Sixty Six

Three days later, the atmosphere was tense. Friends, family, and colleagues gathered to say their final goodbyes to Charles Barrett.

The cemetery was filled with mourners.

Raven stood near the front, her hand resting protectively over her belly. She felt disconnected from everything around her.

Damon stood beside her, his hand on her back. Though his eyes were glassy with unshed tears, he still tried his best to stay strong.

Justin stood at a corner with Mia trying to comfort him.

Julie was with Emily. Her eyes looked like they were going to pop out from excessive crying.

When it was Raven’s turn to speak, she stepped forward, her heart pounding. She clutched the edges of the podium, her knuckles turning white as she tried to steady herself.

"I never got to meet my father," she began, her voice shaky. "For a long time, I wondered what it was like to have a father’s love. Until I met Charles." She paused, her throat tightening. "Charles wasn’t just Mason’s father. He becam