“Gilbert’s body was found. Someone worked him over pretty bad. His eyes were missing, as well as a few fingers and teeth.
“There were several bullet wounds. I’d say they tortured him before putting him down. Sadly, it looks like he had one more victim before they got to him. Zahirah, do you remember your roommate sophomore year?”
“Oh my God, Robin?”
“Yes, Robin Gensis. He strangled her to death. It seems she’s the one who helped him back into the country.”
“I just spoke to her a few weeks ago. She was doing great. We made plans to meet up soon,” I say sadly.
“I’m sorry for your loss. It looks like the threat is over. Manning won’t be bothering anyone else in this lifetime,” Fred says.
“I still want Zah to have security. Can you come in to have a chat with me tomorrow?”
“I’ll be there. Glad things worked out for you guys,” Fred says and ends the call.
I look at Bent with tears in my eyes. It’s over. I can finally live my life without worrying about when Gilbert will show up. No more calls to our podcast, no more showing up at my door.
“It’s over,” I whisper.
Bent palms the back of my head and kisses my forehead. I wrap my arms around him and break down sobbing. He holds me tight and begins to rock me in his strong arms.
“We can move on with our lives. He can’t ever threaten us again. It’s over.
“Breathe, baby, breathe. I was never going to allow him to hurt you, no matter what. I love you so much,” he says as he holds me.
“I love you too. God, I hope this is it. I don’t think I can take anything else trying to tear us apart. I’m so tired,” I say.
“This has only proved how strong we are. It didn’t break us; it made us unbreakable. We’re going to be fine. You want me to take Aaron to his room?”
“No, leave him here. I do want to take a bath with you. I just want to relax in your arms.”
“I’ll get the water going and go get us some wine. Sound good?”
“Yeah, I’ll get him set and grab the monitor.”
He pecks my lips and nods. I watch as he gets up and walks into the bathroom. Dropping my head in my hands, I take a deep breath. It seems like my entire life has settled on my shoulders.
However, as I sit here, I think about how it has all worked out. I have a baby I love, the man I love is back in my life, and we’re building the life we want.
“I did it, Daddy. It wasn’t easy, but we made it. It was all worth every obstacle,” I breathe, hoping my father is looking down, proud of me.
EPILOGUE
Touchdown
Zahirah
I havea huge smile on my face as I watch Bentley and Aaron in the backyard playing football. Aaron pumps his little legs as he holds the ball tight against his chest.
“Oh my God, they’re so adorable,” my mother laughs as my daughter lunges for her brother and tackles him to the ground. Bailey jumps up and does a little dance.
Bentley is laughing so hard he’s holding his belly. Aaron stands up with a frown on his face as he glares at his sister. The two remind me so much of their father and me at that age.
Aaron is starting peewee league this year. His sister loves to get out there and help him train. I cover my round belly with my hands and smile widely.
“They are, aren’t they?” I reply.
“They are and so are these two,” she coos at Peter and Autum in her arms.
