- 1 hour ago
Too Late, Alpha—i'm Having His Baby Billionaire Romance
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00:00At my wedding three years ago, Rebecca threw out a dare bet Rowan wouldn't walk out on me right then
00:05and there.
00:05He did, to help her win.
00:07I 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.
00:15Poor Lydia. She'll be kicked to the curb any day now.
00:17Rebecca actually reached over and pulled the veil off my head.
00:21Still smiling, she walked out with him.
00:24I slipped off my engagement ring, set it down, and left with my head held high.
00:29Back to my own people.
00:30Three years later, Rowan showed up at the border of my territory with a wedding convoy and a diamond ring,
00:36making a whole scene.
00:37Still mad at me? I'm here to make good on my promise.
00:42Excuse me. My alpha is waiting to escort me to the moon goddess Alton.
00:47Seriously? Is that a pillow under there? What is this, some kind of joke?
00:51I met his gaze without flinching.
00:54Rowan, move.
00:55He blocked the entire border with nine white carriages.
00:58A hawk circled overhead, carrying a massive banner with my name on it.
01:03It's been three years. I figured you'd be over it by now.
01:05Look, I don't do drama.
01:06But for you, I gave you three whole years.
01:08That's me being patient.
01:10I stared at those roses.
01:11Three years ago, on my birthday, he'd sent roses too.
01:14I'd gone into an asthma attack and nearly collapsed.
01:17Don't like them?
01:17Rebecca picked them out herself.
01:18The least you could do is take them.
01:21I'm married.
01:22And I'm five months pregnant.
01:26You really went there, huh?
01:28Making up stories just to get back at me?
01:32You never got your ceremony three years ago.
01:34Consider this me fixing that.
01:36I looked at that ring and felt absolutely nothing.
01:39Put it on.
01:40Tomorrow we pick out a dress.
01:42This time, I'm not going anywhere.
01:45Three years ago, he walked out of our wedding for a dare for Rebecca in front of everyone.
01:50Rebecca ripped my veil off my head in front of the whole crowd.
01:54That night, I took off my wedding dress alone, cut it into pieces, and threw it in the trash.
01:59That was the moment Rowan's name died inside me.
02:02No thank you.
02:03He reached out to grab my wrist.
02:05I turned just enough.
02:06Lydia, don't push it.
02:08My patience isn't unlimited.
02:10Who exactly are you performing for right now?
02:12Hey Rowan, you busy?
02:16Rowan, did you find Lydia?
02:18I'm not feeling great.
02:19My head's spinning.
02:20Take something for it, baby.
02:21I'm bringing her back soon.
02:22Rebecca's sick, and she's still thinking about you.
02:25Can you try, just try, not to be so hostile towards her?
02:28What happened three years ago was just a joke.
02:31She was young.
02:32She didn't know better.
02:32Why are you still holding on to that?
02:35Rowan, my husband is waiting for me at the Moon Goddess Temple.
02:38We have a blessing ceremony.
02:40Get out of my way.
02:41So you're seriously going to keep this up?
02:42You're going to spin this whole lie just to make me grovel?
02:44A lie?
02:45Sure.
02:46Think whatever you want.
02:48Which temple?
02:49I'll take you myself.
02:52I want to see exactly which nobody you dragged into this little performance.
02:56Let go.
02:58Lydia, don't make me say it twice.
03:01My driver and attendants went rigid with panic.
03:04I stayed calm.
03:05If you want to come, come.
03:07He looked at me, then at Rowan, hesitating.
03:10The Alpha gave orders to keep you safe, my lady.
03:12Shut up, driver.
03:14The driver's fist tightened, but at my nod...
03:17You used to cry over a needle prick.
03:19And now you're walking around with a fake belly just to spite me?
03:22You can take the pillow out.
03:25Aren't you hot?
03:25I closed my eyes and ignored him completely.
03:28Thirty minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of the Moon Goddess Temple.
03:33The temple was quiet and open.
03:35I walked through the corridor, picking a few white lily of the valley to offer at the altar.
03:39I'll give you this.
03:40You're committed to the bit.
03:41We were nearly at the altar doors, when a figure stepped out from behind one of the pillars.
03:46Rowan!
03:47Lydia, I've been looking everywhere for you two.
03:50I heard the news.
03:52Congratulations, Lydia.
03:53I had to come in person.
03:56The pollen hit me before she even finished the sentence.
