Page 148 of Tortured Tones

The second Beckett killed the engine, and I opened the car door, Josh came charging out of the house. With tear-filled eyes, I rushed toward him and fell to my knees.

He flung his arms around my neck. “Mommy. I miss you.”

As I breathed him in, my world reset. “Me too. But you know what? Today you can come and stay with me. Forever.”

“You mean that?” He sobbed against my knit top. “Is it true?”

“Yes.” I held him close. Tight. He was mine. All mine.

“I don’t ever want to come back here. I hate it.”

“You don’t have to.” And I’d never have to see Luther again. I was finally free.

Thanks to Cole.

Cole stepped out of the car and tucked his hands into his jeans. “You need help?”

“No. We’re good.” I rubbed my son’s arms. “Josh, do you remember Cole? He’s a good friend of mine. Can you wait with him while I talk to your father?”

Josh ran over to Cole and high-fived him. Cole had the most natural instinct with kids. I couldn’t believe he’d doubted being a good dad.

Luther stepped onto the porch with two suitcases and dropped them at the top of the steps. “I’ll have the rest of Josh’s things delivered to your house tomorrow. I’ll have Brody finish packing his room.”

His PA? Of course. Luther wouldn’t do anything for his son.

“You happy?” he sneered.

“To have Josh? Yes. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. This could’ve been so much easier if you’d been reasonable.”

“I had you.” Hate twisted his tone. “Right where I wanted you. Tied to me. But no, you had to play dirty again.”

I shook my head. I should have pitied him, maybe even held an element of sorrow for him because he was losing his son, but no...I felt nothing. “I’ve never played dirty. I was just lucky people who cared about me uncovered the truth. You think you can control every situation, manipulate people and their lives, and think you’re above the law. Well, you’re not. I never wanted to hurt you. I still don’t. What you did was illegal and put Josh in danger.” I thanked God nothing awful had happened to my son. I sucked in a deep breath and drew my shoulders back. “I don’t care what you do with the rest of your life—I just want you out of mine.”

Shards of ice shot through Luther’s eyes as he glared at Cole. “You shacking up with this guy?”

My life was no longer Luther’s concern. “He’s my friend. I care about him. If what we have evolves, it will be for the right reasons. For love and friendship, trust, and for our kids. Something you and I failed to do.” I splayed my hand across my chest. “I am a good mother. Always have been. I love Josh more than anything. I promise to give him the best life I can, a home full of love and kindness and family. You are his father. When Josh is ready to see or talk to you again we can discuss catching up. But I wouldn’t bank on that happening for a very long time, if ever.” He’d destroyed his relationship with his son—not me. Not loving your child was unfathomable.

“If I can’t have you, Ava, I want nothing to do with you or him.” Spite hissed through his low, sinister voice. “I can promise you this: I won’t follow you, contact you, or go anywhere near you or Josh. You’re out of my life. I never want to see you again. But you keep your end of the deal.” Warning blazed in his eyes. “Those photos of me leak, you tarnish my reputation, I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” He couldn’t threaten me anymore. The moment my lawyers had sent the incrementing evidence and the request for uncontested full custody of Josh to Luther’s lawyer, my ex had called me. After he’d cursed and called me every name under the sun, he’d begged me not to use the photos in court. But I wanted no tie to Luther, no hold over him—only justice to deliver what he deserved. I’d won! “If something happens to me or Josh or you hurt anyone associated with my job, Cole’s band, or family, you will go to jail. You still might if other people involved want justice. But for now and hopefully forever, we are done. You live your life. I’ll live mine. Deal?”

“Deal.”

I turned, took two steps toward the car, then stopped. I swiveled ’round to face Luther. “At one stage, I did care for you, Luther. I wanted to make us work for Josh, but power and money went to your head. Maybe you can find a part of your soul that used to be decent and get help. I pray that you do.”

“Who knows?” he sniggered. “Maybe someday we can be friends.”

“Don’t hold your breath.” Hell would freeze over before that happened.

He glanced at Cole again. Defeat and surrender darkened Luther’s eyes. “Does he make you happy?”

I glanced at Cole tickling Josh. My heart filled my chest. Warmth flooded my veins. What we had was new, exciting, and full of hope. I couldn’t wait to see what we could become. So did Cole make me happy? “Yes. He does.”

“I’m sorry I never did.” With that, Luther walked into the house and shut the door.

A weight as big as Giant Rock lifted off my shoulders. The air became easier to breathe. Light filled my heart. Yes!

I rushed over to Cole, kissed him, and hugged Josh. I soaked them into my soul. No more drop-offs, exchanges, or goodbyes. No more Luther. I was excited about the future. I was in love. I had Josh. It was time to start afresh. “Let’s go home.”

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