- 17 minutes ago
Too Late, Alpha—I'm Having His Baby - FULL
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Short filmTranscript
00:00At my wedding three years ago, Rebecca threw out a dare bet Rowan wouldn't walk out on me right then
00:04and there.
00:05He did, to help her win.
00:06I know you're a good girl. You won't hold this against Rebecca.
00:10Wait for me at home. I'll give you a proper wedding.
00:14Poor Lydia. She'll be kicked to the curb any day now.
00:17Rebecca actually reached over and pulled the veil off my head.
00:20Still smiling, she walked out with him.
00:23I slipped off my engagement ring, set it down, and left with my head held high, back to my own
00:29people.
00:30Three years later, Rowan showed up at the border of my territory, with a wedding convoy and a diamond ring,
00:35making a whole scene.
00:36Still mad at me? I'm here to make good on my promise.
00:41Excuse me. My alpha is waiting to escort me to the moon goddess Alton.
00:46Seriously? Is that a pillow under there? What is this, some kind of joke?
00:50I met his gaze without flinching.
00:53Rowan, move.
00:54He'd blocked the entire border with nine white carriages.
00:57A hawk circled overhead, carrying a massive banner with my name on it.
01:01It's been three years, I figured you'd be over it by now.
01:04Look, I don't do drama, but for you, I gave you three whole years.
01:07That's me being patient.
01:08I stared at those roses.
01:10Three years ago, on my birthday, he'd sent roses too.
01:13I'd gone into an asthma attack and nearly collapsed.
01:15Don't like them? Rebecca picked them out herself.
01:17The least you could do is take them.
01:19I'm married, and I'm five months pregnant.
01:25You really went there, huh?
01:27Making up stories just to get back at me?
01:30You never got your ceremony three years ago.
01:33Consider this me fixing that.
01:34I looked at that ring and felt absolutely nothing.
01:38Put it on. Tomorrow we pick out a dress.
01:40This time, I'm not going anywhere.
01:43Three years ago, he walked out of our wedding for a dare from Rebecca.
01:47In front of everyone, Rebecca ripped my veil off my head in front of the whole crowd.
01:51That night, I took off my wedding dress alone, cut it into pieces, and threw it in the trash.
01:56That was the moment Rowan's name died inside me.
02:00No thank you.
02:01He reached out to grab my wrist.
02:03I turned just enough.
02:04Lydia, don't push it.
02:06My patience isn't unlimited.
02:08Who exactly are you performing for right now?
02:10Hey Rowan, you busy?
02:13Rowan, did you find Lydia?
02:15I'm not feeling great.
02:17My head's spinning.
02:18Take something for it, baby.
02:19I'm bringing her back soon.
02:20Rebecca's sick, and she's still thinking about you.
02:22Can you try, just try, not to be so hostile towards her?
02:26What happened three years ago was just a joke.
02:28She was young.
02:29She didn't know better.
02:30Why are you still holding on to that?
02:32Rowan, my husband is waiting for me at the Moon Goddess Temple.
02:35We have a blessing ceremony.
02:37Get out of my way.
02:38So you're seriously going to keep this up?
02:39You're going to spin this whole lie just to make me grovel?
02:42A lie?
02:43Sure.
02:43Think whatever you want.
02:45Which temple?
02:46I'll take you myself.
02:49I want to see exactly which nobody you dragged into this little performance.
02:53Let go.
02:55Lydia, don't make me say it twice.
02:58My driver and attendants went rigid with panic.
03:01Sir.
03:01I stayed calm.
03:02If you want to come, come.
03:04He looked at me, then at Rowan, hesitating.
03:07The Alpha gave orders to keep you safe, my lady.
03:09Shut up, driver.
03:11The driver's fist tightened, but at my nod.
03:14You used to cry over a needle prick, and now you're walking around with a fake belly just
03:18to spite me?
03:19You can take the pillow out.
03:21Aren't you hot?
03:22I closed my eyes and ignored him completely.
03:25Thirty minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of the moon goddess temple.
03:29The temple was quiet and open.
03:31I walked through the corridor, picking a few white lily of the valley to offer at the altar.
03:36I'll give you this.
03:36You're committed to the bit.
03:37We were nearly at the altar doors, when a figure stepped out from behind one of the
03:42pillars.
03:43Rowan!
03:43Lydia, I've been looking everywhere for you two.
03:46I heard the news.
03:48Congratulations, Lydia.
03:50I had to come in person.