03:59Rowan's brow snapped together.
04:02She's allergic to pollen.
04:03Back up.
04:04Rebecca bit her lip.
04:05A picture of remorse.
04:07I'm so sorry, Lydia.
04:08I completely forgot.
04:09I was just so excited for you.
04:11Though, Lydia, isn't this all a little fast?
04:14You didn't just grab some random guy to get back at Rowan, did you?
04:18And where is this alpha of yours?
04:20A ceremony this important?
04:21Shouldn't he be here with you?
04:22Unless he's the kind of man who just leaves you to handle things alone.
04:26Her mate is probably just busy.
04:29Hired help can only do so much.
04:31He was waiting for me to crack.
04:33Waiting for me to admit there was no one coming.
04:36I looked at the two of them.
04:37This is the man I loved for seven years.
04:39He watched someone humiliate me and didn't just stand there.
04:42He joined in.
04:43Excuse me.
04:44Is Miss Lydia here?
04:46Carrying a moonstone used for blessing ceremonies.
04:49Here.
04:50The prenatal blessing ritual requires a family member to be present with the mother.
04:54Which of you is her family?
04:56I am.
04:57He's not.
05:01The priestess froze.
05:03Lydia.
05:03Rowan's hand already reaching for the moonstone.
05:06Stop.
05:06This is a temple, not the place for your little performance.
05:09I don't know these people.
05:10They followed me here.
05:11My alpha's on his way.
05:12He'll be here shortly.
05:13Of course.
05:13Please wait just outside.
05:15A few parts of the ceremony do require your partner to be present.
05:21Strangers.
05:22Three years and you've got real nerve.
05:23You're calling me a stranger now?
05:25Rowan, don't.
05:26Lydia, are you still holding on to what happened three years ago?
05:29That joke?
05:30I just made a little bet with Rowan.
05:32To live things up.
05:33That's all it was.
05:34I didn't think you'd be so sensitive about it.
05:36I didn't think you'd actually leave.
05:38You think using my wedding as a gambling chard was just a joke?
05:41Grinding mud into my dress?
05:43Tearing the veil off my head in front of everyone?
05:45That was a joke?
05:46And you?
05:47Walking out of our wedding in front of every single person we knew?
05:50Leaving me standing there alone?
05:52Was that a joke too?
05:55Rebecca buried her face in her hands and ducked behind Rowan.
05:59He stepped in front of her without hesitation.
06:01Arm out like a shield.
06:03Enough.
06:04Rebecca was spoiled growing up.
06:06She doesn't always think before she acts.
06:09You're older than her, Lydia.
06:10Can't you just be the bigger person?
06:13This is such a small thing to carry for three years.
06:16You were never this petty before.
06:18I stared at him.
06:19Before.
06:20I stayed up for two weeks straight planning that wedding.
06:23I hand-embroided his name into the cuffs of my dress.
06:27I waited until two in the morning for him to come try on his suit.
06:30He never showed.
06:32Didn't even apologize.
06:34I thought marriage would be the beginning of something.
06:36Instead, he threw it away for her without a second thought.
06:40Rowan.
06:41Do you actually believe that if you just crook your finger, I'll come crawling back?
06:46No limits?
06:47No dignity?
06:48Just grateful you bothered?
06:49Something shifted behind his eyes.
06:52I never said that.
06:54I just think you didn't need to go marry some random guy to get back at me.
06:58This so-called husband of yours can't even show up to a moon goddess blessing on time.
07:03You really think he treats you better than I would?
07:06You get cold easily.
07:08You like sweet things.
07:11You can't stand anything bitter.
07:13Does he even know that?
07:15Looked at him.
07:16This man who thought knowing my coffee order made him irreplaceable.
07:19He knows all of it.
07:20Said.
07:21And he would never let me face something painful alone.
07:25Filtered doors opened again.
07:27Miss Lydia.
07:28This is the fetal health record from your last visit.
07:31Could you confirm the information is correct?
07:33He handed it to me.
07:34Rowan, with his height, caught a glimpse before I could shield it.
07:37His eyes locked onto the signature line.
07:39The space reserved for a spouse.
07:41There was a name there.
07:43Old, unmistakable cursive.
07:45The man's name.
07:48You forged a signature in a temple?
07:51You know, lying before the moon goddess brings divine punishment.
07:54Back off.
07:54This is my private medical record.
07:56Have you lost your mind?
07:58Fine.
