Page 87 of Forbidden Secrets
Gage exhaled.“He knew what he’d done was wrong.But in his own twisted way, he was principled.”He laced his fingers with hers and rested them on his chest.“Sawyer says Franklin and Boner admitted Bradford hired them.Their job was harassment.To scare you into leaving.Good thing you don’t scare easy.”
Melanie thought she’d been plenty scared.“We figured they were working for someone.Did Chase make the child abuse complaint?”
“He’s not admitting anything, but the DA is digging in.I think they’ll find the proof.”Gage kissed her temple.“Bradford will be in prison a long time.For what he did to you, and for any federal banking charges the FBI might bring.”
She shifted to look up at him.“I wonder what will happen with Dylan.”
Gage shook his head.“Josh Lockwood came into the station after you left.He’s gutted by Rhonda’s death.Said he always suspected Dylan wasn’t biologically his.”
“The signs were there, but it must’ve hurt.”
“Yeah.But he said he didn’t care.He loved Rhonda and says Dylan is his son, no matter what.It’ll be rough, but they’ll get through it.”He paused.“It’s over, Mel.”
She was quiet for a beat.Then, “Yeah, it’s really over.”
Melanie turned to face him fully, emotion rising in her chest.“Coming back to Sisters…was about hope.I wanted Addy to have a real home.I wanted peace.But I never let go of what happened.Not really.Now that the truth’s out it’s like I can finally breathe.”
Gage brushed her hair from her face, his eyes steady on hers.
“Thank you,” she whispered.“For fighting for the truth.For standing with me.For not giving up on me.”
“I’d do it all over again,” he said, voice rough.“Because you and Addy?You’re everything.”
Gage’s tone changed.Brows drawn together, he stared intently at their entwined fingers.If he wasn’t usually so sure of himself, she’d think he was nervous.
“So… Which house do you prefer?Yours or mine?”
She blinked.“What do you mean?”
“If you had to pick one to live in, which would it be?”
Her heart thudded.“Are you suggesting we move in together?”
“I was thinking of something more permanent?”
Permanent?Her eyes widened.“Um, yours is nicer.”
He smiled faintly.“We could live here if you and Addy want, but I agree.My place has more room.For dogs.And kids.”
Kids?As in plural kids?
She’d held on to her independence with dogged determination, feeling like she’d give up an important part of herself if she let anyone in.
But with Gage, she didn’t feel like she was giving up anything.He was protective but not overbearing.They were better together.Stronger.
A smile tugged at her lips.“Mine has a barn with a chicken coop.And a fenced garden.”
He chuckled.“True, but those are solvable problems.I’ve got room across the creek for anything you want to build.If you and Addy wanted to live there.With me.”
She met his look, breath stalling.“Gage Landry, did you just ask me to marry you?”
His gaze held hers, deep as the forest at twilight.The air between them pulsed.“I love you, Melanie Brennan.I love Addy.I want to marry you.I want the life we can build together.Think you can love me back?”
There was a flicker of hesitation in his expression betraying his vulnerability.
“I already do.”Her voice was soft but sure.“I love you, Gage.”
He leaned in, his lips catching hers in a kiss that felt like a promise.She saw it in her mind’s eye: quiet Sunday mornings with sleepy toddlers, shouted laughter around a campfire, birthdays and school projects.Growing old together.
