When the Heart Falls(175)

Rodney is such a person.

I wasn't present for Cade's testimony. We decided he would go first so he could be in the courtroom when I went on the stand, and I’m glad he was, because sitting there telling all these strangers the horrible details of my abuse nearly killed me.

But I survived it.

Now, we’re waiting on the verdict. Cade is holding one hand and my mom is holding the other. My dad, Daring, Autumn and Jenifer are all here in a show of support.

I can’t imagine being a parent, seeing your child suffer. I know that Cade’s suffering cuts me deeply, so I can only imagine it’s worse for parents.

I want a guilty verdict, obviously, but come what may, I’m free of Rodney forever.

When the jury members return to their seat, I inhale, holding my breath.

When they hand the judge the verdict, the courtroom falls to an expectant silence.

And when they read off the charges and deem him guilty of everything, I exhale at last.





WINTER DEVEAUX

CHAPTER 46





CADE HOLDS A champagne glass up. "Here's to our last time at Vincent's and our last night in Paris.”

Jenifer and I hold our glasses up and clink with his. Choosing to drink alcohol, even in small quantities, is a major release for me. I’ve let go of my fears of what happened, or I’m trying to. This is one step of many. I may choose not to drink more often than not, but it will be my choice, not fear controlling me, and tonight I want to celebrate with my friends.

I sip the sweet bubbly and enjoy the taste as it slides down my throat. Vincent didn’t give us the cheap stuff for our celebration.

Vincent brings more bread for us, and I nearly cry thinking about leaving the delicious appetizer. I’ve never had such a bond to a carb before. "I'm sad to see you go,” he says. “It has been an honor to serve you all."

Jenifer sniffles, emotion overcoming her, though probably not because of the food. "We'll miss it here.”

Vincent puts a finger under her chin and tilts her face up to his. "Don't be sad. I started this restaurant to give people a place where they could rest on their journey through Paris. But perhaps for you it is a journey through life, and now it must continue."

Jenifer smiles up at him. "You have a phone number?"

He smiles back.

As Jenifer and Vincent exchange contact information, Cade and I eat the last of our dinner. He hands me the last breadstick. “For you. I wouldn’t dream of taking it for myself.”

I laugh and split it in half, offering to share, and we savor each bite.

Cade checks his phone. "It's time.” He pulls out his wallet to pay, but Vincent waves him away. “I will not take money from friends,” Vincent says.

Our bags are packed and waiting for us in the dorm, so it only takes a moment to grab them and load up the van taking us to the airport.

The sun has set, and the Eiffel Tower is lit up bright with thousands of lights, like a beacon for the downtrodden and romantically starved, except I am no longer either. Still, it calls to me, and I thank this great city for all it taught me in such a short time.

Au revoir, Paris. I will carry you in my heart forever.





3 MONTHS LATER

WINTER DEVEAUX

CHAPTER 47





IT'S A WEEK of milestones. Tonight we celebrate me, tomorrow, Cade.

I’d be happier about this event, except I’m pretty sure Jenifer is trying to suffocate me by crushing my ribs in this dress. “Does it have to be so tight around the waist? I don’t want to pass out.”

“You’re such a whiny bitch, and I’m pretty sure you’re bloated, because this fit last week.” She’s relentless as she zips me up and glues me into the gown. “You want to look stunning, don’t you? This is your party after all, Miss New York Times Bestseller.”

I still can’t believe it. The Ice Queen hit the NYT Bestseller list the day our court case ended in Paris. Now we’re celebrating with a reading and epic party in the plushest hotel in New York. I’m kind of famous, it turns out.

Cade knocks on the bathroom door. “Ladies, it’s time to head downstairs.”

I check my face in the mirror and smile. I may feel like a mannequin in all this makeup and finery, but I look like a movie star. Jenifer opens the door and ‘reveals’ me with a dramatic wave of her hand.

Cade’s eyes widen, and in three long strides he’s got his arms around me. “You look good enough to eat.”

I laugh. “I look like a cake decoration, that’s why.”

He kisses me. “Sweeter than cake. And tastier.”

“You don’t look too bad yourself, cowboy.” He’s got the yumminess factor down, with his black tux. I tried to talk him into wearing his cowboy hat, but he insisted it wouldn’t be proper.

Jenifer clears her throat. “Don’t mess her up. I spent hours putting her together just so.”

“See? Cake decoration. Or doll," I say. "You might have to carry my corpse home though, because I’m going to run out of air soon, and I can't draw in more thanks to my sadistic best friend.”

He holds out his arm. “Then we’d best get to your party.”

The ballroom at the hotel is decked out in candles, flowers and gorgeous fabrics with a tall Christmas tree in the corner. It’s like a Christmas wedding reception, only with a table featuring copies of my book for signing and a podium where I’ll do a live reading.