03:52The pollen hit me before she even finished the sentence.
03:55Rowan's brow snapped together.
03:58She's allergic to pollen.
03:59Back up.
04:00Rebecca bit her lip, the picture of remorse.
04:03I'm so sorry, Lydia.
04:04I completely forgot.
04:05I was just so excited for you.
04:07Though, Lydia, isn't this all a little fast?
04:10You didn't just grab some random guy to get back at Rowan, did you?
04:14And where is this alpha of yours?
04:16A ceremony this important?
04:17Shouldn't he be here with you?
04:18Unless he's the kind of man who just leaves you to handle things alone.
04:22A mate is probably just busy.
04:25Hired help can only do so much.
04:27He was waiting for me to crack.
04:29Waiting for me to admit there was no one coming.
04:31I looked at the two of them.
04:33This is the man I loved for seven years.
04:35He watched someone humiliate me and didn't just stand there.
04:37He joined in.
04:38Excuse me, is Ms. Lydia here?
04:41Carrying a moonstone used for blessing ceremonies.
04:45Here.
04:45The prenatal blessing ritual requires a family member to be present with the mother.
04:49Which of you is her family?
04:52I am.
04:53He's not.
04:56The priestess froze.
04:58Lydia!
04:58Rowan's hand already reaching for the moonstone.
05:01Stop.
05:02This is a temple, not the place for your little performance.
05:04I don't know these people.
05:05They followed me here.
05:06My alpha's on his way.
05:07He'll be here shortly.
05:08Of course.
05:08Please wait just outside.
05:10A few parts of the ceremony do require your partner to be present.
05:16Strangers.
05:17Three years and you've got real nerve.
05:18You're calling me a stranger now?
05:19Rowan, don't.
05:21Lydia, are you still holding on to what happened three years ago?
05:24That joke?
05:25I just made a little bet with Rowan.
05:27To live things up.
05:28That's all it was.
05:29I didn't think you'd be so sensitive about it.
05:31I didn't think you'd actually leave.
05:33You think using my wedding as a gambling chard was just a joke?
05:36Grinding mud into my dress?
05:38Tearing the veil off my head in front of everyone?
05:40That was a joke?
05:41And you?
05:42Walking out of our wedding in front of every single person we knew?
05:45Leaving me standing there alone?
05:46Was that a joke too?
05:49Rebecca buried her face in her hands and ducked behind Rowan.
05:53He stepped in front of her without hesitation.
05:56Arm out like a shield.
05:57Enough!
05:58Rebecca was spoiled growing up.
06:00She doesn't always think before she acts.
06:03You're older than her, Lydia.
06:04Can't you just be the bigger person?
06:07This is such a small thing to carry for three years.
06:10You were never this petty before.
06:12I stared at him.
06:13Before.
06:15I stayed up for two weeks straight planning that wedding.
06:17I hand-embroided his name into the cuffs of my dress.
06:21I waited until two in the morning for him to come try on his suit.
06:24He never showed.
06:26Didn't even apologize.
06:27I thought marriage would be the beginning of something.
06:30Instead, he threw it away for her without a second.
06:33Thought.
06:33Rowan, do you actually believe that if you just crook your finger, I'll come crawling back?
06:39No limits?
06:40No dignity?
06:41Just grateful you bothered?
06:43Something shifted behind his eyes.
06:45I never said that.
06:47I just think you didn't need to go marry some random guy to get back at me.
06:51This so-called husband of yours can't even show up to a moon goddess blessing on time.
06:57You really think he treats you better than I would?
06:59You get cold easily.
07:02You like sweet things.
07:04You can't stand anything bitter.
07:07Does he even know that?
07:08Looked at him.
07:09This man who thought knowing my coffee order made him irreplaceable.
07:12He knows all of it.
07:13Said.
07:14And he would never let me face something painful alone.
07:18The altar doors opened again.
07:20Miss Lydia.
07:21This is the fetal health record from your last visit.
07:24Could you confirm the information is correct?
07:25She handed it to me.
07:27Rowan, with his height, caught a glimpse before I could shield it.
07:30His eyes locked onto the signature line.
07:32The space reserved for a spouse.
07:34There was a name there.
07:36Old, unmistakable cursive.
07:38Man's name.
07:41You forged a signature in a temple?
07:44You know, lying before the moon goddess brings divine punishment.
07:46Back off.
07:47This is my private medical record.
07:49Have you lost your mind?
07:50Fine.
07:51Fine.
