Fifty-Six | Jo
Fifty-Six
Jo
“I cannot believe you’re engaged!” Charlie said as she sat beside me on the couch and looked at my ring.
Everyone had gotten there an hour ago, and it was amazing how small my house felt with all our friends packed inside. Dom and Ashley were in the kitchen putting together new food for everyone, since the bloodshed had ruined the food at the party.
Axel had stayed behind with Keith and Dr. Foster to finish cleaning up.
They asked if I wanted them to dispose of Tray’s body the way we usually did, but I said no.
Instead, I told Keith he could have his team take over so Tray’s death was on record, and I could legally be free of him.
I was done running and hiding from my past. By letting law enforcement deal with Tray and his men, I hoped it would allow them to get more information on just how deep his operation went.
“I know,” I replied with a contented sigh. “I can’t either.”
“I have it on video if you want to see it,” Kaitlyn offered. “We watched the whole thing from the SUV. Mimi said she knew he was going to propose and told me to start recording. We didn’t get the audio of it, but it’s still cool to watch.”
“I would love to see it,” Charlie said. “I bet Axel can get the footage from the cameras at the bar. I’ll see if his had audio and if so, I’ll make sure to send you a copy so you have it, too.”
“Thanks! I would love that.”
I leaned back and smiled, watching my daughter immediately bond with my found family. When I first moved to Nowhere, I didn’t know anyone. But over time, I slowly started letting my walls down, and friends quickly became family.
“I’m sorry that your party got ruined,” Ashley said as she came into the living room with a charcuterie board filled with fruit, meats, and cheese. “But at least we have a plan B.”
“Thank you guys for everything you did—both for the original party and for setting this up. This is amazing,” I replied, squeezing her hand as she walked by.
“You never have to thank us. We like celebrating our own. Though I will say that tonight is still just your birthday celebration. We’ll have another party soon to celebrate your engagement,” Ashley said as she pointed a finger at me.
“We don’t have to go through all that trouble,” I insisted.
“It’s not any trouble at all. Stop trying to get out of having another party. You know how much I love to throw them, don’t take my joy.” Ashley gave me a pointed look that made me laugh.
“Well, I guess we’ll be having another party soon,” I said, looking at Dr. Easton and Kaitlyn. “I hope you both can make that one, too. And I promise, it won’t be as chaotic or stressful as tonight was.”
They exchanged a look, and I felt my stomach tighten in response. I had just gotten Kaitlyn back in my life, and the thought of losing her again because of what happened tonight made my heart ache.
“I actually have some news I wanted to share with you,” Kaitlyn said nervously, looking at Dr. Easton, who gave her a reassuring nod. “I know that I should have talked to you first, and I’m sorry for being presumptuous, but...”
“Just tell her,” Dr. Easton said with a laugh. “She’s had enough stress for one night. Don’t add to it.”
Kaitlyn took a deep breath in and slowly let it out as Dom stood, leaning against the doorway as he listened.
“Mimi and I are moving to Nowhere,” Kaitlyn blurted out.
“What?” I said, leaning forward as my excitement rushed through me.
Kaitlyn nodded, her grin matching mine.
“We still have to find a place to stay, but we’re moving here. I wanted to be closer to you, and Mimi said that she would come with me so I wouldn’t have to be alone—”
“You will never be alone,” Jo rushed out. “I promise you will always have me by your side. I’m never leaving you, ever again.”
“I’ve been practicing medicine for a long time,” Dr. Easton said. “I thought it might be time for me to retire and enjoy life the way it's meant to be enjoyed. Nowhere is a small town, which I like. I think Kaitlyn and I will like it here.”
“This is so incredible,” I replied, my cheeks aching from smiling so much. “If there’s anything we can do to help get you guys settled, please let us know.”
“Thanks, we appreciate that. We’re going to spend tomorrow looking at houses, but if you know of any that are currently for sale, we’d love to look at them.”
I looked up and met Dom’s eyes as he reached down and scratched Opal’s head.
“It’s funny. We were actually getting ready to start looking for a new house as well. Maybe the four of us can look together tomorrow?”
“That would be so much fun!” Kaitlyn exclaimed. “How awesome would it be if we found houses that were right next to each other? Then we could see each other any time we wanted to!”
“I would love nothing more than that,” I answered, feeling my heart expand at the happiness on my daughter’s face because she wanted to be near me.
“We will make that a priority,” Dom said, reading my mind again. “Maybe something with a big yard so all of our dogs have room to run and play.”
Opal whined excitedly as if she somehow knew he was talking about her.