Epilogue
Four months later
Bridget waited impatiently for her turn to walk through the metal detector. Then she hurried up the stairs and into the right court.
The day had finally arrived for Eliza to be adopted by her father.
The girl was recovering slowly from the trauma of losing her family.
Being united with her “Uncle Lance”, who was in reality her biological father, had helped along with hours of counseling.
The journey to healing was far from over, but the young woman had shown amazing grit and resilience as she tackled the explosion of emotions and pain.
The courtroom was filled with people who had shown up for Eliza on this journey.
Caleb and Dani Jamison sat in two chairs in the corner.
While Eliza had not been their daughter, the two had prayed for her faithfully.
Anna and her parents sat in the chairs immediately behind Eliza, Anna holding a towering bouquet of colorful balloons.
Leticia and a few other people from the Children and Family Services office were in the room as well to celebrate the successful and happy conclusion of a case.
Principal Hayes had also driven from Wayne.
Finally, Travis Darnell, the boy who had gotten Todd’s attention, sat in the last row.
He wore a broad grin as he sat next to his Grandma Doris.
Todd leaned against the back wall as if he’d waited for Bridget before moving into step next to her as she walked up the aisle. “Join me for dinner tonight?”
He’d asked her about every week since Eliza had left the hospital. Each time Bridget had said no, with the excuse that she didn’t want to confuse their relationship until Eliza’s case resolved.
“Eliza will have her forever family today. That means no more excuses.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
How was she supposed to say no to that? He’d been so patient with her. Consistent. Kind. Thoughtful. Always present. Never pushy. He always saw her.
“I’d like that.”
He stopped in the aisle. “I’m sorry. What was that?”
“Yes, we can go to dinner tonight.”
He whooped. “Did y’all hear that? She finally said yes.”
Anna jumped and let go of her balloons. “Are you getting married?”
“Oh no.” Bridget shook her head, even as a part of her couldn’t help imagining the scene. “Just dinner.”
Everyone started laughing, and Bridget felt heat climb her cheeks just like the balloons floated to the ceiling.
Todd twirled her around, just as the bailiff entered the courtroom. The crazy detective whispered in her ear. “Not yet, but that’s my goal.”
And she whispered back. “I like how you think.”