by Emma Renshaw
He ran his free hand through his hair and tugged on the ends. He shook with rage. Zoe shook her head. “I did nothing to you, Jesse.”
“You were there,” he screamed in her face. “No one ever stopped it. You didn’t even remember me when you first saw me. My parents even knew how much of a loser I was. I took care of them though.”
“Wh-what?” Zoe asked.
“They were just as bad as the rest of you. They’re buried in the Colorado mountains. I didn’t file a missing persons report, and no one misses them.” He shrugged as if the murder didn’t even matter.
“Did you follow Zoe here?” I asked him. I wanted him to confess to all his crimes. I needed to hear it. I needed him to fucking say it.
“Yes,” he growled. “I was here the whole time, Zoe. I told you to leave. You were supposed to come running back to me.”
“You were behind it all?”
“You’re so fucking dumb.” He shook his head sadly. Sweat rolled down his forehead and he glanced at me. When he looked back at Zoe, I scanned the tree line again. “Of course it was all me. I was going to take them out one by one until you left. You finally did and then ran straight back here. I was going to let you live, Zoe, but you’ve ruined that. You’ll have to die too.”
“You are not going to fucking touch her again,” I yelled and took a step forward.
“Stay back,” Jesse screamed and, beginning to stand, he lifted the gun from Zoe’s belly to point it at me. I took the opening and tackled him to the ground. Zoe screamed. The gun was between us as we wrestled on the ground. I punched him in the face and he spit in mine, yelling and fighting beneath me. I punched him again.
He got the gun loose and hit me on the side of the head. I fell to the side and he began to stand, pointing the gun at Zoe. I launched toward him. A shot rang through the air and, between a gunshot wound and my tackle, his body went down easily. I leaned back, looking down at him.
His eyes were open and glazed over. He was already gone from this world and, hopefully, straight into the pits of hell. I looked up and found Colt running across the field, pointing his gun at the body on the ground.
I jumped to my feet and ran to Zoe, sinking to my knees in front of her and wrapping her in my arms as I cradled her to my chest and kissed her face. Her hands clutched my shirt, and she sobbed into my chest.
“Fuck. You’re okay. You’re okay,” I repeated again and again, pressing kisses along her forehead, over her cheeks, and on her nose and lips.
“Ridge,” she whispered and cupped my face, kissing me back. “I love you. I thought—I thought—”
I cut her off. “Shh,” I said quietly. “It’s over. It’s over, Zoe. I promise you, clover. It’s done.”
“It wasn’t my fault,” she cried and clung to me. The pain in my shoulder ignited, but I kept pushing it away, holding her. I heard more people arriving on the scene, but I didn’t dare look away from Zoe or remove my hands from her. I heard the hiss of the fire as it died and the heat from the burning markers died down. But all I saw was Zoe. “It wasn’t my fault,” she repeated.
“What?” I asked, leaning back and looking into her eyes. Tears were there, but so was relief and resolve. They were a bright green. I’d seen her in the middle of destruction twice in this field, and twice she’d held me in place with one look as the rest of the world ceased to exist.
“The bonfire wasn’t my fault.” Her chin wobbled and her shoulders sagged as she finally let go of the guilt that had been clinging to her for eleven years.
I shook my head. “It never was, baby. Never. It wasn’t your fault,” I whispered.
“The EMTs are here,” Colt said, standing over us. I tore my gaze from Zoe and looked up at him and nodded.
“Let’s get you checked out, Zoe.”
She scoffed. “You were the one that was shot. You need to go to the hospital and I’ll ride with you.”
“You’re pregnant. I need them to look at you first.”
“There’s more than one doctor at the hospital. Get your asses in the ambulance and go. Y’all can be checked out at the same time. Christ,” Colt muttered, shaking his head. “I’ll be there soon.”
I stood and gently lifted Zoe to her feet. I wrapped my uninjured arm around her shoulders as we met the EMTs in front of the ambulance. Our hands stayed connected the entire way as the team worked around us, but we never looked away from each other. I rested my palm on her stomach.
“I love you,” I said quietly. “I love both of you.”
She smiled and placed her hand on top of mine. “The little bean and I love you too.”
40
Zoe
Three weeks later
Ridge opened the door to let our guests in. I was in the kitchen stirring the Crock-Pot, which was filled to the brim with queso. Makenna was pouring chips into a bowl and setting it on the bar counter. She bumped my hip.
“How’d you sleep last night?”
I sighed. I hadn’t been sleeping too well since Jesse had taken me. Every night I was plagued with nightmares that something would happen to our baby or to Ridge. Ridge had taken time off work to recover from his bullet wound and was there every night to hold me through the nightmares. They faded quickly in his arms. Each night was better than the last, and I hoped soon they would be completely gone.
Ridge was a different story. I would wake up at night and find him staring at me looking worried. “I’m doing okay, but Ridge is hardly sleeping. He’s watching over me like someone is going to take me from our bed.”
“That will fade with time. He almost lost you and he’s worried. I’m sure when y’all move it will get better.”