07:59Fine.
08:00Let's see what this husband of yours actually looks like.
08:03Rebecca.
08:05Aghast.
08:05Her ankles were stinging.
08:07They were marching sideways and straight toward me.
08:10You saw it happen, and my hands moved on their own.
08:12Their arms wrapped around my stomach.
08:14The impact came anyway.
08:16My lower back slammed into the stone pillar behind me.
08:19Pain spread in waves.
08:20And sweat broke across my forehead.
08:22My grip on the pillar was the only thing keeping me upright.
08:25This lead to the ground.
08:28Lydia!
08:29Rowan's voice cracked.
08:30He didn't move toward me.
08:32Rowan, I didn't mean to.
08:33I just lost my balance.
08:34I'm sorry.
08:34I'm so sorry.
08:35He looked over her head at me.
08:37Lydia, you knew she rolled her ankle.
08:39Why didn't you catch her?
08:40Why did you dodge?
08:41You fell over from a bump?
08:43Really?
08:43I couldn't speak.
08:45Cold dread settled over me that had nothing to do with the pain.
08:48The priestess came running.
08:50What happened?
08:51Why is the mother on the-
08:52She took one look at my face.
08:53I need help out here!
08:54Signs of threatened miscarriage!
08:56The corridor erupted.
08:57Two priestesses in white came.
08:59They lifted me carefully, efficiently.
09:01Rowan finally let go of Rebecca.
09:03Something close to panic breaking through the surface.
09:05Lydia.
09:07Hey.
09:08Talk to me.
09:08I kept my eyes closed.
09:10Had nothing to say to him.
09:12Rowan followed, keeping pace.
09:13Family members, please wait here.
09:15The patient requires emergency intervention.
09:16We need next of key authorization.
09:18Please sign the risk disclosure form immediately.
09:20Voice cut through the corridor.
09:22Rowan.
09:23On what authority are you signing anything for my Luna?
09:28Eyes that looked straight through him like he wasn't worth the effort.
09:31Who are you?
09:32It didn't look at him.
09:33Simply lifted the clipboard from Rowan's grip and turned to the priestess.
09:37I'm her husband.
09:39Drake.
09:40Marriage certificate.
09:41Proof of registration.
09:43Everything you need.
09:44Priestess checked quickly.
09:45Alpha Drake, please sign as quickly as you can.
09:47Please, make sure my Luna and my child are safe.
09:50Rowan stood where he'd been left.
09:52Fury building quietly behind his eyes.
09:54So you're the actor she hired.
09:56Not bad.
09:57Fake documents and everything.
09:58I'm almost impressed.
10:00Whatever she's paying you, I'll double it.
10:04Walk away.
10:05Now.
10:06Rowan, if you're not using your brain, consider donating it.
10:09Someone out there could actually use it.
10:10Who lies in front of the moon goddess?
10:12In her own temple?
10:13Then again, you're the one who treated his own wedding ceremony like a joke.
10:17I suppose that's the lens you see everything through.
10:19Who the hell do you think you are?
10:20His hand came up.
10:23The examination room door opened.
10:29The elder priestess stepped out and removed her mask.
10:32The mother has stabilized.
10:34No major bleeding.
10:35The baby is safe.
10:36Alpha, your Luna sustained both emotional shock and a direct impact to the lower back.
10:41She'll need to stay for monitoring and treatment.
10:48Lydia.
10:49It's okay.
10:51You're okay.
10:53I'm alright, sweetheart.
10:55He stared at our joined hands like he'd been struck.
10:57Lydia!
10:57What did you just call him?
10:59I stepped in front of me in one smooth motion.
11:01Rowan.
11:02Compose yourself.
11:03If you take one more step towards my wife, I'll have the guards here before you finish the thought.
11:08Please don't misunderstand.
11:10Rowan just cares about Lydia so much.
11:13I tripped and bumped into her by accident.
11:15He panicked, that's all.
11:18Accident.
11:24Every corner of this temple is recorded by Moonstone Crystal.
11:27I will review all of it.
11:29Anyone who deliberately harmed my wife will spend the rest of their life regretting it.
11:36Rebecca's face went white.
11:38You're making things up!
11:40I tripped!
11:42Rowan, tell him!
11:43Tell him I didn't do it on purpose!
11:45His hands trembled at his sides, though he was fighting hard to hold himself together.
11:50Lydia, do you have anything to say to me?
