𝔅𝔬𝔯𝔫 𝔱𝔬 𝔡𝔦𝔢 - Rafe Cameron

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...

The next morning, Jazmine woke up next to Rafe, her head resting on his chest.

The two had fallen asleep far from the others after talking late into the night. At some point, Jazmine had drifted off in his arms, lulled by the soothing rhythm of his fingers tracing patterns on her back.

Jazmine stirred, her breathing steady as her green eyes fluttered open. She'd been awake for a little while now, listening to the faint sounds of the morning. But Rafe had been awake even longer. He lay still, his arm draped protectively around her, his other hand resting behind his head as he stared up at the sky.

He looked down at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He hadn't dared close his eyes for more than a moment. It felt like a dream—having Jazmine here, tucked under his arm, peaceful and close. He feared that if he fell asleep, he'd wake up to find it all gone, leaving him alone again.

Jazmine had turned his world upside down in the best way. She'd made him feel like the luckiest man alive. As he watched her, his thoughts wandered to the future. 

He could already imagine their life together back home. A family of four. Would they have a boy this time? Bella was a girl, so maybe a boy would complete the picture perfectly.

But then again, the idea of having another little girl melted his heart. A tiny version of Jazmine, with her piercing green eyes and quiet strength. He smiled to himself, picturing her dressing the baby in frilly dresses and spoiling her with toys. He couldn't wait.

It didn't matter, though, whether it was a boy or a girl. All that mattered was that this child would be theirs, a piece of Jazmine and him brought into the world. Nothing else mattered.

Jazmine shifted, raising her head slightly. Her messy hair framed her face, and her sleepy eyes met Rafe's. She smiled softly.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked, her voice still husky from sleep.

"I don't think I've ever slept this well," Rafe replied.

Jazmine smiled softly.

Rafe chuckled lightly, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. "I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"About us... about the future."

Jazmine's lips twitched into a teasing smile. "Regretting things already?"

Rafe shook his head, a soft laugh escaping him. "Are you kidding? Never. This is the best decision I've ever made."

"And you, Mrs. Cameron, how did you sleep?" he asked, his tone playful.

"Magnificently," she replied, letting out a light laugh.

Rafe leaned forward and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. Jazmine closed her eyes briefly, enjoying the warmth of the moment before sitting up slightly.

"The others are probably waking up soon," she murmured. "We should head back, we still have to walk to Essaouira and find Groff."

Rafe sighed, rubbing his buzz cut. "To be honest, I don't even want to anymore."