Full Circle (Shattered Lives, Book Five)

by Rissa Blakeley

  “Yeah. He said he thought of me as a son.

  She smiled. “He’s a good man.”

  “Agreed.” I wrapped my arms around her once more. “Love you.”

  “Love you, too.” She broke our embrace and went to Charli.

  I turned away and walked to Gunther and Cora. Tucked between his arm and body, they clasped hands. I smiled at the outward display of affection between them.

  I cleared my throat. “I’m not even sure what to say.” Gunther shrugged. “Thank you for taking care of everyone in my absence.”

  “You’re welcome,” Cora and he said together.

  “I hope you’ll come out for a visit.”

  “Definitely. It’ll be nice to take this bird to London.”

  I laughed and held out my hand. He stared down at it for a moment, then smiled. Breaking his hold on Cora, he stepped forward and embraced me, then smacked the back of my head. “Take care of yourself. If you ever do something like that again, I will cut your bollocks off and feed them to you.”

  “Point taken. I’ll definitely remember that.”

  He pulled away, lifting his brow.

  Next in line was Elaina, tears staining her cheeks. “Promise me you will take care of her.”

  I placed my palm over my heart. “I will. I’ll make sure she calls with every detail.”

  “I will forever be angry with you,” she said, stepping forward. I glanced at Will, looking for approval. When he gave me a tight nod, I wrapped my arms around Elaina. “But you’ll always have a place in my heart.”

  We both stepped back. I rested my palms on her shoulders. “I can’t even say how sorry I am.”

  “This seems crazy to say, but it worked out best for both of us.”

  “You’re right.” I leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I moved to Will, holding out my hand. He shook it, then smiled. “Thanks,” I said. “Make sure you come out and visit.”

  “You’re welcome, and we will. It’ll be nice to get away from the daily grind and visit someplace new.”

  I smiled and gazed to my right. “My son,” I said, approaching Nick. He pulled me into a massive hug. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you, too, Pops.”

  “I’m proud of you and so thankful you found me.” We stepped back. “Get your vacation time lined up.”

  “I will.”

  “I love you, Nicky.”

  He rolled his eyes, then gave me his best British accent. “Pops, I’m not a wee lad.” I laughed. “Love you, too.”

  I turned to see Elaina and Will crying, holding Charli. It tugged at my heartstrings. “You listen to your father and let him help you,” Elaina said, wiping Charli’s tears away.

  “I promise.”

  “I just know this is going to be good for you,” Will said. “You’re going to make so many strides, no one will be able to keep up.”

  They hugged her one last time before she turned to Nick. He pulled her into a hug. “I’ll miss you. Send me pictures of everything you do and see.”

  “I will.”

  “Promise me you’ll let Pops help you.”

  “I swear.”

  “Good.” He let go and turned away, cheeks flushed, embarrassed about his emotional state.

  “You ready, lass?” I asked Charli.

  “Yes. I’m really excited.”

  “Good.” I grabbed her carry-on before wrapping my arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go.” She looked behind her and waved at everybody.

  Her smile… I would always remember it. My little lass was troubled and not straight in the mind, but I knew we would get her on the path she needed to be on.

  Chapter 72

  -London-

  Standing in front of one of the cases at Leonard’s, I looked at my wrist, checking my watch. I felt bad for making him meet me so late, but I needed to get a ring right away.

  Charli tapped on the glass. “I like that one.”

  “Yeah?” I looked up at him. “Can I see it?”

  “Of course.” He reached into the case and set the ring on a velvet mat on the glass top. “The sapphire is set in a halo of forty-four diamonds. It’s an exquisite piece.”

  “Does she like sapphires?” Charli asked, slipping it on her finger.

  “She does. Last Christmas, I bought her a sapphire necklace and she wears it almost every day.”

  “Then I’d say it’s perfect,” she said with a nod.

  “We’ll take it.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out my wallet, handing my credit card to Leonard. Once the transaction was complete, he placed the ring into a little box and handed it to me.

  I slipped it into my jacket pocket and gazed at my daughter, who was mesmerized by all the silver jewelry in the next case.

  “Which one do you like?” I asked.

  She pointed to a simple pendant…a small feather attached to the thin chain. “That one.”

  “Is it time for you to get your wings?”

  She furrowed her brow, then smiled. “With your help, I will get my wings and soar.”

  “If you want it, I’ll get it for you.”

  “I’d like to wait.” I tilted my head a little. “I need to earn it by working at your store.”

  I smiled. “Deal. Thank you again, Len. I appreciate you seeing us at this hour.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “I have a pocket watch that needs some repairs. I’ll bring that by in a couple days.”

  “Excellent. I’ll see you then.”

  I gave him a slight nod before Charli and I left, walking across to the bookstore. I keyed in the security code and pressed my thumb to the print reader. The door unlocked and we walked inside.

  Charli’s eyes widened. “This is spectacular,” she breathed out, walking down an aisle.

  I laughed and relocked the door. “Come on. Let’s get you upstairs. I will be in here all day tomorrow. You can explore the entire store then.” She came back, three books in hand. Laughing, we walked to the back, through the door, and up the stairs.

