Page 94 of Monstrosity

"Oh." She loses interest immediately.

The party continues for another hour, everyone offering congratulations and already making plans.

The women corner Dasha to discuss wedding details while the men start planning what sounds like an increasingly elaborate bachelor party that I'm already dreading.

"Rio." Runes motions me over to a quieter corner. "Walk with me."

I follow him outside to the picnic area, curious about the serious tone.

"You've come a long way," he says once we're alone. "I'm proud of you, brother."

"Thank you," I say, meaning it. His approval matters.

"Flora would be happy for you," he continues. "She'd want you to find love again. To give those girls a mother."

"I know." And I do. It took years to accept, but Flora wouldn't want us frozen in grief. "Dasha... she doesn't try to replace her. She honors her memory while building something new."

"That's a rare woman." He pulls something from his cut—a small velvet box. "This was a gift from an old friend during a time of need. Got me through some serious shit, and I want you to have it."

I open it to find a simple gold compass, worn from age. "Runes, I can't?—"

"You can and you will. It's got good luck in it." He clasps my shoulder. "You've earned your second chance, Rio. Don't waste it."

"I won't," I promise, pocketing the compass. "Thank you. For everything."

"That's what family does."

We head back inside, where the party is still going strong.

By the time we extract ourselves, a few hours have gone by.

The girls are starting to fade, overwhelmed by excitement and attention.

Dasha looks happy but tired, her ring catching the light every time she moves her hand.

"Home?" I ask.

"Home," she agrees.

The girls chatter all the way back, making increasingly elaborate wedding plans.

By the time we pull in the driveway, they've decided on a menu, color scheme, and guest list that includes "everyone we've ever met."

"Bath and early bed," Dasha decrees, herding them inside. "You can plan more tomorrow."

"But we're not tired!" Cali protests, yawning hugely.

"Uh-huh. March, little wedding planner."

I handle bedtime while Dasha cleans up from our abandoned breakfast.

The girls are asleep almost instantly, worn out from the day's excitement.

I find Dasha on our porch, two beers waiting.

Our spot.

The place where I proposed, where we've had our most important conversations.