by Lindsey Gray
“As my husband said, we are regaining our lives. We are taking each day one step at a time, healing a little with each step. What I went through was nothing compared to Finn’s.” She tried to hold back the tears. She couldn’t though as they began to fall. “It still isn’t any less real. The only reason I’m standing here today is because I had Finn with me. If those three days they had kept him away from me had turned into weeks or even months, I know I would have never made it. They can never be punished enough for the hole they ripped in our lives or the lives of their children. I will find comfort in the thought that because of people like you, Your Honor, and Mr. Shepherd, justice has truly been served.”
She took a deep breath as Finn cradled her in his arms.
“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. O’Malley.”
The judge began to look through some of his papers as they returned to their seats.
They stayed wrapped up in each other as Viktor and Camille stood to receive their sentences.
“For the crime of assault in the first degree, you are hereby sentenced to no less than forty-eight months in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. For the crime of possession of child pornography, you are hereby sentenced to no less than one hundred and twenty months in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. For the crime of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor, you are hereby sentenced to no less than one hundred and fifty months in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. For the crime of kidnapping, you are hereby sentenced to no less than two hundred and thirty-four months in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In accordance to your plea, the assault, sexual abuse, and kidnapping charges will all be served concurrently, with the possession charge to be carried out thereafter.”
Finn let it all go. The tears were happily flowing as he heard the slam of the gavel. A total of at least three hundred and fifty-four months in prison, twenty-nine and a half years. He didn’t want to know when they would be eligible for parole, but Max assured him it was a long way down the road. Finn didn’t actually see either Viktor or Camille making it out the other side.
Finn took one last look at Camille as she faced him with Viktor in her arms. She mouthed, “I’m so sorry,” as tears streamed down her face. All he could do was nod in acknowledgment of her words. Somehow, Finn actually believed her.
“Surprise!” About a hundred of their friends and family had gathered in the O’Malley’s living room when they arrived home from Montana.
Rylan glowed as she made her way over to Lucy and Finn.
“Tell me you love it? I know you do, but tell me anyway,” Rylan pleaded as her arms surrounded Finn’s waist.
He looked at the room full of soft light and music. Fragrant flowers and presents. A table with hundreds of presents he knew they could never accept.
Finn looked down to see the love and excitement in his sister’s eyes. “I love it. Definitely a surprise.” He kissed Rylan on top of her head.
“A welcome home-slash-wedding reception,” She chirped as she squeezed Lucy’s hand. “We wanted you guys to celebrate. You both so deserve it.”
Finn saw Aiden out of the corner of his eye and squinted. “This is why you wanted to stay for the rest of the week.”
“Yep…and…” Finn saw him wave someone over from the other side of the room.
She took her little steps until she was right in front of Finn. He took her tiny frame in his arms. “Thanks for coming.”
“I’ve missed you. Maybe not as much as Aiden, but enough.”
“Thanks, Bryn.” Finn pulled back from her and turned to Lucy. “This is my wife.”
Lucy instantly took Bryn in her arms. “Thank you so much for coming and taking care of our Aiden.”
Bryn pulled back and held Lucy’s hands in hers as Aiden found her shoulders. “It’s been a full-time job, but the benefits are worth it.”
Aiden dipped in and kissed Bryn’s cheek, slipping his arms around her waist.
“He’s happy and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for him.” Finn patted Aiden on the head.
“You too, brother. You too.”
Finn and Lucy spent the rest of the night dancing and talking, listening to all kinds of music, but most of all, laughing. Laughing like there was no tomorrow.
Finn twirled the girls around and acted like a complete idiot as if he were drunk. Actually, he was, at least, drunk on life. Finally taking every fiber of it in. Loving his wife, his parents, Rylan, Aiden and even Lane and Jack. Then feeling truly blessed to have two real angels in his life. Those precious little beauties would be nothing like their former family. They would be O’Malleys. They were his sisters, and he would protect them with his life.
Their lives were finally coming full circle, and he knew what the answer would be when the question came.
“You really think you can do it?” Aiden looked at Finn wearily.
He nodded. He was almost as nervous facing the future as he had been facing Viktor, although he knew he could do it.
“Yes, Aiden. I know I can.”
Finn couldn’t believe how nervous he’d become. He had faced so many obstacles over the past year, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to face all of them.
Finn and Lucy had checked into the hotel about an hour before. It was the first time they had gone anywhere by themselves as a married couple. It felt strange but good when they checked in as Mr. and Mrs. O’Malley. He wasn’t so sure the front desk clerk believed them, but then he noticed her checking out their rings.
“Shouldn’t he be here by now?”
“He said six-thirty and it’s just six twenty-five.” Finn adjusted the watch on his wrist.
He knew he needed to stay calm, but as the minutes ticked by, his nerves began to fray.
At seven o’clock a knock came at the door. Finn opened it.
