“You're really, really pretty,” she gushes, holding out her tiny hands.
I’m quite impressed. Millie usually doesn't warm up to new people this fast. Willow kneels, lightly touching the ends of her purple hair, letting the little whirlwind gush.
“Looks like someone's got a fan.” Elliot elbows me lightly.
She has more than one fan.
“Looks like it,” I say, unable to tear my eyes away from her.
“She fits in. Hard to tell she comes from that ex of yours.”
I hum softly as Aria drifts over to join them. “Just… be careful,” he adds.
I tilted my head at him. “Be careful?”
He runs his fingers through his tousled blonde hair, the soft breeze playfully tugging at it. “Yeah, just make sure you don’t gettangled up with her. I’m not blind, Elijah. I noticed the way you looked at her the other night, how you froze when you saw her standing outside in the cold.”
I can’t say I’m surprised it’s him trying to unravel what’s happening between us; he’s always been the perceptive one. It’s part of what makes him so good at his job in the police force. Scowling at him, I don't let him carry on. “I care about her. That's it. She doesn't have anyone else, so mind your own business.”
He's not wrong. I’m already in too deep. As much as Ezra and I butt heads, I trust him more than anyone to know the truth.
“Just saying, tread lightly,” he warns.
I find myself watching them instead of listening to him; I’m not keen on letting him dampen my mood. Aria and Willow are chatting animatedly, with Millie nestled on Willow’s knee as she excitedly unwraps a present.
There's no turning back now. I'm already captivated. And truthfully? I wouldn’t dream of pulling away, even if I had the chance.
Chapter 21
Willow
Millie is perched on my knee, her tiny bottom lip poking out as she stares at the tower of presents she just tore through. Aria sits beside us, brushing her fingers over Millie's cheek before giving it a playful pinch.
She’d just told me about Ariamotion Studios—her dance studio—and how genuinely excited she was that I’d be joining. She even offered that I could practice out of hours if I wanted some space to myself, which I quietly appreciated.
"What’s got you so glum, Millie? Look at all this; I’m going to have a hell of a time fitting it all in your room,” her mum says.
I glance over just in time to see Elijah shrug one shoulder, a cheeky half smile playing across his handsome face. “I like to spoil my niece. Sue me,” he responded, shoving a burger into his mouth.
I let my hand drift down Millie's arm, focusing on her instead of Elijah, though it's a struggle. I keep sneaking glances at him, longer than I should, which is probably a terrible idea—especially in front of his family.
They are wonderful. His mum and dad are kind and welcoming in a way that actually makes me feel like I belong. Watching them together, the easy affection and laughter, the way they look out for one another. It's quietly beautiful.
There's so much love between them all.
I've never really had that. It was always just my dad and me, my brother during the holidays. It was enough. My dad dideverything he could for me, and I'm so beyond grateful for him. But it wasn't this. I've always wanted something bigger. Louder. Warmer.
A family like this.
“I actually got her something,” I say, a little hesitantly. “If that's okay?”
“Ye sweetheart,” Moira laughs warmly. “Ye really didn't have to get her anything—she's spoiled enough as it is.”
Millie, however, is already wriggling on the spot, grinning brightly. “Can I open it?” she blurts, unable to contain herself.
“It's not the kind of present you open.”
“Oh,” she breathes, her voice quiet. “I thought all presents came wrapped.”
