Epilogue
KAYA
Peace comes in many different forms. Kind gestures or softly spoken words. Simple touches or warm embraces. Solitude in your favorite place. Getting an answer you’ve waited a long time to hear. Spending time with someone you care about. Accomplishing something you’ve worked hard on.
People and places can gift peace. But when something significant happens, respite only comes from one source.
Last week, after years of heartache, frustration, anger, and torment, after weeks of wondering how this chapter would end, Ray and Tucker were able to breathe easier.
A few rows back in the courtroom gallery, Ray, Tucker, and I sat in silence, our hands clasped and hearts pounding. Beaufort Langston sat behind the bench in the judge’s chair, his enigmatic expression giving nothing away as his eyes scanned the paper in his hand.
Then he read the verdict. “Guilty on all counts.”
My eyes stung as I turned to look at my guys. Tucker had his arms around Ray, his face buried in his father’s chest. Sweet relief spilled down Ray’s cheeks as he hugged Tucker and held my gaze.
Guilty.
Judge Langston slapped the highest sentence on each count, and the list was far from short.
While Brianna awaited trial, Ray helped build a case against her. And Brianna made it too easy. By the time her court date arrived, she had zero chance of freedom. My stomach twisted tighter as each charge had been read. Kidnapping, child endangerment without intent of harm, child endangerment with intent to harm, child neglect, aiding and abetting, violation of a restraining order, second-degree manslaughter, extortion, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and drug manufacturing.
As it stands, Brianna will be in jail the rest of her natural life. The only person upset with the sentence is her.
A little more than a month has passed since Brianna brutally scarred our lives. Yes, it will take years for us to recover fully, but I love the small strides we make each day. When our smiles and laughter come a little easier. The days Ray looks over his shoulder less often. Or when Tucker acts more like the boisterous boy I met a few months ago.
I hug each of those moments to my chest and cherish them. Those are the memories I choose to keep close.
“Is Papa RJ working?” Tucker asks as Ray parks at the diner.
“All day.” Ray puts the car in park.
“Yes!” Tucker unbuckles his seat belt and whips the car door open. “He makes the best milkshakes.”
“Hey—”
Tucker shuts the door then stands on the other side of Ray’s, tapping on the window. “Hurry up, Dad.”
“I make better milkshakes,” Ray mutters as he opens his door.
I laugh under my breath as I exit the car. When I reach him and Tucker, I loop my arm with his. “Everything you make is better.”
He turns and kisses my temple. “Nothing but truth comes out of those gorgeous lips, Fire Eyes. Another reason why I love you.”
The diner is slammed with residents enjoying the last week of break before school resumes. Teens huddle at tables and laugh over who knows what, their joviality infectious. Younger kids enjoy burgers, finger foods, and milkshakes with family as they ask for one more back-to-school outfit.
I breathe it all in and mentally prepare myself for another great year of doing what I love.
We’re seated within minutes and told the specials. Tucker bounces in his seat and begs Ray to let him have the special milkshake—Cookie Monster extreme—and not a boring one. Ray agrees, but only if Tucker eats his lunch and drinks it slowly. We place our order and Sandi, the server, says it shouldn’t be long. Then she scurries off to another table.
“You ready for fifth grade, kuluk ?” The term of endearment—dear one—rolls off my tongue as if I’ve said it all of Tucker’s life and not a handful of times.
A few days after Ray and Tucker’s first gathering with my family, Mom and I chatted over the phone. She told me how cute and dear Tucker is and it stuck. Later that night, when Ray, Tucker, and I ate dinner, I called him kuluk . He asked what it meant. When I told him, the biggest smile plumped his cheeks.
Tucker sits taller in his seat and puffs out his chest. “I’m the big kid on campus now.”
“Yeah, you are.” Ray pats Tucker’s shoulder. “Just remember to be nice to the little kids.”
He draws an X over his heart. “Promise.”
“That’s my T-Man.”
Tucker ducks his chin a little. “But I’m also scared.”
Ray pulls him in for a side hug. “Want to tell us why?”
His lips twist then relax. “What if people make fun of me again?” Lines form between his brows as he lifts his chin. “What if they’re mean to me because of Mo”—his eyes water—“Brianna?”
Ray runs his fingers through Tucker’s shorter curls. “If they treat you with disrespect, they’re not your friends. Which is their loss.” Ray kisses the top of Tucker’s head. “But then you let your teacher or Kaya know how they’re acting. Bullies aren’t allowed at school.” Ray presses his nose to Tucker’s hair, breathes him in, then straightens in his seat. “Whatever you do, don’t lose your cool. Don’t let them turn you into someone you’re not.”
Tucker nods. “’Kay.”
A few smaller tables next to us clear out and are pushed together. I mentally cross my fingers a large group of rowdy teens aren’t taking the spot. Before I can scope out our table neighbors at the door, RJ sidles up to our table with a sugar-laden monstrosity in his hand.
“I hear my grandson ordered the Cookie Monster extreme.” RJ sets down the fluorescent-blue milkshake rimmed with chocolate and topped with whipped cream, chocolate chip cookies, and blue drizzle. “Hope you’re ready for the aftereffects.” He looks pointedly at me and Ray.
“Will he need his stomach pumped later?” Ray asks, tone teasing.
