Page 149 of Tortured Tones

Cole grabbed Josh’s suitcases and put them in the trunk. We jumped into the car and headed to my house.

Tears filled my eyes—tears of happiness.

I could breathe.

I was free.

I was finally fucking free.

Chapter 34

COLE

One week after the US leg of our tour had ended, and the day after Ava got custody of Josh, I walked out of my review with children’s services with Charlotte in my arms. Hannah, Ava, and Tia strode beside me. Charlotte was mine. All mine. No more legalities loomed over my head. It still blew my mind she was my daughter, but I’d promised to give her the best life I could.

After buckling Charlotte into her car seat, I caught Ava around the waist and kissed her until she moaned against my mouth.

She drew back a step. Heat flushed her cheeks. “What was that for?”

“I’m just happy and wanted to thank you for being here.”

“You’re welcome.” She flattened her palm across my chest, but rather than pushing me away, she clutched my shirt and drew me closer. “So, I was thinking, if your offer is still open, Josh and I would love to come to Big Bear with you for the weekend.”

“I’d love that.” I tucked her loose hair behind her ear. “Would you like to stay at my place tonight? Save you going home after Hannah’s farewell dinner.”

“Mmmm,” she murmured against my lips. “Yeah. I better go pack. We can come over once Josh finishes school.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

That night, everyone gathered at my place. Tomorrow, Hannah would head home to San Francisco. But I couldn’t let her go without her knowing how much I’d appreciated her coming on the tour with us, minding Charlotte and giving me glowing reports to children’s services when, at first, I didn’t deserve them.

At my long dining table, my friends’ laughter and chatter filled the air as we ate dinner and drank champagne and wine. Flint, Sutton, Tia, and Lewis sat opposite me. The kids were at one end. Slip and Maddy sat down from Hannah on my right. Ava was on my left. This was family.

I tapped my glass with my knife, gathering everyone’s attention. Pushing my chair back, I rose to my feet. “Alright, folks. Tonight is about Hannah.” I placed one hand over my heart and the other one on her shoulder. As I glanced down at her, gratitude flooded my chest. “Thank you for bringing Charlotte into my life. I know nothing will ever replace the loss of Shelby, but Charlotte hopefully makes the grief a touch more bearable. I can’t thank you enough for staying and believing in me, that I’d come around in the end. Thank you for kicking my butt and pulling me into line as much as Ava did. You’re amazing and the best grandma. Thank you for being a part of our lives, and I hope you had fun on the tour.”

“Oh, I did. Thank you.” She dipped her chin as she rested her shaky hands on her lap.

“I will be forever in your debt and grateful for what you’ve done over the past few months. Now I can’t imagine life without Charlotte. She’s adorable.” I waved at my daughter, sitting adjacent to Ava. “Aren’t you, sweetie?”

Charlotte shot her hands up in the air. “Yeah.”

Fuck, my heart swelled every time she smiled.

“So, Hannah . . .” I placed my hand on the back of her chair. “As a thank you for putting up with me and the guys, I have a gift for you.” I put down my glass and pulled out an envelope from my jacket pocket. “When you and Paul first came here, you said you wanted to travel together. So here is an all-expenses paid trip with a driver, accommodation, and anything else the two of you need to finally go see the Grand Canyon.” I handed her the letter.

“Oh no.” Tears welled in Hannah’s eyes. “I can’t accept that.”

“I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Cole.” With glassy eyes, she took the travel vouchers. “You shouldn’t have but thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” I grabbed my drink and raised it. “To Hannah.”

She clutched the envelope to her chest. “Thank you. To everyone. I’ll miss you. But don’t be strangers. Any time you’re in The City, come visit.”

“We will after the tour,” I reassured Hannah. “We’ll catch up regularly. I promise.”

“I’d like that.” Then she waggled a finger at me and narrowed her eyes, only too much kindness shimmered in them. “Promise me you’ll love your girls and everyone here. And take care of yourself in the process too.”

---