Page 59 of Sorrow & Strangers

“Thank you, kiddo.”

“I love you both.”

“We love you so much, Summer. You and Rafey,” Farrah says, the heartbreak heavy in her voice.

I end the call and look at Alice.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Summer

Alice and I gently clean Rafe as best we can, then apply a layer of salve to his skin before covering him with a sheet. We both climb into bed with him, settling on either side. Alice reaches over him for my hand, and I link my fingers with hers. Gently, we rest our hands on his covered chest. At first, I’m worried it’ll cause him pain, but I think it actually brings him some comfort, knowing we’re there with him. Alice squeezes my hand, and I realize a tear is tracking down my cheek.

“He did it for me,” I say, looking at Rafe. Now that he is stable and protected, I can feel that burden.

“What do you mean?” Alice asks.

“He gave up his wings for me,” I whisper, my gaze moving over the wounds covering his face. “He gave Connor and me time together.” I can feel Alice’s question. “Time to say goodbye. Rafe gave it to us.”

Alice whimpers softly. “Our demon baby.”

“Do you think he can hear us?”

“I think so.”

I nod and move in closer, my lips at his ear. “We’re here, Rafe. We’ve got you.” It may be my imagination, but I swear I can see his shoulder drop a little.

“You’re ours now,” Alice adds.

I press my forehead to his temple and close my eyes, warm tears trailing down my cheeks.

“My wife and our tiny demon baby.”

I exhale. “We’re all going to be okay.” And for the first time in a long time, I am starting to believe it.

Alice shifts, both of us getting more comfortable next to Rafe. His labored breathing is the only sound in the room until Alice breaks the silence with a question I know she’s been wanting to ask since I told her I saw ­Connor.

“Is he okay?” She doesn’t even have to say his name for me to know she doesn’t mean Rafe. There is a sadness in her voice reserved for Connor, her birdbrain.

“Yes, he’s okay.”

“Was it good? Seeing him?” she asks.

I swallow the lump in my throat. “It was everything.” I open my eyes. “He asked me to look after Rafe.”

“We will, I promise.”

“He also asked me to . . .” The words taste like acid. “Move on.”

“You knew he would.”

“I said I would, but it won’t be with a male.” I close my eyes again. “I’m going to be by myself.”

“Well, you got your booty call. What else would you need?” Alice says, surprising me. I assumed I’d have to fight her on this.

My lips twitch. “My booty call?”

“Max,” Alice says matter-of-factly.