Page 184 of Unexpected Redemption

I’m yanked back in time to my childhood bedroom and the moment when I realized what had happened. What my father had done. The overwhelming sadness and helplessness. The building rage and hatred.

But this time, it’s different.

There’s more inside me than darkness. Hope and gratitude blur the memories, removing the sting of the burn.

I inhale, letting the sweet floral-scented air replace the oxygen the memories attempted to steal.

Big Al—my chosen father—has given me the most precious gift.

It’s a dog collar. Attached to it is a shiny brass tag, but there’s nothing engraved on it.

Not yet.

“We picked the dog. You get to pick the name,” he says.

Without warning, I choke out a cathartic sob, my tears welling in a rush. He grabs me, holding me tight to his chest and patting my back in soothing strokes.

Lettie’s soft sobs wrap around me from behind as if cushioning me with her love. Her tears aren’t born of sorrow or pain.

Neither are mine.

I spin around and encircle her in my arms, eager to deepen the connection and ensure she never feels like she needs to cry alone.

Big Al leads us outside, a pep in his step. Lettie gazes up at me, squeezing my hand almost to the point of pain and beaming at me like she’s going to explode with joy.

When we get outside, I realize why.

The dog.

He’s here. In the parking lot.

Sue’s brother Nick and his wife—my former nemesis, Millie Amos—stand proudly with a beautiful black dog at their feet.Its tail wags, dancing off the pavement as it watches us approaching.

I recognize him instantly. He’s the dog Sue’s been training. However, her brother took over for her when she and Leo began staying at Redleg. She’s lamented about it a few times, wistful for the affection he so eagerly gave her.

Soon, he’ll give his unconditional love to my sugar bear and me. And to our children. For years to come.

The dog—not Leo.

Fucking hell. I couldn’t be happier.

When we get close, Lettie tugging me along since my feet aren’t working, Nick gives a hand signal. The dog hesitates for a second before bolting over to me.

I fall to my knees, petting and hugging it like a freaking child. I don’t even try to stop him from licking my face despite the sensory issues it causes. I’ll wash my face later.

Lettie squats beside me, petting him behind his ears with one hand and rubbing my back with the other.

Laughter rings out. It’s mine.

The dog—name to be determined, but hewillfucking have one—eagerly laps at my face. Then it hits me why he’s doing it.

He’s kissing away my tears.

After he focuses on Lettie, I stand and wipe my face with my sleeve, still laughing and overflowing with a euphoric high.

I glance at the man partially responsible for everything good in my life.

He has tears in his eyes. They shine at me like Lettie’s do. The same hue and shape.

Turns out, the dog isn’t themostprecious gift he gave me. Although, this good boy comes in a close second to the woman I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Alan Lancaster has given me everything.

I’ll protect and treasure both gifts.

And for the first time, IbelieveI’m worthy.

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