Darkness Falls (Darkness Series Book 3) (29 page)
Read Darkness Falls (Darkness Series Book 3) Online
Authors: J.L. Drake
“Did Erin get off okay?”
“Yeah, she’s incredibly excited. A month backpacking through Southeast Asia sounds pretty fun. I think Alex hit a homerun with that present.”
“I’d say so.” Garrett grunted and pulled his secret sauce out of his pocket. A quick glance at the door, and I braced myself and hoped for a different answer to the question I was about to ask.
“You ever gonna tell us how you met Alyssa?”
Garrett gave a sad shrug as he answered. “We dated a little. She seemed nice enough, but now there’s just no way.”
I didn’t bring up the fact that he avoided whenever I asked
how
or
where
he met her. I sighed inwardly. “So, how is he really doing?”
He glanced at me sideways. “Seth is okay. I know he’s relieved that his family didn’t press charges. Alyssa really is a lost soul.”
I watched Garrett as he carefully turned the steaks. I kept my voice low. “I know he set her up with money and a job in Florida, even sent that damn dog with her.” I shivered at that comment. “I don’t blame her for wanting to start fresh. I don’t think I would ever feel part of the family after all that’s happened.” I handed Garrett the salt. “I’m proud of Martha for leaving Jack. She plans to rebuild on her land. She needs a fresh start too.”
Garrett gave me a smile. “Crazy how things turned out, but at least we are finally free of that crazy bunch.” He nodded over my shoulder. “Someone is here to see you.”
“Oh, hey, Travis.” I walked over as he held up a brown piece of rope with a key attached to the end. “What’s this?”
He pulled my arm and tugged me out of earshot of Garrett.
“I haven’t been completely honest with you, Emily. I know you’ve been through so much, and I feel it’s time to come clean.” My stomach sank. I couldn’t handle any more crazy. I looked back at Garrett, who was watching us carefully. “Em, the woman in the photographs in my house, she wasn’t my best friend who died of cancer. She’s actually my ex-wife.”
What?
“Okaaay,” I whispered.
“We had a nasty divorce, and I went a little weird. I, ah, roughed up her boyfriend and broke into her house a few times. I really wasn’t myself. That’s really not me. Anyway, I wanted you to know I’m due in court next week, and I have a feeling I won’t be back for a bit. I was wondering if you could keep an eye on my place.”
I looked down at the key as I thought about what he had shared. I didn’t like having it. It felt like it meant more than just watching his house. It was time to cut ties with my neighbor.
“You know what, Travis? I’m not sure I’m the right person for that.” I handed him back the key. “Good luck, I hope things get better for you.”
He closed his eyes and gave me a little nod. “You really do love him, don’t you?”
“More than I thought possible.”
“He’s a lucky man.”
“No, honestly, I am the lucky one.”
I watched him wave to Garrett and jog off toward the tree line. I turned and jumped when I saw Seth in the doorway, and he gave me a sexy side smile. He started to say something, but laughed when a familiar voice found us.
“Everyone can relax,” Pete announced as he slapped Seth’s ass and kissed my cheek. “I am here.”
“Aren’t we lucky?” I laughed and thought how great it was to have my life back. My mother was gone, I had my house, and I had my family.
***
Early The Next Morning
The sea lapped against the shore, and the morning breeze kissed my face, leaving a salty reminder that this was my favorite place to be. Two years of hell, and I finally felt at peace. I was stronger than ever now that my nightmare was over. Though I knew it would be a long time before I would be able trust people again, it was nothing compared to what I could have lost. The worst was over. Now it was time for me to move forward and not dwell. I’d cut all ties with my mother and couldn’t be happier with the decision. Shawna and David had started to visit more, and I promised I would visit them more too.
My toes dug into the cool sand, and I closed my eyes and waited for my old friend to arrive.
A pair of warm arms wrapped around me while his legs pressed against mine.
“Good morning.” His raspy voice made me sink further into his hold. There was no way to describe how much I loved this man. He completed me. I needed him in my life as much as the sea air, and I could honestly say I would go through all of that hell again if it meant I could have him. I leaned up and kissed his lips with a happy grin.
“You made it.”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.”
He nuzzled his cold nose into my neck and gave me a little nip.
“I’d meet the sunrise with you any day, McPhee.”
And we did. Every weekend we’d sit in that spot and watch the sun come up over our beach and remember that we made it out the other side together.
The End
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A huge thank you to:
Ana Armstrong
Sergeant Che Chonnolly Heron
XL and Lauren Schöenherr
Adam Treat
About the Author
J. L. Drake was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she now lives with her husband and two children.
When she is not writing she loves to spend time with her family, travelling or just enjoying a night at home. One thing you might notice in her books is her love of the four seasons. Growing up on the east coast of Canada the change in the seasons is in her blood and is often mentioned in her writing.
An avid reader of James Patterson, J.L. Drake has often found herself inspired by his many stories of mystery and intrigue. She hopes you will enjoy her books as much as she has enjoyed writing them.