Page 144 of Done Waiting

He takes it, so much sympathy and pain in his onyx orbs. When I hurt, he hurts. “Of course, baby girl.”

Pulling me closer, he begins reading the letter aloud.

Dear Maddie Rose,

If you’re reading this, the worst has happened. I’m no longer there with you. And for that, I’m so damn sorry. I hoped to live a long, happy life, spending my years watching you grow and experience all the joys, wonders, and yes, even tribulations, that life offers.

I’ve tried to make this world a better, safer place for you. I’ve had to make very difficult decisions, some harder than others. In the end, my morals and concern for your safety prevented me from doing what I probably should have done and just walked away and left well enough alone.

Secrets have a way of coming out and eventually, hers will be revealed. You’ll look at her and wonder if you ever knew her at all, much like I’ve been looking at her the past few days when I finally discovered all she’s kept hidden. I’ve put the evidence, as well as a bunch of cash that I’ve taken out of my account, in a safe deposit box for you. I asked Ryan to give you the key after you finish reading this.

I wish you a lifetime full of love and happiness, Maddie Rose. While I’m being so honest, I’m going to voice something you may have already suspected. I don’t particularly like Ben Cromwell. There’s something about him I don’t trust, but my biggest concern is that his feelings for you are disingenuous. I hope you see it before he hurts you. It’s hard as a parent to stand back and let you learn from your mistakes. I’ve kept my mouth shut, but in this letter, I need to reveal the truth.

Which leads to another truth. I hope you find your dark hero, the boy from the park. I’ll never forget theway you looked at him that day and the longing on your face as we drove away. I chuckled when you said that you’d marry him someday, but now… I hope you do. The character and morals he exhibited as a child in the park, his protectiveness of you, and the adoration I saw in his eyes are rare. I watched the two of you swinging and talking and I’ve never seen you more animated, comfortable, and radiant. It sounds crazy that at five years old, a boy walked into your life and changed it. But you never forgot him, even as the years went on and your paths never crossed.

However, I think your paths will soon cross. I’ve noticed a young man stalking us for some time and did some investigating. Normally I’d confront, likely violently, anyone who stalked you, believing they meant you harm. But the way he looks at you with those dark eyes… they remind me of the boy at the park. I’m fairly certain I’m right. I hope that I’m correct that Jagger Brandt is your dark hero. Fate has a way of giving you what you need when you need it the most.

I’m sorry I won’t physically be present anymore but Maddie, I’ll always watch over you. And I’ll forever be in your heart, living on in your smile and your eyes that you inherited from me. Anytime you miss me, raise your eyes to the sky, and I’ll be in the clouds high above you.At night, I’ll be the twinkling stars you’ve always wished upon.

I love you, Maddie Rose. Forever and always.

And always remember, in the end, love is all that matters.

Love,

Dad

By the time Jagger finishes, I’m curled against him, a sobbing, emotional mess. Tears run down his cheeks as he lowers the letter, his hand shaking.

His dark eyes drop to mine, his handsome face registering his shock. “He knew. I thought he caught me once but then he didn’t do anything…”

Ryan’s voice draws our attention to him. “Mike researched you, as he said. He talked to me about you multiple times. You were so focused on Maddie whenever he was with her that he was able to take pictures of you with his phone on a couple of occasions.” He smiles. “Maddie will tell you that her dad was very observant. That’s what made him such a good detective. When I asked why he didn’t arrest you, he smiled and said, ‘I trust my instincts when it comes to people. And the way he looks at my daughter… he’d do anything to keep her safe. His eyes remind me of that boy at the park. If there’s any chance it’s him, I need to let it play out. You can’t change fate.’ I thought he was crazy for not hauling you in for questioning, but he’d just give me a smile and tell me not to worry about you.”

Tears roll down my face as I meet Jagger’s eyes. “He knows I found my ‘dark hero.’ In the hospital…” my voice shakes and cracks and I’m unable to continue.

“I know, Maddie.” Jagger’s eyes are filled with so much pain and grief that it sucks the breath from my lungs. “Your heart stopped twice… and mine stopped with yours.”

A sob rasps from my soul. “I’m so sorry.”

Jagger grabs my hand, raising it to his lips, kissing my knuckles. His eyes never leave mine as he says, “It doesn’t matter. You came back to me.”

Giving him a watery smile, I nod. “Always.” Heaving out a sigh, I say, “I saw my dad.” More tears flow down my face as the memory engulfs me. Only this time, I told Jagger what my dad said to me.

“It’s not your time, Maddie. You need to go back. Jagger’s waiting for you.”

“You know Jagger?”

He nodded. “You found your dark hero. And he loves you.” Tears shone in his eyes as he pushed my hair back from my face. “I’m so sorry for everything that happened. But throughout the bad, you experienced the best thing I could ever hope for.” His smile was so bright it blinded me. “Unconditional love. Jagger gives you that.”

Jagger’s fingers move to my chin, lifting it. He presses a soft kiss on my lips. “He’s right. I love you unconditionally. For eternity.” He gives me a bright smile, his dimple showing. “I’m glad he knows we found one another again.”

I nod. “Me, too.” My hand moves to his cheek. “We were destined to be together, Jagger. Nothing can keep us apart.”

60

MADISON

Iopen my eyes, the bright sunlight streaming into the room making me blink rapidly. As I move my hand to shield my eyes, a glittering diamond on my left hand causes me to pause before I shoot straight up in bed.

---