Chapter 22%
Rosene’s hand was warm in mine as we stepped into the estate together–his bandaged arm held gently at his side, his body recovering, but his eyes still full of calm strength
He was discharged this morning. He was safe But when the front doors opened, I stopped in my tracks
Piles of boxes lined the hallway, the entry table, even the side of the stairs. Dozens of wrapped gifts, flower bouquets, and notes–some sealed, others torn open One box was filled with photographe X
I didn’t need to open them to know what they were Jared and Jackson’s handwriting was unmistakable
I saw the edges of childhood memories sticking out a photo of us in the rain, a letter I wrote when I was twelve and gave to them, believing we’d always be family A sketch of the four of us me, the boys, and Audrey A drawing Jackson had made once, long ago.
Roscoe glanced around the room and then at me.%
“should I be wonted now?” he asked, half joking
Itomed to him, heart heavy but certain. “No” I whispered, stepping closer. “You’re the one I want to be with “2
He leaned in slowly, brushing his lips against mine in a kiss that felt like a promise I melted into him–into the warmth, the rightness, the safety that Jared and Jackson never gave me.
I wasn’t going back.#
Not now Not ever
The wedding was finally set. No more postponements. No more fear. No more ghosts trying to crawl back ins
It would happen tomorrow. The final meeting with the planner was brief. My mother had chosen a classic white palette–roses, lilies, dascading orchids. Roscoe had selected the venue: a glass garden chapel overlooking the mountains. Soft candlelight would illuminate the path, the altar dressed in frash ivy
The menu was finalized–champagne risotto, buttered sea bass, three–tier vanilla bean cake. My father arranged for a quartet, and Roscoe surprised me with a special violinist flown in from France.”
I tried on my gown once more that evening, surrounded by my mother and stylists. The satin hugged me like second skin. It wasn’t extravagant–it was simple, limeless, me.
And the vell?0
The same one my grandmother wore #
As I stood before the mirror, veil draped over my shoulders, I whispered to myself, “You made it.“%
The next morning was clear and golden. Roscoe left early to arrive at the venue first. Tradition. My heart fluttered with anticipation. He had kissed my forehead before leaving, his fingers brushing my chin.
“Next time I see you,” he said, “I’ll be your husband.”
I smiled, “You better be waiting.”W
With my mother at my side, I slipped into the car that would take us to the chapel. The moment we pulled up, guests stood to greet us. Cameras flashed, soft murmurs rippled through the garden. The air smelled of roses and new beginnings.
I stepped out, heart pounding.
Inside the chapel, Roscoe stood at the altar–tall, perfect, glowing in the soft light.
The music began. A gentle, familiar tune. My veil was placed over my face, and my mother squeezed my hand one last time before stepping back.#
And I walked down the aisle.
Every step was a goodbye to the past–and a walk into my future.
Everything was perfect. Until it wasn’t.#
We reached the vows Roscoe had just taken my hand.
And then–chaos. The chapel doors burst open with a loud bang.
Gaaps echoed #
I tumed–instinct, fear, memory. It was Audrey, Wild–eyed. Disheveled. Screaming.
“No one’s going to be happy,” she shrieked. “Not if I’m not happy!“#
People stood. My father shouted for security.
And then I saw it.E.
A gun #
Time slowed.”
Roscoe stepped toward me–but he wasn’t fast enough
Audrey aimed.
The barrel gleamed.
The shot rang out $
And then–B
Maureen Jared’s voice tore through the air
2:15 PM S
“Maureen!” Jared’s voice tore through the air.”
He dove.
And the bullet hit him.”
He collapsed with a sickening thud at my feet.”
Blood soaked his shirt.
Screams erupted.
Jackson rushed forward. Audrey screamed as she was tackled by security.”
I stared at Jared’s unmoving body–his eyes fluttering, breath shallow.
Everything shattered.}
And the world went silent.
