I follow her through the salon, the soft hum of music in the background, until we reach the back office. It's cozy- there are plants, an oversized couch, and a pile of blankets in the corner.The smell of lavender tills the air. It has that same comforting vibe as the salon out front, only more personal. More intimate.
Kenna grabs a blanket from the pile and drapes it over her arm before walking over to Aura's stroller. She unbuckles my daughter, who is wide-eyed but calm.
"I'm sorry to be so abrupt," Kenna says, glancing up at me. "You hardly know me, and I just grabbed your daughter withoutasking. But I thought I could hold her while we talked. People say Millie and are like twins.”
I smile at that, even though my heart aches a little. I don't mind her holding Aura. In fact, I'm grateful for it. Since the day she was born, I've wanted nothing more than for my daughter to be surrounded by people who care about her. Kenna, from the few interactions I've had with her, seems like someone who genuinely loves Millie. And Aura, too, I hope.
"I don't mind," I say. "She's been off since Millie hasn't been around. And I have to admit, so have I."
Kenna nods, sitting down on the couch with Aura in her arms, gently rocking her. "Then let's fix it." She says matter-of-factly.
I take a deep breath and start to tell her everything—the mess I've made, the way I hurt Millie, how deeply I care for her, how much I want to be with her, and how, despite being advised to marry her one day.
"I know I'm not perfect," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "But I love her. I want to spend my life with her. I would've asked her to marry me in Italy if I thought she would've said yes. But now…now, I don't know. I don't know if I've ruined everything.”
Kenna listens patiently, her eyes never leaving me. When I finish, she takes a deep breath, her eyes shimmering with emotion.
"Ok," she says, her voice calm but firm. "So what I'm hearing is that you don't want to marry Millie right now, but in the future, for sure?"
I nod, the weight of her words settling into my chest. "Yes. That's it, exactly. I don't want to rush her. I don't want her to feel pressured, but I do want that with her. I want to be her husband. I want us to build a life together. That's why this whole thing with the lawyer and custody battle is so important."
Kenna's eyes soften, and she wipes away a stray tear. "Then tell her that," she says, her voice breaking slightly. "Tell her that if she doesn't want to marry you right now, that's ok. But you do wantto be with her. You want to be her husband. You need to be honest with her, Gabriel."
I nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over me, mixed with a deep sense of urgency. "I will. I'll tell her. I just don't know if she'll listen."
"Then show her," Kenna says, giving me a stern look. "Words are important, but actions speak louder. Show her that you're ready. That you're committed.
When I leave the salon, I feel more hopeful than when I arrived. I've got a plan. A real plan. Kenna's words stick with me as I drive home. Show her you're committed.
I call Anna and ask her if she could come watch Aura for the rest of the day while I ran some errands. She agrees, and I head out.
My first stop is a flower shop in the next town over to order flowers for Saturday, since it was the closest one that carries camellia flowers. Millie mentioned once or twice that she loved the flower. I know she will appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
My next stop is a jeweler that I have been in contact with for months now, designing the perfect ring for Millie. When the time was right, I would propose.
I guess that time was now.
The ring I designed is perfect for Millie. It is a 1.7 carat oval cut solitaire diamond set on a delicate, thin band. Classic. Timeless. Just like Millie.
When I pick up the ring, my heart pounds in my chest, this feels real now. I've already committed to this. I text Kenna, sending her a picture of the ring and asking her what she thinks. She responds with a simple message.
Kenna
It's perfect. Everything's going to be perfect, Gabriel. Just tell her exactly how you feel.
I take a deep breath and let out a long exhale.
Everything's going to be perfect.
I hope.
Festival of Fall and Feelings
MILLIE
It’s beentwo weeks since I walked out of Gabriel’s house, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about him and Aura.
I’ve buried myself in work—crafting new drinks, reworking the menu, designing new merchandise. Anything to avoid the silence at home, which has been deafening. The memories don’t let me escape, flooding my mind when I’m alone or as I’m trying to fall asleep.
