AVERY'S POV:

The first thing I hear is the steady, rhythmic beeping. It's distant at first, almost blending into the haze I'm trapped in, but as my mind starts to claw its way back to consciousness, the sound grows louder. My eyelids feel like they weigh a thousand pounds, but I force them to flutter open.

The bright overhead light makes me blink a few times as my vision adjusts. Everything feels hazy, my body aching in places I didn't even know could hurt. I try to move, but a sharp pain radiates through my side, making me wince and sink back into the bed.

"Easy, baby."

My heart skips a beat at the familiar voice, low and soothing. I turn my head slowly, and there he is. Everest.

He's sitting beside me, his elbows resting on his knees, his head hanging low. His hair is a mess, like he's been running his hands through it for hours. The bags under his eyes are deep, and his face is etched with exhaustion. But as soon as he realizes I'm awake, his eyes snap up to meet mine, and relief washes over his face.

"Avery..." he breathes, his voice barely above a whisper.

I try to speak, but my throat is dry, and all I manage is a weak croak. Everest is quick to grab a cup of water from the small table beside the bed, helping me take a sip. The cool liquid soothes my throat, and I manage a faint, "What... happened?"

"You're safe now," he murmurs softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face with a gentle touch. "It's over. Logan's gone... you're never going back there."

His words hit me like a wave, and for a moment, I let them sink in. Safe. It's over. But then —

The baby.

My eyes widen, and panic grips my chest as I instinctively move my hand to my stomach. "The baby..." I whisper, my voice trembling. "Is... is the baby okay?"

Everest's expression softens instantly, and he places his hand gently over mine. "Shhh... it's okay," he whispers, leaning closer, his forehead nearly touching mine. "The doctor said the baby's perfectly fine, Avery. Strong heartbeat. Healthy."

A sob escapes me before I can stop it, a mixture of relief and overwhelming emotion flooding through me. Tears slip down my cheeks as I finally let out the breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. Everest brushes them away with his thumb, his touch tender and comforting.

"I was so scared..." I whisper, my voice barely audible.

"I know, baby." His voice cracks, and I can see the pain in his eyes — the fear he's been carrying this whole time. "But you're both safe now. I promise."

For the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself believe him. I let the weight of everything I've been carrying slowly lift, even if just for a moment. Everest is here. The baby is okay.

The quiet moment between us is broken by a sudden knock on the door. Everest's head snaps up instantly, his entire body tensing as he shifts into a protective stance. His hand instinctively moves to my arm, his eyes narrowing toward the door.

"Who is it?" he calls out, his voice sharp, filled with caution.

"It's me," a familiar voice answers, calm and steady.

My heart leaps in recognition, and I place my hand on Everest's to calm him. "It's okay," I murmur softly, giving him a reassuring look. "That's Sam."

Everest doesn't move immediately, his jaw clenched as he stays in front of me, a shield between me and the door. But after a beat, he nods, slowly standing down. His eyes remain locked on the door as it opens, and Sam steps in.

Sam looks almost out of place in the sterile hospital room, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, his expression composed but warm. His eyes immediately soften when they land on me.

"Glad to see you awake, Avery," he says gently, offering a small smile.

"Sam..." I breathe out, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

Everest stays by my side, his body still slightly angled protectively, but he doesn't say anything. I know he's watching every move Sam makes, his guard not entirely lowered.

"It's okay," I whisper to Everest again, squeezing his hand. "This is the lawyer I told you about."

That seems to ease some of the tension in his shoulders, though he remains alert as Sam steps closer.

"I wanted to come in person," Sam says, his tone shifting to something more formal, yet still filled with genuine concern. He reaches into his leather briefcase and pulls out a thick packet of documents. "Everything's been taken care of."

He hands the packet to me, and my hands tremble slightly as I take it. Everest's eyes scan the papers over my shoulder as I flip through them.

"You're officially divorced, Avery," Sam continues, his voice steady and reassuring. "It's all finalized."

A shaky breath escapes me as I take in those words. It's real. It's finally over. Logan has no hold on me anymore.

