“And I want to marry you.”
Her head snapped back. “Was that a proposal?”
“No. It was a statement of fact.”
“Well, here’s one for you.” She breathed against my lips. “When you ask, I’ll say yes.”
EPILOGUE
Two weeks later
Waverly
“What time is she supposed to be here, baby?”
Finn wouldn’t admit it, but he was just as nervous as me. When he came home from the hospital, he reached out to Shannon immediately. They’ve talked at least once a day ever since, sometimes for hours at a time. She was a thirty-one-year-old physical therapist and lived in Texas.
“Her flight comes in at two.”
“Okay, good. You told everyone to be here at six for the cookout, right?”
“Yes, Finn. It’s going to be great. You’ll see.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” He pulled me into his arms for a quick squeeze. “I’ll go check in with Joel. See how the construction is coming along.”
“Don’t sit in front of the computer screen for too long,” I called after him.
“Yes, ma’am.”
His headaches were mostly gone, except when he stared at his laptop for more than a few hours at a time. I worrieduntil his follow-up appointment when the doctor assured us it was normal for the type of concussion he had. Still, he pushed himself too hard, too fast. It wasn’t even necessary. The building repair wouldn’t be finished for another two weeks. In the meantime, he worked from home.
A lot changed in our lives since that dreadful night. Sloan and the kids moved into my house and I officially moved in with Finn. It was a win-win situation, though I missed having the kiddos around all the time. Especially Reagan. She’d really warmed up to me. I’d have to plan a girls’ night with her soon.
I grabbed my cell off the kitchen counter and sent a text.
Me: Any news?
Duncan: Are you sure you want to know?
Me: No, but tell me anyway.
Director Ashland sent me a message last week that my father and his attorney requested a meeting with the prosecutor. After mulling it over, I decided I didn’t want to know the outcome, Then I changed my mind.
Duncan: He asked for a plea deal.
Me: What are the terms?
Duncan: Twelve years.
Me: Holy shit.
For once in his life, he was actually taking responsibility for his actions. Miracles never ceased.
Duncan: With the evidence they had, he was looking at twenty-five.
Duncan: Now you can live.
Me: Thanks. See you tonight.
