Emily’s POV

Today was my birthday.

I stood in front of the tall mirror in my room, smoothing down the fabric of my dress as I took a deep breath. The reflection staring back at me looked… happy. It had been three years since everything changed—three years since Sierra was locked away, three years since I finally started living without fear.

Drake had made sure of that.

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could answer, the door swung open, and in walked Dean, holding a single red rose in his small hands.

“Happy birthday, Mom,” he said, his bright eyes full of warmth...