Page 41 of Charlie and Her Sweet Escape
More time passed, and I practiced mindful breathing until my heart rate was calm. What I wouldn’t give to be meditating on the ocean. There was nothing like the rhythmic rise and fall of the waves beneath a boat to bring me soul-deep peace. A peace that was elusive to me here as I inhaled the cell’s pungent odors and had time to consider my actions.
Yes, Greg deserved to be punched. Yes, I should have done it years ago.
But I’d ruined our wedding day. Charlie had been crying when Greg and I were hauled off to the station. A crowd had gathered once the sirens got close. And the film crew had gotten there just as I was ordered to get into the back of the cruiser.
This was not like me, at all. I couldn’t even explain the rage that had come over me, the red that had filtered my vision, as Greg made Charlie feel smaller and smaller, as I watched her smile fade and her shoulders curl protectively over her body as if protecting her vital organs.
Sheriff Savage finally unlocked my cell door with a loud click. He stood with his feet shoulder-length apart, his arms folded. His face was in shadow, so I couldn’t see his expression.
Several years ago, I’d thought Sheriff Savage would be my father-in-law. He was stern and closed off, but there was something fundamentally fatherly about him that all the curmudgeonly behaviors in the world couldn’t completely hide. I’d been in love with his daughter, Lily, but I’d also been looking forward to being a part of her family. When she’d said no to my proposal, I’d not only lost my relationship with her, but with her parents too.
“I expected better from you.” He paused as though waiting for an apology, but I clenched my jaw shut. No one—except Charlie—was getting an apology for my actions today.
After a beat of silence, Sheriff Savage sighed wearily. “It wasn’t easy, but I convinced Greg not to press charges.”
My fists unclenched. I was fully expecting that Jules would be fighting this in court. “How?”
Sheriff Savage ran a hand over his mouth and his clean-shaven chin. “Let’s just say I’ve known him for a long time.”
There was some suggestion in there, but I was too tired and emotionally strung out to care what blackmail-worthy details about Greg’s life the sheriff might be hoarding. I’d be thrilled to never see or think about Greg Miller again.
“There’s a pretty gal here to pick you up,” he continued mildly. “Claims to be your wife.”
I scrambled to my feet, my heart skipping a beat at the phrase.My wife.
Sheriff Savage lowered his voice. The dim overhead light cast illuminated his stern expression. “I’ve always liked you, even after you and Lily broke up. Your sister adores you for good reason. You have a generous soul, as my wife would say.” He shook his head, as though he couldn’t believe those words had just fallen from his mouth. “Charlie is my niece, and you know what she’s been through.”
And I had just made it worse by ruining her wedding day. I cast my eyes down. I hadn’t felt this ashamed since elementary school when I was berated by a teacher in front of the entire class for peeing my pants.
His hand came down on my shoulder in a tight grip. “Thank you for watching out for her today.”
My head snapped up.
“She needs that,” he continued, his voice catching with emotion. “She carries the weight of the world on her shoulders,and her tenderness gets exploited. I can’t think of a better man for her to be married to.” He smacked my shoulder harder than was strictly necessary and turned toward the door.
“Are you coming, or are these accommodations too nice to leave?” he barked when I didn’t follow him, still locked in my shock. I thought he’d been coming to chew me out, but he’d sounded … proud of me?
“Here comes the groom,” Sheriff Savage sang loudly as we walked into the lobby.
Charlie scrambled to her feet. She’d changed out of her wedding dress and into one of my huge hoodies, which fell down her bare legs almost all the way to her knees.
She launched herself into my arms, and I met Sheriff Savage’s gaze as I held her tightly against me. He nodded once, like he was satisfied by what he saw, and then thrust a bag of my belongings between us.
“As much as I’d love to hang out with you two lovebirds, it is your wedding night, so I’m sure you have better things to do,” he said dryly.
Charlie’s cheeks turned bright red as she pulled away from me. “Oh my gosh, Uncle Ken.” She pressed her palms to her cheeks, but she smiled at him in gratitude. “Thank you for everything tonight.”
“Anything for you, Charlie.” He opened the station door and ushered us out, accepting a quick hug from Charlie and a firm handshake from me.
It was past midnight, and Winterhaven’s dark streets were deserted. Exhaustion settled over me as all the adrenaline of being arrested wore off. My phone had over a hundred messages, the top one from my dad.
Orin
Hey, son, I’m in a bind and I need?—
I powered my phone down. The old, familiar guilt resurfaced and ate at me for being in contact with Dad when I owed my siblings better than this. And for ignoring Dad’s requests for help when I knew I owedhimtoo.
It was late, and today had already been a lot. Hopefully everyone else who texted was asleep.
