between dreams and vows

Rowland sat at a café table, checking his watch for the fourth time in five minutes. His fiancée, Ava, was thirty minutes late. Not that this was unusual—Ava had a passionate, loving relationship with being fashionably late. And by "fashionably," Rowland meant "chronically." He sighed dramatically and tried to focus on the file in front of him. It was important, something to do with work—but all the words were starting to look like alphabet soup. This was not the first time she’d done this. And probably not the last. They had been dating since he was seventeen and she was fourteen. Childhood sweethearts, thanks to two overenthusiastic fathers who thought pre-arranged engagements were still a cute idea in the 21st century. And surprisingly? It had worked Just as he was preparing to pack up and go sulk in his car, the café door chimed. Ava walked in like she owned the place and time hadn’t just wronged her fiancé. She wore a blue floral dress that hit just above the knee, matched with blue ankle boots and a little bag. Her silky black hair swayed behind her like a shampoo commercial. It would’ve been very impressive—if she wasn’t thirty-five minutes late. You're late," Rowland said flatly, doing his impression of an angry cat. "I know, and I’m sorry!" Ava said, giving him the kind of smile that should be illegal in negotiations. Rowland sighed and sat down again. If she smiled at him like that too long, he'd end up buying her a house. "This place is nice!" she said, looking around like she hadn’t ghosted the reservation. "You know, you look really cute when you're angry," she added sweetly, leaning on the table like a Disney princess. Try harder," he replied. "I’m sorry! The Dean wanted to talk to me after class. I couldn’t exactly tell him I had a date with my very punctual fiancé." Rowland looked at her, trying to stay mad. He failed, as usual. "I just wanted to spend a little time with you. Is that too much to ask?" he said with a sigh that could have won an award. "I promise to always have time for you!" she said, taking his hand. Her eyes were big and shiny now. If this was a trap, he was already in it. There was a pause. He took a deep breath. "Okay. So... I’ve been thinking. Since you graduated, you’ve been chasing your dreams—and I love that. Really. But maybe... we should take the next step." He reached into his pocket, and Ava’s eyebrows immediately tried to launch off her forehead. He pulled out a little box and opened it. "Let’s get married, Ava. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I think I’m ready., "Rowland, SaidI... I don’t know what to say. It’s not like I don’t want to get married, but—" "If it’s about your career, I promise I’ll stand by you," Rowland cut in quickly. "You can still be the professor, Ava finally said, "Rowland, I... I don’t know what to say. It’s not like I don’t want to get married, but—" "If it’s about your career, I promise I’ll stand by you," Rowland cut in quickly. "You can still be the professor, Then she nodded. "Yes, Rowland. Let’s get married." He slipped the ring onto her finger, and they both smiled at each other. Three days later — Rowland’s house three days later (Rowland's house) Ava sat quietly on the couch, fidgeting with her fingers. She was there because Rowland’s mother, Kate, had asked to speak with her about the wedding. Kate was in her late fifties, but looked like she’d won a lifelong bet with aging. With her flawless skin, stylish hair, and annoyingly healthy glow, she could’ve passed for thirty-eight with the right lighting. It’s been a while since you visited," Kate said, settling into the armchair across from her. "Sorry, I’ve just been really busy," Ava replied with an apologetic smile. "It’s alright, dear. You’ve already made it up to me by accepting my son’s proposal." Kate beamed. "Took him long enough, honestly." Ava looked down, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "So, about the wedding..." Kate began, already sounding excited. "I was thinking we’d prefer something low-key—just close friends and family," Ava suggested gently. "Nonsense!" Kate waved her off, her eyes twinkling. "We’re going to have a huge, extravagant wedding. Loud, beautiful, unforgettable—it’ll be the talk of the town for months!" Ava blinked. "It’s my son’s wedding we’re talking about!" Kate went on, glowing with enthusiasm. "It has to be big." Then, shifting gears just as quickly, she added, "And Rowlie told me you’re thinking of moving to America? Isn’t it cold there? That boy hates the cold—he looks like a lost puppy in the winter." Ava chuckled lightly but sat up straighter. "But Mother, I want to pursue my dream of becoming a professor there. I really believe Rowland and I can work it out." Kate gave her a look that was part skeptical, part fond. "And how big is the wedding going to be, Ava?" she asked with a sly smile. Ava sighed, already bracing herself. She knew Kate well. The woman had a flair for the dramatic—and the means to bring even her wildest ideas to life.