Page 65 of A Raven Revived

She leaned back so she could look into his eyes. “None of it is your fault, Fitz. Please stop blaming yourself.” She placed her palm against his cheek. “My father is the only one to blame.”

He still looked so sad. “Why didn’t you tell me you were afraid he’d send you to an asylum?”

She shrugged. “My father had threatened me with it when I told him I wouldn’t marry Geoffrey, but I didn’t think he’d actually do it, especially with you just at the neighboring estate, and Geoffrey already married. What could he possibly have to gain? I didn’t understand just how angry he was, though. He truly hates me, Fitz.”

He pulled her into another tight embrace. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll stop blaming myself, if you’ll stop thinking of yourself as broken.”

Tears filled her eyes again as she leaned back to look at him. He was so good to her. Slowly, she nodded. His answering smile warmed her heart, and she pressed her lips to his.

She was lucky to have him. She wrapped her arms around him and whispered into his ear, “Fitz.”

He squeezed her tight and whispered back, “Daisy.”

“Do you feel up to a short walk? The sun is out today, and I thought we might walk over to Raven House for a visit. Would you like that?”

“I would love that.” Right now, she would love doing anything with him, but sunshine and fresh air sounded especially inviting.

When they entered Raven House a short time later, Gwen rushed across the main hall and threw her arms around Daisy. She held her and didn’t say a word, just hugged her.

When they eventually parted, Rosie stood, as if in line, and did the same.

Ash smiled at her from where he stood beside his office door. “You’re looking well today.” He held an arm out to his side, but she ignored it and wrapped her arms tightly around his middle.

“You’re not going to get away with those half hugs any longer. Not after last night.”

He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “You’re going to be a bad influence on the others, you know.” But he wrapped his arms around her anyway.

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

He chuckled. “So be it.”

“Thank you, Ash.”

He squeezed her once more before letting her go. “Do you mind if I borrow Fitz for an hour? I’m sure the ladies will be happy to have your company.”

“Of course. Just as long as you promise to give him back.”

“I promise.”

She sat with Rosie and Gwen and enjoyed a cup of tea. They didn’t ask her anything about Auburn Ridge, somehow knowing she didn’t want to talk about it. Instead, they gushed with excitement over her betrothal to Fitz.

“The night you snuck out of here, after drinking an entire bottle of wine, just so that you could see him, I knew he must be something special.”

Daisy blushed. “Probably not my finest hour.” But even then, he’d been honorable, kind, and protective.

Rosie chimed in then. “We’ve all done silly things because of love, dear.”

They shared a few more laughs and finished their tea. Laughter felt so good. She would never take it for granted again.

“I assume Samantha is here somewhere?”

Gwen nodded. “She’s not very social just yet, but she might like to see you. She’s in your room, actually, if you want to pay her a visit.”

“I think I will.” She hugged them both one more time before heading down the hall to her room. Although, it wasn’t really her room anymore. As much as she was looking forward to marrying Fitz, she would miss this place. This had been her home for a long time, and the people here had loved her more than her actual family ever had. She smiled to herself, once again feeling so lucky to have Fitz, who was willing to create a life here because he knew it would make her happy.

She knocked softly before opening the door. Samantha sat on the edge of her bed, back straight and eyes wide with worry. She relaxed a bit when she realized it was just Daisy. She closed the door behind her and moved a chair over to sit by her, holding out a hand. Samantha hesitated a moment before placing her own on top.

Daisy squeezed it softly. “You’re going to be alright, Samantha. You’re safe here and surrounded by the most caring people you’ll ever meet.”

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