CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE

**OLIVER**
I drew in a deep breath, savoring the earthy scents of fresh soil, compost, and chicken feed, mingled with the warmth of the midday sun on my face. The past few weeks had felt like a dream, each day proving better than the last. Gabriel and I were finally in a good place, our conversations flowing freely and laughter echoing through the air as we worked side by side.
I hummed to myself as I carefully reached under the hens, feeling the soft feathers brush against my skin, their warmth a comforting reminder of the life surrounding me. With delicate fingers, I pulled out warm eggs one by one, their smooth surfaces glistening softly in the sun, and tucked them into the bowl cradled in the crook of my arm. The hens clucked contentedly, peering at me with curious eyes, as if acknowledging the small routine we had established.
My vegetable garden thrived under my care, vibrant greens swaying gently in the breeze, their leaves catching the sunlight in a way that made them shimmer like jewels. I couldn’t help the swell of pride in my chest as I surveyed my little sanctuary. Farming had become a surprisingly fulfilling hobby, grounding me in ways I hadn’t expected. It was more than just a means to sustain myself; it had become a refuge, a place where I could escape the complexities of life and immerse myself in something tangible and real.
The simple joys—the squawking of chickens, the feel of soft earth between my fingers, the vibrant colors of ripe tomatoes and lush basil reaching for the sky—kept my mind steady and hopeful. I watched as bees buzzed around the flowers, busy with their work, and I marveled at the cycle of life unfolding before me. With each passing day, I felt a deeper connection to the land, to the rhythms of nature, and to the sense of fulfillment that came with nurturing something from seed to harvest.
As I stood there, the sun warming my back and a gentle breeze whispering through the leaves, I realized this wasn’t just about growing food. It was about growth in every sense—about healing, rediscovering joy, and building a future with Gabriel. I smiled to myself, feeling the promise of what was to come, knowing that together we could cultivate not just a garden but a life full of love and adventure. Of course, thoughts of the goddess crept in every so often, mostly unbidden and unwelcome.
Since our last tense encounter, I’d reduced my visits to the river, half out of defiance and half out of sheer terror. I wasn’t sure which reason drove me more, but a sense of dread always accompanied thoughts of her. Images flashed in my mind: Gabriel’s pale, pained face, the blood trickling from his nose, his pleading eyes locked onto mine as he struggled for breath while the goddess looked on, savoring his pain.
I jerked back, laughing despite myself, as the hen strutted off, feathers ruffled, as if scolding me for invading her space. I shook my head, brushing off the slight sting from the peck, and carefully gathered the remaining eggs into the crook of my arm. Taking a deep breath, I let my gaze roam over the small garden, the neatly lined rows of vegetables, and the growing herb patch Gabriel had helped me set up. It was a quiet reminder of everything we’d worked to build.
For the first time in a long while, I felt grounded, like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. But as the feeling settled over me, a shadow lingered on the edges of my mind, like a chill that wouldn’t shake. I hadn’t felt the goddess’s pull in weeks—no whispers, no dreams—and yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was watching. Waiting.
Lost in thought, I almost didn’t hear the crunch of footsteps approaching until Gabriel’s warm laugh broke through my thoughts. I turned to find him leaning against the gate, arms crossed, watching me with that familiar glint of amusement in his eyes.
“Didn’t take you for a farmer, Oliver,” he teased, his smile softening the weariness that so often marked his face.
I rolled my eyes, grinning as I held up the eggs triumphantly. “I’m a quick learner,” I replied, pretending not to notice the way my heart raced just seeing him there, grounding me in this life we were building together.
He stepped forward, brushed a stray strand of hair from my forehead, and chuckled as I almost dropped the eggs at the sudden closeness. “I’d say so. Who knew you’d be so…domestic?” His hand lingered a second longer than necessary, his fingers tracing down to rest on my shoulder.
“Ouch!” I jumped back, clutching my hand.
“Rookie mistake.” A deep chuckle came from behind, making my heart leap. I turned, a blush creeping up my cheeks as I found Gabriel standing there, his warm gaze watching me with barely contained amusement.
“I didn’t know you were back already,” I murmured, adjusting the bowl in my arm.
Gabriel took a step closer, eyes twinkling as he caught sight of the annoyed hen still giving me the evil eye. “I didn’t think you’d end up needing my protection from a hen, but here we are.”
I laughed, rolling my eyes. “You know, they’re a lot feistier than they look.”
