Someone helped me to my feet, and I lumbered out of the barn. When I got into the sunlight, a flurry of activity unfolded outside. Mendoza and his men were being loaded into an ATF van at the same time Rev was loaded into an ambulance.
The crowd suddenly parted, and there my father stood. At the sight of him, I burst into tears. I knew he wasn’t here to assure my safety.
He’d come to claim me. He’d completed his side of the bargain, and now it was time for mine.
Although I knew I should make my way to him, I remained frozen where I stood. When the shrill wail of the ambulance started up, I covered my ears and sank to the ground.
When the siren’s wail finally began to fade, I looked up to see my father hovering over me. His face was unreadable except for a slight tenderness that seemed completely foreign to him.
“You got more than you bargained for,” I ruefully mused.
His brows creased. “I don’t understand.”
“Rev got shot in the gut by Mendoza while trying to save my life. He’s probably going to die. So not only am I back in your world, but the man you hate will be dead.”
“Nathaniel was shot?”
“What did you think the ambulance was for?” I snapped.
“From his injuries being tortured.”
Shaking my head, I replied, “No. He could’ve survived those, but then Mendoza took one of the ATF’s guns and tried to shoot me, but Rev pushed me out of the way.”
“He saved your life?”
I nodded. “But it’s not the first time.” A sob choked off in my throat. “He saved me from Mendoza the night he stormed the compound. And then he saved me when I tried to take my own life after I learned I’d never be able to carry children.”
Guttural sobs rocketed through me. “He saved me every single day by loving me even when I was broken.”
When I continued sobbing, Father’s voice broke through my sorrow. “Annabel, stop this. You’re making a scene.”
A maniacal laugh spilled from my lips. “You are such a prick.”
Gritting my teeth, I swiped my eyes as I pulled myself to my feet. “I know I didn’t negotiate it, but I would like to stop at the roadhouse to say goodbye and grab my things.”
When Father remained silent, I thew up my hands. “Fine. I’ll just have them send my things.”
I started to stalk past Father, but he grabbed my arm. “Annabel, wait.”
“What?”
“After that horrible display of yours a moment ago and in light of the developments about Nathaniel’s care for you, I won’t be taking you back with me.”
“Excuse me?”
Father smoothed a hand through his hair. “It would seem you’re exactly where you should be.”
My hand flew to my mouth. “You’re letting me go?”
“I am.”
“Oh Father!” I cried before throwing myself at him. “Thankyou.Thankyou.Thankyou,” I murmured into his chest.
After giving me the stiffest hug, he pushed me back. “I will expect you to at least make something of yourself despite being with such a man.”
“I will. Just wait and see.”
He nodded. He waved over someone from behind me. “Harry, please see that my doctor gets a police escort to the hospital where Nathaniel Malloy was taken.”
