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“Wait here,” I tell her before opening the door and exiting the truck once more. I find the detective in question and wait for him to finish giving his orders to the men before he turns to me. “Would it be okay to head out to my cabin? It’s up in Silver Woods.”
He glances at his phone, tapping a few times before he nods. “I don’t see that being a problem, as long as you’d be willing to drive back when we need you.”
“Not a problem, officer,” I tell him before heading back to the vehicle. I need to spend some time alone with Vera. To learn more about her, for her to know more about me. And the only way we’re going to do that is by spending time alone.
Being back at the cabin feels different. This time, Vera isn’t my prisoner. She’s here because she loves me. I still don’t know how I got so lucky, but I guess there comes a time in everyone’s life where they get a second chance. They don’t come around often, but when they do, you make the most of them.
“Are you sure it’s okay we’re here?” she asks for the millionth time since we left my father’s house. I’ve assured her they’d be in contact if they wanted us back, but we haven’t heard anything yet. I’ve asked Dax to keep his ear to the ground.
We move through the cabin, and I take notice of how much more at home Vera seems as she settles on the sofa. Her legs pulled up against her, she hugs them, but she doesn’t cry. I half expected her to bawl her eyes out when we arrived, but she’s been strong, and I wonder just how long it will last.
“I loved her, even when I didn’t know her,” she speaks after a few moments. She doesn’t look at me; instead, she stares straight ahead. “All this time, I thought I was the one who was responsible for her being away, even though my father said she died.”
“Why would you be responsible?”
“I don’t know. Time and again, I wondered, asked, but he never once told me more than I needed to know. It was an accident. She was gone.” Her voice lowers to a whisper as I settle in beside her, pulling her into my body. “Strangely, I don’t feel sad. I don’t feel heartbreak,” she tells me. “How can I be so cold?”
“You’re not cold at all. She’s someone you never knew.” It’s true. If her mother were around, it would be different, but she never knew the woman. And she’s certainly nothing like her. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out to find Dax’s name flashing at me. I answer, “What’s up?”
“Your father’s been booked, and they’re moving him to the prison to wait for his trial date. Not sure what all they found, but I had my men anonymously send in everything they had as well.”
“What about Vera’s mother?”
Silence.
“Dax?”
“She didn’t make it.” My heart jolts. Shit. “I’m sorry. Just heard. But they’ll want you back for questioning. Apparently, Herbert did right by you and Vera. He claims he was the one who shot her, that you were bystanders visiting while you were in the city.”
“So, my father really did want a life for us.”
It’s not a question, but Dax responds, “Yeah. Looks like the old bastard did actually want what’s best for you. They’re letting Vera’s dad out. Not sure how Herbert managed it, but he got the man released.” More silence, and then he says, “Listen, the city is here if you ever want to come back. But I get if you don’t. Just have a good life.”
“Thank you, man,” I tell him honestly. “I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
“Don’t mention it.” Dax hangs up without another word. And I know I must tell Vera about her mother. And I know I’ll have to hold her. I’ll have to be there for her. And I also know she’s going to have to be strong, which I know she can be.
“What happened?”
“Your mom didn’t make it,” I admit and pull her closer as her body shakes. “And your dad is coming home.” This causes her to shift, her gaze peeking up at me.
“What?”
“My dad said something or did something, but your father will be home,” I tell her, and a smile that seems to light the darkest fucking night appears on her face. And I know we’ll be okay.
“Thank you, Logan. Thank you for being here.” That’s all she says before she slides onto my lap, her arms around my neck, and she holds me as if I’m her anchor in a stormy sea.
“I love you so much,” I tell her. “Marry me.”
The two words slip out before I have time to rethink them. It’s not romantic. It’s not even me on bended fucking knee. But I always believed I’m no fucking fairytale prince. I’m an asshole, and I’ll live it until I die.
