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Chapter Fifty
Raven
I stretch out in bed and yawn, the smell of bacon frying making my mouth water and my stomach grumble.
I can’t believe today’s the day I will finally find out who Raven’s father is. After years of wondering, guessing, hoping...even dreading, it seems surreal that I’ll soon know. It's even weirder to know that all four potential fathers and Baxter will be there when we find out together.
I’m still reeling from the fact that Jax insisted Baxter get tested too. It was easier to give in and humour him, than to fight anymore. I guess it just means that he still doesn’t trust me. I can’t blame him, but I thought he would have been able to take Baxter’s word at least. He surely has nothing to gain by lying.
In some ways, it’s been the longest three days of my life, waiting for the results, but in other ways, it’s gone by so quickly. I had a really lovely weekend with all of the guys in the house, and Phoenix seemed to really come alive with the extra company. The guys were all so keen to bond with her that I often found myself with ‘free’ time on my hands - a novelty for sure! I was able to get back in the gym, have a sparring session with Ace, bake (though I’m nowhere near as good as Aljaž!) and even have a soak in the hot tub - which was divine. The best thing of all though, was being able to go into the library and relax with a good book.
Rebel helped me replace bad memories with good on Friday night, and his kisses certainly proved that there are some things out there that are better than a library. Not that I’d ever admit that to him.
In fact, over the weekend I was lucky enough to share kisses with Rebel and Ace. There was a moment with Baxter which could have led to something more, but we were interrupted, and Thorn and I got pretty cosy on the sofa. The only one who hasn’t really come anywhere near me is Jax.
I’m disappointed, but I understand. He has at least been nice, and he’s made a real effort to play with Phoenix, so I can’t complain.
Besides, with everything going on at the minute, I probably shouldn’t be worrying about which guys are into me. When I think about their kisses - hell, even just their attention - I feel guilty. I shouldn’t be having fun and enjoying myself with the threat of Cordelia looming over us, but I think their touches just about kept me sane this weekend.
I sigh, fling back the covers, and shuffle into the bathroom to get ready for the day. I peep into Phoenix’s room on my way past and spy that she’s gone. I’m not worried, there’s clearly people up and cooking, so I know she’ll be taken care of. I have time for a lightning quick shower.
Done, I dry off quickly, wrap up my hair, pull on my robe and head down to the kitchen. I can finish getting ready later; I don’t want to miss the food.
When I walk into the kitchen everyone is there, but Ace hasn’t started serving yet. Phew! I don’t have to go hungry. Phoenix waves at me from the island, perched on a stool and squeezing oranges to make fresh juice.
“Look mummy! I’m making juice for you!” she cries with glee. I can see the pride etched on her face, hear it in her excited tone.
I squint at the glass but I can only see what looks like a few millilitres in the bottom.
“Wow, that looks lovely, baby!” I tell her. “I can’t wait to drink it.” I might die of dehydration before she gets a glass to me, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it.
Thorn laughs and slides me a full glass of juice that’s clearly come from the carton in my fridge; the condensation on the glass is a dead giveaway.
“While you wait for the good stuff to come.” He winks at me and I take it gratefully. I love ice cold juice, but it has to be smooth. I can’t abide any bits. I eye Phoenix’s glass suspiciously and sure enough there’s pulp swimming in there. I shudder and wonder how I can get out of having to drink it.
“Breakfast served,” Ace announces, passing around plates of bacon, eggs and pancakes. It smells divine and it tastes even better.
“My God, this is good,” I moan with a mouthful. I quickly chew, then swallow, so that I can speak a little more elegantly. “Phoenix, baby, eat your breakfast before it goes cold. Your orange will still be there for squeezing afterwards.”
She gives me a stubborn little frown, but does as I suggested, reluctantly putting the orange to one side. She brightens when she sees that Thorn has drizzled syrup all over her pancakes, swiping her finger through the sticky mess before popping it into her mouth.
“Syrup, Mummy! For breakfast!” She laughs.
“It’s a treat,” I warn. “Don’t get used to it.”
“Shh, don’t tell your mum, but I’ll put syrup on your pancakes every single time we have them, okay, Nix?” Thorn whispers conspiratorially to her with a wink. She squeals with delight then fake coughs to hide it. Subtle.
I smirk; those two are trouble together alright.
We eat, the guys clear up, and I’m left to help Phoenix with her orange squeezing.
“Why is she doing this anyway?” I ask the room in general. Thorn laughs so hard that it’s Rebel who has to answer me.
“Phoenix came into the kitchen and saw the juice. Thorn told her that Ace had been up since dawn squeezing enough oranges to make juice for everyone, and she wanted to help.”
“Don’t lie to my kid.” I smirk at him to show I get that it was a joke, but I don’t want Nix being the butt of his jokes and pranks. She’s too young to understand. “Phoenix, baby, Thorn was teasing. Ace got all our juice from the carton. You can stop.”
“No, Mummy,” she stubbornly insists. “It tastes better like this.”
