Chapter 73 SEVENTY-THREE
"Darling, please don’t get mad at me, okay?" Raven said gently as they rested by the lake.
After everything that had happened, Ravena had suggested they take some time off to relax and breathe. The peaceful water and soft rustling of leaves made the place feel calm, but Raven’s mind was anything but. He had been debating whether to bring up the question, but as he looked at Brienne—his future wife—he knew he had to. Brienne turned to him, noticing the hesitation in his eyes.
"What is it?" she asked. Raven took a deep breath.
"Have you ever thought about finding out who your biological parents are?" he asked carefully. Brienne blinked, surprised by the question. She sat quietly for a moment before shaking her head.
"No," she said softly. "I never really thought about it," she added. Her mind instantly thought of her deceased parents. She gazed at the rippling water, lost in thought.
"The family I had growing up wasn’t perfect, but they raised me. I don't want to know who were my biological parents were," she said. "Plus, I have you, our baby, and a new family here. That’s all I need," she added.
Raven studied her face, searching for any sign of doubt. But Brienne’s expression was calm, sure of her words. He reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I just wanted to ask," he said. "I’ll support whatever you decide," he added with a smile. Brienne smiled back, leaning against him.
"Thank you, Raven," she whispered. Raven wrapped his arm around her, holding her close.
"Actually, I have something to tell you," Brienne said, clasping her fingers nervously.
When Raven asked about her family, memories of her sisters, Leah and Judy, also came rushing back. She hadn't seen them in years, not since the painful day they sold the house and parted ways. The memories weren’t pleasant, but deep down, she still cared about them.
Raven noticed the hesitation in her voice and reached for her hand.
"What is it, darling?" he asked gently. Brienne took a deep breath before speaking.
"I have sisters I haven’t seen in a long time," she admitted. "Leah and Judy. We weren't that close, but I’ve been thinking about them lately. Can you help me find out where they are now?" she added. Raven gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Of course," he said. "Do you want to meet them?" he added. Brienne hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"I just want to know how they’re doing," she said softly. "I told you, we weren't close. They hate me, and I have accepted that we will never get close to each other. I just want to know that they’re okay," she added. Raven reassuringly smiled at her.
"Then I’ll find them for you," he promised and intertwined their fingers.
"Darling?" he called.
"Hmm?" Brienne said.
"Go with me on another date later, please?" Raven asked. Brienne gave him a quick glance and met his eyes directly.
"Okay, I would love to," she replied, grinning.
Night had fallen, and just as Raven had promised, he made sure their second date was special. He had rented a private villa an hour away from the pack, complete with an indoor swimming pool and a breathtaking view of the forest.
The moon shone brightly in the sky, accompanied by countless twinkling stars. As they arrived, Raven helped Brienne out of the car, and together, they stepped inside the cozy villa.
"This is beautiful!" Brienne exclaimed in delight, her eyes scanning the elegant space. When she spotted the pool, she gasped in excitement. "And it even has a pool!" she added.
Raven smiled, pleased with her reaction. "I knew you’d love it," he said. Brienne turned to him eagerly.
"Can we swim now?" she asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Raven chuckled. The pool had a built-in heater, and he was lucky to find a villa with such a feature. Given Brienne's pregnancy, he had made sure everything was safe and comfortable for her. Warm water would help ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and provide a soothing experience—exactly what she needed.
"We can," he said. "But shouldn't we eat first? Aren't you hungry?" he added. Brienne instinctively touched her belly before flashing a sheepish smile.
"I guess I am," she admitted.
"Come on, then," Raven said, gently taking her hand and leading her toward the dining area, where a delicious meal was already prepared. Brienne's eyes widened as she took in the spread.
"Did you make all of this?" she asked as Raven helped her into a chair.
"I did—with Mom’s help," Raven admitted, a little nervous.
Brienne’s heart warmed at his effort. She started eating while Raven sat across from her, watching anxiously, his hands clasped together.
"What are you looking at?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to eat?" she added.
Raven hesitated. "How is it?" he asked nervously. "Is the food okay? Is it too salty? What if—"
Before he could ramble any further, Brienne picked up a piece of meat and popped it into his mouth, making him stop mid-sentence.
"Calm down," she said with a chuckle. "It tastes wonderful. Thank you for making all of this for me." Her smile was warm and genuine. Raven exhaled in relief and grinned.
"I'm glad you like it, darling," he said, his heart swelling with happiness.
After finishing their meal, Brienne, brimming with excitement, changed into the maternity swimsuit they had bought before their trip to Bardabos.
It was a one-piece specially designed for pregnant women, made of soft, stretchy fabric that comfortably accommodated her growing belly. The pastel-colored swimsuit complemented her radiant glow, and when she stepped out of the room, Raven's breath hitched.
"So beautiful," he murmured, making sure she heard him. As expected, Brienne's face flushed at the compliment.
"Let's go," she said, trying to hide her embarrassment.
They headed outside, and without hesitation, Brienne stepped into the pool. The warmth of the water enveloped her, making her sigh in relief as she closed her eyes. It felt wonderful.
Soon after, Raven joined her, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
"Hmm, this feels amazing," she murmured, leaning into his embrace.
"Right?" Raven chuckled softly. "I'm glad you're enjoying this, darling," he added.
He gazed at her serene face, his heart swelling with affection. Swallowing hard, he leaned in closer.
"Darling," he whispered in her ear, his voice low and tender. "You are absolutely stunning. I’m so glad I found you that night at the club," he added.
As he pressed a soft kiss against her shoulder blade, Brienne let out a quiet moan, warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the water.
"Damn it," Raven cursed as he felt himself getting hard. He cupped Brienne's face with his hand.
"Can I kiss you, darling?" he asked.
Brienne nodded without hesitation, and Raven kissed her without wasting a second. His longing for her was evident in the way his lips moved against hers—he was crazy for her.
Moving in front of her, he lifted her up, slowly wrapping her thighs around his waist. Brienne instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Are you comfortable in this position?" he asked, catching his breath.
Brienne nodded and looked at him, making Raven curse once more.
"I missed you so much," he whispered before claiming her lips once more. Brienne kissed him back with the same intensity as her heart beats erratically in her chest. She misses the feeling too. After all they had been through, this moment felt like a long-awaited reunion of their souls.
Brienne melted into Raven’s embrace, her fingers tangling in his damp hair as he deepened the kiss.
"You're everything to me," Raven murmured against her skin, his voice husky with emotion. "I don't know if I can survive without you," he added.
"You're everything to me too," Brienne replied. "I love you," she said, taking Raven by surprise.
"I love you, Raven," Brienne said as tears fell from her eyes. Raven pressed his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling as they simply held each other.
"I love you so much, my Brienne."