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Relief is my immediate reaction, but each revelation hits like another layer of ice, and I shiver at the thought of what Richard could’ve leaked. This is going to be a nightmare for my former firm. “What does that mean for us?” I ask, casting a worried glance at Banks, who’s watching this all unfold with a glimmer of concern in his eyes.

“The firm isn’t fucking around,” Dillon continues, leaning back slightly, his brow knitted. “Clients don’t take kindly to the risk of their private information going public. So, Richard’s got much bigger problems than the charges he’s facing here in Silver Spoon Falls.”

I let that sink in, knowing Richard’s antics will have repercussions well beyond our little town. “He’s in deep,” I mutter and brace myself, waiting for Dillon to continue. Banks shifts beside me, that ever-present protectiveness radiating off him.

“Richard is in federal custody right now,” Dillon explains, his eyes scanning our faces for signs of reaction. “He’ll be facing charges in Houston first. After that, the authorities here in Silver Spoon Falls will determine if he’s going to face additional charges for the car accident.”

I can feel the words sink in, the weight pressing down on my chest. “And how serious are we talking about?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady, but the need for answers is clawing at me. I should be able to figure this out for myself, but my mind isn’t quite up to the task at this moment.

Dillon leans back in his chair, an expression of concern etching deeper lines around his eyes. “To put it bluntly, Richard’s facing enough charges that he will end up in jail for a long, long time. We’re talking about years, almost certainly until he’s old and gray if the court decides to throw the book at him.”

“That’s great,” I echo, the realization leaving me a little breathless. The thought of him locked away for a long time sends relief flowing through me.

“With the mess he’s created, I’d be shocked if he manages to wiggle out of this,” Dillon advises, his voice thick with certainty. “They’ve got evidence, and now with the firm turning on him, things aren’t looking good for him.”

Banks stiffens beside me, relief rolling off him in waves. “I knew he wouldn’t just walk away from this. It’s about time he got what he deserves.”

“As much as we want closure, remember, the wheels of justice can turn slowly,” Dillon remarks, his tone reminding us that it’s not over until the court has had its say.

“God, I know,” I reply, realizing it could be years before this even goes to trial.

“I’ll keep you updated.” With that, Dillon stands, letting us know when he’s done, and I can feel the tension ease just a fraction. Once he leaves, Banks turns to me, his expression switching gears.

“You alright?” His tone softens, genuine concern woven into it.

“Heck yes,” I reply, sagging with the relief of knowing the whole situation is pretty much over. “I can’t imagine Richard having any time or energy left to screw with me after the shit show he created.”

He nods, pulling me close, and I lean into him, letting his warmth wash over me. “I’ll take care of you, no matter what.”

“And I’ll take care of you.” I reach down and wrap my hand around his cock. Even through the gray material, I can feel how it grows long and hard in my grasp.

“I love the way you think.” He smirks and lifts me up in his arms.

“And I love you.” I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on as he races for the bedroom.

Epilogue

BANKS

ONE YEAR LATER

It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since Yvette and I tied the knot. Time has flown by, and here I am, standing on the brink of fatherhood, waiting for our first little one to make his grand entrance.

Honestly, I never thought I’d be the guy counting down the days until I could say goodbye to the fire station for a month and dive headfirst into diapers, sleepless nights, and everything that comes with becoming a dad. But here I am, feeling a mix of excitement and terror as the due date looms over us.

Today is my last day at the fire station, and I’m surrounded by my fellow firefighters, who can’t help but give me a hard time about going on paternity leave. “You sure you want to leave us high and dry like this, Banks?” Emmett calls from the corner of the station, his eyebrows raised in mock concern. “What if we need a heroic save from an old-school fireman right at this moment?”

“Old-school? I’m only two years older than you,” I remind the fucker.

“Like I said, old.” I roll my eyes as he laughs at himself like he’s the funniest guy ever.

The minutes are dragging by so goddamn slow. The truth is, I’d rather be home prepping for baby madness with Yvette than sitting here with these assholes. My buddies might be pains in my ass, but I know they’re just as excited about this baby as I am.

As I’m casually dodging another round of teasing, Emmett suddenly calls me into the station dining room, and I’m hit with an odd mix of curiosity and reluctance. I can hear the raucous laughter and chatter echoing behind the door, and I have a sinking feeling that it’s about to be an awkward meeting.

“Come on in, slowpoke!” Emmett shouts joyfully through the door, and I force myself to push it open, greeted with a sight I wasn’t expecting.

The room is decorated with balloons, streamers, and a big sign that reads “Welcome to Fatherhood!” stretched across the far wall. A cake sits on the table, covered with baby-themed decorations, and the whole place looks like it was pulled straight from some cheesy party catalog.