Page 189 of Destined Lovers

“Hey, Bennett,” I call after him, “Can you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Can you ask Killian to stop at the store for bleach and red hair dye?”

He smirks, “Ready to start your new life?”

“You fecking know it.”

* * *

We touched down in New York not long ago, and we’re driving straight to the courthouse in the city. We should arrive in less than an hour, and I’m oddly calm. I’m more nervous from the anticipation of seeing Declan than anything else.

It feels strange being back after all these years. Although I lived here, it never once began to feel like home. My home was always with Declan, in Ireland or wherever he was. I think that’s why I took so easily to moving to London.

I couldn't sleep on the plane and thought about how the case would go, how long it would last, what the jury would decide, and how my life would be different with either decision.

I’ve decided to come to terms with the possibility of Conor getting off, which I know is very unlikely, but I needed to prepare myself mentally.

I know more than anyone that life is short, and you can be taken from this earth at any time without notice. So, I’ve promised myself that no matter how this turns out, I’ll be proud of myself for taking this perilous chance, although I will be devastated if I have to continue living in fear. I’ll know it wasn’t for nothing, and I’d do it all again for my parents and all the other lives Conor has destroyed.

“We’ve arrived,” The driver announces.

Bennett grabs my hand and tenses as we both peer out the window. He’s been a ball of nerves since we boarded the plane, walking up and down the aisle for hours on end.

Although he didn't know my parents, he’s a part of this as much as I am. He’s been by my side for over a decade, and I owe him more than I give.

“This is it,” he whispers, “I know your mam told you, but I just wanted to say that I’m also so proud of you, and I hope you get the justice you’re looking for. You deserve it after the years of suffering you went through. I know I was hard on you at times, please know it was all in love, and I’m a better person for knowing you.” He reaches over and puts his arm around my shoulder in an attempt to half-hug me, but I’m not letting him get away with that.

I grab him, throw my arms around his neck, and hug him with all my might. Bennett doesn’t often show emotions. He’s stoic and hard to read, so his words mean everything.

* * *

“Where is he?” I whisper, then bite my lip nervously. I can’t even be excited to see Declan since I’m worried sick. He was supposed to be at the courthouse thirty minutes ago. I’m frightened something has happened.

“He’s almost here. Just stay put when he arrives. We don’t want to bring any more attention to ourselves.”

“Okay.”

At this point, Conor has had to have found out I’m still alive, so we’re trying to lay low until Declan gets here. Killian isn’t with us since he thought it would draw more attention. Luckily New York courthouses are enormous, and it’s easy for us to blend in.

Although my parents were murdered in Connecticut, New York petitioned and won to have the trial here, stating it was related to other charges against Conor. I didn’t care either way, as long as that arsehole got locked up.

I look at my watch and start tapping my feet and clasp and unclasp my hands in anticipation. I know it’s only been three days, but can you imagine three days thinking the love of your life was kidnapped, possibly dead? It felt like weeks to me, so I can only imagine what Declan feels like.

Three days of not checking in on Agnes's health or painting with Maeve. Three days of no Disney movie chats with Charlie or Jackson’s contagious laugh.

No taking Bacon on his long morning walk through the park, and worst of all, being unable to explain to Archie why I stood him up for our lunch date.

The back door opens, “This is him,” Bennett mutters, and before he can tell me to stay, I’m up running full speed toward Declan.

He sees me at the same time and opens his arms for me to jump in, holding me with a vise-like grip to his chest. Our heads nuzzle into each other’s necks, and the loud sobs are unmistakable from both of us. This is life right here, in my arms. This is all I’ll ever need.

The love from Declan.

I lean back to get a good look at my man, and my face drops, “Declan,” I whisper and wipe my tears. “Dec, look at you.” I shake my head in disgust. Not at him, at what he’s had to go through without any knowledge that I was alive and well.

It’s only been days, yet he looks like he’s lost weight. His sunken, bloodshot eyes are rimmed with dark circles, his facial hair unkempt, and his hair unruly. I knew this would be hard on him.

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