07:52Let's see what this husband of yours actually looks like.
07:56Rebecca.
07:57A gasp.
07:58Her ankle twisted.
08:00Watching sideways, a straight toward me.
08:02He saw it happen, and my hands moved on their own.
08:05Her arms wrapped around my stomach.
08:06The impact came anyway.
08:08My lower back slammed into the stone pillar behind me.
08:11Pain spread in waves.
08:12Old sweat broke across my forehead.
08:15My grip on the pillar was the only thing keeping me upright.
08:18I slid to the ground.
08:21Lydia!
08:21Rowan's voice cracked.
08:22He didn't move toward me.
08:24I didn't mean to.
08:25I just lost my balance.
08:26I'm sorry.
08:26I'm so sorry.
08:27He looked over her head at me.
08:29Lydia, you knew she rolled her ankle.
08:31Why didn't you catch her?
08:32Why did you dodge?
08:33You fell over from a bump?
08:35Really?
08:35I couldn't speak.
08:37Cold dread settled over me that had nothing to do with the pain.
08:40The priestess came running.
08:42What happened?
08:42Why is the mother on the-
08:44She took one look at my face.
08:45I need help out here!
08:46Signs of threatened miscarriage!
08:48The corridor erupted.
08:49Two priestesses in white came.
08:51They lifted me carefully, efficiently.
08:53Rowan finally let go of Rebecca.
08:54Something close to panic breaking through the surface.
08:57Lydia!
08:58Hey.
08:59Talk to me.
09:00I kept my eyes closed.
09:02Had nothing to say to him.
09:03Rowan followed, keeping pace.
09:05Family members, please wait here.
09:06The patient requires emergency intervention.
09:08We need next of key authorization.
09:09Please sign the risk disclosure form immediately.
09:11Voice cut through the corridor.
09:13Rowan.
09:14On what authority are you signing anything for my Luna?
09:19Eyes that looked straight through him like he wasn't worth the effort.
09:23Who are you?
09:24Rick didn't look at him.
09:24Simply lifted the clipboard from Rowan's grip and turned to the priestess.
09:28I'm her husband, Drake.
09:31Marriage certificate.
09:33Proof of registration.
09:34Everything you need.
09:35Priestess checked quickly.
09:36Alpha Drake, please sign as quickly as you can.
09:38Please, make sure my Luna and my child are safe.
09:41Rowan stood where he'd been left.
09:43Fury building quietly behind his eyes.
09:45So you're the actor she hired.
09:47Not bad.
09:48Fake documents and everything.
09:49I'm almost impressed.
09:51Whatever she's paying you, I'll double it.
09:54Walk away.
09:55Now.
09:57Rowan.
09:57If you're not using your brain, consider donating it.
09:59Someone out there could actually use it.
10:01Who lies in front of the moon goddess?
10:02In her own temple?
10:04Then again, you're the one who treated his own wedding ceremony like a joke.
10:07I suppose that's the lens you see everything through.
10:09Who the hell do you think you are?
10:11His hand came up.
10:14The examination room door opened.
10:20The elder priestess stepped out and removed her mask.
10:23The mother has stabilized.
10:24No major bleeding.
10:25The baby is safe.
10:26Alpha, your Luna sustained both emotional shock and a direct impact to the lower back.
10:31She'll need to stay for monitoring and treatment.
10:38Lydia.
10:39It's okay.
10:41You're okay.
10:43I'm all right, sweetheart.
10:45He stared at our joined hands like he'd been struck.
10:47Lydia, what did you just call him?
10:49He stepped in front of me in one smooth motion.
10:51Rowan, compose yourself.
10:53If you take one more step towards my wife, I'll have the guards here before you finish the thought.
10:58Please don't misunderstand.
11:00Rowan just cares about Lydia so much.
11:02I tripped and bumped into her by accident.
11:05He panicked, that's all.
11:08Accident.
11:13Every corner of this temple is recorded by Moonstone Crystal.
11:17I will review all of it.
11:18Anyone who deliberately harmed my wife will spend the rest of their life regretting it.
11:25Rebecca's face went white.
11:28You're making things up!
11:29I tripped!
11:31Rowan, tell him!
11:32Tell him I didn't do it on purpose!
11:34His hands trembled at his sides, though he was fighting hard to hold himself together.
11:39Lydia, do you have anything to say to me?
11:42Certainty in his eyes was almost frightening.
11:45Don't use him to punish me.
11:47You can't actually love someone else.
11:49That's not possible.
