“Thank you,” she whispers.
“So, you’d be okay with that?” he asks her, and her face splits into a grin.
“I would love that!”
“Then I guess I’m staying.”
For the next couple hours, we discuss what we’re doing about Adam. We know he’s still out there. Waiting and watching. Nick suggested baiting him, but I shut that the fuck down. I will not put Jade in anymore danger after the trauma she’s already been through. All we can do is keep an eye out and make sure his picture remains on every billboard up and down the river.
Later that night when we’re curled up in bed, Jade turns to me. “Thank you for giving Nick a job.”
“I’d give you the world if I could, Jade.”
“West?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“I love you.”
My heart is pounding so hard I feel like it’s going to jump from my chest. Nothing could ever compare to this moment, to knowing what it feels like to have the girl I’ve been infatuated with for so long tell me she loves me. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life. Words have never sounded so melodic or beautiful.
“I love you too. So fucking much.” I smash my mouth to hers and spend the rest of night showing her just how much loving her means.
It’s been three weeks since my kidnapping.
Now early July, summer feels like it’s flying by. There has still been no progress in finding Adam. We’re hoping the week I was gone, he took off. But we won’t let our guards down.
Yesterday, I went to the bakery for the first time since the day I was taken from there. I like to think I’m healing and coping well, but the truth is, I’m not ready to go back to work yet. The first step was just being able to walk back into the bakery.
On the window were dozens and dozens of notes from community members all written for me, and I was so overwhelmed with gratitude and love that I couldn’t hold the tears at bay. I am so happy to be home.
Speaking of home. West has asked me to move in with him. I know we’ve only been together a couple months, but I am so in love with that man. There will never be anyone else for me.
It was strange those first couple times I came to town with West. It’s been an adjustment having everyone stare at me, but everyone has been so kind.
I also spoke with Ian, and I think we are okay. He understands that what he did was wrong, and I let him knowthat I understood it came from a place of wanting the best for his friend.
Tonight, we’re having a BBQ to celebrate me moving in with West. I didn’t need any sort of party, but Astrid insisted we have one as a housewarming for me. I love West’s family, and Astrid and I have become very close.
Nick had to go back to put in his two-week notice, so he won’t be here tonight, but he should be arriving on Sunday for good.
I’m so excited for this next chapter of my life. I never could have imagined being this happy after all the pain I’ve been through.
“My mom and dad are here,” West announces, pulling me from my thoughts.
Not long after, the rest of our crew arrives. We eat and visit and enjoy this moment of life together.
“Thank you so much for this lovely night, Astrid.”
“Please, we are all so happy for you and West. It’s about time I get a daughter-in-law around here.” She winks, and my cheeks flame.
“Can I borrow Jade for a minute?” Sarah butts in, linking her arm through mine.
“Of course, dear.”
I let Sarah lead me to the L-shaped couch on the patio and join her for a seat. “So, I was thinking. Why don’t we get a couple bottles of wine this weekend and Wren and I will help you pack up your house?”
“Sure. I would really love that. But you hate packing,” I say, eyeing her. Both times I’ve had to move with Sarah, I did the packing while she did the drinking. “You just want an excuse to drink, don’t you?” I giggle.
