Darcy struggled in the aftermath of everything that went down. In a really twisted way, it helped form an unbreakable bond between my daughter and my fiancée.
I almost had a heart attack when I got the ransom message from Gwen that day. She’d warned me not to involve the police and to come alone, that she’d know if I didn’t. That’s how I knew she had someone on lookout, and I’m so fucking grateful we have top-notch security with cameras all over the place because I watched everything going down, and it gave us the upper hand.
Didn’t mean I wasn’t shitting my pants because I was fucking terrified I wouldn’t get to them in time. Riley was with me at the meeting, and it’s a miracle I didn’t kill us or get arrested as I broke the speed limit and other motor laws in my hurry to get to the warehouse.
We incapacitated the guy in the woods and confiscated his phone so he couldn’t tip Gwen off. Riley called the cops to fill them in while I tied the guy to a tree, binding him with layers of rope so there was no possibility of him getting free. Riggs Belch is currently awaiting trial on kidnapping and conspiracy to murder charges. He’s already got a string of prior offenses, and he’s going down for a long time.
After handing the camera footage and my phone to the cops, I was notified immediately there would be no charges pressed against me. They kidnapped my daughter from school and trespassed on private grounds, and I acted in self-defense to protect my loved ones. In Vermont, strong protections exist for defending one's dwelling, allowing deadly force against imminent threats, so I was never worried.
Paige is still working to prove Gwen is responsible for Tonya’s death, and I’ve no doubt she’ll do it. I think she needs it to finally move on.
“So, can I, Daddy?”
“Of course, princess.” I kiss the top of Darcy’s head. She’s shot up a lot this past year and growing up way too fast. “I will make it happen.”
What she witnessed last year destroyed a lot of her innocence, even if Astrid did her best to shield her from it.
I would’ve married Astrid the day after Gwen was gone from this world, but we needed to focus on Darcy. She was our priority in the days, weeks, and months that passed as we worked to support her in dealing with her trauma. We attend regular therapy sessions with her, and we’ll continue doing so for as long as she needs it. I have zero intention of ever telling her how she came into this world. I will protect her from that painful truth until the day I die.
I rap on the cottage door, and Elsa opens it a few seconds later.
“There’s my handsome son-in-law and pretty granddaughter.” Elsa clutches my cheeks before enveloping Darcy in a bear hug. Darcy adores her as much as she adores her other nanny, and I’m so grateful Elsa and Mark moved to the cottage for a few months to stay close for support.
“Not your son-in-law quite yet,” I quip, closing the door behind me.
“I won’t even joke about you getting cold feet because everyone in Ryemont knows you love my girl real good, Callan.”
“That I do.” I curl my arm around my daughter. “Both my girls are the center of my world.”
“Love you, Daddy.” Darcy hugs me.
“Right back at ya.” I squeeze her tight, so grateful she’s safe. “Where’s Astrid?”
“Waiting for you in the bedroom.” She smiles wide, patting my face, before stepping aside to let us move across the room.
“Knock, knock.” I rap on the door. “You decent?” I holler.
Paige whips the door open. “She’s all yours.” She lifts her palm for a high five, and Darcy swats her hand. “I saw your dress. It’s so pretty. You’re going to look like a real princess today.”
“Shush, don’t tell Daddy. He can’t know before the wedding.”
Paige makes a zipping motion with her fingers. “These lips are sealed.” She walks off to let us step inside.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, spotting tears in Astrid’s eyes. “Is it the baby?” My eyes automatically lower to her swollen stomach.
“Our son is perfect,” she reassures me, getting up and coming toward me as Renee smiles and slips out of the room.
“Is my baby brother kicking you again?” Darcy gently places her hands on Astrid’s stomach over her silk robe. “Want me to tell him to be good?”
My heart fucking melts.
“He’s being good.” Astrid cups my face. “Missed you last night.”
She stayed here with her bridesmaids while I had the boys over for a few beers and games of pool. We try not to spend a single night apart, so last night was torture. “Ditto, beautiful.” I lean in and kiss her.
“Dad, I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to be kissing her either.”
Astrid laughs, winding an arm around Darcy and pulling her in close. “Hate to break it to you, but your dad’s a bit of a rule breaker.”
