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A few years had passed, and life was completely different now. I had learned not long after everything went down that Ward was dead. Rafe didn't say much about it at first, but I knew. And to be honest, I was happy about it. Ward had been a threat to all of us, especially to our friends, and I was relieved he was gone. But there was still a part of me that was concerned—concerned about how Rafe felt deep down, even if he didn't show it. He didn't talk about it much, and I didn't push, but I couldn't help but wonder what that loss really meant to him, even if it was his own father.
But despite that, our life was good. Rafe and I were married and had a beautiful little girl named Aria, she was the center of our world. She was seven months old now, and absolutely perfect. Big blue eyes, just like her dad, and the cutest laugh that could light up any room.
Rafe was working hard, running his businesses, and it paid off. We had more money than we could ever need—enough to live a life that, honestly, felt like a dream. I didn't need to work. My days were spent taking care of Aria and enjoying the luxury Rafe provided for us. He spoiled both me and Aria without hesitation. I had the most expensive things, and Aria ? Well, she had toys and outfits that probably cost more than two private jets combined. It was insane, but that was Rafe.
When he loved, he loved big.
Our home had become the go-to place for everyone to hang out, especially since Aria had been born. Even Whezzie visited us once in a while, since she was a grown woman now, which made Rafe more than just happy.
The others were over almost every day, always wanting to spend time with Aria. Kie, especially, had been a huge support throughout my pregnancy. She'd practically lived here in those last few months, helping with everything, making sure I had what I needed. She adored Aria, and Aria adored her back—it was like we'd all become this tight-knit family.
It was one of those peaceful afternoons. I was standing in the kitchen, stirring a pot with one hand while holding our baby girl, Aria, in my other arm.
I was focused on cooking, which was still kind of new to me. Rafe had taught me... well, sort of. At least I wasn't burning things anymore. Aria babbled happily, clutching onto a toy with one hand while resting her head on my shoulder, watching me like she was fascinated by every move I made.
Just as I was about to taste the sauce, I heard the front door open. Rafe was home. He always looked so put together—wearing one of his sharp suits that probably cost more than a small island. He stepped into the kitchen, the scent of his cologne filling the air as he approached us. He looked incredible, as always.
"Hey," I greeted him, turning my head slightly as he leaned in to kiss me on the cheek.
"Hey," he murmured against my skin, before his attention shifted to Aria. He grinned, reaching out to take her from my arms. She squealed in excitement as he scooped her up, holding her against his chest.
"How's my little princess?" he asked, his voice soft as he kissed her on the forehead. He was absolutely smitten with her. Watching him with Aria always made my heart swell—he was such a good dad, and it never failed to surprise me. Seeing him go from the guy I hated so much to being the father of my daughter... it was almost unreal.
I leaned back against the counter, watching the two of them as Rafe made her laugh, bouncing her lightly in his arms. His face lit up every time she giggled, and I couldn't help but smile.
He noticed me staring and raised an eyebrow. "What?" he asked, amusement in his voice.
I grinned, shaking my head a little. "From selling drugs at parties to being a dad... wow, Cameron, you're full of surprises."
He rolled his eyes with a smile, still holding Aria close. "Yeah, well, I had to grow up, didn't I?"
I laughed softly, feeling a warmth spread through me.
Just as I was about to plate the food, the door suddenly swung open, and JJ barged in, sniffing the air dramatically. "Ohh, something smells good!" he grinned, already making his way toward the dining table as if he owned the place.
"Seriously?" I rolled my eyes, pretending to be annoyed even though I didn't mind it at all. They always showed up unannounced, and honestly, I loved it. The house always felt more alive with everyone around.
Kie, Sarah, and Ellie followed right behind him, already sensing my dilemma. "We'll help with the food," Kie said, nudging Sarah toward the kitchen.
"Yeah, we can't leave you alone to feed this horde," Sarah added with a laugh.
Ellie grabbed a spare apron, throwing it over her head.
I couldn't help but smile as the girls jumped into action beside me. "You guys know I only made enough for me and Rafe right?" I teased, stirring the pot as they started chopping veggies and pulling out extra ingredients.
"Don't worry, we'll whip up something fast," Ellie said confidently, slicing tomatoes.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the house, Rafe was sitting on the floor with Aria, John B, Pope, and JJ surrounding him. John B and Pope were playfully tossing a stuffed toy back and forth while JJ was dramatically pulling faces to make Aria laugh. Rafe looked so happy, so at ease, his eyes sparkling as Aria let out the sweetest giggle.
"Careful with that!" Pope said, ducking as the stuffed toy almost hit him in the face.
"You just have bad reflexes," JJ shot back, leaning over to tickle Aria's belly. "Right, little miss? Tell Pope to step up his game."
Aria squealed with delight, her chubby little hands reaching for JJ as if he was the funniest person in the world. Rafe just sat there, beaming. His little girl, his friends, his life—all of it was right here.
Back in the kitchen, I glanced over at the guys, my heart swelling with affection. "They're really something, aren't they?" I said to Sarah, who was sprinkling oil into a pan.
"Yeah, they are," she replied, grinning. "Especially Rafe. I still can't believe how much he's changed."
"Me neither," I admitted, glancing back at Rafe as he lifted Aria into the air, making her giggle again.
Kie nudged me playfully. "You guys are such parents now."
I laughed, shaking my head. "I guess we are."
As we finished up the food, I heard JJ shout from the living room. "Hey! When's dinner ready? We're starving over here!"
"JJ, if you hadn't burned your own dinner, you wouldn't be so hungry!" I called back, rolling my eyes.
"I didn't burn it," JJ defended himself, though everyone knew better.
"Sure you didn't," Pope laughed, elbowing him.
A few minutes later, we were all gathered around the table, bowls of food spread out, everyone digging in like they hadn't eaten in days. Rafe sat beside me, Aria bouncing on his lap as he tried to eat one-handed.