  Not sure if ’Chelle were sleeping, I knocked before we entered.

  “This is nice,” Charli whispered, looking around.

  “’Chelle?” I called out.

  “Coming…” She came out of the second bedroom, quickly walking down the hall to us. “I missed you so much.”

  “Same.” I set the luggage on the floor and wrapped my arms around my beautiful woman. “Love you, doll.”

  A nervous jitter ran through my body. My heart raced, my thoughts swam. I didn’t think I could wait much longer.

  “Love you, too.”

  I stepped away and gestured to my daughter. “Charli, this is Michelle. Michelle, this is my little lass.”

  “It’s such a pleasure to finally get to meet you. Your dad told me all about your love for books. I’m so excited for you to stay a while.” Charli’s cheeks flushed, her gaze dropping to the floor. “Bring her luggage in.”

  When we entered the bedroom, Charli’s eyes grew wide once again. “I love this!” she said, walking toward her bed. “And a huge bed! I only have a twin at Mom’s.” She sat, testing the mattress.

  I gazed around the room at the dark wood furnishings set off by purple accents. “Looks great.”

  “Thanks,” Michelle said, smiling.

  I couldn’t get over how much she was glowing. She finally had a child to love, nurture, and spoil. Everything felt so good. “Listen, Charli, we’re going to head to bed. The loo is across the way. Make yourself at home.”

  “I’m pretty tired myself. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight,” ’Chelle and I murmured, closing the door behind us.

  I took her hand and guided her down to her…our bedroom. As soon as I closed the door, she spun around. “You’re staying with me tonight?”

  “If you’d like me to.”

  “You know I do.” She stood on her tiptoes and pressed a
kiss to my lips.

  I groaned. “I need to fuck you so bad, but I have something to tell you first.”

  She stepped back, fear tracking in her gaze.

  I couldn’t wait another second. It wasn’t romantic, but I needed to do it now.

  I pulled the ring box out of my jacket and dropped to one knee. She gasped and covered her mouth.

  “This trip has opened my eyes, making me see so many things I need to change. I’m so thankful to have your love and support. I know I haven’t been the best man or lover, but I now know I can’t go another day like this. I should’ve stepped up ages ago, but my fears held me back. For the most part, I’ve conquered them. I want to know if you’ll do me the honor of being my wife.”

  She nodded, trying to hold back her tears. “Yes…yes…yes,” she whispered, her voice catching.

  I stood and took her hand, slipping the ring on her finger. “Perfect fit.”

  She threw her arms around me and let her emotions out. She wept against my shoulder as I pulled her in tighter. I wasn’t about to let another one go.

  EPILOGUE

  “It’s going to be okay. Just remember that… Always.”

  —Henry, Blind Faith, 2015

  I heard nothing, but I could see everything…bright and vivid. White, the perfect complement to her dark hair, cascading in waves just past her shoulders. The words spoken fell on deaf ears. At least, that was the case for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to hear the poetic tradition, but I was quite preoccupied with looking at the woman I was about to marry…without fear, worry, or anything breaking me.

  She took my breath away, but breathed life back in.

  She gave me peace, quieting all the debilitating noise.

  She made me feel secure when I was terrified of my own thoughts.

  She saved me when all was lost, including my heartbeat.

  I owed her so much more, but I would give her the happily ever after she deserved.

  Because of her, all my hardships disappeared, nothing but love surrounding me. I could look at each person in the church and know not only did they have my back, but I also had theirs. I had never been so content, satisfied, and relaxed in my life.

  A soft smile lifted her lips, a sight only for me through the haze of white.

  Sound rushed back in, jolting me back to the moment.

  “You may now kiss the bride.”

  I smiled and lifted the veil over Michelle’s head, allowing it to trail back over her long locks. I touched her tear-stained cheeks with my thumbs, cradling her face gently in my palms. Leaning forward, our lips connected, both smiling through the kiss.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you… Mr. and Mrs. Luke Richards.”

  “You ready, my beautiful wife?” I whispered, the words brushing across her soft lips. She nodded. I took her hand as we took our first step as husband and wife.

  The gathering was small, held in a quaint church just outside London, but it was the perfect setting for us. Everyone cheered as we passed by, and I couldn’t have been any happier.

  Charli, Michelle’s Maid of Honor, and Nick, my Best Man, followed behind us. Both stopped at the door as we walked outside, waiting for everyone to exit.

  I had a moment of fear and looked around, checking for anything that could spoil our perfect day.

  “You okay?” Michelle asked.

  I shook myself free from the horrid memory and put it to rest. “Yeah. Sorry. It’s been a great day.” I smiled.

  “I agree.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed me.

  “I cannot wait to tear that dress off of you and kiss every part of your body,” I whispered. Her cheeks flushed, the color going all the way down to her chest and into her cleavage.

  The doors opened, Nick and my mum walking out, arm in arm. I felt sad for her. This life hadn’t been easy, throwing challenge after challenge at her, but I was so glad she finally found joy in life, even if it were just temporary.

  Two days after I left New York, Jeb passed. When she called me crying, I cried with her. He made my mother smile, bringing a happiness to her she had never experienced before. I wanted to fly back out to help her through her pain, but she insisted I stay in London and take care of Charli, Michelle, and our store. Two months later, Mum moved into my flat.

