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“Thank you so much,” I whispered. We were almost at the finish line.

The call ended before I could say anything else.

I stood there until a gust of wind blew over my face, reminding me that it was warm inside.

Aubrey took one look at me and moved a new cup of tea toward me.

“What happened? Is everything okay?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I sat down and drank before answering.

“Roman won’t be putting his hands on anyone ever again.”

“Care to expand?” she asked.

“I’ll tell you more when I get more information. But I’m scared to feel good about it,” I admitted.

“Girl, you’re allowed to have something go your way. It’s okay for life to get easy for you now,” she comforted.

“Easy has never meant safe for me.”

“That’s all in the past. You’ll get Keenan back. This baby will have two loving parents. He’ll figure out what to do with little Nightmare. It’s going to be okay.”

“From your lips to God’s ears.” I playfully threw up my hands.

“You deserve it. You’ve earned it. Now, do I get to be godmother of this one?” she asked.

“Just like you were to Golden and Keenan,” I replied.

“So, do you want to tell me what you were working on when I got here? Why you slammed the computer shut?” she pried.

I sighed before confessing, “I’m writing a book.”

“What?”

“With everything I’ve been through, I feel like I have so much to share. So much to write about. I may never practice law again. Roman made damn sure of that. But all those cases I’ve tried. All my experiences. I want to write thrillers. Psych and legal thrillers. I started mapping out a series about a defense attorney in an abusive relationship. Each book will cover a new crime,” I announced.

This baby had my creativity swirling. I’d been typing away on that new computer, getting new ideas down. Who knew if I’d be able to sell this book, but this might be my new career.

“Wow! Are you serious? Well, you did major in English in undergrad. You were a good writer then. I’m proud of you. I think this lane would be perfect for you. Can I read your first draft? You know I’m obsessed with thrillers.”

“Yeah, you can be my alpha reader. Thank you so much for your support,” I said.

“Of course.”

We filled up the time catching up, and for the first time in a while, things were looking up. But I couldn’t get too comfortable yet.

Just as our lunch came to an end and we parted ways, I received a text from Keenan.

Keenan: Pops didn’t come home last night.

Me: It’s going to be okay.

Keenan: Can I come live with you?

Me: Soon baby.

I slid my phone in my purse. I couldn’t wait to have my son back with me.