11:53Certainty in his eyes was almost frightening.
11:56Don't use him to punish me.
11:58You can't actually love someone else.
12:01That's not possible.
12:03You confessed to me before your coming-of-age ceremony.
12:06When I was hurt, you burned your wrists brewing medicine for me all night.
12:10You told me you'd never marry anyone but me.
12:13You chose every single thing at our wedding.
12:15The venue, the invitations, the ribbon on every single gift bag.
12:18You did that.
12:20You loved me for seven years.
12:21How could you give that up in three?
12:22How could you just can't not love me?
12:26Like my past devotion was proof I owed him a future.
12:30Rowan, I did love you.
12:33Deeply.
12:34I loved you past the point of dignity.
12:37I loved you through every time you made me feel invisible.
12:40I knew it!
12:41Something lit up in his eyes.
12:43But the moment he walked out of that reception hall for Rebecca's dare, I stopped.
12:47Light went out.
12:52A dress can be washed, but when your heart dies, it's dead.
12:56You think these three years I was waiting for you to come apologize?
13:00I wasn't waiting for anything.
13:01I was spending those three years cutting you out of my life, piece by piece, until there
13:06was nothing left.
13:06I felt like it was hitting him for the very first time.
13:08I wasn't throwing a tantrum.
13:10I was done.
13:10Actually, completely, permanently done.
13:13No.
13:14You're just angry that I never came to find you.
13:17Mike spoke.
13:17His voice was quiet.
13:18Which word landed like a stone?
13:20Rowan, do you know what her life actually looked like these past three years?
13:25She packed up every single thing from that wedding alone and threw it all off a cliff.
13:29For the six months after that, she couldn't sleep without bitter herbal medicine.
13:33Every night.
13:35During the worst of it, when she was most broken, you weren't just absent, you were on vacation
13:40with Rebecca.
13:41You didn't lose three years.
13:43You destroyed every last hope she had in you with your own hands.
13:48She built herself back up.
13:49She has a family now, a real one.
13:51What gives you the right to show up here wearing that expression on your face?
13:54Rowan stood frozen.
13:55His mouth opened.
13:56Then came out and was just standing beside Drake.
13:59Quietly, his hand in mine.
14:01One's eyes went red at the edges.
14:04An unshakable confidence.
14:06The arrogance that had always told him I was his.
14:08That I'd always come back.
14:10Cracked.
14:11Visibly.
14:12The first time.
14:15The corridor was silent.
14:16Rowan stared at Drake.
14:18Both fists clenched at his sides.
14:20Then something moved behind his eyes.
14:22Drake.
14:25I remember you.
14:26You're the one she ran into on that hunting trip.
14:29Three years ago.
14:30Falling in the forest and hurt myself.
14:32Drake found me.
14:33And he brought me back to the territory.
14:36Rowan had been there.
14:37Looking Drake up and down with open contempt.
14:39Nobody.
14:40What pack is he even from?
14:42Back then.
14:42Rowan had believed that being the heir to Silvercrest Pack.
14:45Made him the most important person in any room.
14:48Never looked twice at anyone he deemed beneath him.
14:51So it was you.
14:53You weaseled your way into her life and called it love.
14:58What is this?
14:59You think picking up someone I discarded makes you better than me?
15:02Drake didn't take the bait.
15:03Two corrections.
15:06Two corrections.
15:07I didn't wedge myself into N2 anything.
15:09There was nothing left between you two for me to interrupt.
15:12Second.
15:13Lydia wasn't someone you threw away.
15:16She's someone who chose to leave.
15:18Three years ago, the night of the ruined wedding was still in my dress.
15:22The hem dark with mud from Rebecca's shoes.
15:24Sitting alone at the edge of the forest, near the territory border.
15:28Drake found me.
15:29Didn't ask what happened.
15:30Didn't ask where Rowan was.
15:32Just took off his cloak and put it around my shoulders.
15:35Then he held out a handkerchief.
15:36If you want to go, I'll go with you.
15:39He meant it.
15:40The three years that followed, he helped me move away from every place that held a memory of Rowan.
15:45And I got into trouble up on the road.
15:47He wrote through the night to fix it.
15:50When I got sick, he sat beside my bed for two days straight without being asked.
15:54Never asked for anything in return.
15:55He was just there.
15:56Steady.
15:57Constant.
15:58Like a wall I didn't know I needed until I leaned against him.
