Page 91 of A Raven Repents

“Should I tell them it’s because of your lovely backside?”

Laughter broke over the table, and heat burned up his neck and into his face.

“It would seem she’s intent on vengeance.” Her cheeks were flushed, as well. He raised his glass. “To Christina, the woman who lured me into a trap, and stole my heart.”

Her name rounded the table as they all toasted her.

Fitz stood further down and raised his glass. “To Giles’ lovely backside!”

He shook his head at his beautiful wife. “I will never live that down, you know.”

“Now,” he said over the table, “before I have to suffer anymore embarrassment, it’s time for us to dance.”

While things were being cleared out of the way, to make room for dancing, Michael approached him. “It’s time for a private toast, upstairs.”

Ash, Patrick, and Fitz were already in the office when they entered. Fitz handed each man a glass of brandy, and Michael a glass of barley water.

“I meant what I said down there, Giles.” Ash clapped his shoulder. “I’m proud of the man you’ve become, and I think I speak for all of us here when I say I’m proud to have you as a partner and a friend.”

“Thank you, even if I do struggle to feel deserving.” He was overwhelmed with gratitude. These men were all so good to him.

“We have something we’d like to give you.” Ash reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring of keys. His keys.

“Really?”

All of their faces shone with pride. He held out his hand, never imagining a ring of keys could mean so much to him. But it wasn’t really about the keys. It was about their trust.

“You’ve earned it,” Michael said.

Ash raised his glass. “May your future hold only good health, happiness, love, and loyalty. To Giles!”

The others echoed him.

“To partnership.” Giles raised his own glass to join theirs.

“Now get back downstairs, before your wife misses you,” Michael said, taking his glass.

Even from across the room, Christina was the only thing he saw. She was talking with his mother, but when her gaze found him, everything else seemed to be forgotten. He held the keys out and she gasped. She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss.

“I love you,” she whispered into his ear.

“And I love you, sweetheart.”

Perhaps it had taken losing an eye for him to be able to see clearly. This was what a perfect life really looked like.

Series Epilogue

“Uncle Ash!” Ash had heard those two words being shouted countless times today, but this one was extra special. The little boy ran toward him, across the crowded room. He was the only nephew who shared his blood. A miracle baby who never should have been, and who carried his name, as well.

Ash propped his cane against the table beside him and crouched, holding out his hands for the boy to jump into. He groaned as he lifted him into the air. “You’re getting so big, Adrian.”

He giggled and nodded before wrapping his arms around Ash’s neck. “It’s going to be my birthday! Maggie says you got her a pony when she turned five. Are you going to get me a pony too?”

“What do you think your father would say about that?”

“You didn’t care about my opinion the last time,” Trent said as he joined them.

Maggie stood beside him, but didn’t throw her arms around Ash the way she usually did. “Are you getting too old for hugs now?” She looked more grown up every time he saw her.