Epilogue
THREE MONTHS LATER
I’ve never been involved with the police before.
The last few weeks have been quite harrowing.
Forensic teams searched all over the house and, even though it’s been seven years since Laura died, they still managed to find evidence in her bedroom.
The items I’d packed and sent to the laboratory for drug testing have been collected by the police and taken to be forensically examined.
The water in the bottles I’d discovered in her dressing room had been laced with a hallucinogenic drug and had Ruby’s fingerprints all over them.
We endured weeks of questioning. They’d taken the information I’d collected about Laura, her laptop and the various newspaper cuttings, along with the book.
For a time, I was concerned that Jack or I would be blamed for Ruby’s death.
Luckily, the staff had told Jack I’d gone to the roof with Ruby and he’d followed.
Hearing Ruby screaming at me, George, Sue and Amy had eavesdropped on what was happening.
The moment the police arrived, we were all separated to tell our stories.
This time all the stories were the same.
The staff remained in the house, apart from Jenny.
She came with us to stay at a hotel. I couldn’t live in that terrible place a moment longer.
Once Ruby’s death was ruled accidental, Jack sent in a team of professional cleaners.
They removed everything belonging to Laura and took it to Goodwill.
Her portrait was sent to her family in France.
The yacht was sold as Jack has lost his desire to go sailing alone and intends to spend more time at home.
His new PA is a man named Dudley and he’s very efficient and will join the household when we move.
Talking of moving, we’ve been viewing houses and found one further down the coast that is perfect.
It’s the size Jack needs to fit with his lifestyle, it’s modern and has everything we need for a growing family.
Yes, I find I’m carrying his child and he is ecstatic and so are Ava and Noah.
I’m waiting in the hotel foyer for the children to arrive.
We plan to have a final walk through, although I made it clear to Jack that the house is my dream home.
The glass doors to the hotel swish open and a blast of cool ocean breeze rushes in along with the children followed by Jenny. They run to me as usual for hugs. “Are you ready to see the house we like?”
“That would be neat.” Ava slips her hand in mine. “Are the bedrooms huge?”
“Yeah, they’re all really nice.” Jack nods to Jenny and takes Noah’s hand. “There are stables there as well. Maybe you can have ponies?”
I turn to look at him in surprise. It’s not something we’ve discussed. “Really? Do you plan on mucking them out each day or will you hire someone? The children will need someone to teach them to ride as well.”
“All doable.” He leads the way out to the sidewalk. “Ah, here’s our car.”
I smile as he slides behind the wheel of my SUV.
I don’t mind that he likes to drive. With the children safe in their car seats, we head along the coast road and, a few minutes later, pull into the driveway of a huge estate.
The gates are open but entry is by a keypad and Jack assures me the security is second to none.
It’s strange, the house is so welcoming, I feel like I’m coming home.
The landscaped gardens spread out and we drive past colorful garden beds and manicured lawns.
The outside is spectacular and, on the inside, everything is pristine and modern.
As we stop outside the grand entrance, the sea breeze brushes my cheeks and, above, seagulls drift in the thermal currents.
We are so close to the beach, small patches of sand pile up along the footpath and grind under my shoes.
The Realtor is waiting for us at the front of the house and we smile and head inside.
There’s no need for her to give her spiel about the attributes of the property because this is the fourth time we’ve been here.
In fact, this time, Jack gives her a nod and she goes outside and closes the door behind her.
We leave the children to explore. I listen and smile at Jack at the whoops they make as they go from room to room.
We head for my favorite room. The kitchen is everything I’ve ever wanted, all white marble and stainless-steel appliances, although I doubt I’ll be spending much time here as Jack has already mentioned hiring a new chef and, in fact, an entire staff, except for Bill the gardener.
The rest of the staff from the old house will be staying at Beauford Manor as the new owner has made it part of the sale.
I pull up a chair and sit at the island. “I’ll be making my own rules if we buy this house. Thank goodness I won’t have Ruby telling me what I can and can’t do.”
“Let’s not talk about her and ruin our day. In fact, let’s never mention her name again.” Jack runs his fingers over the counter top. “Deal?”
I laugh. “Sure.”
“This place has a good feel to it, doesn’t it?” Jack comes behind me and rubs my shoulders with his large warm hands. “The kids love it too by the noise they’re making.”
I nod, lean back into his massage and sigh. “I don’t want to change a thing. Everything in here looks new. Can we look through again?” I stand and we walk into the family room and stare at the ocean. “It’s so beautiful. The views from every window are spectacular.”
The house is quiet apart from the running footsteps and exclamations of the children as they claim their rooms. The slightest hint of fresh paint lingers but the house is filled with ocean air.
Sunlight pours through the windows, casting long shadows across the highly polished floors.
I lean into Jack and his arm comes around my shoulders, solid, dependable and all mine.
I make a wish and look up at him. I so want to live here. “Could this be your dream home too?”
“Anywhere you are is home, Willow.” He cups my cheek. “And all I want is to make you happy.”
Excitement rushes through me and I turn and wrap my arms around him. “Can we buy it?”
“I figured you’d say that.” He grins and holds up a set of keys. “It’s ours.”
And just like that we leave the past behind.