Page 97 of Protecting his Heart

“Did I mention I had some more holidays booked…” He grinned and left the cursing boss behind.

As they headed back home to collect their car, Evan said, “You don’t, do you?”

Owen frowned. “What?”

“Have any more holidays booked?”

Owen chuckled. “No. I think we’ve used our quotas for now. It’s time to let someone else have time off. I know for a fact Edward is going to need it.”

It took them three hours, but they got Edward released. They’d kept him in jail for the past week, all because they couldn’t agree on what to do with him. After speaking with the police, the counts of endangering a child and aiding a kidnapper were dropped, but the count of withholding information had only been put on hold, but they had hope that would be dropped, too. They just had to wait to find out. Edward barely said a word except to express his gratitude and to apologise. When they finally dropped him off at home with his ex-wife and daughter, he was a shell of his former self. Which was understandable, considering everything he’d been through. It would take time, but he hoped he’d recover. He was sure Matteo would be around to help, too.

By the time they arrived home, they were exhausted, and both fell asleep, but not before cementing their feelings one more time with a kiss hell bent on tattooing itself on their souls.

And Owen hoped it would.

****

Chapter 30

Evan

As much as Evan hadn’t wanted to attend Prince Douglas’s wedding on his own, his sister had begged for him to go. If she wasn’t able to experience it, then he had to, so he could tell her all about it. She had received an invitation, but Jessica’s health was failing. Fast. Doctors weren’t sure how long she had left, but they were all in agreement that it could be at any moment. Whenever Evan stopped to think about it, his throat closed up.

So, he did what she asked and attended the wedding, then headed straight for her to tell her all about it. His parents had agreed to a truce with him during Jessica’s last days. He hadn’t wanted to miss time with her, but he didn’t want to be around them, so they made it work. Someone was with her all the time, even though she hated it.

Evan received the devastating call in the middle of his night shift the day after the wedding. He leaned against the wall and slid to the floor, eyes overflowing. He wasn’t sure how long he sat there before warm arms surrounded him, and he drew in Owen’s scent.

“Come on, sweetheart. Up we go.”

Owen helped him to stand, and they somehow made their way into a room, the lights hurting Evan’s raw eyes. He dropped into a chair, and Owen pulled another closer to him, sitting and wrapping him in his arms again. There was no need for any other words.

He spent the following days in a haze as he worked through his emotions. Anger at his parents for denying him years to get to know his sister. Anger at himself for not visiting the hospital sooner to get tested. Anger at Jessica for leaving him so soon. Grief at not knowing enough about her. But then there was the love he felt whenever he thought about her laugh, her wit, her sarcasm. She went toe to toe with Matteo several times—and won. She was a light the world should not have snuffed out.

Eventually, he reached acceptance. Just like he had with Antonio and Amy. The circle of life was exactly that, but sometimes, those circles were a lot smaller than others.

Jessica had requested to be cremated, and her memorial took place three days after her passing. The royal family had wanted to attend but understood they couldn’t, but their presence was felt, especially when King Andrew came onto screens the day after with an announcement.

Evan and Owen sat on the sofa, watching the TV as Andrew stepped towards the podium.

“Life can be fickle. It can be long. It can be hard. It can be joyful. It can be tiring. It can be far too short. Recently, I came to know a young woman who tirelessly helped to create something wonderful. Something I hope will bring support and hope to those who might’ve otherwise slipped through the cracks.

“This young woman helped create a new procedure for those undergoing long-term treatments of any kind. Jessica Montgomery spent the last weeks of her life helping us to help others, knowing she would never benefit from it herself. She was a miracle, and we will continue the work we began together.

“This work was something I know my late wife, Louisa, would’ve agreed with, and as time moves forward, we willchange and add things as required, but I wanted to officially proclaim the Jessica Foundation to be up and running.”

Evan sobbed as the words sank in. Jessica would never be forgotten.

****

One year later

As the one-year anniversary of Jessica’s death dawned, Evan felt optimistic. He was a little sad that his sister couldn’t attend his wedding, but they had chosen this day especially to take a sad moment and breathe new life into it. It was what Jessica would’ve wanted.

They had chosen a small wedding, though their friends had insisted on a big celebration afterwards. They had even agreed that Nick could plan the after party, on the understanding it happened at the club they’d been to. Evan and Owen didn’t have any information about it other than that it was all arranged, and they didn’t have to worry about it. Evan wasn’t so sure, but if it meant he got to see Owen singing karaoke drunk again, he was all for it. They’d visited the drag show a few months after everything had happened, and Owen had loved it so much, they spent many a date night there, too. It wasn’t for everyone, though, which was why they’d chosen the karaoke bar.

“Stop staring out of the window and finish getting dressed,” Matteo said with a huff. “Anyone would think you were happy. Ugh.”

Evan chuckled, catching Matteo’s grin. “I know. What a drag to have a groom-to-be happy about his impending nuptials.” He did continue dressing, though, not wanting to keep Owen waiting too long.

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