Page 36 of Claimed By the Deputies

It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world.

“You’re incredible,” Lucas says as he holds my face in his hands and kisses me softly.

“No,you’reincredible,” I reply, sounding like a bumbling fool. “I’m sorry, but I haven’t got a snappy comeback left in me. That was?—”

“Mind-blowing,” Tyler finishes.

“Mind-blowing, yes,” I reply with a giggle as we gather our clothes from the floor and get dressed.

Tyler takes my chin in his hand and kisses me tenderly. “I think I finally figured out a way to take care of that smart mouth of yours.”

I give him a smirk then ask, “What time is it?”

Lucas sets his tie back in order and tucks a lock of unruly hair behind my ear. “You’ve got a few hours left to handle new items in the evidence room,” he tells me. “After that, you’re coming home with us.”

6

TASSIA

With Timothy back from his trip, life seems slightly more balanced than it was before. There are times I wonder how I ever made it through the years I spent away from his guidance, his presence.

“You’re looking good, Tassia,” he says.

“And you look like you could’ve used a couple more vacation days.”

I stand to greet him, pleased I was able to get our usual table at Marcie’s Café. It’s the corner booth, right next to one of the windows overlooking the main street. It gives us a quiet place to talk and a good view of people passing by.

“Had the cabin not burned down, rest assured Danica and I would’ve completed the rest of our holiday,” Timothy chuckles and gives me a hearty hug.

“I’m so sorry about that.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about! It’s not your fault. If anything, I’m to blame. I should’ve handled the electrical issuesbefore you moved in. Or at least before we went on vacation.” He sighs deeply.

Though in his mid-forties, Timothy’s features are still youthful despite his graying hair. For as long as I can remember, he’s always had a word of wisdom or comfort, just enough to help me overcome the hellscape of foster homes I wandered through before he got me settled into my home with the James family.

“You’re the last person I’d think of to blame for this,” I say as we take our seats at the table. “I was paying you peanuts for rent. I could’ve sprung for an electrician sooner, too.”

“I would never ask you to pay for that kind of stuff. I’m the landlord, so it’s my responsibility.”

“And you’re about to have a second kid. I would never ask you to bury yourself deeper with the bank. I want to help wherever I can.”

He chuckles softly as he looks over the menu. “The important thing is you weren’t harmed and it’s getting handled now. Just know I’m sorry.”

“Hey, you never planned to have anyone move in there in the first place. You and Danica were going to work on the cabin in your own time, eventually use it as a getaway or an Air BnB” I reply. “That is, until little ol’ homeless me popped up out of nowhere.”

“I’m glad you popped up.” He smiles at me. “I’m glad you’re back, Tassia. Most importantly, I’m glad to see you’re getting your life back together after the whole Trevor Callaghan debacle.”

“Oh, that reminds me. I need to change my last name back to the one I was born with.”

A waitress pops by with coffee and we place our order.

“Speaking of Trevor, any news?” I ask Timothy, adding sugar to my steaming mug. “He’s still locked up. Right?”

“Yes. Sing Sing will be his home for a long time. You don’t have to worry about him anymore,” Timothy replies. “He’s right where he belongs.”

“I just wish I’d paid more attention. It’s ridiculous how I let him walk all over me. I turned a blind eye to so many red flags, only to end up with a criminal record because of him. It’s mind-boggling.”

“You can’t keep dwelling on the past. It happened. There’s nothing you can do to change that. I’m just happy you reached out when you did.”

---