"Thank you," I whisper, barely able to find my voice.

But Sam isn't finished. His expression shifts slightly, his eyes meeting mine with something more serious. "There's more," he says carefully.

My brows knit together. "What is it?"

Sam hesitates for a moment, then clears his throat. "We did some digging... into your grandfather's estate."

My heart skips a beat. "My grandfather?"

Sam nods. "Yes. I know you mentioned before that he had some debt... and it turns out, you were right." He pauses, glancing briefly at Everest before continuing. "The mafia... they bought back your family's house. As... payment."

My eyes widen, my breath catching in my throat.

"What?" I blink, trying to process his words.

Sam gives me a small, reassuring smile. "They transferred the deed back to you, Avery. The house... it's yours again."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as the weight of his words sinks in. Our family home... the place that held so many memories... it's back.

Everest's hand squeezes mine gently, grounding me. I glance up at him, and his expression is filled with a mixture of relief and pride.

"I... I don't know what to say..." I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to say anything," Sam replies softly. "This... this is just a small part of making things right after everything you've been through."

I look down at the papers in my hand, overwhelmed by the emotions flooding through me. Freedom. Security. A future that no longer feels out of reach.

"Thank you," I whisper again, my voice cracking as tears slip down my cheeks.

Sam gives me a kind smile, but it's Everest's steady presence beside me that keeps me from falling apart. He brushes a thumb across my cheek, wiping away my tears.

———————————

The next few days passed in a blur.

After everything, the doctors had insisted I stay in the hospital a little longer to monitor me and the baby. They assured me everything was fine, but Everest wouldn't take any chances. He refused to leave my side. Day and night, he was there — sitting beside me, holding my hand, and making sure I had everything I needed.

"Everest," I murmured one night, barely able to keep my eyes open, but I still felt his hand gently brushing my hair back. "You don't have to stay all night... I'll be okay."

"Not a chance, baby," he whispered softly, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I'm not leaving you."

And he didn't.

Even when I tried to convince him to go home and rest, he wouldn't budge. He slept in the uncomfortable hospital chair, only leaving to grab me food or talk to the doctors. His dedication made my heart ache in the best way possible.

After a few days, the doctor finally gave me the all-clear. I was more than ready to leave that sterile room behind. Everest helped me get dressed, his hands gentle as he guided me into a fresh set of clothes.

"You ready to go home?" he asked softly, his eyes searching mine as he cupped my cheek.

"More than ready," I breathed out, leaning into his touch.

But as we drove, something felt... off.

At first, I didn't think much of it. I was too focused on the feeling of being free again, of leaving the nightmare behind. But as the scenery passed by, I realized we weren't heading toward the house on the club's property.

"Everest..." I murmured, a hint of confusion in my voice.

He didn't say anything at first, his jaw tight as he kept his eyes on the road. But I knew him too well. Something was on his mind.

"Where are we going?" I asked softly, my brows furrowing as I took in the familiar surroundings.

When we finally pulled into the long, winding driveway, my heart skipped a beat.

The farmhouse.

The house was different.

The once-faded exterior had been repainted, the porch repaired with new wood. The yard was cleaned up, and fresh flowers lined the walkway leading to the door.

"Everest..." I whispered, my voice trailing off as I looked at him.

He finally turned to me, his expression softer than I'd ever seen it.

"I needed to do this, Ave," he said quietly, his hand reaching out to take mine. "I've had a lot of time to think... about everything."

My heart pounded in my chest as he continued, his thumb brushing gently over my knuckles.

"I realized something while you were in that hospital bed," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't want that life for us anymore. For you... for the baby." His eyes met mine, filled with a sincerity that took my breath away.

"You deserve more," he murmured. "A life away from all of that... away from the club, the violence, the danger." He paused, his jaw tightening for a moment before he spoke again. "I sold the house at the club."

My eyes widened. "What?"

"I sold it to Ryder," he said with a small nod. "Him and Brooke can live there when she's done with school. But you and me..." He glanced toward the house, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "This is where I want to build our life, Ave. Here."