“Only if he chugs it on an empty stomach,” RJ jokes back, laughing. “I need to get back to the kitchen but wanted to pop out and say hi.” RJ kisses Tucker’s head. “Let’s do something fun on Friday, little man. Just you, me, and Grandma.”
Tucker plucks a cookie from the whipped cream. “Mm-kay.” He nods and shoves the cookie in his mouth.
“Love you.” RJ gives him another kiss. “Easy on the shake.”
“Love you, Papa,” Tucker mumbles.
RJ disappears back into the kitchen, and we get a full view of the group next to us. Some familiar faces—Travis Emerson, Phoebe Graves, Delilah Fox, Levi West, and Oliver Moss, the drummer for Stone Bay’s local rock band, Hailey’s Fire—but a few I don’t recognize.
“Whoa,” Tucker whispers as he elbows Ray. “That’s Mr. Ollie!” Tucker glances back to the group then goes wide-eyed when Oliver meets his gaze.
Oliver whispers something to Levi, gets up from his chair, then moves to a seat closer to us. “Hey, Tucker. What the heck is that”—he points to the milkshake—“and how do I get one?”
Tucker appears starstruck and it’s the cutest thing ever. He fumbles over his words but manages to tell Oliver what he’s drinking.
Oliver glances over his shoulder and says, “Moje srce.” Levi meets his gaze. “Order me this Cookie Monster milkshake.” He points to the shake. “Just the buzz I need before tonight’s show.”
Levi winces, nods, then shakes his head.
“You have a show tonight, Mr. Ollie?”
Oliver gives Tucker his full attention. “Yep. At the park by the post office. Let me know if you’ll be there. I’ll get you a backstage pass.”
Tucker twists in his seat and peers up at Ray, so much anticipation in his eyes. “Please, Dad. Can we go?” He clasps his hands together. “Please, please, please.”
Ray appears casual as ever. “Only if your stomach’s not upset from this shake.”
Tucker shakes his head. “It won’t be.” He says it with absolute certainty.
The woman across from Oliver taps his arm and says, “The cookout.”
A bright smile stretches Oliver’s face as he looks at me then Ray. “We’re starting a new tradition this year. End of summer cookout.” Oliver jerks a thumb over his shoulder. “If it’s too weird because of the history with Levi and your sister, I get it. But if you don’t have plans on Sunday, you’re welcome to join us.”
As one of the Seven, I’m in the loop of what happens with the other founding families. Unless it impacts me, my family, or people I love, I usually steer away from town politics, drama, and the Seven in general.
But in the past two years, a lot has come to light. Many in my generation of the Seven want change. And they’re slowly unveiling the town’s secrets. Bringing unsavory facts to the surface. Recent corruption and financial scandals. Buried truths since the “founders” names were penned on paper. Truths that involve the other half of my family—the Stonewater tribe this town is named after.
As each skeleton surfaces, I speculate whether the scandals will be buried in a deeper grave or examined with a fine-tooth comb and addressed impartially.
Only time will tell.
Since I’ve managed to avoid town squabbles and theatrics to focus on work, my circle of friends is small. But I’d love that to change. It’d be nice to form more friendships. To have more people to lean on. To chat with like minds and build lasting relationships.
I glance across the table at Ray. “A cookout sounds fun, but only if you’re comfortable.”
Ray nods then shifts back to Oliver. “I’ll give you my number. Text me the details and let us know what to bring.”
Oliver hands Ray his phone to exchange numbers. “Only decision we’ve made is Travis is hosting.” Oliver winks at Tucker. “So bring your swimming trunks.”
Ray hands back Oliver’s phone. “Lounging by the pool is the perfect way to end summer. Thanks for the invite, man.”
Sandi sidles up to the table and sets down our lunch.
“Won’t bother you anymore. We’ll chat later.” Oliver taps the table then gets up and moves back to the seat next to Levi.
“That was really nice of him,” I say as I cut my smoked salmon burger in half.
“My dad is friends with a rock star,” Tucker says with so much pride.
Ray leans into Tucker and lowers his mouth to Tucker’s ear. “So are you, bud.”
Tucker’s eyes widen as realization sets in. “Dope AF.”
“Nope.” Ray shakes his head. “No AF. Just because you don’t say the actual curse word doesn’t mean you’re allowed to abbreviate it. Not yet, bud.”
“Fine.” Tucker rolls his eyes. “I guess it’s just dope.”
I can’t help but laugh at his lack of enthusiasm.
Our table quiets as we dig into our lunch. Halfway through, Ray suggests we go see the new superhero movie at the theater. Tucker fist-pumps the air then wiggles in his seat. When our bellies are full, Ray asks for a to-go cup for Tucker’s shake and the bill.
RJ comes out to say goodbye before we leave. As Tucker jumps up and wraps his arms around his grandpa, Ray’s head jerks to the front door.
I peek over my shoulder to see who caught his attention. “Who is that?” I whisper, my gaze darting between Ray and his father.
“Not sure,” Ray says.
RJ releases Tucker and huddles in closer. “Guess Old Man Freeman had some secrets he took to the grave.” He tips his head toward the man now at the take-out counter. “That would be Maddox Freeman. Stone Bay’s newest resident.”
Another town secret exposed. How much longer until all the skeletons are set free?