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I look at Hudson, who nods in confirmation.
“Here, take a drink.” Holding a cup of water to my lips, I take a drink, not realizing how parched I was.
“He has admitted to some things. Sawyer and his team are building a case, and they would like a statement from you, if you want to be involved. However, he pretty much admitted to everything on my front doorstep, which was captured all on my security cameras,” Hudson says, and my eyebrows rise.
“He will not be a part of our lives, and neither will his wife or Melody. Melody is looking at losing her freedom too after this.” Hudson says Melody’s name with a bit of a bite and looks at my arm.
“What happened? I remember giving more blood, but I don’t remember anything else,” I say and I see Hudson’s jaw click.
“Melody received a call from her mother just as she was going into surgery. She found out about her father. She thought you were making it all up. That’s what her mom told her on the phone. They weren’t happy that we were dating. They hated you from the moment they knew about you. I think she acted hastily, being so upset. Aspur-of-the-moment decision made her hook you up for another donation that wasn’t needed. Your already low iron levels and the few donations you have already given made you weaker than usual. Melody hooked you up to the IV and left you there.” He looks like the words he says taste bitter on his tongue.
“Oh my God,” I say as my stomach clenches. How could someone do something like that? I could have died.
“Jolene found you. Apparently, she wanted to come and see you and check on you. She was also hanging around outside, wanting to apologize, but I sent her home. Told her that once you are better, you can decide if you want to talk with her or not. But she was a help. She’s the one who sounded the alarm so we all came running,” he explains, and my brow furrows. Who would have thought Jolene would ever be my savior, yet here we are.
“If I had just gotten my head out of my ass quicker and come sooner, I could have…” he starts to say, frustrated with himself. Head shaking, his eyes search my face. “I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t okay.”
“You came. You’re here now. And I’m okay. More than okay with you by my side,” I tell him softly. Even though my strength is almost nonexistent, I grab his hand and squeeze it in mine.
“I’m here, Lacy baby, and I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me if you’ll still have me?” he says, tone full of regret as he locks eyes with me, and I frown.
“I’m yours,” I tell him without an ounce of hesitation, tears pricking my eyes. I can’t believe he could think I wouldn’t want to be his. “I love you.”
“And I’m yours,” he confirms, placing his lips to my forehead in a tender kiss. “I love you too, baby. So much.”
With those sweet words as my lullaby, I close my eyes and fall back asleep, knowing the two people I love the most are both here with me. And for the first time in a long time, I trust that everything will be okay.
EPILOGUE - HUDSON
“It’s so peaceful here,” Lacy says from beside me as our feet crunch in the snow. We are in Rovaniemi, Finland, staying in an igloo under the stars, making one of her dreams come true. Harvey was crushed he couldn’t come, but we promised him next year and his grandma is making his favorite cake to make up for it. That and the fact that Lacy has been video calling and sending him photos almost every minute of the trip has her smiling and him laughing. The way she has stepped into a parenting role with Harvey is heartwarming. He loves her and she loves him.
“Apart from the drunk Santa at the end.” I scoff, laughing. He was an old guy who clearly had a few too many whiskeys to warm up in this weather. Lacy giggles, and I bask in the sound. It has been six months since things exploded. At the time, it was stressful, but I hired good people, good lawyers, therapists, and home help for everyone, because while Lacy and her mom were themost affected, the extended family, Harvey, my parents, and the distillery all needed some guidance too.
It was money well spent as I now hold her close as we walk back to our igloo after dinner at the main hotel.
“He was very entertaining,” she says, smiling. Lacy has come a long way in her healing, and I couldn’t be prouder.
My former father-in-law was convicted this week in the court of law for the crimes of grooming underage victims, assault, and harassment. He has been dropped from ever working in education again and will serve some time behind bars. Although not enough, in my opinion.
Melody lost her license. Lost her career. She was also tried in a court of law, admitted guilt, and was let off with a hefty fine and a record. Her mother had a fall from grace, the socialite with all the money now no more. I have no idea where they are. They’re not allowed to contact us and certainly not allowed anywhere near Whispers, me, my son, my girlfriend, or my other properties. I heard they may have fled to stay with other family in Europe, but I don’t know for sure.
“I’m happy to see you smiling,” I tell her honestly. There have been a lot of tears, a lot of sleepless nights, but we have come through the other end stronger. Together.
“I feel okay now. I think the worst is behind us,” she says, and I hold her tighter.
Once Lacy came forward with the allegations and proof against Gordon, there was a huge media onslaught. While I kept her safe and protected at home, she didmake a public statement, and as soon as she did, many other girls came forward. Twenty in total. Their tales were all similar to Lacy’s. Some girls fled like Lacy did, but others weren’t so lucky.
“I just really want to move forward now, you know. Connor and Victoria have been working hard and I think I might jump back into it. Working a little more will be good.”
Tanner, Victoria, and Connor have been amazing through all this. Lacy has had time away from work to deal with everything and they never hesitated to support her.
“Have you spoken to your mom tonight?” I ask her, knowing she already did.
“Yes. She and Jennifer were in Williamstown today. Apparently, they have some new women coming into the group.”
When her mother floated the idea of opening a knitting group in Williamstown for other cancer patients, Lacy was a little hesitant, but both Veronica and Jennifer have started somewhat of a movement around the Whispers region. They are often driving here, there, and everywhere, talking to other women who are sick, giving support, and Lacy’s mom is thriving.
As we continue to walk, I can see our igloo up ahead. It’s cold, and smoke puffs from our hot breaths, but the sky is clear, just as the weather predicted, and full of stars. It’s almost impossible not to look up.