“Linda! Oh, hi! Good to hear from you.”
“Same here. I won’t take up too much of your Saturday, but I wanted to share some good news with you. You remember JenniSutton? The little girl we investigated and removed from her foster family a while back?”
“Yes…”
“Well, the family we placed her with has officially stepped forward to make a plan for adoption. A wonderful family—the Durhams. They’ve got a six-year-old daughter, and they live on a lovely little farm not far from the Marshalls’ place. I’ve been meeting with them regularly since Jenni moved in to be sure she’s safe and settled, and I can tell you, she’s absolutely glowing. She’s thriving.”
Emotion swells in my chest, my throat tightening. “That’s… the best news.”
Linda’s voice softens. “I can’t share too much because of confidentiality, but as a law enforcement officer, I wanted you to know you did the right thing. Jenni is happy, and she’s safe.”
Relief floods through me, and I can’t stop the smile that’s stretched across my face. “Thank you, Linda. Thank you for letting me know.”
I exhale a deep breath of relief. Though Colt and I haven’t talked much about Jenni since his community service ended and CPS stepped in to remove her from her previous family, we’ve managed to keep the connection alive. Whenever work doesn’t pull us in opposite directions, we’ve made time to volunteer with Lydia at the community center. It’s given us the chance to see Jenni, get our asses kicked at some board games, and nurture that bond.
She reminds me a lot of myself, and to hear she’s now living with a wonderful family and is happy, well there’s no better way to end this perfect day. Colt might project a tough exterior, but he’s always had a soft spot for her, and he’s going to be happy to hear this too.
After hanging up, I make my way into the kitchen and wrap my arms around Colt’s waist from behind. He’s tidying up the counter, but the moment he feels my touch, he stops, turning to face me.
“That was Jenni’s CPS worker,” I tell him, meeting his gaze.
His eyes narrow slightly, serious and searching mine for reassurance. “What did she say?”
“The family she’s with wants to move forward with a plan of adoption,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion. “She said Jenni’s glowing. She’s happy. She’s safe, Colt.”
A slow smile spreads across his face, and he nods. “Now that’s the best news I’ve heard all month.”
I grin, feeling a swell of pride and gratitude. “I love you, Colt. Thank you for pushing me to dig deeper and not let this go.”
He brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch warm and steady. “I just saw a young, strong girl who needed help who reminded me a lot of you.”
Reaching up, I run my fingers through his hair, which has grown out enough for me to weave them through. It’s a new look for him, and I love it. “You did the same thing for me when I was younger,” I say softly.
“And I’d do it again.”
My throat tightens, but I push through. “For a long time, I didn’t have the words for it, but I think I always felt like the people in my life had forgotten about me. Like the world had abandoned me. My own dad ignored me—neglected me physically and emotionally. Maverick saw me for a while, but even he could never fill the role of a father. And when I left, moving away felt like losing my last anchor. I learned how to rely on myself earlyon, but I threw it all away the moment someone like Jordan came along, offering what felt like security.”
Colt’s brow furrows, his hands steadying me as I continue.
“I told myself I’d never trust another man like that again. Not like I trusted Jordan. Not like I trusted my dad to take care of me. When I met Jordan in the dark that night at that abandoned home, I realized I needed to face him alone—not for you, not for anyone else, but for me. I had to prove to myself that I didn’t need saving anymore. I wasn’t just a damsel in distress waiting for someone to rescue me. For a man to come save me. I could stand up to my dad. To Jordan. To anyone who might threaten me. I was stronger. And I did.”
Colt watches me closely, his gaze unwavering, his voice steady. “Molly, you’ve always been strong. Stronger than you realize. You didn’t need me to save you—but that doesn’t mean I’ll ever stop being here for you and trying to protect you. I’m proud of you.” He leans in, his forehead resting against mine as his words settle deep in my heart.
“I love you, Molly Patrick. Every part of you. Always.”
Chapter 40 – Epilogue – Molly
Two months later...?
The Whitewood Creek brewery hums with quiet chaos. Tools clatter, boxes shuffle, and the faint scent of sawdust mixes with fresh paint. I peel off the plastic that’s covering a stool at the bar and then slide into it, the smooth wood cool under my fingertips.
The place already feels alive, even with chairs still wrapped up, and tables awaiting their final polish it looks like it could be ready for customers tomorrow.
Regan darts between tasks, wiping down surfaces and barking orders to whoever’s closest. With just a month left until the grand opening ofWhitewood Creek Brewery and Restaurant – Whitewood Chapter, the entire Marshall family is working around the clock to get things together.
“Place looks good,” I say, flipping through the stack of paper menus waiting to be laminated. I grab the first one, slide it into the machine, and watch as the glossy sheet emerges.
One down, a hundred to go.
