Page 80 of Sin Wagon
As we drive away from the house that’s now our new beginning, I let myself imagine the future. The road ahead is still uncertain, lined with both challenges and triumphs, but with Wells by my side, I feel an unshakable sense of determination. His hand rests comfortably on mine, a silent promise. Every moment with him feels like a piece of our story coming together, and I know we’re stronger for it.
I steal a glance at Wells, my heart swelling with gratitude.
“Thank you,” I say softly. “Not just for the house, but for everything.”
Wells looks at me, his eyes filled with confidence. “We’re in this together, Little Doe,” he responds, his tone tender but full of reassurance.
As we continue to drive, I realize that, no matter what lies ahead, we have something incredibly special. It’s a connection forged through trials, marked by love, and built on understanding. And with that, I feel a sense of peace settle over me. We may not know exactly what the future holds, but with Wells by my side and Posey in our care, I feel ready to face whatever comes our way.
I lean back in my seat, my heart lighter than it has been in days. I look forward to the journey ahead, knowing that with each step, we are creating a future filled with love and hope.
Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
Leaving Dr. Von Bergo’s office, I can’t hide the smile on my face. My fingers fly across the keyboard as I send texts to Derek, Jonas, Rhonda, and Roy.
Me: Leaving the appt. The extra pathway is gone or hiding he’s not totally sure but we’re weaning off the Propanolol. We do have to come back one last time just to make sure it’s actually gone. I’m so freaking happy.
Derek: Uncle D’s girl is a warrior I told you!!!
Jonas: Grandpa is so happy! Love her to pieces.
Rhonda: This is such good news honey! Give her a kiss from me and Papa. Can we do dinner this weekend to celebrate? Our treat.
Me: Sounds perfect. Say JMK Saturday at 6?
Rhonda: See you then!
Slidingmy phone into my pocket, I feel Wells bump my shoulder as he carries Posey on his opposite hip. He looks at me with that knowing grin that makes my heart skip a beat.
“Are we doing dinner to celebrate?”
“How did you know?”
“Mom uses about any excuse nowadays to see this little cutie, so I figured this would be cause for a party.”
We’ve built such a strong connection over the past year. I never thought I could feel so understood and supported. We get in the car and head to our house. We moved about nine months ago, and though we’re still making it our perfect space, I love it. I’m so grateful that Wells had a crazy moment and put an offer in.
“I have the rest of the day off. What do you wanna do?” he asks as he parks in the garage.
“I was thinking we could start planning Posey’s birthday. It’s only a few weeks away.”
“Alright. Let me change into more comfortable pants and I’ll meet you two cuties in the living room. We can watchBlueywhile we plan.”
“Okay.” I kiss him and head inside with Posey, settling her in the playpen with some toys before firing up the TV. I need to use the bathroom, and little miss is a crawling machine lately.
As I head to the bathroom, I think about how much our lives have changed. Wells pretty much works from home now, with his managers running the clubs without him. He does video calls with them every two weeks and only goes in person once a quarter, and Posey and I have gone with him. Drew did indeed hand Royal Flush over to me, and I made Derek the COO. He and Jonas have worked closely every day since the partnershipwith Royal Flush and Covington Hotels happened, regardless of Drew and Claudia.
Speaking of them, I haven’t seen hide nor hair of either since my run-in at Walgreens.
Drew didn’t even come in person to sign everything over to me; he had his attorney handle it all. I wonder if Claudia regrets her choices, if she ever thinks about the family she lost. But those thoughts are fleeting. Today is too happy to be overshadowed by past bitterness.
I finish in the bathroom and grab a blackberry lemonade water from the kitchen. When I get back to the living room, Posey has disappeared.
Where the hell did she go? How did she get out of the playpen?
“Wells!” I shout. “Do you have Posey? She’s not in the playpen.”
