Page 107 of Tangled Up

Still, when she pulls back, a tear hits her cheek. “Stop it, you goof. You’re going to make me cry!”

Henry walks over to us, slapping me on the shoulder and teasing. “Not sure if I should shake your hand or punch you in the nuts.”

I clasp the hand he’s holding down to me and shake it. “Easy tiger, I put a ring on it.”

“It’s so wonderful.” Libby leans down to give Carly a brief hug and me a high five. “You two are the best.”

“Thanks, Lib.” Carly gives her a warm smile. “I’m looking forward to getting started on our pet therapy project.”

“What’s this?” Jessica looks between the two of them. “Pet therapy?”

“It’s a project Libby and I want to try when I start my practice here. We can use some of the dogs and even the cats Henry recommends to work with people dealing with trauma or depression. It even helps with disease management and recovery. Beck’s going to refer some of his patients to us once we get it going.”

“Now I’m even happier!” Jessica clasps her hands. “I love this plan, and maybe I can help some too. You know I know all the old ladies in Eden and beyond.”

“Of course—you know everybody.” Carly hugs her friend, and I help her rise to her feet.

Jessica’s arm is around her waist, and she reaches out to hold Henry’s hand. “It’s all working out just like I knew it would.”

I can’t help thinking I’m glad somebody knew it would work out. I had no idea what was going to happen that foggy morning in Tampa when a car crash sent my world into a tailspin, driving me back to this little hamlet on the Gulf.

My dreams were born here. My dreams were lost here, and now we’ve found them all again, tangled up and transformed into something more beautiful than the original.

I’ve found peace and healing, and now I’m getting something even better—starting a beautiful new family with my beautiful wife.

EPILOGUE

Carly

“At which point, Miss Willis kidnapped you and attempted to transport you back to Pensacola to confront Mrs. Clark?” The judge is an older woman with a severe pixie cut dyed brown and deep lines around her eyes.

“Yes, your honor, however as her psychologist, I have indicated my strong belief Miss Willis was coming down from a cycle of mania, which began when she was released on furlough.”

I’m in a small conference room being questioned by a judge, along with two lawyers, Alize, and the paternal grandmother of her children, Peggy Clark.

The judge turns a page in the brown file sitting on her desk. “A furlough which you recommended.”

“I did, your honor.” I lift my chin, defiantly. “Alize Willis is a nonviolent offender. She was serving a reduced sentence in lieu of a three thousand dollar fine—”

“For child neglect.” The judge is not smiling, but I push through the sinking feeling in my gut.

Peggy and I have been communicating for the last several weeks, and she is far from the “bitch” Alize made her out to be. In reality, she really wants to help Alize have a relationship with her children, provided she stays on her medication. Right or wrong, she has used them as a tool to keep Alize on track.

“It was an accident,” Alize’s voice is soft. “I got lost and couldn’t get a ride home.”

I shift in my seat, bracing for a scathing rebuke from the judge. I’m surprised when she only cuts her eyes at Alize, who cowers further in her chair.

“Your honor, my client has been faithfully taking her medication and attending therapy ever since the unfortunate event,” her lawyer interjects. “She is dedicated to finding a job and proving herself responsible.”

“For three weeks?” The judge cuts her eyes from the lawyer to Alize, who is now studying her fingernails, to me. “What’s your recommendation, Miss Dennison?”

Pressing my lips together, I inhale slowly. “I recommend custody remain with Mrs. Clark with Miss Willis being allowed full visitation rights, provided she continues the course of treatment prescribed by her therapist.”

The judge nods. “I believe it’s beneficial for children to know their parents, especially when they’re young, provided it’s in a safe environment. Since Mrs. Clark has indicated her willingness to work with Miss Willis and oversee the care of her grandchildren, I’ll remand them into her custody following the guidelines described by Miss Dennison.”

Relief washes over me, and Alize’s head pops up. Her eyes widen. “I can see my babies?”

“Conditionally.” The judge still isn’t smiling. “Do you understand the conditions governing your visitation rights?”

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