Page 42 of Raven
I went to stand, and Caleb held up a hand, remarking, “I’ve got it beautiful.”
He walked inside and I watched though the sliding glass door as he and the prospect who brought us drinks last night carry in bags from the garage. Caleb put a few items away and when he returned, he held the small box from yesterday in his hand.
“A little something to take the edge off?” he inquired.
“Maybe later,” I replied, and he nodded before placing it onto the table, unopened.
He retook his seat, and I smiled at him. He was one of the best people I’d ever met, and to think I got to spend the rest of my life with him made my heart flutter.
I never thought things would turn out like they have, but I was still reeling from Warhol’s information last night. Looking at Caleb, I asked, “Do you really think this thing with Rooster is over?”
He took my hands into his and replied, “I know it is, but you don’t have to worry about that anymore. You have me and theSinners to watch your back, and we won’t let anyone attempt to take advantage of you again.”
“I love you,” I simply said.
“And I love you,” Caleb returned, kissing the back of my hand.
My entire life, I’d always felt like a burden or a responsibility, but with Caleb, I was a choice. He never judged, he was kind, and considerate, and loyal, and he was all mine.
Who says wishes don’t come true?
Chapter 19
Raven
My mom texted and said they were on their way, so Sydney and I had about fifteen minutes before they were here. They’d known for a few days that I was going to propose to her and were eager to meet her. And if you thought I should have introduced them before I proposed, you’d be wrong.
My family didn’t judge people and never interfered in the lives of others or their decisions. They believed that everyone was entitled to support, even through bad decisions, and I was grateful they were so chill.
“They’re on their way,” I yelled down the hallway into the bedroom.
Sydney was getting ready while I got the steaks marinating on the island. She wanted to be presentable the first time they met, so I volunteered to get lunch started while she got cleaned up. I wished we had time so I could make love to her, but she said she was sore from our marathon lovemaking last night.
I whispered into her ear that I would make her dessert, and she blushed before walking into the bathroom to get showered. The sound of a motorcycle pulling down the street alerted me that my parents were arriving, so I walked into the bedroom and explained, “They’re here.”
She looked at herself in the mirror and turned to me. “Do I look okay?”
She was wearing a pair of jeans, some tennis shoes, and a nice T-shirt. Approaching her, I pulled her close and kissed her cheek, responding, “You look beautiful as always.”
Her blush was cute as I grabbed her hand and led us back into the kitchen. Opening the door to the garage, I pressed the button on the wall, and we watched the garage door rise into the air. Mom and Dad were getting off their bike as we walked out to greet them.
I felt Sydney grip my hand tightly, and I stroked my thumb across the back of her hand to offer comfort. Mom smiled at us as Dad helped her off their touring bike, and when she approached us, she opened her arms to Sydney. Sydney gave me a confused look, and I shrugged as she hugged my mom. My dad walked up and remarked, “Come on, Caroline. Don’t scare the poor girl.”
Mom stepped back and wiped under her eyes as she looked at my father. “She’s so beautiful.”
My father smiled and reached out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Sydney. I’m Roger, and you’ve met Caroline.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” she returned and shook his hand.
“You want to go inside?” I asked them, knowing we’d be more comfortable in the kitchen than standing in the driveway.
“We’re waiting on our friend. He should be here any minute,” Dad remarked and turned to look down my street.
A bike turned at the top of the street, and Sydney stepped back as her mouth dropped open. She looked at me, and when I saw who was turning into my driveway, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I guess we don’t have to worry about leaving a voicemail,” I reasoned.
Billy pulled his bike up next to Dad’s and killed the engine as he swung one leg over the seat and dismounted. Sydney’s eyes filled with tears as he pulled her into a hug. They were wrappedtight in their embrace as my parents and I watched on, feeling the emotional reunion between Billy and Sydney.
