Page 113 of Deacon

Drawing deep breaths, I stood in the dark and tracked his inhales on the other side of the barrier between us.

He lingered for a long moment, then his bare feet faded down the hall.

The next morning brought the loud, chaotic energy of packing.

Davon and Divina wheeled the luggage trunks and suitcases to the waiting van, squabbling over how to arrange it in the rear to maximize the space.

Meanwhile, Christine tore through the living room, pulling cushions off the couch.

‘Has anyone seen my white sandal? I swear I put it here.’

We all pitched in to wipe down counters, haul out rubbish bags, and clear the mess.

Even though Deacon had a cleaning crew booked, we tidied the villa from top to bottom.

‘You know you’re paying people for this, right?’ Simon teased, leaning against the counter with his coffee while Deacon tied off a trash bag.

‘Doesn’t mean we leave it looking like a frat house,’ his son replied, tossing a fresh roll of paper towels onto the island.

Eventually, we piled into our waiting private transport.

Joking, teasing, Simon’s booming laughter and Yumi calling out forgotten items from the front seat filled the cabin.

‘Okay, last check!’ Yumi shouted above the noise. ‘Who left a white phone charger in the kitchen? And whose water bottle is this?’

Deacon shook his head and grinned, catching my eye as the van pulled away and headed toward the airstrip.

I laughed and hugged Raff, who sat beside me, loving the bedlam and chaos of the Vega family.

At the airport, Raff played cards with Davon in the waiting lounge until our plane was ready.

We filed into the G6, laughing as the Vegas fought over the best seats.

I settled beside D while Raff ended up with Davon.

Simon and Yumi sat together.

Divina and Christine each claimed a single seat at the back.

As soon as we settled in, Divina pulled on her headphones and threw a blanket over herself, preparing to sleep.

As the jet engines whined on the tarmac, I glanced at Deacon next to me.

Everything in my world was shifting.

How would I navigate my new reality?

With him or without him?

I had no idea how this tangled plot would play out.

He turned and caught my gaze, reading the silent questions swirling through my expression.

‘Day by day, Ana,’ he rasped.

He slid his sinewy arm around my shoulders.

I nestled against his side, breathing easier as I leaned into his strength.