Chapter 20

Alden dreamed. Sunlight dappled the charity gala's back garden, soft and golden. This time, he never made the call. Instead, he stood beneath a tree, watching as Willow, who was dressed in white, carefully settled a bird's nest back onto a branch. Light as a whisper, she hopped down, brushed the dust from her skirt, and looked right at him. He stepped closer, and his voice was warm. "Hello. I'm Alden Wilder. I'd like to know you." Willow blinked, tilting her chin with playful haughtiness. "Oh? And why's that?" "Because you're beautiful," he said, smiling. She huffed, though her ears turned pink. "Well, since you're so taken with me, I suppose I can graciously allow you the honor of my acquaintance." Alden bit back a laugh, utterly charmed. His dream unfolded effortlessly. He chased Willow, and she "grudgingly" agreed to be his. He spoiled her endlessly, and she nestled into his arms, playful and full of mischief. Time slipped away until, at last, they stood before the chapel'