Page 6 of Royal Compromise
Rose’s eyes light up as she begins sharing the intricate details of the upcoming celebration. She talks about the venue, the color scheme, and the menu with infectious enthusiasm. Joe and I listen, occasionally chiming in with our thoughts and ideas.
As the conversation flows, I find myself genuinely enjoying their company. Rose’s vibrant energy complements Joe’s easy-going nature, creating a dynamic duo. The living room is filled with laughter and the shared excitement of planning a joyous occasion.
After a while, Joe glances at the clock. “Well, I hate to cut this short, but we have something very important to do. Would you like to join us?”
I consider the invitation, but realizing the importance of their wedding planning, I decline with a smile. “No, go ahead. I wouldn’t want to intrude on your alone time. I’ll catch up with everyone later.”
Rose gives me an appreciative smile. “Thanks, Cade. We’ll fill you in on all the details when we’re back.”
As they prepare to leave, I stand in the living room, taking in the familial warmth that envelops the space. Joe and Rose exchange a few whispered words, their shared glances revealing a deep connection that goes beyond words. I can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia, a reminder of the familial bonds that shaped my childhood.
Before they head out, Joe claps me on the shoulder. “We’ll catch up later, Cade. Make yourself at home. There’s food in the kitchen.”
I nod, appreciating the gesture. “Thanks, Joe. I’ll see you guys later.”
As the front door closes behind them, I wander through the familiar halls of the house. Memories of family dinners, celebrations, and lazy afternoons flood my mind. The place feels both unchanged, and yet, subtly different.
In the kitchen, I find a note from Joe’s mom, my Aunt Martha, welcoming me and inviting me to help myself to the food. I grab a snack, settling into the comfort of the kitchen, and let my mind wander.
As I finish my snack, I decide it’s time to head out. I leave the house with a promise to return soon—eager to be part of the upcoming celebrations and witness the union of two people I hold dear.
As I make my way through the quiet streets, the soft glow of streetlights casting a warm glow, I realize how much has changed. The familiar landmarks and the scent of the night air evoke a sense of nostalgia.
I decide to take a detour and pass by Sweet Delights, Aria’s bakery.
As I approach the bakery, I see Aria through the window, attending to a customer. The genuine smile on her face as she interacts with them echoes the Aria I remember—warm, welcoming, and passionate about her craft.
The inviting aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and for a moment I’m transported back to our childhood. The memories of shared laughter and the camaraderie we once had linger, casting a bittersweet spell.
Deciding to make my presence known, I push open the door, and a chime signals my entry. Aria looks up with surprise flickering in her eyes before transforming into a warm smile.
“Cade, what brings you back here? Not stalking me, are you?” she teases, a playful glint in her eyes.
I chuckle, a sense of ease settling in. “Just passing through town. It has been a few years since I’ve been around. I guess I needed a taste of the simple life.”
She laughs, the sound echoing through the bakery. “Well, welcome to Sweet Delights. How are you, and can I get you anything?”
“Nothing for now. I have been busy, just left Joe and Rose to do more wedding planning. But being back feels...different.” I admit, my guard momentarily down.
Aria raises an eyebrow, studying me with curiosity. “Different how?”
I hesitate, not fully articulating the unexpected emotions that have surfaced. “I guess it’s the familiarity of it all. The city has its charm, but there’s something about this place that always feels like home.”
Aria nods, a knowing smile on her face. “Home has a way of pulling you back, doesn’t it?”
We share a moment of understanding, the unspoken connection bridging the gap between us. The conversation continues effortlessly as Aria updates me on Sweet Haven, sharing stories of the townsfolk, and I find myself immersed in the charm of our hometown.
As the afternoon progresses, Aria suggests grabbing a cup of coffee at a nearby café. We settle into a booth, the warmth of the café contrasting with the cool night outside.
“So, Cade, what brings you back—the wedding?” Aria inquires, sipping her coffee.
I lean back, a thoughtful expression on my face. “My cousin is getting married. It’s been three years since I last was home. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until tonight.”
Aria smiles, a glimmer of nostalgia in her eyes. “It’s funny how life brings us back to our roots, especially for special occasions.”
“Oh, and guess who forgot to tell me that Joe is getting married to Rose,” he asks, looking almost upset for not knowing.
“And who is that?” I ask sarcastically, knowing exactly who he’s talking about.