by Lindsey Gray
“For such short legs, that girl can sure run fast.” Claire pecked Finn’s cheek as Murphy carried Chloe, setting her down next to Olivia.
“I hear you guys have decided to sign up for some online courses,” Murphy said while trying to tame Chloe’s hair.
“Yep. We were telling Lane we didn’t want to get behind if we decide to go to the city next fall.”
“It’s good that you’re looking to the future. I know you want to get on with your lives, but you don’t have to do everything in the next few weeks.” Claire pulled out some juice from the fridge.
“I want to get it over with. I don’t think I’ll be able to concentrate much longer.” Lucy snuggled up to Finn as he picked up Olivia.
“Fine, but please promise me after the wedding, you two will settle into a regular schedule with Dr. Styles and take some time to heal.”
“Of course, Mom.”
Claire poured the girls their juice as Murphy and Lane settled them down at the table. Finn and Lucy took a seat across from the girls as Murphy went behind Claire, kissing her cheek. “What have you two been up to today?”
“Who? Us?” Murphy tried unconvincingly to look innocent. “Well, we had a meeting with Family Services. Just kind of a formality about us being guardians. We wanted to make sure they knew, when it comes time that we want to adopt the girls.”
“Daddy Murphy got you a surprise!”
Finn raised his eyebrow at Chloe. “A surprise? Now, what on Earth would that be?”
Murphy looked to Claire. “Think of it as a wedding present.” Murphy fished through his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. Finn barely caught them as his father threw them to him.
“No way.” Lucy’s jaw dropped as she saw the emblem on the key ring.
“It’s right out front. Go look.” The words weren’t even out of Murphy’s mouth before Lucy grabbed Finn’s hand and pulled him out the door.
Finn gasped as he saw the car parked in front of the house. Lucy jumped up and down at his side while he stood completely stunned.
“How did you guys know?”
Murphy came and put his arm around his son. “A little birdie told me.”
“Rylan,” both Finn and Lucy said at once.
“It’s still sporty, but it’s got enough room for everybody you might want to drag around.”
“Dad…It’s too much.” Finn shook his head in amazement.
“Nothing is too much for the two of you. You deserve so much more than just a car after all you two have been through.”
Finn turned and gave him a hug. “Thanks.”
“Go on. Stop hugging me and take your fiancée for a ride.”
Finn walked over with Lucy to the driver’s side. He dragged his fingertips lightly across the hood as he studied its curves.
“Okay, car master O’Malley. Give me the details of our new ride—other than it’s black.”
Finn brought her to stand with him as he opened the driver’s door. “This is a top of the line piece of engineering, supercharged 2.3 liter engine, and all wheel drive SUV with navigation system, satellite radio, and a dual entertainment system.”
“Oh, God. I can’t believe they did this.” Lucy wrapped her arms around Finn and kissed his neck.
“You want to take it for a ride?”
She pulled back from him as he dangled the keys in front of her.
“Don’t wait up,” she yelled as she hopped in the driver’s seat. “Get your butt in that seat unless you want to eat my dust.”
“I got to see this.” Finn ran around to the passenger’s side and hopped in as she revved the engine. “This is totally hot, you know that, right?”
She bit down on her lip as she hit the accelerator.
Max and the defense attorneys were at the bench, talking over the perspective plea agreement with the judge. Lucy and Finn had agreed to let them go ahead with the terms. They never imagined the Karpovs would actually accept.
Max gave them a nod as he returned to the prosecutions table.
“Mr. and Mrs. Karpov, please rise.” They followed the judge’s instructions, both shackled in orange jumpsuits. A sense of irony filled Finn at seeing Viktor and Camille in chains.
“I assume both of you have consulted with your attorneys and are in agreement with the plea arrangement?”
“Yes, sir,” they both stated.
“Let’s get on with the formalities then, shall we? Viktor Karpov, you are charged with the following offences: kidnapping, aggravated assault, criminal sexual abuse, and possession of child pornography. Under the terms of your plea agreement, how do you plead?”
