Page 126 of Stolen Dreams

Peace comesin many different forms. Kind gestures or softly spoken words. Simple touches or warm embraces. Solitude in your favorite place. Getting an answer you’ve waited a long time to hear. Spending time with someone you care about. Accomplishing something you’ve worked hard on.

People and places can gift peace. But when something significant happens, respite only comes from one source.

Last week, after years of heartache, frustration, anger, and torment, after weeks of wondering how this chapter would end, Ray and Tucker were able to breathe easier.

A few rows back in the courtroom gallery, Ray, Tucker, and I sat in silence, our hands clasped and hearts pounding. Beaufort Langston sat behind the bench in the judge’s chair, his enigmatic expression giving nothing away as his eyes scanned the paper in his hand.

Then he read the verdict. “Guilty on all counts.”

My eyes stung as I turned to look at my guys. Tucker had his arms around Ray, his face buried in his father’s chest. Sweet relief spilled down Ray’s cheeks as he hugged Tucker and held my gaze.

Guilty.

Judge Langston slapped the highest sentence on each count, and the list was far from short.

While Brianna awaited trial, Ray helped build a case against her. And Brianna made it too easy. By the time her court date arrived, she had zero chance of freedom. My stomach twisted tighter as each charge had been read. Kidnapping, child endangerment without intent of harm, child endangerment with intent to harm, child neglect, aiding and abetting, violation of a restraining order, second-degree manslaughter, extortion, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and drug manufacturing.

As it stands, Brianna will be in jail the rest of her natural life. The only person upset with the sentence is her.

A little more than a month has passed since Brianna brutally scarred our lives. Yes, it will take years for us to recover fully, but I love the small strides we make each day. When our smiles and laughter come a little easier. The days Ray looks over his shoulder less often. Or when Tucker acts more like the boisterous boy I met a few months ago.

I hug each of those moments to my chest and cherish them. Those are the memories I choose to keep close.

“Is Papa RJ working?” Tucker asks as Ray parks at the diner.

“All day.” Ray puts the car in park.

“Yes!” Tucker unbuckles his seat belt and whips the car door open. “He makes the best milkshakes.”

“Hey—”

Tucker shuts the door then stands on the other side of Ray’s, tapping on the window. “Hurry up, Dad.”

“I make better milkshakes,” Ray mutters as he opens his door.

I laugh under my breath as I exit the car. When I reach him and Tucker, I loop my arm with his. “Everything you make is better.”

He turns and kisses my temple. “Nothing but truth comes out of those gorgeous lips, Fire Eyes. Another reason why I love you.”

The diner is slammed with residents enjoying the last week of break before school resumes. Teens huddle at tables and laugh over who knows what, their joviality infectious. Younger kids enjoy burgers, finger foods, and milkshakes with family as they ask for one more back-to-school outfit.

I breathe it all in and mentally prepare myself for another great year of doing what I love.

We’re seated within minutes and told the specials. Tucker bounces in his seat and begs Ray to let him have the special milkshake—Cookie Monster extreme—and not aboringone. Ray agrees, but only if Tucker eats his lunch and drinks it slowly. We place our order and Sandi, the server, says it shouldn’t be long. Then she scurries off to another table.

“You ready for fifth grade,kuluk?” The term of endearment—dear one—rolls off my tongue as if I’ve said it all of Tucker’s life and not a handful of times.

A few days after Ray and Tucker’s first gathering with my family, Mom and I chatted over the phone. She told me how cute and dear Tucker is and it stuck. Later that night, when Ray, Tucker, and I ate dinner, I called himkuluk. He asked what it meant. When I told him, the biggest smile plumped his cheeks.

Tucker sits taller in his seat and puffs out his chest. “I’m the big kid on campus now.”

“Yeah, you are.” Ray pats Tucker’s shoulder. “Just remember to be nice to the little kids.”

He draws anXover his heart. “Promise.”

“That’s my T-Man.”

Tucker ducks his chin a little. “But I’m also scared.”

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