“I’ve been chasing leads for months, and I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with any of this.”
Especially when it had taken up so much of his time and energy already.
Time he should’ve spent with his wife and their children.
For the first time since learning about Jake Long, Ian wasn’t filled with a burning desire to make Eric Taylor pay. He wasn’t even sure he was interested in pursuing the case any further, not when there were other more important things that required his attention and other people who could step in to take over.
“You need to pursue this,” Lily told him, pausing to dash away the tears. “I know it’s not going to be easy for any of us, but we’ve come this far. You can’t let it go now, Ian.”
Ian stood up, walked over to Lucy, and took both of her hands in his. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I’ve been so fixated on what happened in the past that I haven’t been able to see what’s right in front of me. My focus needs to be here with Luce.”
Grandpa Frank stood up. “It doesn’t have to be either or, my boy. That’s what family is for. We’re supposed to help each other out and pitch in during the difficult times.”
Ian spun around to face his grandpa, Lucy’s hands still in his. “Grandpa, I appreciate it, but I can’t ask any of you to help with this. You’ve seen the lengths Eric is willing to go to.”
“All the more reason to do something,” Aunt Heather replied, lifting her chin. She cast a quick glance around the room, and the furrow between her brows deepened. “You can’t expect us to see what’s happening and leave you to face it alone.”
Another murmur of agreement rose.
Ian frowned and shook his head. “No, I can’t ask you all to put yourselves at risk, especially when it’s going to be a long and trying battle—”
“You’re not asking.” Lily stepped forward and squared her shoulders. “We’re offering, and we’re not taking no for an answer. You shouldn’t have to do any of this alone, either of you. We’re here, E. And we’re not going anywhere.”
Ian stared down at Lucy’s face, and he saw the tears in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”
“We’ll coordinate with the kids,” Aunt Rebecca offered, quickly rising to her feet. “Those of us who live in Provincetown will take turns coming up here to help out with Lucy. We’ll make a better schedule.”
“And we’ll talk to Liam and see what he needs from us,” Stu added, taking a few steps forward so he was standing in the middle of the room. “We all loved Kelly, so we’re all going to do this together or not at all.”
A cheer rose through the room, and a few members of the Wilson clan exchanged delighted looks.
A lump rose in the back of Ian’s throat as he glanced around the room and felt the outpouring of love and support. Duringdinner, everyone took turns suggesting ideas until they had a plan they all liked.
Ian held Lucy’s hand the entire time. “If you ask me to walk away from all of this, I will.”
Lucy twisted to face him, the fork halfway to her lips. “I’m not going to.”
“I should’ve offered before,” Ian added in a low voice. “You were right. I let it consume me, but I’m not going to do that anymore. Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it.”
It shouldn’t have taken Lucy’s diagnosis to show him what really mattered, but it was better late than never.
Lucy set her fork down and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “I love you, Ian. I’ll support whatever you decide to do.”
Ian pressed a kiss on the inside of her wrist. “I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do.”
“Are you telling me Ian Railings is finally learning to let go of the reins and let other people help?”
Ian gave her a half smile. “A little. I guess if the past few months have taught me anything, it’s that life isn’t always going to give me the answers I want, and I need to be okay with that too.”
“Who are you, and what have you done with my husband?”
Ian’s expression turned serious. “I’m sorry it took me this long to figure it out, Luce. Do you forgive me?”
Lucy squeezed his hand, her eyes soft and wide and earnest. “There’s nothing to forgive. We’re going to get justice for Kelly together.”
“And we’re going to get through this together.” Ian gestured between them and pressed his forehead to hers. “Because none of this means anything without you, Lucy Dapp.”
“You’ve turned into such a sap,” Lucy teased before giving him another kiss. “Now, come on. Let’s get back to dinner.”
He no longer felt like entertaining all of the Wilsons.
Instead, all he wanted to do was cuddle up next to Lucy on the couch and dream of the rest of their lives together. However, after seeing how alive and alert Lucy was around them, he realized he could wait a few more hours.
Because they had all of the time in the world to figure things out together.