My throat tightened as I took in his words, my gaze shifting back to the farmhouse.

"It's fixed up..." I murmured, noticing how the windows were clean and new, the inside of the house visible through the large front window looking... different.

"It took some time," Everest admitted with a shrug, his voice softer now. "I had the guys help me get it ready. I wanted... I wanted a fresh start for us. A home that's just ours. Away from everything."

My eyes filled with tears as I looked at him, overwhelmed by the depth of his love and everything he had done for me. For us.

"Everest..." I whispered, my voice trembling.

"I know it's a lot," he said softly, his thumb brushing over my cheek. "But I had to do this, Ave. I had to give you a life where you don't have to look over your shoulder every second. A place where our baby can grow up safe."

My lips trembled as I blinked back the tears, my heart swelling with so much love that it was almost too much to contain.

"Thank you..." I murmured, barely able to get the words out as I leaned into him, resting my forehead against his.

"You don't have to thank me, baby," he whispered, his lips brushing softly against mine. "This is where we start over... together."

I closed my eyes, letting the moment sink in.

Everest helps me out of the car, his hand steadying me as I take in the sight of the farmhouse. I still couldn't believe how different it looked — like something straight out of a dream.

"Come on," he murmured softly, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "There's one more surprise."

I glance up at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. "More surprises?"

"Just one." He smirks, but there's warmth in his eyes that makes my heart flutter.

As we walk toward the front door, I notice the little details I hadn't before — the new wooden swing hanging on the porch, the fresh coat of paint on the shutters, the flower boxes overflowing with vibrant colors. It was... perfect.

Everest opens the door, and the moment I step inside, I freeze.

"Surprise!"

My eyes widen as I take in the sight before me. Standing in the living room, all with smiles on their faces, are the people I love the most.

"Nana? Poppy?" My voice barely comes out as a whisper as I take a step forward, my hands covering my mouth.

"We're here, sweet girl," my grandmother says softly, her eyes already glistening with tears. My grandfather stands beside her, a proud smile on his face as he nods toward me.

My heart clenches, and I blink rapidly, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

And then...

"Auntie Tegan?" I breathe out, my eyes landing on the woman who had been like a second mother to me growing up. She stands beside Ghost, her hand linked with his, and her familiar warm smile melts away the last bit of tension in my chest.

"Hey, baby girl." She steps forward, her arms wide open.

I don't hesitate. I move as quickly as I can, despite the lingering ache in my body, and fall into her arms.

"I'm so glad you're okay," she murmurs softly, holding me tight as I bury my face in her shoulder.

"I missed you so much," I whisper, my voice trembling.

"I missed you too, sweetheart."

When I finally pull back, my eyes are drawn to the others standing nearby.

"Brooke..." My voice cracks as I see her, standing next to Sarah, who's smiling warmly at me. Austin stands beside them, his usual playful grin in place but with a softness in his eyes that tells me he's relieved.

"Welcome home, Ave," Brooke says softly, her eyes filled with emotion.

"Damn right," Austin adds, flashing me that signature smirk of his. "Took you long enough to get back."

I let out a shaky laugh, wiping at my eyes as I take it all in.

"I can't believe you're all here..." I say softly, looking around at everyone.

"Of course we're here, sweetheart," my grandmother says with a gentle smile. "We wouldn't miss this for the world."

Everest stands beside me, his arm wrapping protectively around my waist. I lean into him, feeling the comfort and safety he always brings me.

"We wanted to make sure you knew how loved you are," he murmurs softly, his lips brushing against my temple.

My throat tightens again, and I blink back more tears as I look around at the faces of the people who had stood by me through everything.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "Thank you all... for everything."

"Don't get all sappy on us now," Austin teases, his grin widening. "We've got food waiting in the kitchen. Let's celebrate."

I laugh softly, the sound breaking the tension in the room.

"Come on, baby," Everest whispers, guiding me further inside. "Let's go home."

As we move deeper into the house, I take it all in — the warmth, the love, the feeling of safety that wraps around me like a blanket.

This was home now.

And for the first time in a long time... I felt truly at peace.