Page 115 of Peaceful Chaos

Epilogue

Sin

"That's the last box,"Ford grunts as he sets down a box of Raven's books.

He looks around the room. "She's going to flip when she sees what you're building in here."

I look around at the built-in shelves, the imbedded lighting, and the bay window with a window seat. This room is what made her want the house we found on the hills of Playa Pacifica. From the window there's the perfect view of the ocean.

Of course, Raven thought to turn this room into an office for the two of us to share when we start at the university in a few weeks. I've kept the room locked for the last week while Ford helped me build custom shelves and turn the room into her own private library.

Not that I don't get anything out of Raven's love of reading. I've caught her blushing more than once while engrossed with her e-reader. Turns out my girl is addicted to spicy indie romance.

More than once I've reaped the benefits of her choice in books. I've even started reading some of her favorites by Penelope Douglas. In fact, it inspired my next project in our home, a sauna. Although, I intend to share it with her alone. That night in Padilla's club put an end to our more exhibitionist interests.

"Sin?" Raven's voice sounds down the hallway.

"Shit," I mutter and race for the door. I don't want her to see the room until it's done. Not that she won't rearrange it, but a room full of boxes isn't a present.

"Go," Ford shoos me to the door. "I'll lock the door. I'm sure she knows you're up to something."

"Don't worry, I'm skilled in distraction."

He laughs. "Don't remind me."

"Not that. Well, not only that." I pull an itinerary from my pocket. "I'm taking Raven on a honeymoon."

Ford scratches his chin. “A house, then a honeymoon, and you’re having a wedding during the fall break. A bit out of order, don’t you think?”

I shrug. “Why start being predictable now?”

We rushed getting married before. I don’t regret it. Once I stopped fighting my feelings for Raven, I wanted to marry her. I don’t do anything halfway. That doesn’t mean there aren’t things I do regret. The biggest one is not seeing her walk down the aisle toward me in a dress fit for a princess.

Now that we are free to live our lives without fear of Damien coming after us, I want to give her everything. That means a wedding. Carina was over the moon when Raven asked for her help to plan.

After several months of barely any contact, Carina spoke to Natalie about joining them. Now the three of them are having a great time discussing flowers, food, and music. More importantly, Raven is getting to know her mother and mine.

“You should know we don’t do anything the way people expect. You’re the Man of Honor after all.”

Ford smiles and slaps me on the back. “I honestly thought you were going to hit me again when Raven asked me.”

I roll my eyes. He and I have come a long way. I’m no longer threatened by his weird friendship with my wife. He’s proven time and again he really is her best friend. Now that Lucien is technically my brother-in-law, I guess I’d say he’s mine too.

I step out of the room just in time to see Raven round the corner of the hallway. This house is much too big for the two of us, but after the pregnancy scare months ago, I wanted to be prepared. Someday, after we've traveled a bit and graduated from college I'll get to see her pregnant with my child.

I'm more ready for a family than she is. My therapist says it's my desire to redo my childhood. Going to therapy myself was Raven's requirement for her to go. When I learned the physiological effects of stress, like the ones that made us wonder if she was pregnant, I couldn't deny we needed help.

Despite my skepticism at first, I've noticed a lot of positive changes. It's not a cure all. There are still difficult days when the shadows block out the light, and the nights are filled with demons. But those days happen less often. There've been a few flashbacks and panic attacks, but now I'm learning how to cope with them.

"Why do you keep locking that room behind you? You aren't creating a sex dungeon, are you?" she asks.

I laugh at the face she makes as she focuses on the door. "What book is that from?"

Raven rolls her eyes. "Oh no. I'm not giving you any more of my books. You've got enough ideas on your own."

Taking out the itinerary, I wave it at her. "How about we explore some of my ideas in the warm waters around Fiji?"

Her brow crinkles, and she takes the paper from me. "We're going on a trip?"

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