Page 72 of Rogue’s Reckoning

But for the first time in years, I feel truly hopeful.

I press a gentle kiss to Willow's forehead, silently vowing to do whatever it takes to keep my family safe and happy. No matter what it costs me, I will protect them. Always.

TWENTY-TWO

WILLOW

I wake slowly, feeling warm and safe. As my eyes flutter open, I realize I'm nestled in Rogue's arms. For a moment, I tense, old fears and doubts creeping in. But then I remember last night—the nightmare, Rogue comforting me, our kiss...

I look up at his sleeping face, so peaceful. I know he had trouble sleeping last night. Every time I woke, he was awake. Thankfully, he’s sleeping now. Part of me still can't believe I'm here, in his arms again, after everything that's happened. But another part feels like this is exactly where I'm meant to be.

Careful not to wake him, I extricate myself from his embrace and slip out of bed. I need a few moments alone to process everything.

In the small bathroom, I splash cold water on my face and stare at my reflection in the mirror. So much has changed in such a short time. Rogue is back in our lives. Wren knows he's her father. And now...now I'm starting to let my walls down again.

Am I making the right choice? Can I really trust him again after everything that happened?

But then I think of how gentle he was with me last night, how patient he's been with both me and Wren. He's not the same man who hurt me all those years ago. He's grown, changed.

And if I'm being honest with myself, I never stopped loving him. Even when I hated him, even when I was terrified of him and everything he represented, a part of me still loved him.

A soft knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. "Willow?" Rogue's voice is gentle. "You okay in there?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. When I open the door, Rogue is standing there, concern etched on his face.

"I'm fine," I assure him. "Just... processing everything."

He nods, understanding in his eyes. "I know it's a lot. If you need space, I can go?—"

"No," I say quickly, surprising myself. "Stay. Please."

Rogue's expression softens. He reaches out, gently cupping my cheek. "Whatever you need, Little Flower. I'm here."

I lean into his touch, closing my eyes. "I'm scared," I admit in a whisper.

"Of what?" he asks softly.

"Of letting you in again. Of getting hurt. Of..." I trail off, unable to voice my deepest fear.

"Of loving me?" Rogue finishes for me.

I nod, feeling tears prick at my eyes.

Rogue pulls me into his arms, holding me close. "I know, Little Flower. And I don't expect you to just forget everything that happened. But I promise you, I will spend every day proving to you that you can trust me. That I'm worthy of your love."

I look up at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. "I want to believe that," I whisper.

"Then let me show you?—”

His words are broken when I hear the soft knocking at the door of my bedroom. “Mama? Daddy?" Wren's voice calls out.

Rogue and I exchange a look, both of us smiling at hearing Wren call him 'Daddy'.

"Come in, Little Bird," I call out.

The door opens and Wren bounds in, her face lighting up when she sees us. Without hesitation, she slides up to us, wedging herself between us.

"Can we have pancakes for breakfast?" she asks hopefully.

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