

“A picnic?” I repeat, incredulity oozing from my words. "Are you serious? After everything? You want me to... sit on the grass with a sandwich and—what, some grapes or something?"

She ignores my sarcasm, already walking away towards the car like she knows exactly what she’s doing. “Yes! I’ve never had a picnic before! And it’scriminalthat I’ve missed out on this basic joy of life. The fresh air, the sun, the cute little blanket—oh, and the sandwiches! We’re doing it.”

I stand there for a second, arms crossed, mentally tallying up all the reasons this is ridiculous.

Then I look over at her, already jumping around the trunk like an over-caffeinated squirrel. And, goddammit, she’s smiling like she’s about to save the world with a blanket and a couple of snack packs. It’s impossible to stay mad at her when she’s like this.

"You're so weird," I mutter, mostly to myself, but she hears me and gives me an exaggerated gasp.

“Iamweird,” she says dramatically, raising an eyebrow and striking a pose. "Yeah, said the ex who's trying to disguise himself as a crime leader with zero criminal attitude. So there's no point in continuing with this. We can get frustrated another day. Right now, I’m hungry," Mia declares, giving me a dramatic sigh as if she's solving world peace.

"Husband," I correct, a smirk tugging at my lips.

"Husband," she echoes back, her voice high-pitched and playful, like a child teasing.

I narrow my eyes at her. "You are an annoying and ill-mannered brat."

She smirks. "You are a complete idiot."

I roll my eyes. "Maybe, but at least I'm trying."

"Well then, stop," she says with a tone that sounds like she’s giving me permission to stop being such a mess.

"No," I reply, my chin raised. "Because I made you a promise, I promised I wouldn’t leave you alone in this, and unlike you, I keep my promises."

She squints at me like she’s deciding whether to throw something at my face or give me a high five. Then, in a move that’s surprisingly sweet, she takes a white bracelet from her hand and slips it onto my wrist.

"This is our peace bracelet," Mia says, her voice soft. "You bought it for me when we were in Tokyo."

I instantly remember that moment—her face lighting up when she saw the white dahlia on it. She'd been so happy, and I couldn’t help but smile at the memory. It’s funny, how something so small could feel so big.

"Can we have a truce? Just for today?" she asks, her tone changing to something a little softer.

I look at her, considering the option. It’s hard to stay mad at her, especially with her giving me that look.

"Fine," I say, and before I can add anything, she grins, all mischievous energy coming back full force.

"Yesss!" she exclaims, jumping up and down. "Picnic time!"

I can’t help but let out a laugh. The idea of sitting on the grass and actually enjoying a moment instead of trying to beat each other into submission starts to sound… well, kinda nice.

Mia just grins, already pulling out a ridiculous picnic blanket covered in pastel flowers.

And that’s when I notice them. A small pile of ridiculous animal hats sitting on the picnic blanket like they’ve been waiting for us this whole time. There’s a frog, a panda, something that looks like a very confused duck. I stare.

“I’m not wearing one of those stupid hats.”

Mia beams, already grabbing the frog one and jamming it on her head. “It’s tradition now,” she declares like this is some ancient rite passed down through generations. “No picnic is complete without questionable fashion choices.”

I shake my head, but a smile tugs at my lips anyway. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And yet, here you are,” she says, tossing me the duck.

I follow her reluctantly, knowing damn well that despite all the chaos, moments like this might just be the reason I can’t pull away from her.

CHAPTER 8

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