“I guess I keep waiting for her to snap out of it.”

Raven shrugged, unsure what else she could say. Charlotte wasn’t going to change because she was a spoiled bitch.

Jonah came out holding a tray with cider and pie. She grinned at him, enjoying his anxiety for a brief moment before she smoothed her grin into a smile to let him know everything was fine.

“I’m sorry, Dad.”

He shook his head. “It’s not your fault, honey. You warm enough out here? I think your grandmother is looking for you, and Levi and Daisy have an announcement so I’m supposed to round people up.”

“You should assure him I didn’t say anything scary.”

He rolled his eyes at her. “I trust you with my most precious thing.” He tipped his chin in Carrie’s direction. That made Raven nearly tear up, but she wrestled it back by thinking of his dumb ex-wife instead.

They filed back inside, moving to sit on one of the long couches.

“I’m eating this pie.” She spoke in an undertone after putting the cider down.

He placed a hand on her knee, making her tingly. The rogue. “Gorgeous, that’s what it’s there for. I enjoy watching you eat pie.”

Well, given the swank level that night she wondered if the food wasn’t for decoration. But it was pie and she loved pie. So.

A tray with champagne glasses passed through. He grabbed one for her. “Keep eating that pie.” He leaned very close. “I’m just going to imagine licking it off your belly.”

Guh.

“You’re going to make me choke.”

“Not on pie.”

That one made her laugh and people turned to look. Jeez.

Levi and Daisy came in and waited for everyone to quiet down.

“As most of you know, we got engaged some time ago. Daisy has been busily creating art people have been busily buying. We set up house together. I’ve continued to build the Bainbridge Island office of the firm, taking on a new associate this summer. So we’ve been busy and the wedding kept being put on the back burner.”

Liesl frowned and Raven held back a smile. She knew via Daisy that Liesl had been sending many helpful suggestions to them after they’d passed the year mark of being engaged. Daisy was feeling panicked and trapped by all the expectations placed on her for some big giant wedding.

“So it was sort of a surprise to find out we’ll be parents in a little over six months from now.”

The room erupted with applause and well wishes.

“We’d better get on that planning then.” Liesl managed a smile and made Raven believe it. The woman did adore her granddaughter so it wasn’t so hard to believe she’d be thrilled with another one.

“Well, as it happens, we snuck off to Las Vegas day before yesterday and got married. Just the two of us. We haven’t told anyone yet.” Levi looked to Jonah. “Sorry. I wanted you to stand up for me, but it was a whim.”

“I’m thrilled for you both. You can make it up to me by letting me throw you a reception dinner.”

He took Raven’s hand and she squeezed it.

There was a toast or three made. Lots of happy hugs and well wishes, and at last things mellowed a little. Enough that Raven thought she’d make her escape. But Liesl pinned her with her gaze and made her way over.

“Damn.”

Jonah, who’d been talking with Toby, turned and saw his mother on the way over. “Welcome to the family. Sink or swim, gorgeous.” And then he scampered off with Toby like a naughty little boy.

Liesl glided to a stop at Raven’s side. “He believes I didn’t notice that. Now I’m going to have to think up something to make him do.”

“You move me to tears sometimes, Liesl. You’re like a total Jedi Master.”

Liesl tried not to smile but it didn’t work. “Yes. Well. Would you be willing to talk to me and my board of Created Families? About your experience in the foster care system?”

“I don’t know.”

“I know your experiences were not all good. But it’s good to hear from someone who has a unique perspective. We want to make things better. We’d like to know how. Jonah didn’t tell me much, if that’s your concern. He’s honored your privacy.”

Raven nodded. “I know. You did a good job with him, you know. He’s a good man. The best I’ve ever known.”

Liesl softened. “Thank you. I’m proud of the men my sons have become.” She paused. “I’d like to hear your story. If you’d like to tell it. I know I can be . . . difficult at times. But I’ve gotten to know Daisy, who is delightful. And I’d like the same opportunity with you. My son loves you. You’re good for him and for Carrie too.”

Raven laughed. “I’m not delightful.”

Liesl sniffed. “I’m aware.”

“All right. I’ll let you take me to lunch. I’ll tell you my story and you can decide whether or not you want me to address your charity board.”

Liesl smiled, victorious. As if there’d been any doubt. “I’ll be in touch. I hear you’re off to Maui next week.”

“Your son knows how to give a Christmas present. I’ll give him that.”

26

She sat on the chaise, a drink in one hand, her sunglasses perched on her face. The ocean roared just feet away from where he stood, watching her.

She was different on vacation. Different a thousand miles away from home and halfway across the ocean. Relaxed. Playful even. Her hair had been caught in two braids, exposing the beauty of the ink on her back.