He let out a long breath. "None of you knew last names, and we didn't find any evidence that would link anyone else to your kidnappings."
"What does that mean?"
"We'll be closing the case, and as I said, this outcome is good or bad depending on how you perceive it. They can’t be prosecuted, but they won't hurt anyone else."
"I understand." She nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Thank you for calling."
"I wish you well, Erin, and I hope you find closure."
"Thank you."
They hung up, and I reached for Erin, bringing her into my lap. She wrapped her arms around my neck. "It's over," I said into the crook of her neck.
She nodded. "It's really over."
I looked up into her brown eyes. It may have been over, but in the end, I was the real winner. "I love you, baby."
Erin leaned down and gave me a sweet kiss. "I love you too."
Momma cleared her throat. "I'm going to go next door to Beverly's while you two make a baby."
"Momma!" I blurted with a laugh.
"What?" she grinned and started for the door. "I'll be back in an hour or so." With that, she left.
I stood with Erin in my arms and started for our bedroom. "What are you doing?" she chuckled.
"Doing what my momma told me to do."
Epilogue
Erin
Six Months Later…
For a split second every morning, I woke up thinking I was in the penthouse, but then, when I opened my eyes and saw the sun shining through the blinds, I remembered it was all over, especially because of the man who usually stirred beside me. This morning though, I woke to a pitch-dark room in a bed by myself. It took me a moment to realize what day it was and that I wasn't in New York but in Las Vegas.
And then, in a flash, the blackout drapes in the hotel room opened, and I heard a squeal. "Rise and shine. It's your wedding day!"
I sat up and looked at Zell. "Is this what you do to your son and daughter every morning?"
"No, silly." She plopped on her bed on her stomach. "I'm just so excited for you!"
"Let's order room service for breakfast," I suggested. I went to get out of bed to grab the menu when I got a text.
Ric:Morning, baby. Are you ready to become Mrs. Montoya?
I smiled as I texted back:
Me:Maybe after coffee.
There was a knock on the hotel door of our mini-suite at the Bellagio. When I looked through the peephole, I saw that someone was holding up a tray with two coffees on it. I couldn't see the person’s face. My phone buzzed again.
Ric:Open the door, but only stick your hands out. We can't see each other before we get married.
My grin widened as I did as Ric said and grabbed the coffee. "You're the best."
"Love you, baby."
