Page 167 of Moth to a Flame

“Anyway.” He stirs me from ogling him.

“Anyway, yes. He squatted and peed on the side of the road. I have absolutely no clue where he was taking us. All I know is…” My eyes grow misty. This part of the story is not a lie. Not at all. “That you came for me. You followed the leads you had and with my fingernails, you found me.”

“Always. I will always find you.”

We get off at the intersection that leads us to our neighborhood. Mom texted that they were early and already there, waiting outside. I have to remember to pretend I need to use the restroom, run to the den, and hide my organ jars in the leather chest we have there.

“Always.” No need to focus on that right now. My story is what’s important. “You saved me. Punched Lester in the throat. You didn’t try to kill him, though.”

“Heaven forbid I’d go to prison because of that fucker.”

His solemn tone is hilarious, and I crack up again. “You keep saying stuff like that and I’ll mess everything up.”

“The only mess anyone will be making is us” He quirks an eyebrow, shooting me a glance that has my nipples tightening.

“Ugh.” I throw my hands in the air dramatically, pretending to be upset. “They’ll think I’m dating a serial killer.”

“Who’ll be married to one. In two days. Imagine that.”

I should’ve guessed that this would be the part that upsets him. He doesn’t mind when I call him a serial killer. Three people, plus Tripp, who he’s going to kill once we’ve settled in.

That part he likes.

The gates to our home appear in the distance. So does my parents’ silver SUV. My heart does somersaults. My stomach isn’t tied up in knots anymore.

I’m happy. So very happy.

My family is here. Mojo, too, sticking his nose between the gates. Sniffing for me.

“You hit him. He freaked out since you’re so big and tall and scary,” I blurt out. “The coward ran while you tended to me. We didn’t see where. He just disappeared.”

“Yes, he did.”

Landon hasn’t fully stopped the car, and I’m already leaping out and running toward my family. My new sneakers pound on the pavement and tears spring to my eyes.

There was no doubt in my mind that I’d get to meet them again. I trusted Landon to save me with every fiber of my being.

But, God. What a relief to see them in person. What a joy to jump into my mother’s arms. To have Rosemary laughing and crying all at once when she hugs me from the side. To feel my dad’s large body enveloping the three of us in one of his warm, familiar bear hugs.

Mojo barks and his snout pokes between my legs from behind me.Woof! Woof! Woof!

“You’re here. My baby is here.” Mom’s voice is muffled as she sobs into my hair.

“My sweet, sweet daughter.” Dad sounds choked as he pulls all of us closer to him. “Thank God, you’re home. I was so…I was so…” He sniffs, and something inside me shatters.

If I could, I would’ve raised Lester from the dead and killed him again for what he’d done to my family.

Bastard.

“I’m fine. I’m here.” I pull back to deliver some good news for a change. Other than me being alive.

Rosemary and Mom reach tentatively for my hands. A new wave of tears streams down their cheeks as they examine my bandaged fingers.

“Please don’t cry.” My eyes glisten even as I’m saying that. “It’s really not so bad.” Then I remember. “Besides, it was worth it so that Landon could save me.”

I move next to Dad, where he pulls me into his side. The four of us are facing Landon, who’s standing there patiently, hands folded to the front of his body as he’s eyeing our family.

“Mom, Dad, this is the man you’ve talked to over the phone.” A burning gaze from Landon, and I blush, rushing to add, “My fiancé.”

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