Chapter Text
Rowan had been living in Orynth for about a year already, and he finally felt like he was adapting to the city and the quirks it had. He had made a few friends too and enjoyed his life in general. He liked his work, had a favorite coffee shop, and he routinely ran by the park every morning. Most mornings he’s catch a glimpse of the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen walk through the park, which was a strong reason as to why he preferred to run by the park. He never had any courage to stop by and speak to the woman, though.
After his run, he would usually shower, change clothes and grab a coffee before heading to work. He had gotten his job at Cadre Security right after he had gotten out of the military, and when a new branch had opened in Terrasen, Rowan had offered to go - and here he still was. He enjoyed the challenges of the work; no day ever was the same and he split his time between working in the office and working with the clients.
All things considered, Rowan would say he was content with his life. He didn’t think he needed anything more, but sometimes he felt like he was missing something. He had entertained the thought of creating a profile for one of those dating apps, but the entire thing felt silly to him, so he refrained from it. His shy nature didn’t allow him to start up a conversation with random people either, so making friends – let alone getting a date – was hard for him. The few friendships he had made during his year in Orynth had either been initiated by the other person, or just naturally grew due to them being colleagues.
Like his friend Aedion. He had been one of the first hires at the Cadre’s new branch, immediately chatting with everyone in his vicinity. His humor was similar to Rowan’s, so they became friends over time. Often during the weekends, they would get a beer at the local bar or play sports during their free time. Rowan had also met Aedion’s wife, Lysandra, and their two-year-old toddler, Malin.
**
Rowan had made plans to go grab a drink or two with Aedion that evening, as apparently Aedion was being banished from their home due to a girls’ night, whatever that ensued. Probably nothing too crazy, as there would be children present.
Having ordered two beers, Rowan was now seated at the corner booth waiting for his friend to arrive. He was deep in thought when Aedion plopped down on the seat in front of him and took a long sip from his pint.
“So, I have an idea and before you say no, hear me out,” Aedion blurted out shaking Rowan out of his thoughts, confusing him.
“Sorry?”
“I have an idea to run by you. Well, it includes you, so you might be inclined to say no, but I really hope you won’t,” Aedion repeated and was playing with his fingers in a nervous manner.
“Get on with it then, I can’t say no without knowing the idea, right?” Rowan seemed nervous too, probably picking up on Aedion’s nervousness. What kind of an idea would make the extroverted, easily provoked, never embarrassed guy nervous? Rowan was about to find out.
“So… You know my wife Lysandra, right?” Aedion started before continuing. “She has this best friend – who is also my cousin – and, well, uh… I think you should go on a date with her.”
Rowan stared at Aedion in disbelief. Of all the things he had heard come out of the blonde man’s mouth, this was one thing he could not have anticipated at all.
“Sorry, what?”
“You and my cousin. Go on a date. A blind date, we’d set the whole thing up and pay for the entire thing too!” The slight grin coming Rowan’s way was a bit too excited, and somehow Rowan found himself thinking the entire thing over. Like he was seriously considering it.
“Okay,” he said, shocking both himself and his friend. Neither probably were expecting him to actually agree on a date with a random person. As it was, Rowan was probably the most introverted, shy man to ever exist, and he had just agreed to meet a stranger. Well, stranger to Rowan, as apparently the woman was Aedion’s cousin, whom Rowan had never met.
“Okay? Okay. Okay! Yes- yes. Cool. Right. Uhh… Should I know something about your schedule? I mean I know most of your schedule, we work together. But um… do you have a preferred day for the date? Like it’s most likely going to be a dinner as she works during the days,” Aedion blabbed on before being interrupted.
“Two days from now, on Friday, 7 pm. You let me know of the information and I’ll meet her there.”
And just like that, the awkward part of their evening was finished, and they continued it by recalling their day at work and telling jokes. And ordering more beer. By the end of the night, Rowan had convinced himself that he wasn’t drunk, just getting there. Aedion, however, was absolutely plastered. It was a good thing that the both of them had a day off the following day.
**
Rowan went on his run the next morning, just like usual. By the time he reached the park, he slowed down to a light jog. Then he caught it. The glimpse of gold glimmering in the sunlight, just a tiny glimpse before it was gone. He didn’t wallow in the misery of missing seeing more of the woman this morning, especially since he had no idea who she was.
Picking up speed again, he ran home. Just like he normally would, his day continued by him going through his morning routine, the only change being not having to go to work. On his days off, he enjoyed going to the gym or doing his weekly grocery shopping.
Not that day, though. Aedion called and informed Rowan about the upcoming date. Somehow the date consumed every thought in his mind. He couldn’t stop thinking about the beautiful woman at the park either. Agreeing to the date made him feel like he was betraying his own emotions, and he almost told Aedion to call the entire thing off but didn’t want the cousin to think she wasn’t wanted.
