Epilogue
“Miss Peterson, we have some news.” My lawyer says, calling my attention.
When I got a letter from the life insurance company that I owe all the money back, I hired a lawyer that Wyatt recommended.
“Hi.” Cooper and I stand and walk over. “What time will I be testifying?”
“Well, that’s the good news. You aren’t going to have to. Both defendants have taken plea deals.”
My mouth falls open. “But, that was my deal with the company. I wouldn’t have to owe the money if I testified. I can’t pay that money back! I don’t have it and I won’t be able to make it.”
“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.
“I thought this was built for their retirement?”
“The house was. The garden was here forever. My great-grandmother’s. Taken over by Grandma when they moved here, then by Mom, now by you.”
“Our Deja vu, all the feelings, it’s your grandparents.” Tears spring to my eyes. Like someone somewhere is happy I’ve figured it out. He smiles. Like he’s known all along. “You are my home. Truly.”
Our home comes into view and my breath is taken away. The vinyl siding made to look like old cedar clapboards with black shutters is everything I ever wanted.
Every single member of our families stand out front waving and there’s a lilac colored ribbon across the front porch steps.
“My girl! I’m so proud of you!” Aggie runs to me as I step out of the car.
“I’m so sorry I had to do it, Aggie. I never wanted to do this. I wanted Lily to change him.”
She hugs me tight. “You don’t worry about that. He did everything to himself. He was given every opportunity in the world to lead a good life.”
I nod, tears threatening to fall down my cheeks when all the Keaton women run over and join in on the hug.
I’m so grateful to be a part of this family and have them as my village.
“Mommy! Mimi K says I can cut the wibbon!” Lily has made great strides in daycare with her speech.
“Well, sounds like we need to cut that and go in to see our beautiful new home.” I join her and Cooper at the front steps as everyone snaps photos.
But before we do, Cooper drops to one knee.
“Aubrey, you’ve given me the greatest gift in this life. Unconditional, unwavering love and my princess. This home gets a second chance at love with you and I. Will you be my wife and help me fill this home with love until we’re old and gray?”
The tears that were threatening to fall earlier are now falling like waterfalls down my face.
“Mommy! Say yes!” Lily tugs on my arm.
“Yes! Forever yes!” I drop to my knees and pull his face to mine, kissing him.
He opens a velvet box showcasing two matching rings. One for Lily and one for me. He slips each of them onto our fingers and when we turn the rest of the family rushes at us.
“You're going to officially be a Keaton!” The women all exclaim.
Becoming a Keaton has been the easiest decision of my life, nothing has ever felt more right. And I have Grandma Keaton to thank for guiding me here.