Page 146 of Forgive Me Father

"I’m going to marry her the moment we’re out of here," I reply, my lips gently brushing her forehead.

"I never thought I’d see your smile again," Echo chuckles, though he holds back a deeper sentiment.

"Out with it," I urge, sensing there’s more he wants to say.

"You did well, Roman. What’s the chance you’ll consider joining my line of work?" Echo asks, his tone sincere yet probing.

"Are you inviting me into your world?" I counter, pointing at him with a hint of disbelief.

"You’d be able to keep Eden safe. Travel. Retire," He teases, nudging me. "You’d find a real purpose—"

"My purpose is Eden," I cut him off sharply. "Nothingelse."

"Well," Echo says with a sigh. "You know where to find me. I’ll be sticking around Idlewood for a while, keeping an eye on things. I have a feeling there’s more to this town than meets the eye."

He hands me his card, his eyes gleaming with unspoken words.

"I’m only a call away. We could make a real difference together," He says, stepping back.

I glance at the card, then back at him.

"I’m not calling you," I say, a smirk pulling at his lips.

"I’ll be hearing from you soon, brother."

With that, Echo slips away into the night.

As I sit by Eden's side, I reflect on the trials we've faced and the road ahead. I look to the heavens, finding solace in the promise of divine grace.

Chapter 42

Eden

Six years Later

"Tell me what you see, Mrs. Briar," He whispers, his breath warm against my ear.

Surveying the vast rolling hills of Scotland, I nestle closer to him on the picnic blanket, allowing the serenity to wash over me.

"Freedom," I whisper softly. "Absolute freedom."

For two years now, I’ve been happily married to Roman.

Never has life felt so blissful.

"Are you glad I finally took some time off work?" I ask, pressing my lips to his.

"Just as glad as you are that I did," He replies with a tender smile, his lips brushing my neck.

For the past year, I've been teaching photography at a local university in Spokehaven, a picturesque town far from Idlewood.

It’s a place Aiden and Zoey eagerly embraced when we decided to leave.

Echo had spoken highly of this town, praising it as the perfect move.

Transitioning Roman into his new role was seamless with Echo’s encouragement.

"Happy to finally spend some time with my girl," Roman grins, his kisses trailing down my neck.