The Rosé Family (Pt 1)

Prolouge

Sitting on a weathered park bench, its once vibrant green paint now chipped and faded, a man's gaze was drawn to a young woman lost in the pages of a book. Her brow was ever so slightly furrowed in concentration, her chestnut locks cascading over one shoulder. With a hopeful smile playing at the corners of his mouth, he gave a tentative wave in her direction, unsure if she had even noticed his presence. To his delight, a soft chuckle escaped her lips as she looked up, closing the book with a gentle thud and turning her body to face him.

"Isn't it just a marvelous day?" the man exclaimed, his face beaming with unabashed joy at having caught her attention. The sun seemed to make his hazel eyes dance with warmth.

"Why, indeed it is. I was just engrossed in this captivating novel by Lionel Peters," the woman replied, proudly displaying the book's embossed cover. As the man's eyes landed on the familiar title, recognition and excitement lit up his features.

"Ah, I'm quite familiar with that one! A truly marvelous tale!" he gushed, his enthusiasm bubbling over as he scooted towards her on the bench, closing the distance between them.

The woman giggled at his infectious excitement, a melodious sound that seemed to complement the chirping of birds in the nearby trees. "I'm Minerva. Minerva Greyfield," she introduced herself, extending a delicate hand.

"At your service, m'lady. Dennis Rosé, at your humble disposal," he replied with an exaggerated bow of his head, gently taking her hand in his calloused but tender grip.

In that moment, an inexplicable spark seemed to ignite between them, a connection that would blossom into something beautiful. Day after day, they returned to that very bench, their special spot where laughter and dreams intermingled. Minerva found herself captivated by Dennis' quick wit and warm nature, while he was utterly enamored by her sharp intellect and kind spirit. Tentative brushes of the hand soon gave way to lingering caresses, and before long, their first shy kiss sealed the fate of their blossoming romance.

As summer melted into fall, their bond only grew stronger, a love story unfolding amidst the changing leaves. In the crisp autumn air of 1873, they exchanged vows beneath a canopy of fiery foliage, embarking on a new chapter as husband and wife. Joy and laughter filled their humble home, their lives a tapestry woven together by cherished moments.

Spring's gentle caress ushered in a new season of hope and anticipation when, in 1897, Minerva shared the most precious news with Dennis – she was expecting their child come May. Overwhelmed with joy, Dennis leapt into the air, his exuberant whoop echoing through their cozy parlor as he swept his beloved into an embrace. Minerva had no doubt that the man who had so thoroughly captured her heart would be a wonderful father.

To celebrate the impending arrival of their little one, the couple hosted a joyous baby shower on New Year's Day, their quaint home filled to the brim with loved ones. Amidst the delicate clink of china and the aroma of freshly baked treats, friends and family eagerly guessed the gender, with most convinced it would be a daughter while a few held firm in their belief of a son. Minerva simply smiled serenely, one hand resting on the swell of her belly as she basked in the warm glow of anticipation.

When at last the long-awaited day arrived in mid-May, Minerva brought into the world a robust baby boy with a shock of raven hair and bright eyes that seemed to mirror the clear spring sky. As Dennis cradled the swaddled bundle, tears of wonder streaking his beaming face, he knew they would call their son Kingston – a name fit for the little king who had already claimed the thrones of their hearts.