16:01A year ago, I was the one who proposed.
16:03I pursued him.
16:05I asked him to marry me.
16:07That was my choice.
16:10It took him two full years to make me believe in love again.
16:13Rowan swayed on his feet.
16:14You proposed to him?
16:16Lydia?
16:16You threw away your entire future just to get back at me?
16:19He still couldn't accept it.
16:21He'd rather believe I was playing a game than admit I had genuinely, completely moved on.
16:25I pulled out the parchment from earlier and unfolded it slowly.
16:28Kind of easy, unguarded happiness I had never once felt with Rowan.
16:32We've been married for a year.
16:33I watched the color leave his face.
16:37Save the grand gestures for Rebecca.
16:39That's who they belong to.
16:40To me, you're just a stranger harassing a pregnant woman.
16:43Something in him simply gave out.
16:45What?
16:46Lydia, why didn't you wait?
16:47I was only three years late.
16:49I thought you were still angry.
16:51I thought you just needed time.
16:52I brought the pink diamond you love.
16:53I bought out every screen on the building to propose to you.
16:55I had the license paperwork ready for tomorrow.
16:57What gave you the right to not wait for me?
17:02He was unraveling.
17:03Anger and panic tangled together, looking for somewhere to land.
17:07What gave me the right?
17:09Three years ago, when you walked out of that reception hall laughing, did you think about
17:13me for even a second?
17:14When everyone started mocking me and whispering, did you say one word on my behalf?
17:17When Rebecca ground her shoes into my dress and left mud all over the head, did you bend
17:21down and wiped it off?
17:23You didn't.
17:24Not only did you not do any of that, you told me to go home and wait for you.
17:30Rowan, what made you think I owed my life to a man who humiliated me in front of everyone
17:34I knew.
17:36Alpha, Luna.
17:38Temple surveillance.
17:39Hold the full recording.
17:41Rebecca had been walking perfectly fine.
17:43And the moment she got close enough, a deliberate twist of the ankle, and her entire body launched
17:48toward me.
17:49No!
17:50No, that's not what it looked like!
17:53I turned to Rebecca slowly.
17:55You did it on purpose.
18:01Rowan, I'm sorry.
18:03I was jealous.
18:05Rebecca dropped to her knees.
18:07I wasn't thinking.
18:09I didn't actually want to hurt her.
18:11Drake's voice cut through the room like a blade.
18:13Zane, arrest her.
18:18Hesitation.
18:19And send both recordings to every elder and allied party in Silvergrass Pack.
18:24The temple footage from today, and the wedding footage from three years ago.
18:29What wedding footage?
18:30Rowan's head snapped up.
18:33I reached into my pocket and pulled out a smaller crystal orb.
18:37Pressed it gently.
18:38The image bloomed in the air between us.
18:43Three years ago, my wedding day.
18:45Rebecca throwing out her dare.
18:46And the bat.
18:47Was bright and laughing.
18:48When walking away, I looked at Rowan.
18:52You thought my silence back then meant I'd given up.
18:54I was waiting.
18:56I was waiting for the right moment to let it all come out.
19:00Rowan!
19:01What have you done?
19:02That video is everywhere.
19:04Our allies are reaching out.
19:05They want to know if it's real!
19:09Lydia!
19:11You're a married woman!
19:12Why are you still dragging my son into your mess?
19:14Are you determined to destroy everything Silverfawn Pack has built?
19:20Alice had never thought much of me.
19:22I opened my mouth to respond.
19:24A voice drifted down the corridor.
19:26My Alice.
19:27Quite an entrance.
19:29And carrying an authority that filled the space.
19:33Diana wore a simple, elegant gown.
19:36She came straight to me.
19:37Both hands took mine.
19:39Lydia, sweetheart.
19:40Still hurting?
19:41What did the elder priestess say?
19:44She didn't speak to anyone else until she was satisfied I was there.
19:47My daughter-in-law is pregnant.
19:48Your PAX people put her in the emergency ward.
19:51Deliberately.
19:52And instead of a single word of accountability,
19:54you come here to point fingers in a temple.
19:58Alice blinked.
19:59She clearly hadn't recognized Diana.
20:01And who exactly are you?
20:03This is between Silvercrest and...
20:04This is my mother.
20:06Diana.
20:07Lady of Shadow Moon Pack.
20:12She reached into her bag and produced a notepad.
20:15Scratched out a number.
20:16Tore it free.
