He kissed her on the forehead. He’d been a bit groggy this morning. He’d had five stitches and she’d been asked to keep an eye on him regarding concussion for the next twenty-four hours. Luckily the scar would be covered by his hair.
He sat down beside her and placed an arm around her shoulders. ‘I’ll survive,’ he replied. ‘Besides, I’m going to play on your sympathy over the coming weeks. Have you heard anything else?’
‘No.’
‘How’s Sarah?’
‘I’ve left a couple of messages, but she hasn’t replied.’
After the police had questioned them, Sarah had taken Daisy to stay in a hotel, away from the house while the police did their work. She was sure Sarah would have had to complete a statement in writing like she had.
‘You can’t hold yourself responsible,’ Danny soothed. ‘Richard was a psychopath. How were we toknow he’d murdered his father, as well as Louisa? I was flabbergasted to hear that.’ He paused. ‘No, actually I wasn’t.’
‘But I led you into danger.’
‘It wasn’tGame of Thrones.’ Danny sniggered. ‘You only had an inkling of what was going on. And at least that little girl might get a normal life now.’
Juliette nodded in agreement. ‘The police said we might be swamped by the press for a few days.’
‘We can book into a hotel too if you prefer, if it gets too intrusive.’
‘Let’s see how it goes.’ Juliette raised a hand to Danny’s face and stared at the man she loved so much. The man she hadn’t confided in. The man she may have lost because of her stupidity.
But she would do it all again if a child’s welfare was at stake. Too much went on behind closed doors that never got talked about. Never reported, often to the detriment of someone who couldn’t defend themselves.
Thankfully, Danny would make a swift recovery, although his wound would go beyond skin deep. They were both going to be traumatised by the events of last night.
‘So how areyou?’ he asked her, resting a hand on her tummy.
She smiled. He was checking up on the precious life growing inside her. Their child.
‘Everything seems to be fine. Unlike you.’ She ran a finger over his hand before grasping it.
He cocked his head to one side. ‘Do you still see this as our perfect place? I’d understand if you want to move.’
She shook her head. ‘We’re not going anywhere. This is our home.’
CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN
Six months later
Juliette stared at the baby in her arms. Jordan Elliott Ansell was ten days old now. They’d settled into a routine as if he’d been with them forever. Danny was taking a month’s paternity leave. He was besotted with his son, just as she was. Like any parents, really. But Jordan was special. He felt like a gift.
She was sitting in the kitchen waiting for Danny to come in. He’d popped into the village for a few essentials. A few minutes later, she heard the car pulling up in the drive.
‘Daddy’s back,’ she said, standing up carefully. Jordan had not long woken up and was a little grumpy.
‘Hey.’ Danny greeted them both with a kiss as he joined them. ‘How’s my lad doing?’
‘Very well, thanks.’ Juliette grinned. ‘His mama is doing fine too.’
Jordan stirred and they both looked down at him.From the moment he was born, they could see Emily in him. Tears welled in Juliette’s eyes at the thought of them being given a chance to start another family. Neither of them would forget Emily, but now it was time to celebrate her short life by the arrival of another.
They went out into the garden and sat on Emily’s bench. Juliette had moved it slightly so that it wasn’t facing next door’s rear garden now. Even so she turned her head and looked at the house. White Oaks was up for sale, and quite frankly she was glad about that. She didn’t want to be reminded of what happened every time she came outdoors and saw Sarah.
But at least Sarah and Daisy were free to do as they pleased. It was strange to think that little girl had lived mostly inside that house for over a year. Now, thankfully, she might be able to live a normal life.
Danny passed her a glass of champagne and fresh orange juice.
