Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 90778 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90778 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Her hands fly to my face, cupping my cheeks as she leans closer. “We’ve always deserved each other, Earl. We’re two peas in a pod, remember? I was stupid, insecure and scared when I said those things, but even after you left I never stopped loving you. Not for a moment. Never.”
I close my eyes as her words wash over me, the truth I’ve been yearning for finally setting me free. Tears sting my eyes, and before I can stop them, they spill over. “I’m sorry,” I choke out. “I’ve been such a monster, holding onto that anger for so long.”
She wipes my tears away, her touch gentle and soothing. “There’s nothing to apologize for,” she whispers. “Love forgives everything, Earl. Everything.”
The weight I’ve carried for years lifts in that moment, replaced by a deep love and warmth I haven’t felt in a long time. She kisses me, soft and tender, and I let myself sink into it, into her, into us.
As she pulls back, her smile wavers, but her eyes hold nothing but love. “We’ll be okay,” she says, her voice trembling with conviction. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”
I nod, pulling her closer as my heart finally feels whole. “Together,” I agree, and for the first time in years, I believe it.
CHAPTER 48
RAVEN
He stares into my eyes, the intensity softening into something more profound—something that takes my breath away. A small smile begins to curve his lips, widening slowly but surely. It’s a smile that knows too much, that holds an unspoken truth. My chest tightens, a flutter building inside me.
“I saw it,” he says softly, his voice laced with both tenderness and certainty.
I blink, confused. “Saw what?”
His gaze flickers, his smile deepening as though the words themselves are precious. “The pregnancy test,” he says simply. “In the bathroom.”
The air rushes out of my lungs. I can’t tell if it’s panic or relief—or maybe both—that courses through me as I struggle to form words.
“I …” My voice falters, and I look down at the rough hospital blanket. Should I apologize for not telling him sooner? Explain that it wasn’t planned, but I don’t regret it. Or that I didn’t know how to bring it up after everything that has happened?
Before I can untangle my thoughts, Earl leans forward, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. His thumb brushes over my skin. “My darling,” he says, his voice unwavering and filled with a strong emotion that makes him feel like he will forever be my rock, my port in the storm. “You’ve given me the greatest gift I could’ve ever asked for.”
I stare at him, my breath catching. “You mean it?” I whisper, barely able to get the words out.
He nods, his eyes never leaving mine. “I love you,” he says, his voice breaking slightly. “With all my heart, baby. And I already love the new life growing inside you too, more than I thought was possible.”
Tears well up in my eyes. I can’t hold it in any longer. I lean forward, capturing his lips in a kiss that speaks of everything I feel. The fear, the gratitude, the overwhelming love that has grown inside me, not just for the life we’ve created but for this man who has fought so hard to be with me, who has endured so much to stand by my side.
“I love you too, Earl,” I whisper against his lips, my voice trembling but certain. “With all my heart. Forever. And ever.”
His arms wrap around me, pulling me close as we kiss again, this time slower, deeper, as though sealing a promise we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.
The moment stretches, the world narrowing to just the two of us. The weight of the past lifts, replaced by something that shines like stars in the night, something unbreakable. And as we hold each other, I feel it—the certainty that whatever comes next, we’ll face it together.
Forever.
EPILOGUE
EARL
The hallway outside Raven’s hospital room feels like a liminal space—too quiet, too clean. The soft hum of monitors and faint voices from nearby rooms create an unsettling backdrop to my restless thoughts. I shift my weight from one foot to the other, my arms crossed tightly as if bracing myself for bad news. Through the small window in her door, I can see Raven sitting up in bed, her mother beside her, holding her hand. She looks so calm, so radiant. She has no idea of the turmoil still swirling inside me.
Beside me, Raven’s father clears his throat. I glance at him. He’s standing straighter now, a picture of health compared to the man I first met. The lines on his face are less pronounced, his color has returned, and his presence feels... steady. But his gaze is fixed on me, sharp and assessing.
“Earl,” he says finally, his voice quiet but deliberate. “Can we talk?”