Page 51 of Patch's Bride
With all the baddies locked up, I’m free as a bird. It’s safe again for me to be out on my own, and I’m taking advantage of it by shopping my pretty ass off. Since I left most of my stuff behind when I fled my stepfather’s home, I’m trying to rebuild my wardrobe. I don’t need a lot, just a few things to get me through for now.
I stop at the edge of the crosswalk and wait for the light to change before moving on. It’s a beautiful day to be out and about. I think that I’m slowly recovering from getting through the whole nasty ordeal. My hands don’t shake anymore. My anxiety has all but gone away. I’m driving myself places and walking around town alone, and it feels like just another normal day.
Patch didn’t want me to go. He didn’t tell me no, but I saw the concerned expression on his face. And I felt the way his handlingered on my waist when he kissed me goodbye, as though he didn’t want to let go of me. His worry almost made me change my mind about going out alone, but I’m not going to let him live rent-free in my head and cause me to live in fear.
On the way back to my car, I pass by a coffee shop. It’s the one I always wanted to try but never had the chance. The inside looks warm and inviting, so I decide to get coffee for me and Caroline. I promised to visit her today. I know what she drinks because I’ve watched her make it a lot over the years. I give my order and text Patch that I’m finished shopping and am going to visit his mother next. I get a heart emoji in return.
When the barista hands me two cups, I take off, wanting to get to her house before they get cold. Caroline’s house is a few blocks away. I drive there, setting my bags on the seat and the coffees in the cup holders.
When I get there, I knock once, and the door opens a few seconds later. “There’s my girl,” Caroline says warmly.
Her eyes go straight to the cups in my hands. She steps aside, and I move past her into the hallway. “You brought one for me?”
“It’s your favorite. A bit of cream, two sugars, and a shot of espresso.”
She takes it from my hands and sips it as I follow her into the kitchen. There’s a baking sheet with shortbread cookies cooling on a rack near the window. There’s always something comforting about being in the Patchetts’ kitchen. It reminds me of happier days when my mom would bake cookies with me and Lila.
We sit at the table together, relaxed and happy.
“You look better every time I see you,” she says.
“Thank you. I’m starting to believe it’s all behind us.”
“Everyone who could hurt you is locked up right now. The new DA apparently takes human trafficking very seriously.”
“Yeah, I’m surprised that all of them were denied bail.”
“Monsters like that don’t deserve to live among decent folks,” she says bitterly. “Also, the way they treated Lila was deplorable. I believe that’s why they’re not getting cut any slack at all.”
“I hate that she had to go through that, but she seems to have come out okay. She’s bright and chipper when we visit.”
She reaches out to squeeze my hand. “I’m glad to hear that. I’d be devastated if anything happened to either of you.”
“I wanted to see you because I have something important to tell you.”
Caroline sits up straighter when I grasp her hand. “Let me have it. Whatever it is, I’ll deal with it.”
“Patch and I decided we don’t want to continue with a marriage of convenience.”
“Because you’re safe now, you don’t need to stay married, right?” Her voice breaks a little and I can tell she’s disappointed.
“There’s nothing fake about it anymore. I want it all with Patch. We’re gonna stay married, make babies, and grow old together. And the best part is he feels the same way.”
An excited expression jumps onto her face. “That’s the best news I’ve had all year. I think you both make a wonderful couple.”
“I know we do,” I tell her. “It’s the one thing in life that I’m completely sure of. And I just wanted to say thank you for suggesting the arranged marriage. If not for that, we never would have had the opportunity to get to know each other and fall in love.”
“You’re more than welcome. I had the strongest gut feeling that the two of you would be good together.”
I press my lips together, trying to hold the emotion in place. My throat tightens.
“I truly love him. You raised an amazing man, and I couldn’t have asked for a better husband. I plan to take really good care of him.”
She squeezes my hand again, then pulls her hand back. “Congratulations. I’m thrilled to hear this good news. I had always hoped the two of you would find your way together. And you’re very welcome in our family.”
I sit with her in the quiet kitchen, just drinking coffee and talking about the future. When I leave, Caroline waves from the porch. Her warmth sticks with me, even after the car turns onto the main road.
I check my rearview out of habit, to find a white delivery van. There isn’t another vehicle in sight as I head out of town. The road curves and narrows, leading towards the older part of town. I’m heading back to Patch’s office. I want to stop and pick him up some lunch.
