CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
The celebration of freedom was already happening at Belle Fleur. The people of the ‘pink dust’ were no longer feeling trapped and confined, and the party was in full swing by the time the plane landed.
Brax immediately ran toward Stephanie’s cottage, barging inside only to find it empty.
“No,” he whispered.
“She left,” said Grip. “But something is wrong. You need to find her.”
“Shit!”
Running toward one of the SUVs, he took off down the road, then heard someone in his comms.
“ Brax? I have her on River Road, but the car has stopped. Something is wrong. All the warning lights are going off. I’m sending you help.”
“Oh, shit,” he muttered. “Please. Please, no. Please.”
As he sped toward the signal, he noticed the cars stopped on the side of the road, and Stephanie’s car turned over on the road ahead.
“No. God, no,” he whispered. “Please. Don’t take her from me.”
He raced toward the vehicle, sliding to his knees beside the window.
“We’ve tried to get her out, but nothing is working,” said a man. Behind him, Brax felt a grip on his shoulder. Looking back, Flip nodded at him, and he stepped aside.
Gripping the handle, Flip realized that everyone was watching, even a few people filming the entire thing on their cell phones.
“Give me a hand,” he said to Brax and the other men. “Grip the edge where it’s pulled away.” They all nodded, knowing that Flip would be able to pull the door off all by himself. Within seconds, it was torn from the car and pushed aside.
“Baby? Steph, look at me, honey.”
“She’s unconscious,” said Cruz, kneeling beside her. I need a neck brace and backboard. Let’s move everyone!”
By the time news got back to everyone at Belle Fleur, Stephanie was in critical condition in the hospital with Riley, Kennedy, and Gabi working on her significant injuries.
Brax was inconsolable.
“We’re going to be married as soon as we know Stephanie is okay,” said Saint to Marilisa. She nodded, wiping her tears.
“I want her in the wedding,” she said, smiling at him.
“I know, baby. Me too.” He hugged her tightly, then looked at the group of people waiting to hear how she was doing. “You’re all free now. Will you stay with us?”
“We love it here,” said Kane. “If you’ll have us, we’d like to be a part of this team.”
“I’d say you already are,” smiled Luke. “We just have to keep some of those gifts under wraps. We wouldn’t want to attract any unnecessary attention.”
“That’s reasonable,” nodded Adam. The doors opened, and Doc stood there looking at the crowd.
“Adam? We need you. We need you and Fiona.” He nodded, grabbing his wife’s hand.
Marilisa grabbed Brax’s hand, squeezing it.
“She’ll be alright.”
“It’s my fault. It’s all my fault. What have I done?”