Epilogue
738 Words
Thomas went to trial for assault, attempt of murder (mine and Herbie’s), domestic violence and a whole new sort of accusations. The list of charges was so long that the breaking and entering at the inn was the least of his concerns. He was found guilty and convicted for years and years to come. It was not hard for me to get my divorce and his reputation shattered even more when the story came to light. The press had a field day and Paradise Mountain soon become packed with reporters.
I moved to Alex’s place. Although his wish to marry was as strong today as it had been in the past, and despite the fact I was not yet divorced, we had decided to wait. He was still protecting me, with all he had. Since the reporters didn't know where I was, they had camped at the inn. And I took refuge in his arms and his house.But I didn't want to run forever. My run had brought me to Paradise Mountains and to the love of my life. It had released me from Thomas' clutches. A few reporters wouldn't keep me at bay from the life I had built there.
So, one day, I decided to return to work. And Alex was with me every step of the way. It seemed he was only waiting for me to make that decision. And he supported me, as always.
When Thomas was convicted, they eventually lost interest in me. They left Paradise Mountains before Winter arrived and turned the town into a white postal card.
Jared, Sam and Liam had once again come to visit. Since we were trying to transform a bachelor’s pad into a family home, his friends from the Army came and once again helped. Had it not been for these guys and I would be dead. My debt to them could never be paid.
"Of course I could think in a thing or two to repay me, sweetie" said Liam and I blushed, realizing I was talking out loud again and not in my head.
"Yeah, my fist in your teeth. Or anywhere. I’m not too fussy where I stick it." said Alex through gritted teeth.
Alex’s house was small but comfy. It had none of that sterile white furniture’s, of the kind to be seen but not used, and I couldn’t be happier. We were happily building a life together, and were planning to marry in Spring. I wanted to marry near the Mountain Pass, but I was unsure if that was even allowed. Alex, however, showered me with kisses and place his hand on my belly while rubbing it tenderly.
"Princess, anything is possible."
"Hey, hands off the princess, knucklehead. Help me with this, will you?"
"What, age is starting to weigh upon you, old man?"
The bantering between the four of them seemed endless. Out of habit, they all called me princess.
"Move!" shouted Sam. "You’re blocking the way."
But the best part was yet to come. That first night with Alex, in which we made love so tenderly, had grown into something more. I was pregnant and Alex was up in the moon with joy. Our friends had known only recently and now they were trying to mount a crib in the baby’s room, which proved to be more difficult that they thought.
"Can someone please tell me why I can diffuse a bomb in ten seconds or less and I can’t out this s**t together?"
"Language, Alex."
"Sorry… this thing together?"
"Guys… Where do I stick this?"
"Don’t make me answer that…"
"And where does this go? Seriously, is this a crib or a project for a rocket scientist in the making?"
The door to the nursery was wide open and I kept hearing their battering. I was so happy that I could combust. Alex came to me and kissed my neck, embracing from behind.
"Tired?"
"No… happy."
"And that’s how I’ll keep you for the rest of life’s, princess."
I kissed more deeply than ever and a cheering came from behind us.
"Guys, get a room!"
"And a manual. I think I broke something."
"Oh man… Now the kid will be in college by the time we finish this thing!"
I had finally found my way home.
I was finally happy.
- Writer
