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