“That still stands true. Part of the plea deal is that Mr. Peterson will have to pay it back.”
“And what about the attempted kidnapping charges?” Cooper asks the lawyer.
“Part of the deal is that he pled guilty to unlawful restraint. So for the two charges plus the charge for stealing the cadaver, he’s looking at about nine years plus a few on probation.”
“That’s it? What do I do in nine years? How do I keep my daughter safe?” My mind is spinning. That isn’t enough.
“We’ll set you up with victim notification. Then you’ll be able to file for a restraining order per the plea deal.”
“But I don’t need to testify? Not even against Hugh?”
Taking Hugh Chiave down a few notches feels good. But it wasn’t enough to take him down forever. Just enough for Ryder to take over for a minute. It isn’t like Hugh to be sloppy enough to get caught directly and I have a feeling he wasn’t actually involved, but it’s part of whatever Damon and Ryder had planned.
“No. I’ve argued everything on your behalf.” This man is being far more patient with me than I would have been with someone.
“And I don’t need to see Jack?” I slow the wringing of my hands.
“Nope. You’re free to go. The victim statement was enough for the judge to accept the plea.” He smiles. Probably for the first time since I met him.
But I guess bringing out fear in people is a good quality to have for a lawyer.
Cooper squeezes my hand when I don’t respond. “Thank you. We really appreciate all you’ve done.”
“It was my pleasure. Call me if you need anything else.” He shakes our hands and leaves the court.
Cooper and I are the only ones left standing in the middle of the empty hallway. “We did it,” I whisper.
“You did it. I’m so proud of you for standing up to him.” He pulls me in, wrapping me up in his arms.
“I can’t believe we’re completely free. Free of Nolan, Jack, the Black Key Ranch.”
“It’s our life to live, gorgeous. However we want, and as long as I’m with you and Lily, I’m happy.”
“I can’t wait to relax.” I say as we turn into the farm.
“About that.” Cooper looks over at me with a sly grin.
“Anna is planning something at the inn isn’t she?” I laugh.
“Not quite.” He turns to go down our new driveway that connects to the inn and the farm.
“Oh my God! Is our house done?” I practically jump up in my seat.
Three months ago we moved into Cooper’s rental at the farm while Hunter did extensive renovations and additions to the little cottage I fell in love with.
“Maybe.”
The garden is the first thing to come into view. There are more roses than I’ve ever seen. All colors. All varieties. Everywhere.
“The roses.”
“I made sure your garden was complete. Inside the fence is all fruit trees and vegetables and raised beds. I lined the fence with arches and roses.”
This is how he tells me he loves me. We don’t say it often. But it’s in every moment, every gesture, and I love it. It feels so intimate and special.
“We get married in that garden.” A sudden sense of Deja vu hits me. I’m in a cream dress with a handmade bouquet of roses.
“Like my grandparents did.” He states simply.