“Guilty.” He looked the judge straight in the eye, but as soon as the judge dropped his head, Viktor turned to look directly at Finn, giving him a slow smile. Finn’s insides began to churn, and his body flushed with anger. All he could do was glare back as he held Lucy’s hand between both of his. He felt sick.
“Camille Karpov, you are charged with the following: kidnapping, aggravated assault, criminal sexual abuse, and possession of child pornography. Under the terms of your plea agreement, how do you plead?”
“Guilty, your honor.”
As the judge continued to question the defendants, Finn grinned, imagining Viktor getting into a fight with the guards. He secretly hoped he would get tasered within an inch of his life.
“What’s so funny?” Lucy whispered as she brought her lips to Finn’s ear.
“I’ll explain later.” He refocused on the judge again.
“Mr. and Mrs. Karpov will be held without bail until sentencing, when they will be transferred to a federal detention facility. Sentencing is scheduled for September fourteenth. Court is adjourned.”
With one swift rap of the gavel, it was over. Finn held Lucy in his arms as she squeezed him around his waist. Finn watched Viktor as he shuffled toward the courtroom exit, and he could have sworn Viktor winked at him before the bailiff shoved him through the door.
As Lucy, Finn, and their families left the courtroom, they were ushered into a conference room.
“The press is out front. We can get you out, but if you want to make a statement, now would be the time.” Max looked directly to Lane.
“I’ll do it,” Finn said, ignoring the shocked expressions around him. Lucy wasn’t surprise; she knew it was time for him—time to finally speak out. They had discussed that very scenario with Dr. Styles in several of their recent sessions. Finn knew he was ready. No matter how scared or embarrassed he felt, Finn couldn’t let what Viktor and Camille did to him stop him from letting the world know how he felt. “I’m ready.”
Lucy took his hand and smiled as she stuck tight to his side.
“Okay then. I’ll go and make a short statement. I would advise all of you not to answer any questions at this time.”
“I’ll make a statement on behalf of the family.” Finn nodded to himself, his internal monologue accidentally voiced.
“You sure about this, son? Lane or I could—”
Finn cut him off. “No, Dad. I have to do this.”
They stood behind Max as he addressed the press on the front steps of the courthouse. “The family would like to make a short statement. Please, no questions at this time. Mr. Finn O’Malley, ladies and gentlemen.”
Max stepped aside as Finn stepped forward, Lucy steadfast at his side. As he reached the microphone, he ran his fingers through his hair. He squeezed Lucy’s hand at his side.
One deep breath.
“Thank you, Mr. Shepard. First of all, we’d like to thank all of those who have worked so diligently on this case—from Mr. Shepard and everyone at the U.S. Attorney’s office to the FBI and local law enforcement. As I understand, the terms of the plea agreement will not be released until sentencing, therefore I cannot comment on the specifics at this time. I will say that both Lucy and I feel that justice has been served. These two…” He felt himself choking up. He closed his eyes and drew in a breath before he could continue. “These two monsters
will never hurt or take advantage of a child again. I have lived too many years in silence. I’ve spent too many hours worrying that there was nothing that I could do to stop them. Today, I’m starting a new life with this woman by my side. We are looking forward to an amazing future. I refuse to let the pain they have caused us and our families stop us from having the lives we’ve always dreamed of. Thank you all for your wonderful support and thoughtfulness at this trying time in our lives. This is just one chapter to our life story and hopefully soon, we’ll be able to end it and go on to the next.”
Finn stepped back from the microphone as Lucy’s arms surrounded him. Reporters started firing questions as Max tried to calm them all down. All Finn could hear was Lucy’s breath in his ear as she held him close.
Finn felt his father’s hand on his back as he and Lucy broke apart. He ushered them down the stairs and into an awaiting SUV.
“I’m thinking maybe a little shopping spree. You’ve got to get something to wear for your wedding night.” Rylan lifted an eyebrow as she pleaded with Lucy.
