Page 152 of Shadows of Obsession

The low murmur of conversation from the living room washed over me. Jaxon's deep voice, Connor's laugh, Harper's softer reply. The aroma of the stew filled the air, mingling with the scent of the fresh bread I'd baked earlier, now warming in the oven. This. This was what I'd been running toward all along, even when I thought I was just running away.

I knew this was only the beginning. There would be challenges ahead, Jaxon's continued recovery, my own therapy to process the trauma, the inevitable nightmares and triggers we'd both have to face. Obstacles to overcome.

But with Jaxon by my side, with the love and support of Connor, Harper, and everyone who had helped us, I knew we could weather any storm. We could build a life filled with joy, laughter, and endless love.

We'd survived the worst. Everything else was just… life.

I added a pinch of salt to the stew, tasted it, and nodded in satisfaction. From the living room, I heard Jaxon say something that made Connor laugh—really laugh, the kind of sound I hadn't heard from him in weeks. We were going to be okay. All of us.

Smiling, I realized I'd started humming without even noticing as I put the finishing touches on dinner. I pulled the bread from the oven, the crust golden and perfect, then set out bowls and spoons and filled the water glasses. Everything ordinary. Everything normal. Everything I'd dreamed of during those months of hiding and running.

"Dinner's ready!" I called, hearing the shuffle of movement from the living room.

Jaxon appeared in the doorway first, his eyes finding mine immediately, that crooked smile on his face never failing to make my heart skip. He was my home.

As everyone settled around the table, Connor and Harper carefully sat at opposite ends. Which would've been amusing if it weren't so poignant, I took my seat beside Jaxon. His hand found mine beneath the table, our fingers intertwining in a gesture that had become as naturalas breathing.

And I was secure in the knowledge that no matter what the future held, I had found my forever home. My happily ever after in the arms of the man I loved. In this life we were building together.

One day at a time. And thatwas more than enough.