Reaper's War (Creed MC Book 1)

Ch 16: The Space Between

The twilight sky paints itself in deep blues and purples as Blade and Everleigh bound down the hallway, their giggles filling the house. Draven follows close behind, arms full of blankets and pillows, shifting the weight to keep them steady. The twins dart around him, too excited to slow down. Everleigh declares it 'movie night'—snacks, blankets, and a fort in the living room--no exceptions.

"Where do you want these?" Draven asks, his voice warm as he looks at Blade.

Mini engineer 1 will definitely direct you to the correct location.

"Right here!" Blade points to the corner of the room where a pile of pillows is already growing.

Draven sets the blankets down, pulling one over his shoulders dramatically. "I think I'm ready for battle."

Always a child at heart.

"You're supposed to build the fort, Daddy!" Everleigh exclaims, grabbing his arm and tugging him toward the center of the room.

"Oh, I'm building," Draven assures her. "Just wait until you see my masterpiece."

I lean against the doorway, watching as the twins lay out their grand design, their words tumbling over each other in excitement. Draven listens, nodding as Everleigh describes the "secret entrance" and Blade suggests adding a tower made of couch cushions. His patience effortless, like he's always been a part of this.

"This is going to be the best fort ever," Blade declares, his eyes lighting up.

"The best," Draven agrees, grinning as he begins stacking pillows and draping blankets in carefully planned angles. The twins work alongside him, their excitement contagious as the fort takes shape.

By the time they finish, the fort sprawls across the living room—blankets, cushions, and creativity woven together into something that only kids could dream up. Everleigh and Blade claim their seats inside the turret, victorious. Draven stretches out beside them, letting out a dramatic sigh of accomplishment.

"Welcome to Fort Awesome," he announces, gesturing grandly.

Everleigh claps her hands. "It's perfect!"

Blade nods solemnly. "Now we need snacks."

"Already on it," I say, stepping into the room with a tray of popcorn, cookies, and juice boxes.

The twins cheer, and Draven shoots me a grateful smile. "You're an essential part of this operation, Mac."

"Glad to help," I reply, setting the tray down near the fort's entrance. "Enjoy the movie."

"You're not staying?" Blade asks, his brow furrowing.

He wants me to stay?

I hesitate, caught off guard by the question. "I thought this was your night with Daddy."

"Yeah, but you can stay too!" Everleigh pats the blanket beside her.

Draven looks at me, his expression soft but unreadable. "The more, the merrier."

And he is okay with me ruining his night with the children?

I sigh, feeling the weight of their hopeful gazes. "Alright," I say finally, sitting down beside the fort. "But only because you asked nicely."

The movie plays on the TV, its glow casting soft shadows across the room. Everleigh curls up against Draven's side, her eyes heavy as she fights to stay awake. Blade leans forward, his attention fixed on the screen as he munches on popcorn. The warmth of the blankets and the film settle into the room, wrapping everything in an ease I don't usually allow myself to feel.