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Rowan glanced around at the beginnings of the rooftop garden. It had been his special project ever since the building had opened. He’d sneakily included it in the building plans and Milo had given him a knowing grin when Rowan had done the first full walkthrough with him.

They’d christened the rooftop then and there in their hard hats.

Life was just like that now—full of spontaneity and creature comforts. A mixture of Milo’s and Rowan’s personalities melding together into something new and perfect.

“You can’t plant the carrots and the parsnips next to each other, you maniac,” Ethel cried out.

“The lord is guiding my hand,” Clarence declared. “He wills it so.”

“The lord can kiss my ass. I’m not having shriveled vegetables. I need those for Milo’s soups!”

“Oh dear.” Milo propped his sunglasses on top of his head.

This wasn’t the first fight that had broken out over the garden; not even the first this morning.

“I thought this was supposed to be a peaceful activity?” Milo said. “They have five fights a day up here.”

“Gardening is a competitive sport,” Rowan said.

“Well, let’s round up my hoard before it becomes a contact sport. I don’t like the way Shelly is sneaking around with that trowel.”

“I have a solution,” Rowan said.

He walked over to a large container he’d hefted up here early in the morning. Milo hadn’t been allowed to peek inside, which he’d said was just plain mean and that he’d perish from neglect.

Rowan had distracted him with his mouth until Milo had forgotten all about it.

Rowan popped the lid off and made an exaggerated hum. “I wonder where I could put all these gnomes.”

Every head except Conrad’s turned slowly in his direction.

It reminded him of a pack of predators. Slow-moving but hungry predators.

A nervous sweat broke out on Rowan’s already sweaty brow. Maybe he had underestimated the power of the cute pointy hats and blushy cheeks.

“Step away slowly,” Milo said. “Don’t make any sudden movements. They can sense fear.”

Rowan swallowed and did as he was told just as the masses descended…at a sedate and comfortable pace.

“Look at his little wheelbarrow!” Shelly exclaimed.

“This one is riding on a flamingo, how adorable!” Ethel gushed.

“He has a cross!” Clarence wept in glee.

Glenn picked up a pair of dancing gnomes. “How elegant!”

“Who’s got an elephant?” Conrad yelled, turning to them finally before widening his eyes and shuffling over to join. “Save one for me. I’m coming. Be there in a jiff!”

It would take him five minutes to get there, but the garden was forgotten about for the time being.

“Phew!” Milo said before knocking Rowan on the arm. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hiding an oldie weapon of mass destruction in our apartment?”

“I didn’t think it would be that scary,” Rowan whispered, still spooked.

Milo smothered a laugh and petted his chest. “There, there. It’s over now.”

“I think I’ll have nightmares for years to come.”