That afternoon, they drove to the compound for a family gathering. It was a beautiful day—warm and sunny, perfect for being outside. The family had set up tables in the yard, and the smell of grilling meat filled the air.
Ivy felt completely at ease now. She helped Rosa in the kitchen, played with the children, laughed at Mateo's terrible jokes. Boone kept her close, his hand always finding hers, his eyes always checking to make sure she was happy.
She was. Deliriously, completely happy.
As the sun began to set, they gathered around the fire pit. Someone brought out a guitar. Stories were told, songs were sung, and Ivy felt herself sinking deeper into this family, this life, this love.
It was perfect.
It was everything she'd never known she wanted.
They drove back to Boone's farmhous
