I checked in on Milo before I headed downstairs to lock up for the night. He was fast asleep in my bed, where he belonged. I wondered how long it would take for me to talk him into moving in with me here. Hopefully before the baby came.

He was a stubborn omega, not that I blamed him after all I'd put him through. Even though we'd gotten back together over three months ago, I could understand if he dragged his feet for a bit. I mean, ours was still a new relationship before the break-up. And since then, we'd been busy with the holiday rush at his store and dealing with his morning sickness.

I was ready for the happily ever after, but I also knew that we needed to take the proper steps to get there. Still. It didn't hurt to look ahead and hope for a future filled with Milo. The lights were all on downstairs. Even on the Christmas Tree. I went from room to room, methodically turning off the lights.

When I entered the living room, I found Aggie sitting on an old chair near the tree. I'd brought it down from the attic at Milo's request. Apparently, it had been a particular favorite of his Nana's. As I entered the room, her lilac scent hit me with a stronger burst than usual.

I didn't question her odd comings and goings anymore. I'd learned to just enjoy the few moments that I shared with the strange old bird. Although I did wish that she'd show up at some point so that Milo could meet her. He looked at me like I was crazy whenever I mentioned the meddling neighbor that liked to pop by unannounced and let herself in and then dramatically disappear soon after.

“Hey, Aggie. Are you ready for Christmas tomorrow?” I asked, slowly lowering myself to the floor across from her. I inhaled the lovely scent of evergreen that filled the room. It melded beautifully with Aggie's lilac perfume.

She smiled at me, as if just noticing my presence. “You've done well, young man. You and Milo make a sweet couple, and will be wonderful fathers. Now you just have to give him a special gift tomorrow. Don't worry, he won't say no.”

I looked up at her quizzically. She pointed under the tree. I laughed when I saw the red croquet ball sitting there. A glint of something shiny next to it caught my eye, and I reached over to pick it up.

I held a beautifully crafted silver ring. It was etched with a row of tiny shamrocks and hearts in an alternating pattern. I looked at her questioningly. “Where did this come from, Aggie?”

She smiled. “I would suggest telling Milo that it was in the trunk or cabinet that you both love so much but have yet to remove from the attic.” She looked into the lights of the tree, her eyes unfocused as if remembering something. Or someone.

“It belonged to my husband, Miles. After he passed, I wore it around my neck for many years. My son intended to bury it with me, but that's not something that I prefer. That ring is a symbol of a lifetime lived with love, happiness, and peace. It needs to rest on another hand that faces his own lifetime of the same.”

She laughed then. “Oh, there were fights. Don't let me tell you otherwise! But the best part about fighting with an Irishman is making up afterwards. Well, I suppose that's true in any marriage. But I was partial to my own grumpy Irishman.”

I hadn't realized that her husband had passed. She usually spoke of him in present tense during our random conversations. “I'm sorry that you lost him, Aggie. But I can't take his ring. It wouldn't be right to take it from you. A treasure like this ring belongs with family.”

Aggie smiled at me then, her luminous eyes filled with tears. “Oh, sweetheart. That right there is the reason that you can take it from me. Your heart is beautiful, Rafe. You will be a good husband to my Milo. My prayer is that you find as many years of happiness together as I did with my husband.”

I bit my lip as I looked down at the ring that I still held in my palm. “You don't think it's too soon? I don't want to rush him.”

Aggie laughed then, a booming musical sound that filled my heart. “Oh, Rafe. The boy is already swollen with your child. I think the horse has already left the barn, love.” She sobered then, looking at me directly as she spoke.

“When you find love in this life, Rafe, you have to grab it with both fists and hold on tight. Some loves are here for a season, while others are here for a lifetime. I think you already know that Milo is your once in a lifetime love. And he knows it too, don't you think otherwise. Don't let fear keep you from happiness, Rafe. Don't you do it. Life is too short. Grab it by the short and curlies while you have the chance.”

“I'm assuming you mean life by that last part, and not Milo?” I asked dryly, with a sassy smirk.

Aggie laughed again. “Oh, yes. You'll do for our Milo, Rafe. My husband would have definitely approved.” She shrugged then. “Or maybe he already does? Who's to say? At any rate. Forgive an old fool for her teasing and pranks. I'm happy that you and Milo have found your way back together. Make sure you give him that gift tomorrow, you hear me?”

I nodded. “Oh, and one more thing.” Aggie said suddenly, with a hint of laugher in her voice. “Put on some slippers, son. You'll catch a cold.” She laughed as I turned to look mournfully at my lone slipper on the TV stand. My jaw dropped when I saw the complete pair sitting there.

I looked back over at Aggie to ask her about it, but the chair was empty except for that damned red croquet ball. I got up slowly, my brain ready to explode at this point. I went over and pulled on my slippers.

I tucked the ring into my pocket, and headed for the hall. With one last look around the room, I shook my head and turned off the lights. As I climbed the stairs, I could have sworn that I heard Aggie's laughter following in my wake.