Page 55 of Raven

“Thanks. It means a lot that my family’s supporting me. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready.”

Raven slipped his arm around my waist, fingers brushing the small of my back. I leaned into him, comforted by the steady presence of the man who had become my anchor.

“Let’s all sit,” he said.

Everyone laughed as we made our way to the patio, where chairs circled under strings of soft lights he’d hung the night before.

He told me he wanted this place to feel like home for me.

And strangely—it did. It felt like I’d lived here forever.

Laney brought out a pitcher of sweet tea. Haley followed with snacks, smiling proudly as she helped the women in the kitchen.

“You doing okay?” Laney asked quietly when she sat beside me. “Really?”

I nodded. “Better every day. I still have nightmares, but they’re less frequent. Being here helps. Being with Raven helps. Thank you for taking me fishing.

I never realized how much fun that could be—even if I couldn’t bait my own hook.”

She chuckled, giving my hand a squeeze. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Raven hasn’t been the same since he rescued you. Something shifted in him.”

Her words caught me off guard. I blinked, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“The strange thing is... I knew he’d find me,” I whispered. “I’ll never take life for granted again.”

“I’m going to check on dinner. Want to come with me?”

I nodded and stood. Raven immediately reached for my elbow.

“I’m okay,” I said gently.

He let go, slowly, like he still wanted to hold on.

Inside, the kitchen buzzed with life. I was ushered to a stool while Georgia carried a salad bowl.

I sliced homemade bread and chatted with the women—neighbors who already felt like friends.

Then someone placed Lori’s baby in my arms. I felt instantly connected to this tiny boy. Maybe because I delivered him.

The scent of roasted meat, fresh bread, and something sweet baking filled the air.

I had never felt more at home.

“I’m so happy Raven found you,” Georgia said. “I hated seeing him alone. Laney and Haley have Gideon. Now Raven has you.”

I smiled. “You’re a good sister. I don’t know what we are yet, Raven and me. We’re taking things one day at a time.

But I know I want to be with him. Always.”

Georgia grinned and nudged my shoulder. “He feels the same.”

That evening, we gathered around the fire pit Raven had set up.

Clouds veiled the stars, but the soft crackle of flames and gentle voices filled the night.

I curled beneath a blanket, my head resting on Raven’s shoulder. His heartbeat was steady beneath my ear.

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