She hesitates, just for a moment, before giving me one of her signature smiles, but it doesn’t reach the eyes like it normally does. “I’m fine, babe. Just a lot going on, I guess.” She shakes her head like she’s dismissing it, but I know her better than that. “The cafe is doing better than I expected, but I think I need a bit of a break from everything. Just breathe, you know?”
I nod slowly, my chest tightening at the thought of her feeling burdened. Our time in Costa Rica, after the proposal, had been a dream. But now, back to reality, I can see how much weight she’s carrying—between the cafe, the wedding planning, and everything else that’s suddenly fallen into place for us. It’s a lot.
“Well, you’ve got me,” I say, reaching across the counter to take her hand in mine. Her fingers are warm, and I give them a gentle squeeze. “Whatever you need, I’m here. We’re in this together. No rush on anything.”
She looks at me, her eyes softening. “Thanks, Babe. I really do appreciate it.”
I smile at her, a little relieved, but something about the way she still seems distant makes me wonder if she really believes it or if it’s just one of those things she says to keep the peace. I don’t want her to feel like she has to put on a brave face for me.
She’s been doing that a lot more lately—smoothing her face into calm when I know her thoughts are anything but. Even inbed when her body presses close to mine, I can tell her mind is miles away.
Before I can say anything else, she’s already moving to help a customer. I watch her go, the lines of her body carrying a slight tension I don’t think she’s aware of. I can’t help but feel that I’m missing something—maybe I’m not being as present as I should be.
I decide to send a message to her family, planning a dinner for tonight to try and boost her spirits.
The dinner table is a familiar sight. It’s the kind of setting where stories are told, laughter spills freely, and the warmth of family fills the room. Tonight, it’s a full house at the Feely’s—Millie’s family, all gathered around in the comfort of their dining room. The table is set with her mom’s roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and the kind of comfort food that makes you feel like everything’s going to be ok, no matter what.
Millie’s mom, Claire, is in the kitchen still adding a few last touches to the meal, her apron tucked neatly around her waists as she hums a tune I’ve heard a hundred times. I can already smell the garlic and herbs filling the air. It smells like home.
Millie, sitting beside me, looks relaxed, but there’s something about how her eyes flicker from person to person. Checking in on everyone makes me realize again how much she carries. It’s the same way she looks at me when she’s worried or when she’s protective, but tonight, she’s mostly glowing. She’s right where she’s meant to be, and I can feel it in the air.
Reuben’s teasing Asher about something—probably another one of his overly dramatic jokes—and I can hear Kenna’s laugh from across the table. It’s that kind of dinner—loud, lively, and filled with the kind of warmth only family can provide.
And then I glance down at the high chair where my daughter is sitting, happily banging her spoon against the tray. Aura’swearing a tiny fall printed dress that is way too cute for anyone’s good, and her eyes are wide, taking in the chaos like it’s just another day.
When Haley left, I never dreamed that my daughter would have this kind of life. One filled with family—aunts, uncles, grandparents—fills me with so much happiness.
Aura reaches up and makes grabby hands towards Millie. “Mama,” she says, her voice a soft, sweet murmur.
Millie turns, her heart melting at the sound of Aura’s voice. “What’s up, Sweets?” She asks, lifting Aura from the chair and placing her on her lap.
Aura’s small hand reaches up and tugs at Millie’s necklace. She giggles, and it’s like everything else falls away for a moment.
“Don’t break it, sweetheart,” Millie chuckles, but there’s so much love in her voice it’s almost tangible.
Claire peeks in from the kitchen, a knowing smile on her face. “She’s already got expensive taste,” she jokes. “She takes after her mama.”
Millie laughs. “Let’s just hope she doesn’t develop a coffee habit by two years old.”
Reuben chimes in. “Gosh, we’d be broke before she got to preschool.” Everyone laughs, the sound echoing through the room.
Asher, who’s already halfway through his second helping of potatoes, looks at us and says, “So, speaking of Mama, when are you two gonna get married?”
Mille glances at me, and I can’t help but smile at her. There’s a small, almost bashful look in her eyes—she doesn’t know how to break the news. I can feel the tension in the room shift as everyone looks at us, waiting for an answer.
“We’ve been talking about specific dates. I mean, we told you guys we want to do it around Christmas in a few months, but I think we are gonna choose the twenty-first.” She says, holding Aura close, her thumb brushing gently over her cheek.
I lean forward, grinning. “It’s time to get down to business, fam.”
Kenna, who’s leaning against the island, sipping her wine, raises an eyebrow. “You’re not getting out of planning, Mills. Plus, if you don’t pick a wedding planner, I call dibs on being it.”
Millie laughs, rolling her eyes playfully. “You can’t be the wedding planner, Ken. You’ll probably make it all about you.”
Kenna smirks. “I always make it about me. That’s how it works, Mills. But I’m so happy you’re happy.”
Millie smiles, her eyes brightening. “I am, Ken. I’m really happy with everything, with Gabriel…withus.” She reaches out to take my hand under the table. The subtle way she touches me, the way her fingers squeeze mine like she wants to remind herself I’m here—here with her and her family, in this chaotic, loud, and sorealmoment.
Claire raises her glass. “To Millie and Gabriel. And Aura, who officially made us all softies.”
