Page 55 of Culmination
The subject of my brother hadn’t come up in the weeks since he killed Theo. I was still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing, and I knew Brie was, too. She’d taken it well when I’d told her all about Helene’s visit, and we’d both agreed she’d pretend she was none the wiser. The less Theo thought she knew, the better.
And now that it seemed we could finally put it all behind us, what’s the point on dwelling on something neither of us can change? Now that she’s asking about Adrian, it’s a subject I can no longer avoid.
Not that I was trying to. I’m at peace with Adrian Morningstar. I just want to make sure Brie is as well.
“My one request upon leaving the agency was that they classify him as an innocent in this. They didn’t like it, but I was able to convince them. I don’t know where Adrian is or what he’s doing. Hell, he’s probably out of the country, in hiding. I wouldn’t blame him. But he has nothing to worry about. He won’t be brought up on any charges. As far as anyone knows, I took Theo out when he pointed the gun at you. That’s the official story.”
Brie is silent for a moment before she links her arms around my neck. “Thank you,” she whispers, her eyes gazing into mine. “You didn’t have to do that, but you did anyway. Your heart is always in the right place. It’s part of why I love you so much.”
I press my lips to hers. “Adrian saved your life. He saved our child’s life. Hell, he even saved mine. I know what it’s like to have a brother. He doesn’t. I can give him this.” I pause, shaking my head, still unable to process just who he is to me. To Brie. To our unborn baby. “I’m more thankful for your safety than anything. And I trust—I know—he won’t ever hurt you again. It’s over, baby. It’s finally over.”
She lifts onto her tiptoes and kisses me. “Let’s go home.”
THE NEXT FEW WEEKSare more of a whirlwind, which I guess became par for the course since the day I met Brie. After we’re given the all clear to leave Chicago, we head to Philadelphia to pack up the remnants of our lives there. With Theo’s death, Adrian’s disappearance, and my early retirement, the agency all but tells us we’re no longer necessary for whatever case they may still be trying to build. If any. Now that he’s dead, I’m sure they’ll look for lower fish to fry, but it’s not my damn problem anymore.
And I couldn’t be any fucking happier about putting that chapter of my life behind me.
Theo’s entire company basically imploded from the inside out. If there had been any hope of saving his operation, it all went up in smoke when it became clear Adrian wasn’t stepping in to run the company or salvage his father’s not-so-good name.
Now that Brie has her answers, it’s time for me to get some of my own. Except, now that I’m here, standing on my parents’ front porch, I’m not so sure I’m ready for this.
This whole thing is unnerving. I’ve never felt so out of place in my life, especially at the one place I called home for all of my childhood.
Brie takes hold of my hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “It’ll be fine,” she whispers, her free hand coming to rest on her ever-growing baby bump. “Everything will be just fine, Rafe.”
I inhale deeply then squeeze back, tossing her a teasing smile. “You’re the one about to meet the parents. Shouldn’tIbe reassuringyou?”
Her smile softens as she gazes at me. “They raised you, didn’t they? What have I got to be worried about?”
And just like that, my beautiful girl puts me at ease. Before I can respond, the red front door swings open and my mother stands there with a beaming smile, her eyes shining brightly.
I take a moment to drink in the sight of the woman who raised me, and I realize that it doesn’t matter who gave birth to me. This woman took me in, saved my life, and made me the man I am today. I’m nothing but thankful for her. She’s my mom. Always will be.
When I lean in and kiss her cheek, she blushes.
“Oh, honey. You’re so sweet,” she says then pinches my arm. “Now, introduce me to this beautiful woman you’ve brought with you.”
I take a step back and slip my arm around Brie’s waist. “Mom, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Gabriella.”
My mother’s eyes round with excitement. “Oh, Rafe! You didn’t tell me you were engaged. Oh, and with a baby on the way.” She holds her arms out and takes Brie into them, giving her a gentle hug. When she pulls away, tears fill her eyes. “Gabriella, welcome to the family.”
That’s all it takes to send my pregnant girl bursting into tears, much to the horror of my mother.
I shouldn’t do it, but when I take in the sight of the blubbering pair of them, I burst out into laughter, doubling over, feeling joy for what feels like the first time in forever.
This is when I know that everything, all of it, is going to be okay.
A short while later, once we’re settled in the living room and all introductions have been made, all tears from Brie mopped up with tissues, I lean forward and rest my elbows on my knees. I don’t know how to say this, so I just come right out with it, as blunt as can be.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me I was adopted?” I ask.
My mother gasps, and my father chokes on the sip of water he’d just taken.
“Rafe,” Mom begins. Then she pauses as she looks at my father, searching for assistance.
“Look, before this goes any further, you need to know I don’t blame you. It was a shock, yeah, finding out, but no matter what, you’re still my parents. You always will be.”
Brie grabs my hand and squeezes tight. “What Rafe is trying to say is… Nothing has changed for him. We still both consider you our child’s grandparents and we can’t wait for you to dote on this little one. He just…has some questions.”