  Nick walked her to us, then headed back inside. “Mum…” I wrapped my arms around her. She felt frail, but I knew she was a lioness ready to take on the world.

  “I’m so proud of you,” she said, kissing me on the cheek. She stepped back and took Michelle’s and my hand. “You have come so far.”

  I glanced at my wife. “I have.”

  “We have,” Michelle corrected, smiling.

  “Seeing you this happy… I’m beyond words. I love you both so much. Congratulations.” She patted me on the arm and walked past, taking a seat on the bench in front of the church.

  Next were Cora and Gunther, my sworn enemy turned brother in a fight to stay alive. I hurt him deeply. I would never forgive myself for the pain I caused, but I knew it was necessary in order for all of us to move forward.

  We chatted several times over the phone. He admitted his anger for me made him not want to get close again. I understood, but the more we talked, the closer we got, making me feel so privileged once again to have him as my brother.

  I couldn’t be prouder of him, knowing he realized what he had been searching for was standing right in front of him, screaming for him to listen.

  We clasped hands and embraced. “Thank you for everything,” I said, pulling away. “If it weren’t for your strength, this would not be happening today. Right from the beginning, mate, you saved us. All of us.”

  His eyes welled and Cora intertwined her fingers with his, supporting him. “Don’t make me all bloody emotional, you fucking knob.”

  I busted out laughing. “I’m sure Cora has a packet of tissue to blot your nancy tears.”

  “Oh, fuck off. Christ.”

  Gasping, Cora smacked him on the arm and pushed him along. “Shh. This is a house of worship.” I couldn’t help but laugh more.

  Then their kids came out—Everette, Grey, Joel, Callie, Silas, and Kate, who held her own little lass.

  After his third stay, Joel left rehab and moved in with Gunther and Cora. He got himself a job at the diner and started at the college near their home. They were proud of his accomplishments, as was I. I knew all too well about being an addict and how staying sober was more work than most realized.

  I watched Nick as Evie walked up to him, his face lighting up. He gave her a quick kiss and headed back inside.

  When he helped me get ready earlier that morning, he confessed he had an entire proposal planned for when they got home. I made sure Gunther was in on it because I’d like to see my son get married alive.

  Gunther’s eldest daughter, Josie, walked out with her husband Jake and their grown twin girls. When Gunther asked if we would invite them, wanting to treat them to a trip across the pond, I happily obliged. We murmured congratulations and thank yous before they went and stood with the rest of the Erikkson clan.

  Lastly, Elaina walked out with Will, who had Charli’s arm tucked in his, Nick holding his mother’s. My daughter broke away and ran up to me, throwing her arms around my neck.

  “Congrats, Dad.” She touched Michelle’s cheek. “And Mom.”

  My wife smiled and reached for Charli. “I love you so much, lass.”

  My heart thundered, full of love at hearing their exchange. The acceptance between the two calmed Charli’s mental health, and I couldn’t be more pleased to see them so loving with one another.

  I pulled my daughter into my arms. “Thank you for all your help. You made today run smoothly.”

  We stepped apart. I couldn’t help but smile at the woman she had become. When we first met, she was so broken, I feared for her. PJ was now down to seeing her every other week. The improvements, emotionally and physically, were remarkable.

  However, ther
e had been a few setbacks.

  Shortly after arriving, she became furious with me over not letting her date some bloke who visited our store. With his encouragement, she ran away with him, leaving Michelle and I beside ourselves. Yes, she was a grown woman, but I explained that she needed to take care of and love herself before she could be in a relationship.

  It took me a week to find her. I found the jackoff, who led me right to Charli after we had a nice man-to-tosser chat…with my fists…to his face…at least a half-dozen times. Thankfully, Michelle was there to stop me or I might have killed him. It was the first time I had gotten physical with anyone in a long time.

  When Charli saw how distraught I was, she came back home without an argument.

  The recovery from the disagreement lingered for a month, but one evening rattled me to my very core. It took me about three hours to get her to hand over the razor blades she had picked up at the store. Elaina and Will threatened to bring her home if she fell back into her patterns and I didn’t right the situation. I called PJ in to have a session with her and me so we could begin healing.

  Now at a healthy weight, she carried herself tall—her shoulders back, a smile on her face. We worked hard at learning how to keep one another strong, pulling together, making each moment memorable.

  Once ready, we got her enrolled into university. She did brilliantly in her first semester, and we were so proud of all her accomplishments. She still had a lot of work ahead of her, but she explored everything with a new attitude.

  “Turn around, lass.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small token to keep her motivated.

  “Why?” she asked, turning away from me. I opened the latch and rested the feather pendant against her throat. She gasped. “Daddy…”

  She spun around and I cupped her face with my palm. “Now you have your wings. It’s time for you to fly, lass. Soar beyond the sky.”

  “I promise.”

  “That’s my Charli.”

  As she walked off, I saw her playing with the feather. I looked up to see Nicky waiting patiently.

  “Pops.”

  I laughed. “My son. I have something for you, too.”