Page 93 of Love, Hate, Love

“Yes. Police happened upon an informant. He gave them all sorts of documents and evidence that clears you of the crime. Apparently that painting wasn’t supposed to go to you at all, but someone else. Your entire story was corroborated. We already filed the paperwork with the court and we’re just waiting on the judge to sign off. I expect you to be a free woman by the end of the day.”

“I’m free?” I asked again. After the hell of the last few months, it was just over? Done? One call and I was a free woman again?

“Yes. Go enjoy your day.”

I hung up the phone but didn’t trust myself to stand for another ten minutes.

I was free. Just like that, I was free.

And I could leave here. I’d be expected to, even. Suddenly my legs felt weak for an altogether different reason.

* * *

Kade

Leah walkedout of the office, finding me on the porch where I’d been waiting for her. She wasn’t smiling. She looked more stunned than anything else.

She turned to me. “Did you know?”

“Your brother just sent me a text.” I held up my phone, as if I needed proof that I’d just found out.

She didn’t come over to the swing, but leaned a shoulder on the post. “They said there was an informant. They cleared my name completely.”

“I’m happy for you.”

She nodded, still not looking as happy as I’d expected. Was there still a chance? Could this relationship be repaired?

“I don’t know what your plans are, but don’t feel like you have to leave right away. In spite of what I said, all the things that happened, everyone here loves you.”

Iloved her, and if she stayed for a little while longer, maybe I could fix this. Find some way to repair the damage I’d done.

I could barely force myself to breathe as I waited for her to answer.

“I already called Monroe. He’s setting up a flight for me for me tonight. Thanks, though. If I ever find myself in need of another work parole situation, I’ll give you a ring.”

She hadn’t even hesitated. She couldn’t wait to leave. She’d pack her bags and never look back, and did I blame her? No.

Just like that, it was truly over. I wasn’t sure how I was going to keep going on if she was walking out of my life.

“I’ll be here.” I feared I’d be here until the day I died, hoping one day she’d want to come back.

* * *

Leah

I walkedinto Missy’s cabin, shut the door, and dropped onto the bed. I was free. I could get into a car and drive off this ranch and no one could stop me. I could go wherever I wanted. Not only that, my name was cleared. I had a chance of rebuilding my career.

So why did I need to sink onto the bed, my legs feeling weak and my heart aching like I was dying?

Kade had said there was no rush to leave. He hadn’t gotten down on one knee, told me he loved me, and then begged me to stay. He hadn’t fought for me last night. He’d stepped away as if it would be too much to bother with. Didn’t that say it all?

The door to the cabin swung open.

“I just heard! You’re leaving? You’re cleared?” Missy said, breathless.

“Yeah,” I said, nodding, trying to mirror her happiness. “It’s crazy. I don’t even understand all the details, but it’s over.” I filled her in on the details from the lawyer, or what I could remember of them. I’d been so stunned that nothing beyond “your name is cleared” stuck very well.

“So you’re leaving tonight?” she said, her smile slipping a little.

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