He leaned in, his breath warm on my neck as he whispered, “I don’t think they’re the only ones around here who are full of surprises.” I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, and he smiled, pulling back slightly. “Everyone’s fine. I came here because… well, I wanted to give you something.”
“Something?” I echoed, glancing at him in confusion as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch. He opened it and held out his hand to reveal a simple gold band set with a small, emerald-green stone that caught the sunlight.
The breath hitched in my throat. I looked up at him, my heart pounding in my chest. “Gabriel, this is…”
He took my hand gently, slipping the ring onto my finger. “It’s nothing grand,” he said softly, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. “Just something to remind you… that I’m here, always.”
The ring fits perfectly, the cool metal warming against my skin. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. “It’s perfect,” I murmured, my fingers closing around his hand. “Thank you.”
He lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. “Come with me,” he said, pulling me toward the truck parked by the side of the house. “I have something to show you.”
Curious, I followed him, sliding into the passenger seat as he started the engine. We drove in comfortable silence, the warmth of his hand on mine as he guided us through the winding roads that led to the forest’s edge. After a while, he turned off onto a narrow, hidden path that led up a small hill.
At the top, Gabriel parked and motioned for me to follow him. We climbed out, and my breath caught as we reached the edge of a cliff that overlooked a sprawling valley below, blanketed in a patchwork of green fields, golden wildflowers, and the distant shimmer of a river winding through the landscape.
“Wow,” I breathed, taking in the view. “It’s… beautiful.”
Gabriel spread out a blanket on the ground, unpacking a small picnic basket filled with sandwiches, fruits, and a bottle of wine. We settled down together, the world stretched out below us, peaceful and calm in the afternoon light
I leaned into him, resting my head on his shoulder as we shared the simple meal, laughter, and gentle conversation filling the space between us. It was as if time had slowed down, allowing us a brief respite from the chaos of the outside world.
When the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the valley in shades of pink and orange, Gabriel took my hand and brushed a kiss against my knuckles. “Thank you for being here, Oliver. For being… you.”
I looked into his eyes, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the fading sunlight. “Thank you, Gabriel. For… all of this. I didn’t think I’d ever have anything like this.”
His gaze softened, the intensity in his eyes giving way to a warmth that enveloped me. As he leaned in closer, he pulled me into a kiss—tender and lingering, filled with a quiet promise that seemed to reverberate through my very soul. At that moment, the world around us faded into a blur of colors and sounds, leaving only the steady beat of his heart against mine, grounding me in the present.
For a brief, perfect period, the fears that had plagued us both seemed to melt away, evaporating into the gentle evening air. It was as if the universe conspired to grant us this moment of solace, allowing just the two of us to exist under the expansive sky, free from the burdens that often loomed over us. In that cocoon of intimacy, no threat could ever touch us; we were invincible.
We stayed there, wrapped in each other’s warmth, lost in a world of our creation. The colors of the sunset painted the horizon in hues of orange and pink, the last rays of daylight slipping away as twilight descended. There was a profound peace in that silence, a shared understanding that didn’t need words. It was a silent vow, a promise of support and love that transcended the chaos of our lives.
Gabriel’s hand was steady around mine, a reassuring anchor in the gathering dusk. Even as the cool evening air began to brush against our skin, it couldn’t break the spell of being held, protected, and truly understood. I could feel the pulse of our connection, a rhythm that echoed in the quiet of the twilight, and in that moment, I knew that together we could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the stars began to twinkle into existence above us, I leaned into him, my head resting against his shoulder, a smile tugging at my lips. The night was just beginning, but with Gabriel by my side, I felt ready to embrace whatever adventures awaited us, knowing that our bond would guide us through.
After a while, Gabriel gently squeezed my hand, helping me to my feet as he led me back to the truck. We climbed in, and he started the engine. We drove back in comfortable silence, the rhythmic hum of the road beneath us a gentle background to my thoughts. I let my head rest against the window, savoring the calmness, storing it away as if I could keep this feeling safe for all the uncertain days that lay ahead.
As we pulled into the driveway, I was still basking in the afterglow of the day, a soft smile lingering on my lips. But as we stepped out, my smile faltered. There, sitting on the porch, was a figure draped in shadows, her face partially obscured by the dim light. Even in the half-darkness, I recognized her. Carrie.
My heartbeat quickened, and a familiar chill crept over my skin, dissipating the warmth from just moments before. Carrie looked up slowly, her gaze piercing through the night as it locked onto me, her expression unreadable.