After he leaves, I turn to my mom and put my arm around her. “We still have a piece of Misty with us. Avyanna is our little miracle,” I say out loud to everyone, hoping to ease their pain.
Everything isa blur until we receive the results confirming that the body is indeed Misty’s. We find the perfect cemetery for her close by, one overlooking the water.
A feeling of peace has cloaked me since finding the truth. Kane and Mom are still struggling, but having Avyanna gives them something to be grateful for, even under these circumstances.
When we lay her to rest, after everyone has said goodbye, I stay behind. I slowly walk over and place a single sunflower on her casket as I smile down at her. “You finally got the send-off you deserved,” I say as I touch the smooth-grained wood of the casket. “I’ve missed you so much. It’s hard to believe it’s been so long since you’ve been gone. I wish you were here, but I know you’re smiling down at us.”
I release a ragged breath. “I’ll try my best to help Kane raise your beautiful daughter. I hope we make you proud. She’s been in my life for a short while, but I don’t know what life would be like without her in it.”
A little giggle escapes me. “She looks exactly like you, and I’m sure you’re amused that she has your sass and attitude already and has her daddy and grandparents wrapped around her little finger. No one can say no to her because she deserves the world... and so much more.”
I peer over at Knox. He’s too far away to hear me, but he’s still watching closely—always watching me. “I want you to know that I’m happy with Knox. He is everything I ever needed. He loves me for me, even with all my battle scars.”
I kiss my fingers and press them to the casket. “Best friends forever,” I whisper. “Until we meet again.”
Twenty-Two
New Beginnings
Zara
Three months later
Knoxand I left a couple of days after the funeral to get my belongings from my home in the city. I spoke to my manager to hand in my resignation. It was sad leaving her and my colleagues—and the women’s shelter where I put my heart and soul into helping other people, though I know it’s in good hands.
As I’m tossing the salad, I gaze at the newest members of my family. I’m blown away every day by how much Avyanna reminds me of Misty, even though they never truly met.
“How’s that mac and cheese coming along, Avyanna?” Ava asks as she peeks into the oven.
Avyanna spoons a small scoop into her mouth, then her lips curve into a blinding smile. “Yum!”
“Don’t put the spoon back in. Put it in the sink.” My words hurry out before she contaminates the food.
“I saw that!” Twitch grumbles. He looks at Ava with one brow raised. “How come she gets to eat it?”
Ava waves him off. “She’s a child. You’re a grown adult. She can try it.”
“Is he really an adult, though? He acts like a child.” Elena’s voice is full of amusement.
Axle points a finger at Twitch. “Ha! Take that!”
Elena whips around to face Axle. “Don’t you talk. You are just as bad as him, if not worse.”
Twitch’s lips rise into a victorious smile as he looks at Axle with mocking eyes.
“Babe, me and you,” Axle says as his finger flicks between the two of them, “are supposed to be a team and ahh... you aren’t pulling your weight.”
Ava opens the oven, steam rises. She uses tea towels to pull out a huge chicken with baked vegetables. The smell saturates the air, making my stomach grumble.
I look at Ava. “Salad’s done. Do you want cling film over it?”
“Yes, please,” Ava replies.
Reaper walks into the busy kitchen from the living room. “Would you like some help?”
Ava nods. “Ham is in the fridge, and I need someone to take the cookies.” She tilts her head toward the large container with the blue lid on the counter.
Knox stands from the stool. “On it.”
