Chapter 20
Raine
A year later.
The salty ocean breeze drifts through the open windows, wrapping around me like a gentle embrace. I stretch beneath the morning sun, my fingers trailing across the sheets before reaching for Emmett. But he’s not in bed. I smile, already knowing where I’ll find him.
I slip out of bed, padding barefoot into the kitchen. Emmett stands by the stove, pouring two mugs of coffee, moving with that quiet confidence that has become my home. He turns when he hears me, his gaze softening as he hands me my cup.
"You’re staring," I tease, taking a sip.
"Can’t help it," he murmurs, brushing a kiss against my forehead. "You look happy."
I am. For the first time in years, I wake up feeling free. No more running. No more ghosts.
The familiar buzz of Emmett’s phone vibrates against the counter, breaking the quiet. He glances at the screen and smirks before answering.
"Look at this guy, finally picking up his phone," Asher’s voice comes through, warm and teasing.
Emmett shakes his head. "Don’t start."
The screen adjusts to show Asher sitting in his living room, his two kids climbing over him. I laugh as the older one waves wildly. "You got your hands full, huh?"
"More than full," Asher groans. "And since you two have nothing but time, when are you giving us cousins?"
I nearly choke on my coffee, while Emmett just chuckles, completely unbothered. "We’ll get there."
Asher winks. "You better."
After the call ends, I set my cup down and turn to Emmett. "Do you think we’ll ever want that?"
His arms circle my waist, pulling me against him. "Maybe. But right now, I just want you."
I smile, pressing my forehead to his. "Good. Because I want you too."
A deep rumble of an engine outside makes me lift my head. A motorcycle pulls up the dirt road, dust kicking up in the morning light. My brows furrow as a second bike follows, both rolling to a stop in front of our porch.
Emmett smirks. "Theo doesn’t wait for invitations."
Theo swings off his bike, shaking his head as he removes his helmet. "Figured I’d check in before heading out."
I cross my arms. "Heading where?"
Before he can answer, the second rider removes her helmet, and my stomach twists in surprise. "Mia?"
She smirks, swinging her leg off the bike. "Figured I’d check in before heading out too."
Theo side-eyes her. "You’re really doing this?"
Mia shrugs. "You’re not the only one with unfinished business."
I look between them, something unspoken crackling in the air. "Ryan know about this?"
Mia snorts. "Ryan’s the one who gave me the idea."
Emmett shakes his head. "Figures."
Theo tightens his gloves, his jaw set with determination. "We’ll be back."
Emmett nods. "We’ll be here."
Mia flashes me a reassuring smile before climbing back onto her bike. "Take care of yourself, sis."
I squeeze her hand one last time before she revs the engine. "You too."
As they disappear down the road, a weight settles in my chest. Emmett slides an arm around me, pulling me against his side.
"Think they’ll be okay?" I ask, watching the dust settle in the distance.
He presses a kiss to my temple. "Theo’s got unfinished business. And knowing him, he won’t stop until it’s done."
I nod, still watching the road long after they’re gone.
A year ago, I didn’t think I’d make it. Now, I have everything I never thought I could have.
A future. A home. A love that’s mine to keep.
And for the first time in my life, I’m not just surviving. I’m living.
THE END
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