Page 107 of Shadows of Recovery

Tristan closed his eyes, a tear slipping down his cheek as her words washed over him. “We’re going to get through this, Sophie,” he promised. “We’re going to be okay.”

Sophie nodded, her forehead still resting against his. Her heart overflowed with love for him. They had both been through so much and had fought so hard for each other. “Yes, we’re going to be okay.”

They stayed like that for a long time, the world outside the ICU fading away. In that small, quiet room, it was just the two of them, connected by the love that had carried them through so much darkness.

Tristan’s grip on her hand loosened slightly as sleep began to pull him back under, but he kept his eyes on her, not wanting to let go. “Stay with me,” he murmured.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Sophie promised. “I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

No matter what the future held, they would face it together. And that was all she needed to know.

Epilogue

Afew months had passed since the harrowing events at Eldon Falls. Sophie and Tristan were slowly but surely healing, both physically and emotionally. The Whitlock men were in jail, facing their trials, and the community was beginning to find its footing again.

"Need any help?" Tristan wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek. Sophie was arranging fruit and cheese on a platter.

She smiled, turning to face him. "I’ve got it, but thank you.” She pressed her lips to his.

Tristan chuckled, sweeping his tongue along her lower lip and taking a nibble. “Mmm.”

Isobel walked in, a bottle of wine in her hand. "I thought I’d bring a little something to toast with.” She placed the bottle on the counter. “I can leave if you two kids want.”

Sophie’s eyes sparkled with gratitude. "You can stay.” She watched Tristan grab a corkscrew and begin to decork the wine. “Thanks, Izzy, for hanging in with me. We wouldn't be here without everyone."

Isobel shook her head. "It was a team effort. And you were incredible, Sophie. You never gave up."

Chris Skylar and James Blackwell entered the room, joining the conversation. Chris looked at Tristan and Sophie, his eyes filled with pride. "You both have come a long way. It’s inspiring to see."

James nodded in agreement. "I’m so glad to see you both healing and moving forward."

Jackson and Olivia walked in with a cheesecake they had shipped from Junior’s in New York.

Ethan and Molly arrived next, their faces bright with smiles. "It’s good to be here," Ethan said. “To happiness.” He raised his glass.

Ruth arrived soon after, two bottles of prosecco in her hands. “The celebration is on.”

The dinner party was in full swing. Sophie was announcing her plans to take a part-time position at the Blackwell Institute as a physician. Tristan, who had recovered enough to return to work part-time, was excited about splitting his time between the ER and the Institute. James was also there, sharing the news that he was officially joining the board at the Blackwell Institute.

The atmosphere was warm and celebratory, but Sophie couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. She glanced at the clock, worried about Brad’s absence. “I’m going to give him a call.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” Isobel said.

Tristan wrapped his arms around her. “You know Brad. He gets wrapped up in things.”

* * *

As Brad stood shakinghis head and watching the shoreline, the warm summer night air felt heavy and oppressive. His mind raced with memories of the case from two years ago, each detail of the current scene a haunting replica. The Waverly County Police sergeant stood beside him, watching as the divers removed the bodies of two dead teenagers from the lake. The note wrapped in an evidence bag in his hand felt like a burning weight.

He made a call he hated to make. Isobel Everhart’s name flashed on the screen. He was supposed to be at her sister Sophie's home for a small dinner party. She answered in her usual bubbly voice, "Brad.”

His throat tightened. He could hear laughter and music in the background, the sounds of family and peace. It was the kind of peace that was about to be shattered. He swallowed hard. “I’m sending a patrol car for you,” he said, his voice thick with urgency.

“What’s going on?” she asked, her voice suddenly trembling.

“I’m at Old Mill Lake. There’s been a double murder, Belle. It’s... it’s a reenactment of the Mitchell-Ferguson case—the one with the drowned teens.” He heard her sharp gasp, followed by a heavy silence. It was her first case.

“Belle, actually, stay with your family,” Brad said firmly, pushing aside his own rising fear. "Stay right where you are. Hell, forget the patrol car, I’m coming to get you. Don’t leave the house. I’ll be there as soon as I can."

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