11:52You confessed to me before your coming-of-age ceremony.
11:55When I was hurt, you burned your wrists brewing medicine for me all night.
11:59You told me you'd never marry anyone but me.
12:02You chose every single thing at our wedding.
12:04The venue, the invitations, the ribbon on every single gift bag.
12:07You did that.
12:08You loved me for seven years.
12:10How could you give that up in three?
12:11How could you just come?
12:12Not love me!
12:15Like my past devotion was proof, I owed him a future.
12:19Rowan, I did love you.
12:22Deeply.
12:23I loved you past the point of dignity.
12:26I loved you through every time you made me feel invisible.
12:29I knew it!
12:30Something lit up in his eyes.
12:31But the moment you walked out of that reception hall for Rebecca's dare, I stopped.
12:35Light went out.
12:40A dress can be washed, but when your heart dies, it's dead.
12:44You think these three years I was waiting for you to come apologize?
12:48I wasn't waiting for anything.
12:49I was spending those three years cutting you out of my life, piece by piece, until there
12:53was nothing left.
12:54I felt like it was hitting him for the very first time.
12:56I wasn't throwing a tantrum.
12:58I was done.
12:58Actually, completely, permanently done.
13:00No.
13:02You're just angry that I never came to find you.
13:05I spoke.
13:05His voice was quiet.
13:06Each word landed like a stone.
13:08Rowan, do you know what her life actually looked like these past three years?
13:13She packed up every single thing from that wedding alone and threw it all off a cliff.
13:17For the six months after that, she couldn't sleep without bitter herbal medicine, every
13:20night.
13:22During the worst of it, when she was most broken, you weren't just absent, you were on vacation
13:27with Rebecca.
13:28You didn't lose three years.
13:30You destroyed every last hope she had in you with your own hands.
13:35She built herself back up.
13:36She has a family now, a real one.
13:38What gives you the right to show up here wearing that expression on your face?
13:41Rowan stood frozen, his mouth opened, then came out and was just standing beside Drake.
13:46Quietly, his hand in mine.
13:49Wyn's eyes went red at the edges.
13:51That unshakable confidence.
13:53The arrogance that had always told him I was his.
13:56That I'd always come back.
13:57Cracked.
13:58Visibly.
13:59The first time.
14:01The corridor was silent.
14:03Rowan stared at Drake.
14:05Both fists clenched at his sides.
14:07Then something moved behind his eyes.
14:09Drake.
14:12I remember you.
14:13You're the one she ran into on that hunting trip.
14:16Three years ago, I'd fallen in the forest and hurt myself.
14:19Drake found me.
14:20And he brought me back to the territory.
14:22Rowan had been there, looking Drake up and down with open contempt.
14:26Nobody.
14:27What pack is he even from?
14:28Back then, Rowan had believed that being the heir to Silvercrest Pack made him the most important person in any
14:34room.
14:34Never looked twice at anyone he deemed beneath him.
14:37So it was you.
14:39You weaseled your way into her life and called it love.
14:44What is this?
14:45You think picking up someone I discarded makes you better than me?
14:48Drake didn't take the bait.
14:50Two corrections.
14:52First, I didn't wedge myself in to enter you anything.
14:55There was nothing left between you two for me to interrupt.
14:58Second, Lydia wasn't someone you threw away.
15:02She's someone who chose to leave.
15:04Three years ago, the night of the ruined wedding, was still in my dress.
15:08The hem dark with mud from Rebecca's shoes, sitting alone at the edge of the forest near the territory border.
15:14Drake found me.
15:15Didn't ask what happened.
15:16Didn't ask where Rowan was.
15:18Just took off his cloak and put it around my shoulders.
15:20Then he held out a handkerchief.
15:22If you want to go, I'll go with you.
15:25He meant it.
15:26The three years that followed, he helped me move away from every place that held a memory of Rowan.
15:30When I got into trouble on the road, he rode through the night to fix it.
15:35When I got sick, he sat beside my bed for two days straight without being asked.
15:39Never asked for anything in return.
15:41He was just there, steady, constant, like a wall I didn't know I needed until I leaned against him.
15:46A year ago, I was the one who proposed.
15:49I pursued him.
15:50I asked him to marry me.
15:52That was my choice.
15:55It took him two full years to make me believe in love again.
15:58Rowan swayed on his feet.
15:59You proposed to him?
16:01Lydia?
16:02You threw away your entire future just to get back at me?
16:04He still couldn't accept it.
