Page 100 of Unforgotten

“Jay.”

“I’m serious. I want to know that you’ll be there every day when I get home. I want to know that you’ll be the first thing I see every morning and the last thing I see every evening.” He knew he was likely sounding too determined, but he didn’t care. After all, not long ago, he’d thought he’d lost her forever. How would he have survived that? “Please don’t be scared. I won’t push you, though.”

“I’m not scared.”

Jay was about to say something more when both Chief Foster and her parents approached. All three of them wore looks of concern.

Chief Foster crouched down so he was at eye level with them. “Bethanne, I know you’re exhausted, but I wanted to stop by to check on you before I head on home. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Nee. I mean, no, thank you.”

“We have a counselor who specializes in trauma response therapy. Isabel is excellent. If you’d like me to have her come over, I can call her for you.”

“Thank you, but I don’t need more counseling.”

Her parents exchanged looks. Both of their expressions looked ravaged, and there were tear marks on her mother’s face.

“Maybe just to be on the safe side?” her mother asked.

Deciding it was time to get her point across, she pulled off her blanket. “Jay, I need to stand up,” she said.

“Of course.” He got to his feet and then grasped her arms, gently helping her to stand.

It was soon obvious to all four of them, though, that Bethannedidn’t need any help standing on her own two feet. She was standing tall and straight.

“Look at me. Yes, I’m hurt and tired. I’m also rattled and worried about Candace, but I’m all right.”

“You really are, aren’t you?” her father said. “I guess I was worried because...”

“Because I wasn’t okay for such a long time. But I am now. I promise.”

“And you, Jay?” Chief Foster asked. “You are doing well too?”

“I’d say so.” He grinned at Bethanne.

“Jay and I were just discussing our wedding.”

Her mother gaped. “Your wedding?”

“Jah. Jay asked me to marry him, and I said yes. We just want a simple wedding too,” she added.

“Bethanne is taking pity on me and allowing us to have a short engagement,” Jay added.

“We’d like to be married as soon as Candace can attend.”

Her parents exchanged glances. Her mother said, “Bethanne, I think perhaps you should consider—”

“Nee. I’m not waiting any longer than we have to. I’ve been putting my life on hold long enough.”

“All right, then.”

Chief Foster chuckled. “Bethanne, we’re going to need a statement from you, but given the time and the fact that there are so many other things to attend to, I reckon tomorrow morning will be soon enough.” Turning to her parents, he said, “Martha and John, I’ll plan on stopping by sometime in midmorning. Say, sometime between nine and eleven?”

John inclined his head. “Of course.”

“Yes, thank you, Chief Foster,” Martha added. “Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome, but to tell you the truth, it’s OfficerMulaney and Lott and Jay Byler here who are the true heroes. They worked their tails off trying to get to you girls as quickly as they did. I’m very glad you’re all right, Bethanne.” He winked. “And let me be one of the first to offer my best wishes for a long life together.”

---