Once his hands were clear he threw them around Parker.
“Congratulations, guys,” he said.
I caught up with what they were discussing by reading the card inside the envelope.
Hwan Kim and Parker Hawkins request the honor of your presence on their special day.
“What? No way. You’re getting married?” I jumped off the couch and embraced Parker. “I know you just got engaged but I didn’t expect you to get married so soon.”
Parker pursed his lips to the side.
“I know. Neither did we, but with Levi and everything we didn’t see a point in delaying it any further.”
Parker smiled and I couldn’t help but copy him. It was such a rare occurrence with him, but it was how I knew he was genuinely happy and excited about this.
Levi had been placed with them earlier this month. That little boy had been through more trauma in his five years in this world than others went through in a lifetime.
“That’s amazing. We’ll be there.” Zach beamed.
We hugged the tall, buff man one more time before he went on his way to deliver more invitations before it got too late.
“Can you believe it?” Zach said when we sat down to watch our movie and I brought him in closer to me.
“I can’t. And I’m not going to lie. I’m slightly jealous.”
Zach glanced up at me and smirked.
“Yeah, me too. But all in due time, baby. All in due time.”
I pecked him on the lips and turned my attention to the TV trying to put weddings, kids and happily-ever-after’s out of my head. Though it was impossible when my happily-ever-after was right in my arms.
Somehow, I managed to do it. The movie helped. As did the next one and the one after that.
It was during the fourth movie—long after midnight—that my phone rang and we both stared at it cautiously.
A call that late was never a good thing.
Goosebumps crawled all along the back of my neck as I answered Slade's call.
"Dare," he said in a deep, husky voice that sounded like trouble.
"What happened?" I asked. "Is everything okay?"
We had been waiting for Salieri to strike since his inaugural speech, when he'd revealed himself, but it had been eerily quiet.
I knew it wasn't going to last long.
"It's Wyatt," Slade answered. No fluff, no sugar-coating.
I stopped in my tracks and looked at Zach.
"What's wrong with Wyatt?"
"He's been arrested, Dare. For murder."
FORTY
Four Months Later