16:06He'd rather believe I was playing a game than admit I had genuinely, completely moved on.
16:10I pulled out the parchment from earlier and unfolded it slowly.
16:13Kind of easy, unguarded happiness I had never once felt with Rowan.
16:16We've been married for a year.
16:18I watched the color leave his face.
16:21Save the grand gestures for Rebecca.
16:23That's who they belong to.
16:25To me, you're just a stranger harassing a pregnant woman.
16:27Then, something in him simply gave out.
16:30What?
16:31Lydia, why didn't you wait?
16:32I was only three years late.
16:34I thought you were still angry.
16:35I thought you just needed time.
16:36I brought the pink diamond you love.
16:38I bought out every screen on the building to propose to you.
16:40I had the license paperwork ready for tomorrow.
16:41What gave you the right to not wait for me?
16:46He was unraveling.
16:47Anger and panic tangled together, looking for somewhere to land.
16:52What gave me the right?
16:53Three years ago, when you walked out of that reception hall laughing, did you think about
16:57me for even a second?
16:58When everyone started mocking me and whispering, did you say one word on my behalf?
17:02When Rebecca ground her shoes into my dress and left mud all over the head, did you bend
17:05down and wiped it off?
17:07You didn't.
17:08Not only did you not do any of that, you told me to go home and wait for you.
17:13Rowan, what made you think I owed my life to a man who humiliated me in front of everyone
17:18I knew?
17:20Alpha, Luna.
17:22Temple surveillance.
17:23Hold the full recording.
17:25Rebecca had been walking perfectly fine.
17:27Then, the moment she got close enough, a deliberate twist of the ankle and her entire
17:31body launched toward me.
17:32No!
17:34No, that's not what it looked like!
17:37You turned to Rebecca slowly.
17:38You did it on purpose.
17:45Rowan, I'm sorry.
17:46I was jealous.
17:49Rebecca dropped to her knees.
17:50I wasn't thinking.
17:52I didn't actually want to hurt her.
17:54Drake's voice cut through the room like a blade.
17:56Zayn, arrest her.
18:02Hesitation.
18:03And sent both recordings to every elder and allied party in Silvergrest Pack.
18:07The temple footage from today, and the wedding footage from three years ago.
18:12What wedding footage?
18:13Rowan's head snapped up.
18:16I reached into my pocket and pulled out a smaller crystal orb.
18:20Pressed it gently.
18:21The image bloomed in the air between us.
18:25Three years ago, my wedding day.
18:28Rebecca throwing out her dare.
18:29And the bat.
18:30Voice bright and laughing.
18:31When walking away without looking back.
18:33I looked at Rowan.
18:35You thought my silence back then meant I'd given up.
18:37I was waiting.
18:39I was waiting for the right moment to let it all come out.
18:42Rowan!
18:43What have you done?
18:45That video is everywhere.
18:47Our allies are reaching out.
18:48They want to know if it's real!
18:52Lydia!
18:52You're a married woman!
18:54Why are you still dragging my son into your mess?
18:57Are you determined to destroy everything Silverfawn Pack has built?
19:02Alice had never thought much of me.
19:04I opened my mouth to respond.
19:06A voice drifted down the corridor.
19:08My Alice.
19:10Quite an entrance.
19:11And carrying an authority that filled the space.
19:15Diana wore a simple, elegant gown.
19:18She came straight to me.
19:19Both hands took mine.
19:21Lydia, sweetheart.
19:22Still hurting?
19:23What did the elder priestess say?
19:25She didn't speak to anyone else until she was satisfied.
19:28I was all right.
19:29My daughter-in-law is pregnant.
19:30Your Pax people put her in the emergency ward.
19:33Deliberately.
19:33And instead of a single word of accountability,
19:36you come here to point fingers in a temple.
19:39Alice blinked.
19:40She clearly hadn't recognized Diana.
19:43And who exactly are you?
19:45This is between Silvercrest Pack-
19:46This is my mother.
19:48Diana.
19:48Lady of Shadow Moon Pack.
19:53She reached into her bag and produced a notepad.
19:56Scratched out a number.
19:57Tore it free.
20:01She extended the paper with both hands.
20:04Diana, you know how young people are.
20:06They got carried away.
20:07No real harm meant.
20:07This is for Lydia.
20:08A gesture of goodwill.
20:10As for the recordings,
20:11for the sake of everyone's reputation,
20:12perhaps we could come to an-
20:14Alice.
20:15Shadow Moon Pack doesn't need your money.