So, Rowan found himself ironing every single button up shirt he owned. The date wasn’t even that day, it was on the following day. But apparently Rowan cleaned and ironed when he was nervous, and now that he didn’t have alcohol in front of him, ironing was his go-to method of calming down. On the bright side, now he had picked what he was going to wear the next day as he met his blind date.
**
The next day, after work, Rowan was getting nervous. Yet again, he almost called Aedion to tell the date was off but pushed through his thoughts. Maybe he would enjoy the date, who knew?
He checked his hair in the mirror for the seventh time, unbuttoned and buttoned his shirt back up again for the third time. He even brushed his teeth again, just to make the time go by faster. Checking the watch on his wrist for what must’ve been the tenth time in five minutes, Rowan finally decided he wouldn’t be too early at the restaurant if he left now.
Aedion had made a reservation at a place not far from Rowan’s apartment, so it was a quick five-minute walk there. Just as he arrived, there was the woman from the park entering the restaurant. Suddenly Rowan’s nerves shot through the roof. It couldn’t be, right?
“A reservation under Ashryver,” the woman said to the hostess. It was his lucky day, apparently. The park woman was his blind date.
“Excuse me for interrupting, but I believe I’m your date,” Rowan had gathered enough courage to speak in front of the woman, who turned her gaze on him. Identical eyes to Aedion’s widened as they took him in, and a smile graced the woman’s face.
“Ah, yes. Reservation under Ashryver for two, please follow me,” the hostess took over and led them to their table, offering them menus and stating that their server would be with them shortly.
An awkward silence fell over the two of them as they read through the menus, trying to figure out the perfect food to eat on a first date. Rowan’s courage had withered away and suddenly he felt extremely nervous and shy in front of the most beautiful woman. Whose name he still didn’t know. But he couldn’t just open his mouth and ask it, could he?
“You’re Rowan, right? I’m Aedion’s cousin, Aelin. I don’t know what he told about me, but I assure you, none of it is probably true,” the golden-haired woman spoke. Ah, he got a name. Aelin. A beautiful name, fitting the beautiful woman.
“Well, he told me you were his cousin. That’s about it.” Why did Rowan have to be so stiff and shy? He couldn’t even crack a smile. He blew the date before it even started, he just knew it. Then Aelin chuckled.
“Okay, that part is true. I guess I should be glad he’s refrained from telling you all the mishaps I got to when I was younger. I do appreciate him letting us get to know each other on our own, it was awkward enough to be set on a blind date by him! I trust that you’re not an axe murderer since Aedion knows you and feels comfortable enough to introduce us. He can be a bit protective over me,” she explained to him with mirth glinting in her eyes.
Rowan smiled.
“No, I’m not an axe murderer, just an ex-military guy with the knowledge and skills to cause extreme discomfort for another person,” he smirked at her horrified reaction.
“He smiles! He jokes!” Aelin laughed. Rowan thought the laugh coming out of her was the most beautiful melodic sound he had ever heard. His heart fluttered.
“I do have my moments.”
–
After the ice had been successfully broken, their date seemed to just fly by. The conversation never stopped, even as they ate, they were constantly asking new questions and making funny quips. Rowan, despite his prior nervousness felt like he had known Aelin his whole life, everything just seemed to come so easily with her.
They found out that Rowan was apparently a few years older than she was, deciding not to re-enlist for the military at a surprisingly young age despite his rapidly growing career. He had known he wanted a chance at a more reliable life should a family ever come along, but so far that hadn’t happened. Both of them also shared random, small facts about themselves, such as favorite ice cream flavors and childhood dream professions. Apparently, Aelin wanted to be a queen, and Rowan had always wanted to be a warrior – thus his military and now security careers.
Even though everything seemed to be going perfectly, there was one thing that kept Rowan wondering.
“If you don’t mind me asking… but how is a woman as witty and smart and fun as you, as well as beautiful as you still single?”
Aelin froze. Rowan’s nerves peeked back out; he was absolutely afraid that his question was the thing that killed the mood now. Suddenly, Aelin’s lips took on a smirk with her eyes showing a bit of concern.
“Well, aren’t you a charmer, Mr Whitethorn. But alas, there is one thing in my life which seems to be a perfect male deterrent. You see, this incredible, smart, funny and cute five-year-old tends to keep guys at bay. I have a daughter,” Aelin told Rowan, who didn’t seem to react in a bad way.
“What’s her name?” Rowan asked. His newest question seemed to be too much for Aelin, as tears appeared at the corners of her eyes, making him freak out. “Please don’t cry, I didn’t mean it in a bad way!”