I snorted. She wasn’t lying. Ridge had gone a little overboard on security for the property. I wasn’t even sure I would be allowed in at this rate. I had accidentally set it off every time I’d gone over there, but I knew it made Ridge feel like he was protecting me, so I didn’t complain.
Ridge walked into the kitchen with Avery trailing behind him. She’d come over at least once a week since Ridge had been released from the hospital. It had been really nice getting to know her and watching Ridge bond with his sister. They’re still figuring things out, and it isn’t always smooth. Sometimes the long silences can be awkward, but we’re getting there.
“Hey, Avery,” I said and smiled. I put the spoon down on the spoon rest and turned toward her to give her a hug. She smiled sweetly and hugged me before breaking away, giving my belly a little rub.
“How’re you feeling?” she asked.
“I’m good. The nausea is finally gone now that I’m entering the second trimester. Hopefully, it stays that way.” I groaned. The first trimester had been hard. The nausea had seemed to trick me into thinking it was gone before coming back the next day with a vengeance.
I was happy as the house filled one by one. The only missing person was Adeline. She wasn’t able to make it but had promised to swing by later in the week. She’d visited a few times in the hospital and had brought a bouquet of flowers from Earl with a sloppily written note.
Even though you’re a pain in the ass, I’m glad you’re not dead.
—Earl
Every time I thought of the note, I chuckled. The nurse he’d hired was working out well, and since I had disabled the safety mechanism on his scooter, he’d been happily zipping around through the house and threatening to run over Addie’s feet.
Ridge pressed against my back, looping his arms around my waist. “It’s our first and last party here. Are you ready to move next weekend?”
I nodded. Ridge and Foster had finished the kitchen, primary bedroom, and bathroom, so we were moving in. The next priorities were the nursery and living room. Ridge was determined to have the entire house finished by the time the little bean arrived. “I’m ready. Are you?”
After our house was finished, Ridge would begin to work on Georgia’s House. I had started the process of building a company from the ground up. I wanted to start early so I cou
ld find the perfect team for the vision I had in mind.
“Yeah, clover,” he said. His lips brushed over my ear, and he lowered his voice and spoke his words just for me. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for something like this.”
I shivered in his arms and leaned back against his chest, tilting my head to the side as he planted kisses up the side of my neck. “Come outside for a while. Everything is set up.”
I nodded as his hand slid down my wrap and he interlaced our fingers and led me from the kitchen. Avery and Makenna followed us with their glasses of wine. Foster was standing at the grill, and Colt was next to him with his hands on his hips. As Makenna stepped into the yard, his shaded eyes found her.
Kiernan, Roman, and Harper stepped up to us. Kiernan was grinning and gestured toward my stomach. “I heard the news. Congratulations.”
Ridge kissed my temple and I smiled. “Thank you.”
Harper hugged me and kissed my cheek, and Roman smiled, lifting his beer. “Congrats.”
“You know, I helped with your situation, so I’m just saying I’m the best godparent out there. I know you don’t know me well but, really, I’m the best. Ask them,” he gestured toward Roman and Harper as I laughed.
Foster joined the circle and scoffed. “Dude, we barely know you, and I’m going to be that kid’s godparent.”
“Just remember, I’m the best,” Kiernan said and winked.
Happiness bloomed in my chest, and the warm breeze coasted over my skin. Georgia had wished for something like this for me. I swallowed past the lump in my throat. My parents had never given this to me, and when Ridge had contacted them while we were still in the hospital, they’d offered to pay our medical bills, but they still hadn’t come. Ridge was furious, but I was content with moving on with my life and politely declined the hospital bill offer.
I rested my hand on my stomach. This baby would never go a day without feeling love from Ridge and me. And it seemed not only from us but from everyone else in our life, as well. Georgia had told me to find and build my own family. I’d done it without even realizing it, and I was back in the place she had loved most. I loved it most too. Everyone in this backyard was part of our family, and it would stay that way.
I turned toward Ridge and he ducked his head so I could whisper in his ear. “We’re really lucky.”
His squeezed me more tightly in his arms and took a deep breath before backing up a step. His arms fell from around me and he grabbed my hands, staring into my eyes for a moment before he broke out into the most brilliant smile.
I gasped as he sank to one knee in front of me and all our friends. “Zoe, you’ve already made me the luckiest bastard on this planet. Today, surrounded by people who love you, want you, and cherish you…” he said. My heart sped up in my chest and tears filled my eyes as I got lost in the love shining through his. He’d told me that I was wanted, and he’d been proving it every day and, for the first time in my life, I felt that way. I felt love from all sides. Georgia was the only missing piece. I was better off without my parents and surrounded by more love than they could ever give. I silently vowed to give the same to the man on a knee in front of me and to all the people filling our yard, who were here for the two of us. Two kids from broken homes who’d been cast aside too often. Somehow, in the midst of destruction, we had found each other and then found each other again as my world was crumbling around me. Ridge had held me together as I glued all the pieces of myself back in place. I cupped the side of his face as he finished speaking. “I want you to do what feels impossible. Make me even happier and even luckier than I already feel by agreeing to be mine forever. Clover, I’ll spend the rest of my days loving you, protecting you, and wanting you. Will you marry me?”
