Chapter 40: Getting to Know the Family.

A few days after Ava had settled into life at Eli's family farm, the family decided to have a small barbecue to celebrate her recovery. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the fields, and the smell of grilling meat filled the air.

Eli’s father, James, was manning the grill with practiced ease, flipping burgers and turning sausages, while Martha set up a table with various salads, homemade bread, and pitchers of lemonade. Eli and Ava sat nearby, watching the preparations.

“Do you need any help, Martha?” Ava offered, trying to rise from her seat.

Martha waved her hand dismissively. “Sit down, Ava. You’re here to relax and recover. Besides, we’ve got it all under control.”

Eli chuckled, giving Ava’s hand a light squeeze. “You heard her. Just sit back and enjoy.”

Ava sighed, feeling a bit awkward. “I’m not used to just sitting around. Feels like I should be doing something.”

“You’re healing,” Eli said with a reassuring smile. “And that’s important enough.”

Just then, Eli’s younger sister, Emily, ran over, proudly holding a plate of freshly picked strawberries. “Ava, look what I found in the garden!”

Ava smiled, taking a berry. “These look delicious, Emily. Thank you.”

Emily beamed, running back to help her mother. Watching the family bustle around, Ava felt a warmth she hadn’t experienced in years. There was a natural rhythm and joy here—a sharp contrast to her usual life of combat and duty.

When James called out, “Food’s ready!” everyone gathered around the table, eagerly piling their plates high. Conversation flowed easily, laughter echoing through the yard as stories were shared. James told tales of the farm’s history, while Martha added playful anecdotes about Eli’s childhood.

“Eli, remember the time you thought you could take on the farm bull?” James teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Eli groaned, his face turning red. “Dad, please, don’t start.”

But Ava leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “No, go on—I *need* to hear this.”

James chuckled, setting down his drink. “He was maybe ten, full of spirit. Thought he could wrangle that bull like a pro. But one look at that bull charging, and Eli was scrambling up the nearest tree, yelling his head off!”

The table burst into laughter, and Eli shook his head, grinning sheepishly at Ava. “Guess I just couldn’t stand to let you be the only reckless one.”

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Ava smirked. “Reckless, maybe. But at least I don’t challenge farm animals.”

Emily tugged at Ava’s sleeve, her wide eyes filled with admiration. “Ava, did *you* ever run from anything?”

Ava chuckled, thinking for a moment. “Well, I usually try to stand my ground. But once, a huge bear surprised me, and I was up a tree quicker than Eli!”

Emily gasped, eyes wide with amazement, and the whole table laughed. Ava played up the story a little for Emily’s sake, enjoying the chance to laugh along with the family.

As they ate, Eli and Ava exchanged soft glances, each finding a sense of peace in the other’s presence. Martha noticed and, taking a seat beside Ava, offered her a glass of lemonade.

“Ava, it’s like you’ve always been here. You fit right in, like family,” Martha said gently.

Ava’s smile softened, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. “Thank you, Martha. That means a lot.”

Emily, her curiosity bubbling over, leaned close to Ava. “Does that mean you’ll come visit more? Please?”

Ava chuckled, glancing at Eli before nodding. “I’ll try, Emily. Somehow, I do tend to get… busy.”

Content with Ava’s answer, Emily snuggled up beside her, clearly smitten with her “warrior aunt.” Ava felt her heart warm, glancing over at Eli, who gave her a wink.

Martha placed a gentle hand on Ava’s shoulder, her tone shifting to one of quiet concern. “Is Eli safe out there, Ava? As his mother, I can’t help but worry…”

Ava looked Martha in the eye, her tone firm but gentle. “I’ll do everything to keep him safe, Martha. He’s the most important person in my life.”

Martha nodded, squeezing her shoulder. “And who looks after you, Ava?”

Ava’s expression softened, her gaze dropping. “I… I guess I rely on myself a lot.”

With a mother’s warmth, Martha lifted Ava’s chin, meeting her eyes. “Well, you’re surrounded now. Remember that.”

The fire crackled beside them, and Ava felt an unexpected lump in her throat. She cleared it quickly, nodding. “Thank you, Martha.”

When the meal was done, James leaned back, eyes bright with laughter. “Eli, remember that recon mission you told us about? The one with Ava’s boot stuck in the mud?”

“Oh, here we go,” Eli sighed, feigning exasperation.

But Ava grinned, nudging him. “Come on, don’t hold back now!”

With a playful sigh, Eli recounted the story, sharing how they had waded knee-deep in mud on what should have been a simple recon. “So there we are, sinking with every step, and she *refuses* to leave her ‘lucky boot’ behind. Claims it’s her good-luck charm. Guess who gets to dig it out?”

“I was right, though, wasn’t I?” Ava said, laughing. “We got through the mission just fine.”

Martha shook her head, smiling. “So, I guess you’re the one keeping her out of trouble, Eli?”

Eli shrugged, casting a warm glance at Ava. “More like trouble keeps us together,” he said softly, and she blushed just a little, savoring the moment.

As the stars sparkled above them, Eli and Ava sat close, their fingers lacing together naturally. The family continued sharing stories and laughter around the fire, each moment weaving Ava deeper into their circle.

Hours passed, and little Emily eventually drifted off beside Ava, her head resting on Ava’s lap. Even Ava felt her eyes growing heavy, yet she remained, wanting to absorb each moment—the warmth of the fire, the laughter, and the quiet, steady presence of Eli by her side.

They talked and laughed late into the night, each story and each smile weaving Ava further into this family she’d come to love. For the first time in a long time, the world felt still. No missions, no battles—just the warmth of family, laughter, and the grounding presence of Eli beside her.

In that peaceful night, under a sky full of stars, Ava felt something rare and precious—a true sense of belonging.