“Oh no, no. I didn’t think you meant anything bad by it. It’s just… Every time before, if I mentioned to guys that I have a daughter, they always followed it with asking if the father is still in the picture or if I was looking for a dad for her – or even wondering how a woman like me could possibly be a mother. You are the only person who has asked something about my daughter after you heard about her,” Aelin smiled and wiped the tears away, not wanting to cry in public.
“Well, I think that I have immensely enjoyed my time with you, and a daughter I don’t even know yet shouldn’t stop me from asking you on a second date,” Rowan said and took Aelin’s hand in his, giving it a squeeze.
“Oh.”
“Yeah. I would very much like to see you again, Aelin.”
“Yes, please. I mean, I would like to see you too,” she blurted out, making Rowan grin. “Oh, and her name is Alora. My daughter’s I mean. Although she would much prefer if everyone called her princess Alora.”
“Princess Alora. I have to remember that for when I get the honor of meeting her.”
Rowan’s statement was so genuine, it brought tears to Aelin’s eyes again.
“Okay, now we really have to finish up with the date before I start bawling my eyes out. Would you like to have lunch tomorrow? I know it’s sudden and it’s a Saturday and you probably have plans but-“ Aelin was interrupted by Rowan’s gentle voice.
“I would love to have lunch with you tomorrow. It’s a date.”
They finished up the date by calling for the bill only to find out that Aedion had already covered the costs, just like he’d told he would. Rowan gave his number to Aelin and told her to message him about the details of their next date. Ever the gentleman, he helped Aelin put on her coat and kissed her hand in farewell, only to get a kiss on the cheek before the golden woman fluttered away.
As he began his trek back home, Rowan’s hand almost involuntarily raised to touch his cheek where Aelin had kissed her. He couldn’t stop smiling. Safe to say, the date was a success.
**
They had their date the next day, enjoying it just as much as their dinner the night before. They spent the entire lunch just laughing together, telling stories from their childhoods and sharing more facts about themselves.
Rowan was absolutely certain this was the something that had been missing from his life. He just hoped Aelin felt the same about him. And apparently, she did, as she kept messaging him random bird facts and jokes after finding out his favorite animal was a hawk. He earned the nickname ‘buzzard’ from her too.
Over the course of the next few weeks, they kept texting or even talking on the phone daily. They had a few more dates too, going dancing, trying out new restaurants and one time they even went to an adventure park.
–
That evening they were about to have an early dinner at Rowan’s place, as he had promised to cook for her. He had been at work for a half-day, and after getting home he just dived straight into creating the perfect meal for his girlfriend. At least that’s how he had been thinking of her for the past few days. He wanted to ask Aelin to be sure, that’s what this dinner was for.
As he was finishing up with the pasta, the doorbell rang. He quickly strained the spaghetti before practically running to the door. He took a second to straighten himself, then opened the front door and was almost floored by the view in front of him. Aelin was wearing a black dress with golden embroidery, which made her eyes sparkle in the dim lighting.
“Please, come in,” Rowan motioned towards his apartment with his hand, and Aelin stepped inside. He took her coat and hung it on the wall before leading her to the kitchen island.
“I was thinking we’d eat on the island today, if it’s okay with you?” He waited for her nod before helping her sit down on one of the chairs. She looked around admiring the foods Rowan had already set on the table, he had even lit a couple of candles.
“Wow, this all looks delicious,” Aelin gave a heartfelt compliment, making the man smile. He sat down next to her and placed a glass of wine in front of her, having noticed she prefers a small glass of wine with dinner and following it with some water. He noticed a lot of things about her, often watching her with awe.
They were deep in conversation and almost done with the meal, when Rowan suddenly just blurted the words out, almost forcefully.
“Are you my girlfriend? Because I’ve been thinking you are but never got the confirmation and I just- I don’t want you to ever feel uncomfortable with me.”
Aelin stared. Then she started smiling. Then the giggles took over and she brought a hand to her mouth, trying to keep the laughing at bay. Rowan just looked at her incredulously.
“I- I’m sorry, I swear I’m not laughing at you,” she began. “It’s just… I’ve been telling my friends about my incredibly hot boyfriend, so I sure hope I am your girlfriend.”
Rowan joined in the laughter and moved towards her. Wrapping his arms around her, with a strong intent he brought his lips to hers. She stilled, before moving her hand behind his neck and pulling him closer. Slowly he pulled out of the kiss and leaned his forehead to hers.
“Gods, that was- that was-,” he tried to come up with a word strong enough to tell how wonderful the moment was.
“That was so magical I never want to stop, buzzard. I have to admit, I’ve been wanting to kiss you for so long, I was certain I was going to die of old age before we got to our first kiss,” Aelin’s wit was perfect as usual. Rowan just laughed and kissed her again. And again. And again.