20:17We need justice.
20:20Lydia.
20:21However you want to handle this,
20:23Drake and I will follow your lead.
20:25Whatever comes,
20:27Shadow Moon Pack has your back.
20:29I won't be settling.
20:34I want Rebecca to face real consequences for what she did.
20:37And I want Rowan to answer for his arrogance
20:39every last bit of it.
20:42Rebecca completely fell apart.
20:45She clawed at Alice's skirt.
20:46Voice gone wild.
20:48Alice, please!
20:50I can't go to jail, please!
20:52Alice wrenched herself free.
20:54The look on her face, pure revulsion.
20:57The guards came.
20:58Rebecca was escorted out, still screaming.
21:01Alice didn't linger.
21:03She slipped away quietly,
21:04already working out how to handle the public fallout from the video.
21:08The corridor emptied.
21:10Only Rowan remained.
21:11He stood alone, looking at Drake and me.
21:13His eyes were red.
21:15His voice, when it finally came,
21:18was barely audible.
21:20Lydia.
21:21Dropped his head.
21:22For the first time in all the years I'd known him,
21:24that proud neck bent.
21:26Tears slid down his face.
21:28I was wrong.
21:29I was completely wrong.
21:31I thought you just needed a way back without losing face.
21:34I thought we had the rest of our lives...
21:36I stepped forward,
21:37reached for my hand.
21:39Drake blocked him without a word.
21:41I looked at Rowan,
21:43at that gutted, too late expression,
21:45and felt absolutely nothing.
21:48Rowan, my voice was quiet.
21:50You still don't get it?
21:52Clear.
21:54I don't need a wedding.
21:56I don't need an apology to hide behind.
21:59I looked at him one last time.
22:02I just don't want you.
22:03That's all.
22:06Turned and took Drake's arm.
22:08Drake's whole face changed.
22:09Sweetheart, let's go back.
22:11The baby just kicked.
22:12The cold dropped away instantly.
22:15His hand steadied me.
22:17Easy.
22:18Slow down.
22:19The priestess said you need rest.
22:20Walked toward the recovery room together,
22:23side by side,
22:24and never looked back.
22:26I heard later
22:27that Rebecca was convicted
22:29of intentional assault
22:30on a pregnant woman.
22:32Fined, detained,
22:33reputation in ruins.
22:34Silver press packed
22:35enriched allies
22:36in the wake of the video.
22:38Rowan spent months
22:38scrambling to do damage control,
22:40watching his pack standing
22:42crumble in real time.
22:43He stood at my territory border
22:45for a full week,
22:46sent letters,
22:47sent gifts,
22:48mountains of them.
22:49I had the guards
22:49throw every single
22:50one in the trash
22:51without opening them.
22:52Four months later,
22:53I gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
22:55Drake never left my side.
22:56Deanna brought in
22:57the best healers
22:58and hovered over me
22:59like I was made of glass,
23:00but in the best possible way.
23:03The day I was fully recovered,
23:05Drake and I went back
23:06to the temple together
23:07to offer thanks
23:08to the moon goddess.
23:10Three years later,
23:11in the forest,
23:12Drake and I were helping
23:13our daughter pick berries
23:14from the bushes
23:14along the trail.
23:15She'd zeroed in
23:16on a fat red raspberry
23:17and was absolutely
23:19delighted with herself.
23:20Just plucked it for her
23:21when I caught movement
23:22at the edge of my vision.
23:23Rowan,
23:24he was standing
23:25half hidden in the trees.
23:26His shirt was wrinkled.
23:28He'd lost weight.
23:29The easy confidence
23:30that used to come off him
23:31like a second skin,
23:32gone.
23:33His eyes were fixed
23:34on the three of us,
23:35feet rooted to the spot
23:36like he wanted
23:37to come forward.
23:39Looked at him
23:39for one second,
23:40then I looked away.
23:42My daughter tugged
23:43my sleeve,
23:43small voice curious.
23:46Mommy,
23:47why is that man crying?
23:49He smoothed her hair
23:51and smiled,
23:52squeezing Drake's hand.
23:55Hmm,
23:56no idea.
23:57Maybe his mom
23:58never picked berries
23:59with him.
24:00Three of us walked on,
24:01laughing,
24:02talking,
24:03disappearing down the path,
24:04and Rowan stayed
24:05exactly where he was,
24:06frozen three years
24:07too late,
24:08at a wedding that had
24:09already ended
24:09a long time ago.
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