Page 94 of Mayflower

Shepherd is the new mayor.

The Ashlands were cleared out in preparation for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Food aid and other supplies arrive weekly. There are more guards on Zion than ever before, but that is until life goes back to normal.

Schools are now open again. Many kids are in social facilities. Many adults are in forced rehab. The Lab processes DNA testing for all Port Mrei residents. Kids are being reunited with their parents. Reconnecting many families will take a while, but we are determined.

Malala said, “If you want to end the war, then instead of sending guns, send books. Instead of sending tanks, send pens. Instead of soldiers, send teachers.” I read it in Raven’s book of quotes.

That’s what we are doing in Port Mrei, hoping to raise a new generation that believes in peace.

The most incredible and heartwarming projection, as per Archer, Bo, and Ya-Ya, is that if everything goes as planned, they will remove the Ayana gates in several months. Which means, Zion is going to be a fully-integrated community.

Like the old times, they say. Before the Change.

And I am just enjoying life with my two favorite guys. Well, the third one, my dad, visits every month. Dad is… well, being Dad. He can be annoying and controlling. His men are now in the Center and at the port and overlooking Port Mrei reconstruction. But Archer looks at it as a new opportunity. I am happy to have Dad back, on my terms. As long as it’s not too often—Dad can be invasive.

Sonny laughs hysterically and splashes water at me as I get out of the pool. I smile when he does a backflip into the water off of Rave’s hands. Rave is still a bit awkward when Sonny is overly affectionate, but he is getting used to it. There is a new light in his beautiful eyes when he watches Sonny or me, or both of us—he is happy. Sonny and I conspire to snuggle with him more often. Rave went through hell on this island, and we are determined to show him all the love we can.

Water drips off me as I walk back into the villa, wiping my wet hair with a towel. I throw on a beach coverup and head to the kitchen to grab a bottle of juice.

And there it comes again, the slight nauseousness that makes me swallow repeatedly, and I run to the bathroom and retch out the quinoa and avocado lunch.

I smile as I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. This is not the first time it’s happened. And it’s not food poisoning. I dig into the bathroom cabinet and find the pregnancy test I’ve kept around for a couple of weeks now.

I haven’t taken out my birth control implant, but it’s been way overdue. No contraception is foolproof. Mine is not effective anymore. It’s not a surprise. I’m a nurse—I should know. Raven asked me to take it out. I said I would.

So, here we go. Five minutes later, I stare at the positive test in my hand and grin like a fool.

Sonny and Rave are still in the pool, arguing about the right way to do a backflip. Rave turns to look at me standing in the doorway, and I beckon him with my finger.

Noticing my smile, he gets out of the pool, dripping with water, so freaking sexy that my heart twists at the sight of him.

We agreed that I will go by Maddy. I like it. It’s almost like a nickname. But apparently, he still can’t get used to the fact that he is with Milena Tsariuk when I dress up for occasional parties—high heels, short dresses, full-on makeup, and hair done. Maybe, he feels like he is with a different person. Or it takes him back to the first time I danced for him. Because we never make it to the party on time. Not until he has his way with me, heels still on, dress lifted up, against the wall, on the bathroom sink, in the bedroom. We still can’t get enough of each other.

Rave gives a quick once-over of my body clad in the beach coverup over the wet bikini, then leans in and kisses me on the mouth.

“Sorry, I was going to help with the tray. But our kid is, you know…”

“Can I talk to you inside?” I tip my head toward the living room and lead him in.

“What is it?” he asks, intrigued, his hands on his hips when we stop in the middle of the room.

I gaze at him for some time.

His smile starts growing. “What is it, tease?”

I pull the pregnancy test from behind my back and pass it to him.

He doesn’t take it, only stares at it. His lips part to say something, then close, then part, but no words come out.

“It’s two stripes,” I say, wondering if he even knows what that means.

He swallows hard, but still doesn’t take it, only tilts his head just slightly as if confused.

“Two stripes means—” I raise my brows, prompting.

“But how?” He raises his eyes at me. “You never took out the implant.”

“Nothing is impossible with you, right?” I chuckle.

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