“I know. I know. I’m late.” Aiden rushed passed Lucy, and Finn closed the door behind him.
“What took you so long?” He was hardly ever late, for anything.
“It’s Bryn.”
“Is she okay?” Lucy went to pat his shoulder.
“She’ll be fine, after she stops puking.”
“Man, I’m sorry. That’s terrible.” Finn shook his head.
“Yeah. She was really looking forward to tonight. The place we’re going has some really great music. I even brought my guitar because the owner lets me jam sometimes. Maybe you would…”
Aiden’s eyes met Finn’s. In an instant, Finn knew what he was thinking.
“No. No way. I came here for a nice vacation. You can’t make me go up on that stage with you.”
“Come on, man. It’ll be like old times. Please.”
Finn paced around the room for a moment. He knew he might have to face the so-called friends he had left behind at Two Roads. He’d never dreamed of performing in front of any of them again. Aiden was his best friend, and he had gone above and beyond for Finn in the past year. There was no way he could deny him.
“Okay, if we get the chance. I’ll do it.”
They had spent about an hour at Rusty’s Blues Joint, the best blues bar on the West Coast according to Aiden. Most of the time was spent being hugged by girls and patted on the backs by guys when they met Lucy. Everyone Finn knew from Two Roads seemed to be there and approved of Lucy and his marriage. He had a few girls tell him how sorry they were and that they should have never believed the viscous lies that had been spread.
Even Rusty himself came over to their table. He offered his sympathy and his congratulations with a firm handshake.
Finn never expected the tap on his shoulder as he, Lucy, and Aiden enjoyed the band on stage.
“Finn.”
Finn turned to see a face that literally made him sick. “Veronica.”
Lucy’s jaw dropped as she took in all of Veronica.
“This is my wife, Lucy. Lucy, this is Veronica. Aiden’s ex-girlfriend.”
“I know who she is, Finn.” Lucy didn’t accept the hand that was offered.
Veronica dropped her hand to her side. “Guess I deserve that. I really want to say I’m sorry. I really had no idea. I jumped to the wrong conclusion and have regretted it every day since.”
“You regret it because you know you were wrong or just because you lost Aiden over it?” Aiden lifted an eyebrow to her to ask the same question while Finn wondered how sorry she really was.
“I was wrong.” Her voice trembled as her bottom lip quivered. Finn had never seen Veronica cry, but she’d looked as though she might burst into tears any second.
“Aiden? You and your friend want to play for awhile?” Rusty asked as he squeezed Aiden’s shoulder.
“Absolutely. I’ve got our cases in the car.”
“Well, come on backstage, and I’ll introduce you to some of the new guys.”
Aiden jumped up and started to drag Finn out of his chair.
Before Finn could leave, he turned to Lucy and gave her a soft, passionate kiss, not only for her benefit, but for Veronica’s as well.
“Go get ‘em. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Now, you know I have a soft spot for new talent. So, I’ll turn it over to one our favorite amateurs, Aiden, and his friend, Finn.”
The crowd roared as Finn and Aiden walked onto the stage with their guitars. They took their seats on the two stools, side by side.
“Thank you. I always love playing at Rusty’s. Now, let’s get this started and pop my best friend’s Rusty cherry.”
The audience filled with laughter before Aiden and Finn began playing their favorite blues medley.
Finn couldn’t have imagined an even more thunderous applause, but it happened—a standing ovation.
After they finished, they stood next to the stage, accepting the congratulations of those present. Finn noticed one man just hanging back. He seemed like he was just waiting for an opportunity to pounce, maybe a reporter. It made him a little uncomfortable.
He approached cautiously and held out his hand for Aiden to shake.
“Wonderful performance. I’m glad I decided to come.”
Aiden shook his hand not suspecting a thing of it.
He turned to Finn, who watched him with apprehensive eyes. The man reached into his inside coat pocket and pulled out a business card.
“My name is Steven Randall.” He handed his card to Finn. “I’m a producer for Outright Productions.”
“I’ve heard of you,” Aiden said before taking the card from Finn. “You represent Johnny King.”
“Yep, one of the best guitar players around. He’s actually the reason I’m here. I’m a friend of Rusty’s, and he said you played here sometimes. Johnny heard the song you guys posted on your website. I knew I needed to hear you live. Johnny is looking for a few more guys for his next album. He’s recording it this spring with a planned tour next summer. I would really be interested in sitting down with the two of you to see what you’ve got.”
“Yes! Of course.” Aiden grabbed Steven’s hand and began to shake it. “We’d love to. Wouldn’t we, Finn?”
Finn turned to Lucy and saw the absolute joy in her eyes. He took a deep breath and composed himself. “Sure. Talk, I mean. We’re both going to be in school. Can we work around it?”
“I would never dream of interrupting your studies. Johnny will be in town on Friday. I’m sure he’d love to meet you two. We could get together at the studio. What do you think?”
