Page 118 of Completing Her

“I love you so much,” I whispered.

He cupped my face. “I love you, Raven. More than I can adequately express. And I want a life with you.”

“Me too.”

“Then let’s enjoy this place and each other. Decide on the future when we’re ready.”

“Do we have to leave soon?”

He smiled. “No. Leo and Egan have it well in hand. I can take a few meetings via Zoom if needed. We can stay as long as you want.” He paused. “We never have to go back if you don’t want to. Matteo offered us a place here if you want that.”

“Really?”

“I’ll show you the spot tomorrow. Or if you want this place as a haven, we can build a smaller house and use it when we need it. We don’t have to decide right now.”

“I’d like to see the spot.”

He leaned forward and kissed me. “Then I’ll take you tomorrow.”

I draped my arms over his shoulders, pressing my mouth to his. “In the meantime…”

He pulled me onto his lap. “I think we need to catch up on lost time. I need you to really know how much I love you.”

“Yes, Damien. Show me.”

* * *

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.”

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