20:20She extended the paper with both hands.
20:22Diana, you know how young people are.
20:24They got carried away.
20:25No real harm meant.
20:26This is for Lydia.
20:27A gesture of goodwill.
20:29As for the recordings,
20:29for the sake of everyone's reputation,
20:31perhaps we could come to an...
20:32Alice!
20:33Shadow Moon Pack doesn't need your money.
20:36We need justice.
20:38Lydia.
20:40However you want to handle this,
20:42Drake and I will follow your lead.
20:45Whatever comes,
20:46Shadow Moon Pack has your back.
20:48I won't be settling.
20:53I want Rebecca to face real consequences for what she did.
20:56And I want Rowan to answer for his arrogance every last bit of it.
21:01Rebecca completely fell apart.
21:04She clawed at Alice's skirt.
21:06Voice gone wild.
21:07Alice, please!
21:09I can't go to jail, please!
21:12Alice wrenched herself free.
21:13The look on her face, pure revulsion.
21:16The guards came.
21:17Rebecca was escorted out, still screaming.
21:21Alice didn't linger.
21:22She slipped away quietly,
21:24already working out how to handle the public fallout from the video.
21:28The corridor emptied.
21:29Only Rowan remained.
21:31He stood alone, looking at Drake and me.
21:33His eyes were red.
21:35His voice, when it finally came,
21:37was barely audible.
21:40Lydia.
21:41Dropped his head.
21:41For the first time in all the years I'd known him,
21:44that proud neck bent.
21:46Tears slid down his face.
21:48I was wrong.
21:49I was completely wrong.
21:51I thought you just needed a way back without losing face.
21:54I thought we had the rest of our lives.
21:56I stepped forward,
21:57reached for my hand.
21:59Drake blocked him without a word.
22:01I looked at Rowan,
22:03at that gutted, too late expression,
22:06and felt absolutely nothing.
22:09Rowan, my voice was quiet.
22:10You still don't get it.
22:12Clear.
22:15I don't need a wedding.
22:17I don't need an apology to hide behind.
22:19I looked at him one last time.
22:22I just don't want you.
22:24That's all.
22:27Turned and took Drake's arm.
22:28Drake's whole face changed.
22:30Sweetheart, let's go back.
22:32The baby just kicked.
22:33The cold dropped away instantly.
22:36His hand steadied me.
22:38Easy. Slow down.
22:39The priestess said you need rest.
22:42Walked toward the recovery room together,
22:44side by side,
22:45and never looked back.
22:47I heard later that Rebecca was convicted of intentional assault on a pregnant woman.
22:53Fined, detained, reputation in ruins.
22:55Silver present pack enriched allies in the wake of the video.
22:59Rowan spent months scrambling to do damage control,
23:01watching his pack standing crumble in real time.
23:04He stood at my territory border for a full week.
23:07Sent letters.
23:08Sent gifts.
23:09Mountains of them.
23:10I had the guards throw every single one in the trash without opening them.
23:14Four months later, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
23:16Drake never left my side.
23:18Deanna brought in the best healers and hovered over me like I was made of glass.
23:21But, in the best possible way.
23:25The day I was fully recovered,
23:27Drake and I went back to the temple together to offer thanks to the moon goddess.
23:31Three years later,
23:33in the forest,
23:33Drake and I were helping our daughter pick berries from the bushes along the trail.
23:37She'd zeroed in on a fat red raspberry,
23:39and was absolutely delighted with herself.
23:42Just plucked it for her when I caught movement at the edge of my vision.
23:45Rowan.
23:45He was standing half-hidden in the trees.
23:48His shirt was wrinkled.
23:50He'd lost weight.
23:51The easy confidence that used to come off him like a second skin, gone.
23:55His eyes were fixed on the three of us,
23:57feet rooted to the spot like he wanted to come forward.
24:01Looked at him for one second.
24:02Then I looked away.
24:04My daughter tugged my sleeve,
24:05small voice curious.
24:08Mommy,
24:09why is that man crying?
24:12We smoothed her hair and smiled.
24:14Squeezing Drake's hand.
24:18Hmm.
24:19No idea.
24:20Maybe his mom never picked berries with him.
24:22Three of us walked on,
24:23laughing,
24:24talking,
24:25disappearing down the path.
24:26And Rowan stayed exactly where he was,
24:29frozen three years too late,
24:30at a wedding that had already ended a long time ago.
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