MasukSloane POVâFive years had a way of passing in the blink of an eye, yet in the quiet moments, they felt endless. For Dalton and I, life had settled into a rhythm that was both hectic and blissfully perfect.The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains of our cozy home, catching on soft golden hair that belonged to a small, giggling toddler bouncing in her crib. Jade was now four, and already showing the perfect mix of her parentsâ personalities, My curiosity and sassiness, Daltonâs stubborn determination, and both of our hearts.I leaned over the crib, brushing a stray curl from Jadeâs face. âGood morning, princess,â I whispered, planting a soft kiss on my daughterâs forehead. Jade responded with a delighted squeal, stretching her tiny arms toward her mother.Dalton emerged from the kitchen, cup of coffee in hand, a warm smile spreading across his face when he saw us. âI take it someoneâs awake early today,â he said, his voice low but playful. Jadeâs giggle only grew louder, an
Sloane POVâWedding planning had been a whirlwind, but with me at the center, it felt more like magic than chaos. Between me, Lila, and Rhea, every detail was discussed, debated, and meticulously perfected. Lila buzzed around like an excited whirlwind, throwing ideas and color palettes everywhere, while Rhea, ever the perfectionist, insisted on precise measurements and flower placements.One evening, I called them both into the apartment, nerves twisting in my stomach. I had a very important question to ask, and I wanted it to be perfect.âOkay,â I began, my voice trembling just slightly. âI need to ask you two something important.âLila leaned forward, eyebrows raised. âYes?ââI want you both to be my bridesmaids,â I said, forcing a calm smile. âBut LilaâŠâ I paused dramatically. âI want you to be my maid of honor.âLilaâs eyes went wide, and she practically squealed. âDo you know what this means?â she shrieked, barely containing herself. âI get to boss everyone around, plan the bach
Sloane POVâI couldnât stop smiling, even hours later.Dalton had confessed the âsurprise party that wasnât supposed to be revealed,â followed by Rhea bursting into the bedroom ten minutes later, red-faced and apologizing so hard she nearly tripped over her own words.âI thought she knew!â Rhea insisted, hands flailing. âI literally told you she didnât,â Dalton said, exasperated. Rhea gasped. âI completely forgot!âI hugged her before Daltonâs eye could twitch off his face. âItâs okay,â I laughed. âIâll still be surprised, I promise.âRhea beamed, instantly forgiven. She gave Dalton a look of⊠maybe relief? And quickly looked away with a smile.By the time we arrived at Marcâs lake house, if you could call a three-story architectural masterpiece with glass walls and a wraparound deck a âhouse,â my nerves fluttered with excitement. And not just for the party. Dalton had laced our fingers together the entire drive, thumb brushing circles on my skin like he was committing the shape of m
Sloane POVâThe room was still warm when everything slowed again, the kind of soft, quiet warmth that always followed the moments Dalton let himself fall apart with me.I lay against him, one leg draped over his, my cheek resting on his chest where his heartbeat thudded slow and steady. He hadnât said much since we collapsed into the pillows, only gentle breaths and the occasional swipe of his thumb along the inside of my arm.I loved the way he touched me after, unhurried, reverent, like he was memorizing me all over again.I closed my eyes and let myself sink into it. âYou okay?â I whispered, my voice still a little breathless.Dalton hummed, the sound deep in his chest. âMore than okay.âI smiled against his skin, feeling the vibration of his voice under my cheek. âGood.âWe stayed like that for a while. No talking. No rush. Just the soft rhythm of his fingers tracing patterns on my back and the slow rise and fall of his breathing beneath me. I could tell something was on his mind
Sloane POVâA year and a half laterâŠThe air smelled of spring and new beginnings. Sunlight poured over the university courtyard, glinting off rows of black caps and gowns. I could barely feel my feet touch the ground as I stood among my classmates, the world a blur of cheers, camera flashes, and laughter.When my name was called, the sound of Daltonâs voice cheering above the crowd made my smile widen. I stepped forward, accepting my diploma with shaking hands, and when I looked up, I saw him, standing just behind the rail, tall and composed in a black button-down and open collar, pride gleaming in his dark eyes.Sloane Mercer, college graduate.The thought made me laugh under my breath. For all the nights Iâd doubted myself, for all the anxiety and chaos, Iâd done it.After the ceremony, the sea of students broke apart into families, hugs, and photographs. Lila came bounding toward me in her heels, her cap clutched in her hand, mascara slightly smudged but her grin wide and bright.
Sloane POVâThe hum of the engine filled the car as Dalton drove, the city lights flickering across my face. I fidgeted with my hands in my lap, nerves twisting in my stomach.âYou look⊠incredible tonight,â Dalton said, glancing at me. His voice was low, warm, carrying that effortless confidence that always made my heart stutter.My fingers tightened around my dress. âIâthank you,â I murmured, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. âItâs just⊠a dress.âDalton shook his head, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. âJust a dress? Sloane, this emerald greenââ he gestured subtly to the way it hugged my curves, âfits you perfectly. Honestly, itâs distracting.âI blinked, cheeks flushing even deeper. âDistracting⊠huh?â I whispered, glancing out the window to avoid his eyes.He chuckled softly, the sound sending a thrill down my spine. âDistracting, yes. In a good way.âThe ride was comfortable, with the usual teasing and quiet glances that made my stomach twist. When Dalton finally pulled up to







