Freedom of Love (Letter From Home #2)(26)

After sharing a cup of coffee at a small diner across the street, I hugged Rachel and Clarice goodbye on the sidewalk. Heaving a sigh, I began walking, no particular direction in mind. My thoughts were swirling as I finally allowed Brody’s words to settle deep in my chest. The sound of a horn honking next to me startled me out of my musings. Jerking around, I saw a big, black truck pull up next to me, Brody’s wide grin beaming at me from the driver’s seat.

He parked and jogged around to assist me up, placing a kiss on my lips before shutting the door. As soon as he was settled, he turned to me, “So how did it go?”

“We have a court date next month.” My words were blandly informative but I finally allowed my nerves to show as I heaved a huge sigh.

Taking my hands, he said, “It’ll be fine. I’ll be right there.”

“But what if—”

“Don’t go there, babe. No matter what happens at that hearing, you’re free now. That’s what counts.”

I held his gaze for a long moment, sucking my lips in, before speaking. “Brody…did you tell me you loved me earlier?”

“Oh, man, yes, but that’s not how I meant to tell you,” he moaned. “It should have been in the moonlight with a song playing from my speakers. Or in bed when we were holding each other. Or—”

Grinning, I shook my head while placing my fingers on his lips. “Nope,” I argued. “It was perfect. It just came out because you were worried about me and wanted me to take a piece of you into that meeting.”

“I do love you,” he said, his dark eyes melting me.

“I love you too,” I replied, leaning forward to gently kiss him.





Chapter 13




(January – Brody and Molly)


Walking out onto the steps of the courthouse, Molly looked up into the bright blue sky, breathing the cold, crisp winter air deeply. Susan stopped next to her, offering a congratulatory hug. Thanking her former social worker, she held her tightly. Next came Rachel and her counselor, both hugging her as well. Rachel came through with flying colors, her testimony strong and sure, and with her counselor’s assistance and the care of Clarice, she would be fine.

Thelma followed the group, stepping up to Molly as well. “I don’t usually go for the expulsion of criminal records, but you were a special case,” she said, her usual brisk manner lightened by her smile. “Congratulations…you are truly free.”

As the others made their way to their vehicles, Brody stepped back to her side, clasping her hand in his. Kissing the top of her head, he escorted her down the steps. At the bottom, he reached inside his coat and pulled out a small box, wrapped in brown paper with a red ribbon.

“What’s this?” she said, beaming her smile up at him.

“Open it and see,” he laughed.

She took the package and unwrapped it, revealing a small, older book entitled Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hahn. Taking it in her hand, she looked back up at Brody as he explained, “It’s not a mystery, but it’s a signed copy and one of his quotes is in the front.”

Curious, she opened the front cover and read, “In true love, you attain freedom.” Her chin quivered as silent tears fell down her cheeks.

Taking her face in his hand, he wiped her tears with his thumbs. “Baby,” he said, his breath warm against her skin. “We were both prisoners in our own wars. But our love has given us freedom.”

With a soft, gentle kiss, one full of promises of years to come, they wrapped their arms around each other, walking forward together.