Chapter Twenty Eight

Six years later

T he soft sound of giggles mixed with the occasional forced sob and hiccup was my new normal.

As I got closer to the room, my smile grew wider. It had been a tough day at the studio, but I made it through.

“Mrs. Rowan,” I called out, noticing her frowning at our son, who was getting his clothes changed for our outing, and then it was our daughter’s turn.

“Welcome back… Whoa! Luna! Stop running!” she yelled as our daughter dashed toward me. I scooped her up, tossing her in the air and catching her, her laughter filling the room.

I showered her face with kisses, rubbing my stubble against her cheeks. With every giggle, my heart swelled even more.

I absolutely adore my family.

I walked over to Amery with Luna perched on my hip and gave her a deep kiss. She looked stunning in her yellow summer dress.

“We need to hurry. You know I can’t stand eating in crowded places,” she said, smiling as she picked up Jay, and I followed her out of the house.

The diner was just a short walk away. Luna was skipping along while I pushed the stroller with our baby boy inside.

As soon as we stepped into the new diner, the delicious aroma of freshly grilled burgers and fries hit us. This morning, we had quite the debate about what to eat, and then Luna hopped onto my lap, insisting on fries and burgers for dinner.

“Yummy,” Amery chuckled softly, watching Luna’s eyes light up with joy as she noticed the colorful booths and the classic jukebox in the corner.

Jay, all snug in his stroller, cooed with delight at the lively atmosphere.

“Can we sit in that booth, Dad?” Luna asked, her excitement palpable.

“Absolutely, princess.” I maneuvered the stroller to a comfy corner. Amery settled in beside Luna, her heart swelling with happiness as she saw our daughter so thrilled.

Once I took my seat, I handed the menus to my girls, and before long, we decided on our orders. The waiter was really nice and brought Luna a complimentary lime and orange juice since it was their soft opening tonight.

While I chatted with Luna, Amery checked on Jay, and just like that, our food arrived.

Every little smile from Amery and her playful scoffs at Luna made me laugh. The ring on her finger still brings me joy. I often wonder what I would have done if she ever thought about giving up on me.

“Dad has got his eyes on Mom again.” Luna couldn’t help but giggle, which got some amused reactions from the families around us. She has this knack for picking up on my looks and adding her own twist to them. Like how she sees her mom as a princess and thinks her dad looks like a kidnapper who whisked her away.

I still can’t figure out why I never get to be the Prince in her stories, especially when she casts that big guy Darius in that role. But hey, my little girl still thinks I’m the best. She says I’m a dragon who protects her princess mom from the bad guys.

“Come on, Ro… Cut it out,” Amery said, blushing as she scolded me, but I just can’t help it. I’m head over heels for her.

Dinner was filled with laughter as I shared tales from my day, and Amery talked about a car that looked like it needed divine intervention rather than a mechanic. Then Luna jumped in, excitedly sharing her latest preschool adventure, her words spilling out in a cheerful rush.

Amery and I exchanged knowing looks, filling me with pride.

Meanwhile, Jay was completely absorbed in a colorful toy hanging from his stroller, blissfully unaware of the conversation.

“Look at him,” Amery said with a smile, gently squeezing his tiny hand.

After dinner, we walked home under the warm glow of the streetlights. Luna danced ahead, her laughter echoing like a sweet melody.

Walking hand in hand with Amery brought back so many memories, and I felt grateful for every single moment. I appreciate the woman who trusts me so deeply. We’ve come a long way, building a home and a family that we can always return to.

I might not buy into curses or rumors, but I’ve definitely come to believe in the fairytales and happy endings that my sweet daughter adores.

Back at home, Amery smoothly navigated the kids’ bedtime routine.

I took care of changing Jay while she helped Luna.

“Don’t forget to brush your teeth, sweetie,” Amery reminded Luna, and I tucked Jay into his crib, softly humming a lullaby.

Once the little ones were settled, Amery and I stepped into our garden. I had transformed it into a greenhouse filled with beautiful flowers that would surely delight Luna and Jay.

“It’s so nice to have this time just for us,” she said with a smile, yawning and stretching her arms overhead before wrapping them around my bicep and resting her head against it as we walked slowly.

The night air felt cool and refreshing. We strolled side by side, stealing glances at the stars above, a reminder of how far we’ve come.

“Can you believe how much has changed?” I asked, giving Amery’s hand a gentle squeeze. I then took her finger and kissed her wedding ring, followed by a soft kiss on her fingers.

She sighed happily, a sweet smile spreading across her face.

“It feels like a dream,” she said, her eyes sparkling with joy. “After everything, we’re finally here.”

I smiled back, suddenly curious about something that popped into my mind.

Why are you staring at me like that? Got a penny for your thoughts? She wore a playful smile, and from the look on her face, I could tell she was eager to hear what I had to say.

“I was just thinking about that story you shared about your grandma. I never asked what it really meant back then… Can I ask now?” The haze of the bar night clouded my mind as I swept my wife up in my arms like a bride.

She gasped in surprise, but when she saw my grin, laughter bubbled up from her.

“Sure…” Her voice dropped to a sultry whisper. She placed her finger on my lips, leaned in close, and teased, “What’s the fun in giving in without a little struggle… So, make me spill it… Amir Rowan.”

My eyes widened, and I hurried us to our room. Her soft laughter filled the air, and in that moment, I realized why I had found that ring years ago in the Willow Mansion.

It was all because of her. Because…

Two years of love and eight years of marriage at that point still didn’t feel like enough to truly know…

It takes more than just lies to shatter trust, and more than broken loyalty to ruin love. It only takes one person to be Amery and one stranger to become Willow’s curse.