Raine’s Epilogue
SIX YEARS LATER
Ipromised myself years ago, if I had the opportunity, I would give back. I'm a firm believer that the wealthy only get poorer when they don't share. Maybe it isn't true, but I can't bear the thought of another human being going through what I've been through. I may not be able to save every person in this country, but I can start small, right here at home.
At the end of the day, Frederick's option of money or integrity were a hand-in-hand type of decision. Word got out quickly, and his reputation chased him right out of this town. People learned of the monster he was.
"Mayor Carson," a woman calls out from a few feet away. "Here are the scissors." The town clerk hands me the oversized, shiny metal scissors, and I make my way over to the ribbon stretched from one store front to the other.
Cameras are clicking, news reporters are scribbling notes, and my heart is bursting with joy. "Lauren, will you do the honors?" I hand the scissors to my sister and watch as she cuts the ribbon. The applause and happy cheers make Lauren spin around in circles as she joyfully watches every released balloon float wildly into the bright blue sky. "Lenore's is officially open for all!" I shout. "No one in this town will ever be hungry again."
I stare up into the sky with Lauren, feeling Haven's arms loop around my waist. "I'm so proud of you," she whispers into my ear. "You have fixed this town and made it better than it ever was. You have made our lives perfect too."
Frederick spent almost seven years pushing every lower-class person out of this proclaimed rich town, and it has taken me almost the same amount of time to bring them all back. This shelter will always be the reminder of how far I've come. I realize, maybe if I didn't lose every dime I was graciously left by Granddad, I wouldn't appreciate how lucky I truly am today. I want to help those who can't help themselves and give everyone a chance at a better future. This would make Granddad proud.
"Dad!" Mikey shouts from behind Haven, "Look!" I glance behind us to where Mikey is pointing, and I see a line forming in front of the door to Lenore's.
"That's a lot of people, Daddy," Grace says.
Haven's head rests on my arm, and I scoop Mikey and Grace into my other side, holding my family tightly against me, knowing I will never let them down. "Doesn't this feel good, guys?" I ask them. “Helping people.”
"I love seeing people smile," Grace says.
Lauren finds her way back over to us and takes Mikey's hand in hers. "Look what we did!" she shouts. "Mama would be so proud."
"She is proud," Mikey says. "Dad says she's watching us from heaven."
"Lauren," Haven says, "Could you take the kids over to the ice cream truck for a minute?"
Lauren smiles in return and takes Mikey and Grace by the hands, skipping over to the ice cream truck with them.
"I might cry," Haven murmurs.
"What's the matter, baby? We've got everything," I tell her, cupping my hand around her warm cheek.
"This feels so good, and I never thought I would experience a day where I felt like I was a part of something so fulfilling, especially in this town. I was miserable for so long, walking along in the shadows of undeserving people who cared so little for others. I have always felt that something like this was my purpose in life, and while I know we couldn't have done any of this without your granddad, I feel lucky to be able to help people alongside you." Haven releases a gratifying sigh with a pleased smile. "We're very fortunate. I'm so lucky to have you."
"I'm the lucky one," I tell her, running my hand gently over her growing belly. "A wife, two beautiful children, and two more on the way, plus Lauren." I feel so damn happy; I could cry right here. "Haven, this is my dream, and it's come true. I don’t know how a person could be luckier than that." I place a kiss on her red painted lips, breathing in her sweet smell. Entranced by her scent, I pull away, looking her into the eyes. "You know that red lipstick of yours is what keeps getting you into situations like this." We look down at her swollen belly and laugh.
"This is what you wanted—we wanted, and we got it," she says, kissing me gently.
A hand on my shoulder pulls my attention away from Haven's beautiful smile. Finding a familiar face, I pause for a moment before greeting him. "Frederick," I say, curtly. My thoughts immediately become hazy. I never thought I’d see the day when he stepped foot back into this town.
"Congratulations," Frederick offers. "I'm proud of you two."
I clear my throat first, still stalling for words that aren’t coming to me. "Um—what brings you back here?" I ask.
"I didn't want to miss the opening."
"Dad?" Haven says, noticing him. “What are you doing here?”
“Haven—” he tries to speak.
“No. Get out. You’re not welcome in this town or near my family or me. Get. Out.”
“I’m your daddy, Haven. It’s been years, and you still won’t talk to us. It’s breaking our hearts.”
Haven moves from behind me, showcasing her belly, the life we have built—the one her parents know nothing about. “I wasn’t kidding you when I told you I never wanted to see or speak to you again.” She takes a short breath, forcing a fake smile across her lips as she attempts to maintain her composure. “Now, as I’ve said, please leave before I get the sheriff over here.”
