Page 31 of Island Guardian (Brookwell Island #7)

Chapter Twenty-One

Rhett had no trouble with the promise he’d made to Trina before they left the hangar, but as the official legalities dragged a bit, he struggled to accept Gallo’s fate. He had to accept he would always want another knock-out punch.

Over the following week, he and Trina gave their statements through various meetings with prosecutors.

They learned Gallo would be tried for the crimes he committed in Brookwell, including stalking, harassment, attempted murder, kidnapping, and several more technical issues regarding fraud and his crimes at the airport.

Through it all, they made an effort to find their rhythm as newlyweds in what he hoped was a temporary small-town spotlight. Trina had met up with her trivia night crew and they’d logged another win while Rhett and Knox played darts with the guys.

Determined to set everything right, they deliberately walked the beach at sunset each day, hand in hand, kissing whenever the mood struck. No ugly memories would be allowed to fester and cast shadows over the life they’d chosen.

There was her first family brunch as his wife, where she was welcomed with open arms by his parents, the aunts, Uncle Bruce, and several other close family and friends.

Brunch had gone far better than his introduction to her parents over a video call that was brittle and rocky. His father’s attempt to pave the way hadn’t done much. Marco and Talia were deeply hurt that Rhett had not made a traditional request for Trina’s hand.

Trina refused to allow them to stay upset with him.

Clutching his hand in hers, she shared a sanitized version of Luca’s initial crimes against her when she’d been a teenager.

As the bigger picture emerged, as she revealed the pain that had festered for too long, her mother had wept. Her father too.

The subsequent apologies might’ve gone on forever, if Trina hadn’t deftly steered them toward happier plans. Like an invitation to Brookwell and the opportunity to help plan a wedding reception for both families to celebrate.

“You’re a miracle worker,” he said when the video call ended.

“We’re a miracle team,” she countered. “I could never have told them the whole story without you right here with me.” She dropped her head on his shoulder, giving a weary laugh. “You make me stronger.”

He kissed the top of her head. “You think so?”

“I know so.” Her eyes sparkled with happiness when she looked up at him. “And we’re gonna need every ounce of our combined forces when they arrive.”

He laughed with her, grateful beyond measure that somehow he’d found the perfect partner to navigate the happiest life possible.