**
A few days later, Aelin sent a message to Rowan, which made his heart pound.
“What would you think about meeting Alora?”
He would be ecstatic. Meeting Aelin’s daughter was the next step, and Alora was the key to whether or not their relationship would or could continue. He replied to his girlfriend that he’d love to and asked if she had an idea for where they should meet.
Aelin got back to him an hour later.
“Bowling alley. Today at 5, if it works for you?”
–
So, here Rowan was, waiting for his girlfriend and her daughter at the bowling alley. The nerves were once again getting the best of him. What if Alora didn’t like him? What if she didn’t want her mom to date anyone? Suddenly Rowan was regretting not finding out about Alora’s father, if he was still in the picture. That would be tough, being a new man in the little girl’s life. He’d even gotten her a gift but was now wondering if it was stupid. She probably already had something similar.
He couldn’t wallow in his thoughts for too long, as a childlike blabber interrupted him. Turning around, he saw Aelin and someone who could easily pass as a miniature Aelin clone nearing him.
“Mama, is that him? He’s soooooo pwetty with the shiny hair!” Rowan chuckled quietly at the little girl’s comment. Aelin, too, was laughing silently.
“I agree, love, his hair is real pretty and shiny!”
“Hello, ladies,” Rowan greeted. He was about to settle for a wave and a hug, but Aelin wanted a kiss, so she brought their lips together for a quick kiss. Alora didn’t like it.
“NO KISSES!”
Both the adults laughed, and Rowan got down to a squat to talk to the tiny human.
“Hi, Alora. My name is Rowan,” he spoke to the girl.
“Yes I know, my mommy told me.” Alora surely wasn’t a shy one. A chuckle left Rowan’s lips.
“Well, did your mommy tell you that I got a surprise for you, princess Alora?” The little girl’s eyes grew to the size of dinner plates in awe. She was practically shaking in excitement.
“A suwpwise? I love suwpwises!”
Rowan offered a badly wrapped present for the little girl, who went to town ripping the paper off. Aelin was looking at the scene in astonishment, she had no idea his boyfriend would be bringing something for her child. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She was feeling something she hadn’t felt in forever. Something awfully close to love.
“MAMA LOOK! Wowan got me a tiawa! Can I put it on, please, please, please mommy?” Alora was now literally jumping up and down while shaking her new tiara at her mom.
“Alright, love, let’s put it on. Remember, what do we say to someone who gave us a gift?” Aelin asked her daughter.
“Thank you, Wowan! I love it! I am a pwincess now!” Alora looked at Rowan with the widest grin ever, the tiara glimmering on top of her head. Aelin felt so elated that her daughter and her boyfriend were getting along so well, she was about to give a kiss to Rowan again.
“I said no kisses!” Alora stopped the kiss before it had time to even start. Rowan pondered something for a bit.
”Why don’t we make a deal, Alora? Every time I manage to knock down all the pins at once with the bowling ball, I get a kiss from your mommy?” Rowan asked the little girl in front of her. Alora looked to be deep in thought before responding with a giggle.
“I think I can allow you mommy kisses if you win, Wowan.”
“Alright, love, I think we should get in and get bowling then!” Aelin grabbed the hand of her daughter and her boyfriend as well. The overly excited little girl was running and pulling Aelin along, making the adults laugh as they followed her inside.
–
Turns out, despite Rowan’s military experience and excellent marksman skills, he was absolutely terrible at bowling. So much so, that at halfway through their game Aelin offered to have the bumpers put up for him as well, just like Alora had. Grumbling, Rowan agreed with a blush rising to his cheeks in embarrassment. Even with the rails, he couldn’t get all the pins knocked down, much to the amusement of the two ladies with him.
“I’m sowwy, Wowan. Looks like you won’t be getting mommy kisses,” Alora stated. Aelin burst out laughing, almost doubling over. There was no denying whose daughter Alora was, with wit like Aelin’s. Rowan muttered something under his breath before letting out a deep, long sigh.
“That’s alright. I suppose I have to find another way to get mommy kisses then,” he told Alora.
The little girl looked like she was thinking hard, before walking up to Rowan and pulling at his hand so he’d squat down to her level. Without any warning, Alora gave a big smacking wet kiss on Rowan’s cheek, almost hitting his eye.
“I said no mommy kisses, but you get a kiss for being a good boy. Mommy always says that I get a kiss for being good.” Rowan blushed at this, and Aelin swooned. There was no denying it, Alora absolutely adored Rowan. And if the hug Rowan gave the little girl was anything to go by, he absolutely adored her too. He looked at his girlfriend, showing her the biggest smile as his eyes shone with deep, heartfelt joy.
It was at that moment that he knew he was going to marry Aelin one day.