DAMIEN
Raven was transfixed by the spot I took her to see. Slightly set away from the rest of the houses, it had a breathtaking view, and the trees behind it offered shade and privacy.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“It’s yours if you want it,” Matteo said, strolling toward us. “I had been planning to add another couple houses in the next few years. We can do it now or wait until you’re ready.”
“A couple?” I asked.
He smiled, leaning on one of the large boulders. “I figured you and Egan would be along at some point. I picked out a spot for each of you. You can live there or use them as guesthouses when you visit.”
“Does Egan know this?” I asked.
He crossed his arms. “He does. I had Marcus tell him while he was there. I thought if Sofia knew there was a retirement plan in place, she might be more, ah, accepting of his suit.”
I laughed. “Sofia would love it here, but she’d miss being a doctor.”
“She doesn’t have to. They are always looking for doctors at the clinic on the mainland. She could work there. She would make a huge difference in the lives of people here. It might give her satisfaction she can’t get in a big-city hospital.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “She would like that.”
“I’ll let Egan tell her when the time is right. But, like you, if you want this place, it’s yours for the asking. Whenever they or you are ready.” He stood. “I’ll let you wander. I have architect plans at the house afterward if you’re interested.”
“Thank you, Matteo.”
He tilted his chin in acknowledgment. “Something I’ve learned, Damien, is that life is short, and when you find happiness, grab it. You’ve been the Watcher for a long time. Maybe let someone else take that burden and enjoy the gift you’ve been given. You deserve it.” He glanced at Raven. “I think you’ve been given something very precious. Grab it and hold it close.”
I wasn’t sure who was more shocked when Raven suddenly launched herself at Matteo. She flung her arms around his waist, hugging him hard. She hadn’t displayed open affection like that to anyone except the children since we arrived. We had reconnected last night, but of all the men, Matteo was the one she was most skittish with. Seeing her hug him was surprising.
He looked at me before slowly wrapping his arms around her. He rocked her like a child, murmuring something to her. She looked up, nodding, then rose on her toes and kissed his cheek. He smiled at her with genuine affection, then tapped her nose. “You are welcome,” he said. “Damien is family, and now so are you. Whatever you decide, that will not change.”
He strolled away, and Raven approached me. I tugged her close. “What was that all about?” I asked.
“He is offering me a life without fear. A place to build new memories with you. I realized how big a heart he has under that gruff exterior.”
“He does. Family is important to him.” I sat down on the boulder Matteo had vacated and cupped her sweet face. “Is this what you want, Raven? To live here?”
“I’m torn. My first instinct is yes. But does that mean Andy won? If I leave Toronto, am I giving up on my dreams because of him? I wanted to teach.”
I studied her. “Maybe your location would change, but you can still teach. There’s a school on the mainland where the kids go every day. Matteo says they are always looking for teachers.”
“Oh.”
“We can go home, let Matteo build, and make our decision once we pick up our life again. You may want to stay, or you may want to move.”
“What about you?”
I tugged her close. “Wherever you want to live, Raven, is where I want to be.”
“But your company. The system you watch over. The people you protect—”
I silenced her with a long kiss. “The only person I want to protect is you, Raven. I’ve been the Watcher long enough. I have great people to take over. Leo will run the company. He can hire his own staff. The only thing keeping me there is you. And if you want to be here, then so do I.”
She threw her arms around my neck, burrowing her face into my shoulder. “I love you,” she whispered. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too. So, will we tell Matteo to build, and we’ll figure it out?”
She pulled back, the tears glistening in her eyes, happy ones.