Chapter 44
“Okay, so how about we put this little pattern to rest, eh?” Johnny asked, blowing on his hands and rubbing them together for warmth as we walked out of the police department together for a second time.
I’m not sure how many hours passed while we were in the station, but the sun was now setting, creating a deep pink and purple sky above the massive pine trees, and I was free from all charges.
I laughed as I rubbed my wrists, which were still sore from the handcuffs. “Fuckin’ happy to.”
Johnny went to slap me on the back, but I evaded his hand to protect my shoulder. “All right,” he said with a chuckle, “get some rest. You need a ride home?”
“Nah, Ali’s coming to get me. Should be here any minute now.”
He gave a nod before striding off in his designer peacoat.
In the past few hours, Mark was charged with domestic violence and for making false accusations about his truck’s vandalism.
Turns out, Lexi had proof that Mark was the one who messed with his own truck because they had a heated text message exchange about it after Mark demanded to use her car.
Lexi argued it was his own damn fault he didn’t have a truck, so he should figure it out on his own.
Rossi’s text came back with how he did it to protect her because I was dangerous.
I was asked if I wanted to press charges, but I had a better idea.
“Johnny,” I called across the parking lot. I caught him just before he closed his sportscar door shut. “What about—”
He smirked. “You’ll be hearing from me real soon. This divorce should be a piece of cake now.” He winked before shutting his car door and speeding off.
I hoped he was right. I leaned against the police department’s railing, breathing in the frigid Michigan air and appreciating the beautiful sky.
Sunsets were pretty in Chicago, with the skyscrapers all reflecting the sun’s rays, but they were always the backdrop of busy traffic and sirens.
Out here, the sunsets were peaceful. The only sound came from the wind rustling through dead branches.
And I knew that as soon as the last of the sun's color faded, there’d be a sky full of stars.
I watched Ali carefully drive my truck on the snow-covered road and pull up to the front of the station.
“What happened?” she asked as soon as I plopped into the shotgun seat.
I blasted my truck’s heat and rubbed my hands together. “Everything’s dropped.”
Relief bloomed on her face, and she immediately broke down in tears.
“No, don’t cry, babe,” I said with a smile. “It’s all good. I have to pay a fine for breaking the restraining order, but—”
Her head popped up and her eyes were red and glassy. “What a load of—”
“It’s okay.” I laughed, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I’m very happy with how everything turned out.”
Her forehead creased. “Okay, if you’re sure.”
“They asked if I wanted to press charges.”
Her eyes widened. “Did you? I hope you did.”
“Ah, no,” I said, making her face fall. “But let’s just say we’ll probably be getting that divorce a lot quicker now.”
Her shoulders fell with relief. “Thank you.” She tried to hug me over the console, but her stomach stopped her.
“Careful, babe,” I said, laughing.
“I can’t believe it’s all over.” Her hands went to her forehead. “It is, right?”
“It is.” I confirmed.
Her body relaxed. “Wait, where’s Lexi and Baker?”
The two of them walked out of the station just as she asked.
Ali busied her bottom lip. “I’m gonna go talk to her, is that all right?”
“Want me to come?” I asked.
She hesitated for a second, making it seem like maybe I should give her some space. “Up to you,” she finally said. “You can stay here and rest. Put your sling back on,” she ordered.
I chuckled to myself. “Will do, babe. But the sidewalk is a little slick. Careful, all right?”
She gave me a small grin before she popped the truck door open and climbed out. She moved slowly, holding her stomach as she carefully walked across the icy sidewalk.
I watched the two women talk. Both Ali and Lexi wiped their eyes at one point. Baker asked his mom something, and then he came running over to my truck.
After securing my sling, I carefully climbed out. “Hey, kid. How ya doing?”
Baker pressed his lips together in a firm line.
“I’m sorry about…” he started, then shook his head.
His cheeks were turning more red by the second.
“I just wanted to say…” His shoulders heaved with a breath.
“I knew about Mark’s truck, but I didn’t know what to do.
” He looked like he was about to break down but he was trying his hardest not to.
“I really hope you don’t hate me because—”
“Woah, nope. Not at all, kid. I’m grateful to you. You were really brave back there for sticking up for me and telling the truth.”
He broke down a little. He looked away from me to wipe his face, and it just about killed me. I wanted to hug the kid, but I knew he was trying hard to keep it together.
“You’re a great hockey player,” I continued. “I’m serious. I hope this doesn’t distract you or slow you down. Don’t let Rossi take anything from you, especially not your happiness. And if hockey’s what makes you happy, work at it as hard as you can, yeah?”
He nodded hurriedly.
“And I was serious about playing at Centre Ice this summer,” I added.
His face creased. “Centre Ice?”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s what the Richard Charles Kappers Arena used to be called. How would you feel if your best buddy named your favorite rink after himself?”
A laugh popped out of him. “Rinks aren’t allowed to change names.”
“Exactly,” I exclaimed. “Thank you. Anyway, maybe you and your buddies can crash one of our skates this summer, yeah?”
His jaw went slack. “Wait, really?”
“Really,” I said with a grin. Lexi and Ali were walking toward us. “Take care of your mom, yeah?”
He nodded hurriedly. “Thanks, McQuaid. And, uh, good luck, with hockey and stuff.”
I grinned. “You too, kid.”
I could hear Ali talking as they approached. “And just remembered, you always have a home with us in Chicago, okay? Call us if you need anything.”
After saying our goodbyes, we sat in my truck for a second, letting the day wash over us. I kept replaying her words to Lexi, and my eyes started burning.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Ali asked lightly. “Everything worked out, right?” She reached over and stroked my cheek.
“You’re a little touchy thing, aren’t you?” I joked, squeezing her wrist.
The cutest upside-down smile appeared on her face.
“We have a home in Chicago, eh? Fuck.” I wiped my eye. “Wanna head back?”
A little laugh popped out of her. “Sure.” Her eyes were watery too. “But JP…”
I cleared my throat, trying to hold back my emotions. “Yeah?”
“My home is wherever you are.”
I leaned over and kissed her deeply, not caring about my shoulder or anything else in this world, because we finally got our happy ending.