“Rylan, hush.” She eyed the people seated around them in the crowded food court in the mall. “You know all the plans for this weekend are still on the down low.”
“I know, but I’m so excited. I can barely contain myself. Aren’t you excited?”
“Yes, I’m excited. I’m thrilled. And to be completely honest, a little bit terrified.”
Rylan scooted her chair closer to Lucy as she whispered, “Oh God, not because I told you about how much it hurts and all that the first time?”
“No,” Lucy whispered back. “I know I’m ready, and I think Finn is, but I don’t want him to think we have to, you know.”
“Oh. If you aren’t going…you know…you should at least have something sexy to sleep in. I know this little boutique. Please, please, please, Lucy. I promise it will be quick.”
Lucy knew she did need something. She really didn’t want to spend her wedding night in a pair of flannel pants and a tank top. Finn had seen her whole collection of sleepwear. It would be her only wedding night, and she did want to look attractive for Finn.
“Fine. Something sexy, but not slutty.”
Rylan jumped out of her seat and pulled Lucy up into a hug.
“Rylan!”
Rylan pulled back when she saw more than a few people staring at them.
“Sorry.” She let Lucy go as her face turned scarlet.
The two of them were gathering up their things to head over to the boutique when they heard an all too familiar voice.
“Lucy. Rylan. Wait up.”
Lucy turned around to see Dave and his familiar jet-black hair and green eyes. He wore a Clarkstown High t-shirt.
“Hey, Dave.” Lucy was polite as he walked up to them.
“Wow. I thought I was going to miss you guys.” He put his hands on his knees attempting to catch his breath. “I wanted to say hi. I haven’t seen you since you got back, Lucy. How are you doing?”
“Good, Dave. Thanks for asking.”
“So…What are you guys up to?”
“Just a little shopping,” Rylan spoke up. “I’m trying to ease Lucy here into the rewards of retail therapy.”
“Oh, alright.” He fidgeted nervously. “I was just thinking, if you guys want, you could come by Mitch’s party this weekend. I know it’s your birthday and all, but I’m sure the gang would love to see you.”
“Thanks, Dave, but we have plans this weekend.” Lucy tried not to laugh. “Finn and I are doing something special since we really didn’t get to celebrate his birthday.”
“Right.” He nodded as his gaze went down to his feet. “How is he? I mean he looked like he was doing okay on TV, but…”
“He’s doing much better. I’ll let him know you asked. I promise, we’ll get together with the whole gang. Give us a couple more weeks. We’re still getting adjusted.”
“Yeah, sure. Well…I better get back to the guys. I’ll see you around.” Lucy knew he was talking more to her than to Rylan, which was flattering but still a little creepy.
“You too.”
As Dave walked out of sight, Rylan grabbed Lucy hand and pulled her from the food court.
They ran to the Bug and hopped in, making it to the boutique in a matter of minutes. Lucy didn’t even have time to find her favorite station on the radio. All the O’Malleys drove like maniacs, Rylan most of all.
“I found a blue one. It matches your wedding colors!”
She held a little, blue, baby doll negligee in front of Lucy.
“I don’t think so. Plus, the fur trim on the bottom is a little much.”
“I thought it might feel good to rub on his skin. Jack has a thing for my pink boa and feathers.”
The image of her brother, naked, being tickled with a feather was a hard one for Lucy to shake, and she shuddered.
Lucy spied something she liked, walked over to a rack, and picked it up. “This is perfect.”
Rylan followed and fingered the sheer fabric. “Wow. I think you’re right. Sexy, but wedding night sexy. It’s on me.”
“No, Rylan. I can…”
“No, I insist. This can be a birthday present.”
“I know you’ve already bought me something else.”
“So? I can’t spoil my new sister?”
Lucy squinted as she pursed her lips. “You know I can never say no to you.”
“Then that’s settled.”
She walked toward the register with Lucy’s birthday present and the blue baby doll.
“Rylan, I said I didn’t like the blue one.”
“I know. It’s for me. Jack will love it.”