Aiden was about to pee himself he was so excited.
“Sounds terrific.”
Lucy and Aiden’s arms both surrounded Finn as he finally saw a glimpse of his perfect future on the horizon.
Lucy had been distracted all morning. Her latest book review was due to her editor that afternoon, and she couldn’t give the last sentence that oomph she knew it needed.
She sat at her computer, letting her mind wander to everything that had happened to bring her family to that day.
Finn, Lucy, Rylan, and Jack started at NYU as planned, taking up an entire floor of an apartment building for the better part of four years. Lucy stuck with her major in English with a minor in communications. How she pulled that off, she still didn’t know. Finn majored in instrumental music and even got some extra credits for his compositions that ended up on an album. He and Aiden spent five days over spring break that year recording with Johnny King. Then that summer, they did a fourteen-city tour in six weeks. It was just a warm up for what was to come.
Next, they released an acoustic album featuring all original music by Aiden and Finn. When Finn realized that they were not bad lyricists, they added a few vocals provided by Lucy and Rylan. That album put Lucy and Rylan on the map. As “Midnight Blue,” their first single was number one only two weeks after the album was released. Singing for the album in the recording studio was one thing, but Lucy’s first live performance was as if she’d stepped into a whole new world. Eventually, she stopped puking before every performance and got used to the nerves. It became like an old friend, one she dealt with quickly and quietly whenever it was time.
Rylan, on the other hand, had nerves of steel. She majored in communications, which came in handy as well. She became the unspoken manager of them all. She dealt with their manager and the producers, the label and all the venues. She was actually really good at it. She kept them all organized and on task.
Jack kept his aspirations on task, being the third pick overall that year in the NBA draft. The first year, Jack was the back up center. When he was brought in for an injured first-string center during the playoffs, he won the game with a last second three pointer, and he earned a spot in the starting line-up. That night, he proposed to Rylan. Six months later, they married in a fairytale ceremony only Claire could construct. Jack went on to hold the record for most three pointers scored in a game in the team’s history.
Aiden, he couldn’t wait as long as the rest of them. He and Bryn got married their sophomore year and took up residence in the same apartment building where the rest of the gang lived. It became a lot easier for them all to work on the first “Midnight Blue” album. Bryn joined in occasionally on the keyboard since they had a few songs that called for it.
So they had their platinum records and the championship rings, yet they all still lived in their home town in the same area they grew up in. How silly it was, but really there was no other place they really wanted to be.
Chloe and Olivia had grown into such beautiful and smart young girls. Chloe at ten was smarter than Lucy ever was. She loved to read. Lucy spent hours talking to her about the classics, and Chloe would soak up every word in amazement. Olivia was girlie when she needed to be, but was a complete sports nut. At eight, she was the number one scorer in her soccer league. To top it all off, Lane was her coach. She called him Uncle Lane. It always brought such a smile to Lucy’s face how they really were one big happy family.
A few months before, Lucy was asked to take part in a new magazine called “Celebrity Passions.” It was made up of articles from celebrities ranging from art, music, film, literature, fashion, and much more. She had been given the task of being the critic in residence. Having a lot of time to read while on the road, she was able to write up several reviews rather quickly. The magazine liked them so much, they signed her to a two year contract with her own column for each monthly issue.
Yet, this month’s issue was a little harder than the rest. It was not the typical classic that she loved, but a love story all the same. About a young girl that, despite everything inside her that told her to run, she fell in love with an unattainable man. She had really loved it, but for some reason couldn’t form the words to make it perfect.
“Luce?”
Her husband’s voice pulled her out of her memory fog. “Yeah, hun?”
“Where’s my tie with the green lizard on it?” His voice was slightly muffled from the closet.
“It’s on the tie rack with the rest of your ties. You’re not really going to wear that one are you?”
; She heard a muffled giggle. He knew Lucy hated that tie. She had threatened to throw it out several times. He had gotten it as a gift from the label after his first album. Something having to do with one of their songs they thought was about reptiles, but Lucy never got it.
“I thought I might.” Finn had the tie around his neck as he stood in the doorway to their closet.
“You’re trying to torture me, aren’t you?”
He swaggered over to her with a sultry grin sliding across his lips until he stood right beside her.
“Just a little.” He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss.
“How about you wear the black silk one.”
“Of course. What would I do without you?”
She opened her mouth to speak but was silenced as one of his slender fingers came up to press against her lips.
“That was a rhetorical question.” Lucy smirked as his finger left her lips. “How much more do you have to do?”
“Almost finished. I just need that last sentence to tie it all together.”
He came behind her and started reading over her shoulder.
“Why don’t you do this.” He brought his arms around Lucy and his fingers started tapping at the keyboard.
When he was finished, she sat back in awe. It’s exactly what she was trying to say.
When faced with an impossible love, no matter what the risk or consequence, you take the chance. A life without that kind of love is no life at all.