A Wild Raven Book 3
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C. Swallow
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119K
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19
Chapter 1
Book 3
THREE MONTHS LATER, SPRING
I give Vader a gentle pat, his eyes anxiously following Willem, Jonas, and River as they frolic in the river. The rain has been absent for a while, so we decide to venture to a shallower part of the water. Spring has finally arrived at Devonshire Ranch, bringing with it a warmth that is occasionally interrupted by a chilly breeze.
Coal is busy with Ken and Uncle Grey, checking on the newborn calves and assisting any cows that need help. Trish has been lounging with me until she abruptly stands, brushing off her blue jeans.
“I’ve got this strange feeling,” Trish confides, turning to me. “It’s a mother’s intuition. You’ll get it when you have kids—especially girls. The fear is always there.”
She pauses, collecting her thoughts. “Izabella.”
“She’s been unusually quiet this week, hasn’t she?” I ask.
“I don’t like it. I think she’s back in touch with that drug addict.” Trish shakes her head, worry etched on her face. “I’m going to find out what’s happening. I just have a bad feeling. I think Coal will be here soon.”
“I don’t mind,” I assure her, rising from the fold-out chair and moving closer to the riverbank and the boys. “I’ll watch them.”
“Thanks, Raven,” Trish says, trudging off just as River emerges from the water.
“Grandma,” River calls, catching her attention. She turns to him. “Where are you going?”
“Grandma needs to pee.” Trish waves dismissively.
River sighs and turns to me, shivering, while Jonas floats and Willem races leaves.
“Raven, did you finish your chocolate chip cookie?” River asks.
I reach into my coat pocket and pull out the half-eaten cookie I’ve been nibbling on all day. I have a habit of slowly savoring treats, especially the sweet ones. I notice River has been eyeing my pocket all afternoon. His adorable dark eyes are irresistible.
I hand him the cookie, pressing a finger to my lips. “Sh,” I warn him before Willem and Jonas can demand their share.
River takes the cookie carefully, grinning widely before he starts running through the tall grass. “DAD!”
I turn to see Coal riding down on Galvin.
Willem and Jonas immediately splash out of the water, eager to see Coal too. I watch as his three boys race to meet him, reaching him just as Coal dismounts and is bombarded with requests for a horse ride. I can’t help but smile at the scene unfolding.
Coal hoists Willem and Jonas onto Galvin, then lifts River onto his shoulders. His saddle from Wy seems to have been made for this very purpose—to accommodate most of his family.
Galvin, who adores children, moves steadily, unfazed by the chatter of the three boys. Vader sits by my side, his loyalty surprising given our limited interactions compared to his with the boys.
Coal glances over at me, surrounded by his three sons. I pat my belly, tracing a circle over the growing bump. He knows it’s a girl, and his grin widens as he salutes me and guides Galvin back toward the ranch.
The kids have left their non-swimming clothes scattered around, but I can gather them in the duffle bag. I start packing everything away, then sit on a grassy mound, my hands resting on my belly as I gaze at my diamond engagement ring.
For the first time, I feel a profound sense of peace. I love looking after the boys, helping at the ranch—and stepping in when Coal’s siblings quarrel over school drama. It’s amusing most of the time, but things have been tense this past week with Izabella caught talking to Adam on the phone every other night.
Annabelle tattled on her to the adults, and they’ve been at each other’s throats ever since, spilling secrets and reading diary entries aloud. It’s been intense. But for once, it’s not my drama. I’ve found my own slice of heaven in the Wilde family.
I settle down near the river, Vader lying in the grass beside me, his eyes slowly closing. I give him a pat and scratch behind his ears. The little dog sighs and drifts into a deep sleep.
Tomorrow is a big day. We’re moving to the new house; the settlement is up. It’s in town, just a few minutes’ drive from here. It’s incredibly close—a horse ride away. You could even walk out the back onto their land. It’s very convenient.
Coal surprises me about thirty minutes later, having left Galvin in the stables. He saunters over to my spot and settles down behind me—gritty, sweaty, and in need of a dip in the water. He wraps his arms around my waist first, drawing me into a hug.
“I know I’m a mess, sweetheart, I apologize.” Coal’s arms aren’t just sun-kissed, they’re caked in dirt. I adore it. He nestles his head on top of mine, his hands joining mine over my growing belly. I can’t help but smile as I feel our little girl growing inside me.
Coal and I haven’t had a fight in three months. We work hard, make love, and it feels as if we’ve been a pair our whole lives. We are soulmates. Sometimes, we don’t even need words.
“Any drama back at the ranch? I bet the boys made a beeline for Jean’s cookies,” I inquire.
“Iza and Anna were at each other’s throats the moment I rode in. I could hear them bickering from outside.” Coal sighs. “I can’t wait for us to have our own place. It gets so chaotic with everyone under one roof. Are you excited about tomorrow?”
His hand finds my neck, curling under my chin and lifting my head so I can’t look away. “Look at me,” he whispers, capturing my gaze. “Tell me the truth.”
This will be the first time I have a home. A home for me. It is in his name, but we are also getting married at the end of the week, so the house will be mine too.
“I’m ready”—I meet his gaze—“but I feel like…everyone in town, they judge me. Because I’m only twenty-three. The age difference.”
“They’re just envious,” Coal murmurs before kissing me. “I wasn’t looking for a younger woman, or any woman… I just wanted some peace.” He pulls back. “Then you showed up. Oops.”
I can’t help but smile, and he kisses me again as I lean into him, savoring his earthy cowboy scent.
“Don’t shower,” I whisper against his lips. “Just take me—right here.”