Lucy just rolled her eyes as Rylan pulled out her credit card.
“Happy birthday, Luce.” Finn pecked her on the nose as she wound her arms around his neck. She rolled over on top of him, the sheets tangling around her legs.
“I can’t believe it’s finally here.” She kissed his lips at least a dozen times before laying her head on his chest. “Why are you already dressed?”
“I had to get ready to give you your first present.”
She pulled her head up and rested her chin on his chest. “What did you do?”
“Well, it’s more from Aiden, but I had a little to do with it.”
“Oh, God.”
“It’s not that bad. I promise. Just get dressed and meet me down in the living room.”
She reluctantly rolled off him. He rushed out the door to get downstairs and get everything ready.
Jack, Rylan, and Aiden were all in the living room when Finn got there.
“She’s getting dressed. Is everything ready?”
“Yep. It’s streaming as we speak. I’ve got everything hooked up.” Aiden was excited and more than a little proud of himself.
“I still can’t believe we pulled this all together so quick.” Finn rubbed his now sweaty palms on his jeans.
“Don’t worry, man. She’ll love it.”
“Don’t sweat it. You know Lucy swoons every time she hears your music. I swear she played that CD Rylan gave her at least ten hours a day.” Jack rolled his eyes. Finn’s first thought…kill Rylan.
He looked to Rylan and saw her sweet little smile, her head tipped slightly to the side. “It was a combination of some of your recitals. She really missed you. I thought it would help. It was over two years ago, Finn.”
“What was two years ago?” Lucy came prancing down the stairs.
“Since I made you that CD of Finn’s recitals.”
“Oh, that.” She tugged at her bottom lip with her teeth as she took Finn’s hand. “I missed hearing you. I begged Rylan to make me a copy when I heard her listening to it. Don’t blame her.”
“Luce, you never told him that you couldn’t go to sleep without listening to it?” Jack laughed, but Rylan elbowed him in the ribs.
“It’s fine, really. It will make this all the more special. Come here.” Finn pulled her over to sit next to him on the couch. “Wheneve
r you’re ready, Aiden.”
Aiden hit a couple of keys on the laptop hooked up to the big screen. Soon, a live shot of Finn and Lucy’s website popped up. Aiden clicked on the update bar.
“Oh, my God.” Lucy heard the familiar sound of Finn’s music with a little something extra. Aiden had added some additional guitar accompaniment to give it what Finn thought it needed to be complete. Then, the pictures they had taken started to scroll across the screen. “It’s wonderful. When did you have time?”
“Aiden got the photos together, and we recorded the song with the rest of the wedding music while you and Rylan were busy shopping.”
“I love it. It’s on the website?”
“Yep. Aiden put it up this morning.”
Lucy put her hands on both sides of Finn’s face and pulled him in for a kiss. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love it.”
She got up and hugged Aiden. “Thank you.”
After that, she hugged her twin.
“Happy Birthday, Jack.”
“Happy Birthday, Luce. Thanks for my present.”
Lucy pulled back to look at him in confusion. “I haven’t given you anything yet.”
“Rylan showed me what you turned down last night. So, thank you.”
Lucy rolled her eyes as Rylan giggled.
“That’s present number one.” Rylan chirped.
“Rylan, I told you. What you bought last night was enough.”
“What did she buy you?” Finn was more than curious because Lucy hadn’t mentioned anything.
Lucy stared Rylan down as she shook her head.
“What?” Finn asked again.
“It’s kind of a…surprise.”
He lifted an eyebrow as his arms wrapped around her waist. “A surprise…for me?”
“You’ll see tomorrow night.”
Knowing Rylan’s taste, it was most definitely lingerie. Not that he thought Lucy needed anything to make her look any sexier than she already was. It didn’t stop him from feeling a little excited though.
“You can’t fill my head with things like that. I might have to call the minister and marry us right now.” He pulled her in for a kiss.
“Come on now. Breakfast is waiting,” Rylan said as she pulled Lucy from him, leading them all to the kitchen.