He pulled a ring from his pocket, holding it up. It glittered under the sunlight. I threw myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck and weaving my fingers into his hair. He groaned quietly. “Yes,” I said while laughing and crying happy tears. Our backyard erupted into cheers, and Ridge bent me over his arm, fusing our lips together, both of us grinning through our kiss.
Epilogue
Ridge
Two years later
I sliced the fresh peach, placing the chunks into a bowl. Zoe had been frazzled all morning. It was the grand opening of Georgia’s House, and residents were moving in today. She’d woken up at least once an hour last night, writing more notes in her phone. Each time she lifted her head from my chest, I woke with her and calmed her in the best way I knew how. I smiled thinking of her orgasms and her pussy squeezing my cock in the middle of the night as she tried to be quiet.
I glanced up as I heard the little pitter patter of toddler feet waddling down the hallway. Aubrey, our daughter, was running as fast as her short, chunky legs could take her. She was naked except for a diaper and was holding the dress Zoe had bought for today in her tight, chubby fist.
I grinned as she giggled. It was impossible not to smile every time I heard my little girl laugh. It was infectious. She was the happiest baby but loved to cause trouble. Zoe came out of the bedroom with Nico on her hip. She had curlers in her red hair. Her robe was haphazardly tied, and she was chasing Aubrey. I set down the knife, moving it into the center of island where neither kid could reach it.
I swooped down, picking up Aubrey in mid-stride. Zoe stopped and looked at me, huffing out a breath. I grinned even more widely and bent to kiss her lips. “It’s going to be okay, clover. Today will be perfect. Finish getting ready, I’ve got the kids.”
I used my free arm to take Nico from her and placed him on my other hip. Zoe let go of him and smiled at the three of us. It’d been a surprise to find out that she was pregnant with twins, and since they’d been born it had been a wild ride. Aubrey was the troublemaker but could get out of anything with her giggle and smile. Nico was already her little protector. He followed her around making sure she didn’t get hurt and joined in on whatever mess she was creating.
I dipped to kiss her again and Nico smacked his lips. Zoe chuckled and kissed his cheek before blowing a raspberry. He giggled and scrunched his face up. “I’m bringing you a bowl of peaches in a minute,” I said. “I think it’s right you start today with some peaches.”
Tears sprang into Zoe’s eyes, and she clutched the peach necklace around her neck. Her engagement and wedding rings sparkled, and pride filled my chest, just as it had every other time I’d seen these reminders that the gorgeous redheaded, green-eyed woman who’d wrecked my world was mine. Mine forever.
“Are you sure you’ve got them?”
“These guys?” I asked lifting one in each arm. “They’re easy,” I lied. “I’ve got them. They will be dressed and ready when you are. Go, clover.”
She got on her tiptoes, kissing me once more, then walked back down the hallway to our bedroom. I set the kids down in their playpen, right under the picture window, so I could finish cutting the peaches. I could have only dreamed of this type of happiness and family when I was younger and as I began remodeling this house. The reality of it was better than any dream.
Zoe
“Are you ready?” Ridge asked with the shovel still in his hands. He’d dug a hole to plant the peach tree that was going in front of Georgia’s House. It was officially open for business, and residents were moving in. My staff was bustling about and helping people through the check-in process. It’d been a long two years getting to this point, as I’d made sure every detail had been thought of. I had taken Georgia’s advice and used the money my parents had given me to invest in my dream. I’d also set up funds for our children and put away some for a rainy day, but other than that I didn’t touch the money. Ridge and I were creating a life together and didn’t need any more.
“Yes,” I said. I held the little box tightly in my hands and looked at the people surrounding me. Our closest friends and family. Each of them had helped us get to this point, by keeping us sane, planting the garden, or helping with construction. They were part of what Ridge and I were bui
lding here. And my first official resident was with us too. Earl had finally decided to move into an assisted living facility. Only after he saw the house and the view though.
Well, that and tested out the ramps inside with the scooter that was still rigged to go faster than it should.
Ridge was holding Aubrey, and Makenna was holding Nico. I took a deep breath and blinked away the tears that were threatening to fall. “Thank you so much for being here and helping start Georgia’s House. I love all of you so much.”
I took a hand away from the box and fiddled with the peach charm around my neck. “None of this would’ve been possible without my aunt. She gave more than I ever could’ve asked for. I hope I can give the residents here the love and support I was able to offer her. This is more than a home, it’s a family. Thank you for being part of that. This is going to be the last place my aunt’s ashes are spread.”
I crouched down, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, and whispered. “Thank you, Georgia. This is for you. I owe my life to you.” I poured the ashes that Ridge had gotten me to save for this moment into the hole and stood. Ridge stepped forward, wrapping his arm around me, with our daughter in his other arm, and kissed me. I took her from him.
Foster and Ridge planted the peach tree in the soil and used the shovel to fill the hole. A breeze coasted over my skin and I smiled, looking up into the sky as Ridge stood next to me again. Nico was on his hip, and he bent forward, planting a kiss on my lips. “Congratulations, clover. I love you.”
I wrapped my arm around his waist, holding my family. I rested my head against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. “This is more than I ever could’ve asked for. I love you, Ridge. Always.”
