Page 43 of Moonlight & Matrimony
I reach down to brush a soft curl out of her face, noting the glazed look in Rylin’s eyes. “Daddy took mommy away,” she whispers. Her beautiful blue eyes start to close as I stroke my hand over her back in a soothing motion.
“It’s ok, little one. Your mommy is right here. And I’ll be here too. Go to sleep.”
I look up to find Miles carefully shifting to the edge of the booth. He drops a couple of $50 bills on the table. “I’m gonna head out. Take your time. I’ll see you back at work later.”
“Thanks, man.” He nods before exiting onto Main Street with a quick wave over his shoulder.
“I should get her in the car. Maybe if I drive around for a while, she’ll get a decent nap before we have to head to Chapters.”
“I don’t mind sitting here a while longer,” I say, shifting Rylin so that her head is resting on my lap, her little legs curled up under her in the fetal position. “It’s not exactly a hardship to spend time with you, Ivy.”
“I don’t want to keep you. I’m sure they’ll be wanting you back at the job site soon.”
“Some things are more important than work, sweetheart. This, right here —” I say, gesturing to the sleeping girl on my lap, “ — is one of them.” Her expression sobers and I’m momentarilyconfused, left wondering where I took a wrong turn in our conversation.
“We should talk about last night,” she says, her tone clipped.
“Ok…” Her face is blank, and it feels like I’m walking a very fine line, so I keep my mouth shut, hoping she’ll fill the silence.
“It can’t happen again, Luca. It was…”
“Amazing?” I interject. “Life altering, hot as fuck, mind blowing? Take your pick. I have a laundry list of descriptors, Ivy. But mistake isn’t one of them.” She exhales a stuttered breath and I know I’m not going to like what comes next.
“It was a moment of weakness. It shouldn’t have happened.”
“Like hell, it shouldn’t.” I’m doing my best to keep my frustration from boiling over, but everything she’s saying is churning my gut. I will never regret our night together; the thought that Ivy does causes a prickling sense of unease to stir within me.
“Luca…”
“No, Ivy. You’re not going to sit here and belittle this thing between us. I know you felt it, too.”
“I can’t…” she turns to look out the window, giving me the cold shoulder, and suddenly the pieces start to come together.
I gentle my tone, hoping to set her at ease. “I’m not him, Ivy.”
“I know. I just can’t do this, Luca. We have to keep our attraction out of this. For Rylin.”
“For Rylin. Sure.” I secure my mask of indifference, shifting Rylin into my arms. “Let’s get this little one to the car.”
“Luca. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Let’s go.”
It’s probably for the best, anyway. Eventually, everybody leaves. I can’t afford to get attached.
Luca, 2 years ago
The restaurant is bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. I can hardly contain my nerves as I fidget with the velvet box in my pocket. Everything has been meticulously planned out — from the bouquet of her favorite lilies to the classic princess cut diamond in my pocket.
Sienna’s smile is as radiant as ever when she walks in, her satin dress flowing over her curves like liquid gold. Her bronze skin glowing in the candlelight. When she reaches the table, I place a soft kiss on her cheek, as I inhale her familiar citrus scent — I know how she feels about me messing up her lipstick. She slips into the chair opposite me, her eyes sparkling with a familiar affection.
Having been together for four years, the evening is effortless — like slipping on your favorite sweater. But beneath the surface, my heart is thundering in my chest. I’ve rehearsed this moment a hundred times in my head, and now it’s finally here.
After the main course, I decide it’s time. I signal the approaching server to give us a moment while I slip the box from my pocket. As I open it, revealing the ring, her eyes widen.
“Sienna,” I begin, my voice trembling slightly despite my attempts to steady it, “I’ve loved you for four years. You are the other half of my heart, and I can’t imagine my life without you. You’re my best friend, and I would love nothing more than to call you my wife. Will you marry me?”
For a split second, I catch a flicker of something in her eyes — something I didn’t anticipate — fear. But it doesn’t make sense. She inhales a shaky breath, her face contorting into a look of apprehension that sends my thoughts spiraling.
