“My hat is definitely off to you. You have an incredible capacity for forgiveness.”
“Plus, I finally figured out what to do with most of Danny’s insurance money.”
“What’s that?”
“Everything that Kyle went through after his dad came back from Desert Storm. It wasn’t fair. How different his life might have been if he’d had the father he loved.”
“And you figure into this how?”
“I’m going to start a foundation for returning veterans. I have enough well-placed friends, I should be able to get folks behind it. Some of these men and women return … not so okay.”
“Kyle.” He shook his head.
“His life must have been horrible without a father. I have to go see Donald and tell him. Tell him there was hope for Kyle at the end. And to ask him if he’ll help with the foundation when he’s released.”
“You are truly amazing, my beautiful girl.” He ran his thumb along her jaw and then rained kisses onto her cheek. “But right now, you’re here with me, and that’s all that matters at the moment.”
Her questioning eyes filled his heart. She astounded him. Her outlook was forever one of optimism and now, more so than ever.
He pulled her closer. “How’s Cody? I haven’t seen him yet.”
“His color’s good, he’s already chattering, and he’s hungry.” She laughed.
She seemed so happy. Maybe now was a good time. Or she might only be happy because she’d made it through this horrific circumstance and knew that Dr. Reinholdt would be put away for good. Maybe they’d let him patch up patients in prison. Ed broke into a grin thinking of the doctor trying to experiment on Big Bubba.
“Good to hear he’s hungry.” Ed’s gaze rolled over Rochelle. He couldn’t be sure how she would react. If he proposed to her at the wrong time, all would be lost, but he couldn’t wait another minute. He cleared his throat and ran his tongue over his lips. “Well, I’m not hungry, but I do have a question for you. Go lock the door, please.”
EPILOGUE
THREE MONTHS LATER
ED’S PARENTS, JOHN, DONNA, and Rochelle sat in the arena with Cody wedged in between, the red-and-white jersey hanging on his small frame. Rochelle lifted the phone from her pocket. “Smile, all. Time for a selfie.”
She heard a giggle as Bunky Steffans photobombed them. Bunky, along with his father and mother, sat in the row right behind them, also donning new red-and-white jerseys. Rochelle soaked in the moment. Life was extremely good.
“But these are play-off tickets in primo seats. Who would have sent them to us?” Mr. Steffans asked his wife.
Rochelle turned, holding a finger to her lips, and winked at a smiling Bunky. She loved secrets and wasn’t about to spoil Ed’s surprise.
Ed had been practicing on the ice for two weeks, but Coach Davies had saved him for the finals, three months after surgery. The doctor had cleared him for league play two nights before.
Her eyes locked on the team as they entered, and she shifted in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position.
Ed skated in front of the box. He raised a stick and grinned at her. She smiled back. How could one person love another so much? He had kept every promise so far. His love soared higher and faster than he skated. She was protected, nurtured, and spiritually bound to this man through their love and faith.
Donna sighed and grabbed Rochelle’s hand as Ed skated away. “He’s my hero, you know? Whether they win or lose Stanley, he’s my hero for life.”
Mine, too.
Rochelle smiled and ruffled the hair on Cody’s head as he turned a toothy grin to her.
In spite of all the boy had been through, his health remained remarkably strong. And before she could even get her seat warmed, the crowd exploded. McGrath had scored, putting them one step closer to the Stanley Cup.
As the chant of “Go McGrath, go McGrath!” began in earnest, young Cody jumped up and clapped his hands together. He looked at his father and mother with inquisitive, glistening eyes and squealed, “McGwaff. That’s my name, wight?”
Rochelle grinned, glanced at the sparkling band on her finger, and grabbed the squirming toddler for a hug. “Me, too, Cody. Me, too.”
THE END
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Fear Is Louder Than Words: Her stalker taught her fear. Her suspicions taught her terror. Page 28
