Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
They sent the beaming couple off to Costa Rica for their honeymoon and the rest of the family was able to relax.
The detectives had overnighted her phone to Jade Valley, so she was at least able to catch up with work, church, and friends and start calling her insurance to figure out the next steps for the mess that was her house.
She chatted with the prosecuting attorney over the phone several times to prepare for the trial, but they were certain Roger Tenenbaum admitting to harassing her and bombing her house for Jamison would make it an easy case.
Addie flew home to Boston the morning of the fourth with one of her mom’s suitcases filled with clothes, shoes, and toiletries donated by all of her sisters. Brex flew with her on a jet chartered by Aiden Porter.
The trial was the next day. Addie was nervous but ready to get it over with and return to normal life. She had to figure out how to get her bungalow rebuilt, catch up on work, and find a place to live through what might be a long construction process.
Most importantly, she was ready to find Price. Daphne would be able to help her find him, but only if Addie was ready to eat crow and admit she needed Price in her life.
Gillian had graciously offered to have her stay with her until she found a place.
She was grateful to not have to worry about where she was sleeping or pay for an expensive hotel in downtown Boston.
Brex took her to Gillian’s apartment, set up some exterior security, and conferred with the detectives before he left.
Gillian acted a little stiff and not like herself, but it was probably Addie who was off. She missed Price and being back here made it even worse.
After she unloaded her suitcase into the drawers in Gillian’s spare bedroom, she told her friend, “I’m just going to jump on the T and go walk around downtown for a bit.”
“Is that smart with the trial tomorrow?” Gillian’s brow furrowed. “Shouldn’t you lie low?”
“I’ll text the detective over my case, but you’re right. Maybe I’ll take an Uber instead of the T.”
“Okay.”
Addie slid into her coat and grabbed her gloves. She thought of her fingers turning white and Price blowing on them to warm them up.
Detective Thayne asked her to wait and he and Detective Moshe would drive her downtown and follow her on foot at a distance.
That was kind of him. When she got in the car, Detective Thayne was particularly chatty and ‘glazing’ Price, as Easton would say.
She didn’t mind. Price was high in her book as well.
The detectives parked the car closer than she ever could have and trailed her. It was a cold evening, and she buried her gloved hands in her coat pockets to keep from losing circulation and having them go numb. It hurt when they got chilled and Price wasn’t around to warm them up.
Price wasn’t around. Where was he? She could ask and the detectives would probably give her his number. Should she? That was preferable to listening to Daphne crow, and she didn’t want to interrupt her sister on her honeymoon. Maybe when they got back to the car she’d ask for Price’s number.
Addie wandered aimlessly along the streets and almost ran into a booth out front of Quincy Market.
She smiled at the memories here, grateful they were happy now, and wandered inside.
The Christmas trees and decorations were still up.
Should she buy a banana pudding? She wanted to wait until she was with Price before she ate one again.
Stepping up to the Magnolia Bakery counter, she decided a chocolate cupcake would be just the thing.
The scent of sea salt and cedar suddenly competed with the delicious scents of baked heaven.
“We’ll have two banana puddings and two waters,” a deep voice said from right behind her.
She whipped around and gasped. “Price!”
He grinned, his dark eyes searching hers as if asking if this was a good surprise.
Addie flung herself against his chest and wrapped him up tight. “I’ve missed you!”
Price lifted her off her feet and held her tight. He gave her a swift and passionate kiss. Setting her down, he said to the girl manning the counter, “Sorry. She likes me.”
The girl beamed. “I can see why. You’re hot.”
Addie laughed, realizing it was the same girl they’d ordered with a month ago.
Price paid for the treat and then ushered her over to a table. They placed their banana puddings and waters on the table but didn’t open the containers. They sat there staring at each other and grinning.
“How did you know where I was?” Addie asked.
“Thayne told me.”
“Can’t trust those detectives with any secrets.”
“Too true.” He took her hand. “How was the wedding? Did you and Daphne work things out?”
“Yes. I forgave my meddling sister for bringing you into my life.” She grinned. “The wedding and time with family was all beautiful. Except for missing you.”
“There’s a lot of me to miss.” His dark eyes looked longingly at her. “I’ve been praying for you and missing you too.”
“Thank you. Now tell me everything. Did you have a celebration with your family? When do you have to leave for a new assignment? How bad have you missed me?”
He laughed and they started talking. They talked and talked, eating bites of their treats occasionally.
Addie felt the rightness of being with him. Time could heal all wounds and time could build trust. Price seemed as patient as he was mesmerizing. She doubted they’d move fast, but she could grow in her trust for him and someday turn it into love.