Page 28

28

Beatrice

Raven moved me into his house, packed my clothes, and put them in his room.

I still wasn’t sure how I felt about that, but I agreed—for now.

I didn’t want him waiting on me hand and foot, but I didn’t want him far from me either.

We were eating outside when people suddenly surrounded us.

I knew who they were without an introduction. Raven had their photos everywhere—his family—his beautiful, big family.

They paused when they saw me, then grinned. The men looked just like Raven.

I stood as they stepped forward to hug me gently, carefully, and kindly. Raven must have told them about my injuries.

His dad smiled at me. I still couldn’t get over how young he was—just sixteen when Raven was born.

Raven had told me the story of his family and how DNA testing helped him find even more relatives.

“How are you doing?” his dad asked.

“I’m doing well. I’ll be returning to work in a few weeks.”

“Don’t rush it. You could end up in more pain.”

“I won’t,” I said with a soft chuckle. “Mostly we’ve been fishing with Laney.”

“I saw you on her YouTube channel. That’s how we knew you were doing better. Figured it was a good time to visit.”

“I’m glad you're here. I’ve wanted to meet Raven’s family—he’s told me so much about all of you.”

“Don’t believe everything he says,” his dad joked.

“We’ve got everything for the barbecue,” Raven called out. “I’m so glad you’re all here. Everyone’s coming for dinner. Laney’s been cooking up a storm—I can smell it from here. Beatrice made pies. She let me have a piece, and it was delicious.”

“I’ll go see if anyone needs help,” I said, rising.

“You will sit and talk to Georgia,” Raven said firmly.

That’s when I noticed the beautiful woman standing nearby, smiling.

Raven pulled her into a hug.

“You must be Georgia,” I said, offering my hand. “Come sit down and tell me about yourself.”

“I’m going to be a firefighter like you,” she said brightly. “Just finished college and applied to a few departments near my hometown. I want to stay in Oklahoma, where my family is.”

“That’s wonderful. Get ready for a serious physical challenge. I prepped by lifting weights and rock climbing. It’s a lot of work, but you’ll do great.”

“When did you start working with your brothers?”

“I’ve been with them for over a year now. Before that, I was a firefighter in Reno.

Some guys might give you a hard time because you’re a woman, but prove you know your job—and most will back off.”

“I’m really glad I got to talk with you. When Raven said you were a firefighter, I couldn’t wait to meet you. I know medics are part of the job—was that hard?”

“Not really. I became an EMT while training. That helped a lot. When my brothers saw I was serious, they told me to start there.”

“I never thought of that,” Georgia said.

“It was the best advice. You’ll see some hard things—tragic things—and becoming an EMT first will help you build emotional resilience.

You’ll never get used to seeing death, but you’ll learn to carry it. And you’ll save lives. That part makes it all worth it.”

“I’m going to look into that as soon as I get home.”

“What made you want to become a firefighter?”

“When I was six, our house caught fire. A woman firefighter carried me out through a window. Ever since then, I knew what I wanted to be.”

“Georgie, I didn’t know you still wanted to do that,” her dad said. “I’ve got friends who could help you.”

“I know, Dad, but I want to do this on my own.”

Raven tilted his head. “Why didn’t I know this? I remember asking you as a kid what you wanted to be—you never said firefighter.”

“When I met you, I told you I wanted to be a firewoman—and you laughed,” she replied.

Raven blinked, trying to remember. “You were always so serious as a kid. Then you got into cheerleading and makeup, and I guess I forgot.

But I know how determined you are. You’ll be great.”

“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.

His family laughed as his brother told stories about fishing trips with Laney.

And somehow, I felt like I belonged.

Later, when everyone started heading inside, Raven took my hand and led me to the shoreline—close enough to hear the ocean, but not to touch.

“I wanted tonight to be perfect,” he said softly.

“It was.”

He brushed my hair behind my ear. “I don’t know what the future holds, Bea. I don’t know when I’ll have to leave again.

But whatever time we get—I want it to be ours.”

I looked into his eyes and saw nothing but truth.

“Then let’s make it count.”

He kissed me—slow, tender, and breathtaking.

And I knew: I was deeply in love for the first time in my life.

* * *

The next morning, I woke to the smell of coffee and the quiet sounds of Raven in the kitchen.

The sun hadn’t risen yet. I stretched slowly, my body still healing, but stronger.

Raven stood at the stove, shirtless, hair damp from a shower.

His dog tags glinted in the light as he stirred something in a pan, his face distant.

“Morning,” I said softly, wrapping my arms around him from behind.

He turned. “Did I wake you?”

“No. I just noticed you weren’t beside me.”

He handed me a mug. “Here. Coffee.”

I took it, heart sinking at the quiet tension in his voice. “What happened?”

“I got a call,” he said. Cyclone is on his way. Something’s gone wrong in Iran.

A unit of Army Special Forces we trained with has gone missing. Thirty-six hours now. No location. We’ll have to ask around once we get there.”

The warmth from the mug didn’t reach my hands. “You’re going.”

“I have to. They’d do the same for me.”

I swallowed hard. “When?”

“Two o’clock.”

Today. So soon.

“I’ll help you pack.”

“You don’t have to. I’m always packed.”

I nodded. “I know. But I want to help.”

He pulled me into his arms. I pressed against him, memorizing his scent, the beat of his heart, the feel of his strength.

“I’ll come back,” he murmured. “I will always come back to you.”

“I know.”

* * *

Later that day, the house was filled with quiet goodbyes.

Laney hugged him with tears in her eyes. Cyclone pulled up in a black SUV, dressed for war.

I stood on the porch, arms wrapped around myself, watching Raven gear up.

He kissed me like it might be the last time—but we both prayed it wouldn’t be.

“I’ll call if I can. If not—just know I’m alive until someone says otherwise.

I’ll keep my phone off—it’s safer.”

I blinked fast and nodded. “Raven… please be careful.”

He gave me one last look—fierce, tender—before sliding into the vehicle beside Cyclone.

The doors shut.

The engine roared.

And just like that… he was gone.