Hunter made his way back to them. He held out a hand to Becca and scooped her up in his arms. "We can go now." He nuzzled her neck as he held her close. "I can't even wrap my mind around all this. All that matters is you're safe. Sylvia can't threaten us any more, and Vince will get what's coming to him." His tone was full of anger, same as Becca felt. Still, she couldn't help but sympathize for Amelia, who'd lost her daughter. She was really gone this time. Sylvia wouldn't be coming back.
Becca wrapped her arms around his neck, taking in all of Hunter's warmth and comfort. She had so much to tell him, from what Sylvia said, to Vince's comments.
"Do you want me to drive Becca's car back to the house?" Shara asked.
Becca fished for her keys in her purse and handed them to Shara. "Thank you."
"I'll meet you there in a little while. Someone might want to call Todd and Beverly. This is going to hit the news soon, if it hasn't already."
"I did." Hunter kept Becca close to him. "I'm supposed to let them know when we're home." Becca leaned against him. They were both shaking.
"You gonna be okay to drive?" Jesse asked Hunter. He seemed hesitant to leave their side.
"I'll be all right. I'm ready to get us out of here," Hunter insisted.
"I can drive if you need me to, Hunter," Joe offered. Becca didn't understand why he was here at first, but Shara filled her in earlier that he'd shown up to bring them some things.
"Okay. That might be a good idea. I'm not ready to let Becca go, even though I know she's going to be in the car with me." Hunter ran his hand along the side of her face. "When I saw that picture come in..." He shuddered. "It's over. I just have to keep telling myself the worst is over."
Tears filled Becca's eyes. Today had been a scary reality.
"Oh angel, I'm sorry. I don't mean to make you cry." Hunter wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Let's get out of here and in the comfort of home." He handed Joe his keys.
The entire car ride home, Hunter and Becca curled up together in the backseat, clinging to each other. No one said anything. Joe didn't turn on the radio. There was no reason to say anything. Hunter leaned his head on Becca's. Warm breaths escaped his lips, tickling her skin. She closed her eyes and held tight to the man she loved with all of her heart.
She barely recalled getting home, but then again, Becca was in a daze. Hunter kept an arm around her waist as he led her out of the car and into the house. Shara had already arrived and was waiting for them, and Jesse pulled in soon after.
"If there's anything you two need, call me. I'll get out of the way for the night, but don't hesitate, okay? That was one hell of a scary night. I'm glad it's over. In the end, that's what matters." Shara bear hugged both Becca and Hunter. "I love you guys."
"We love you, too. Thank you for everything," Hunter said.
Becca barely comprehended everything. She could hear the voices, knew who they were and why they were here, but she couldn't shake the fuzzy surroundings feeling.
"Thanks for interpreting for me earlier." Jesse stood nearby.
"Jesse, why don't you and I go talk. I'll show you the letter. Let's give Hunter and Becca a little time to themselves," Joe suggested.
The room emptied pretty quickly. Hunter leaned close to Becca. His face came into clear view, and she shook herself out of the odd state. "You're still shivering," he whispered, pulling the ends of Jesse's jacket tighter around her. "I'm going to turn up the heat a little more. How about some hot tea?" He brushed stringy hair from her face.
Becca nodded, not wanting to pull her hands from the warm jacket pockets. It wasn't that cold in the house, but she couldn't get the shivers to stop.
"Come on. Sit down. I'm afraid if I let you go, you're going to fall over." Hunter gently eased her to the couch. He brought her a blanket, which he draped over her before he went to turn up the thermostat.
She had no idea how long she sat there, lost in her thoughts. Her mind was a jumbled mess, and she couldn't piece too many coherent thoughts together if her life depended on it.
Becca rubbed at her wrists, even though there was nothing there any more. She recalled the cool metal around them, and the way Vince carelessly did what he did. She shuddered, then remembered again she didn't have her ring on. Did Vince take it off? Had she lost it?
Hunter entered the living room, carrying two steaming hot mugs. He set them both on the table, then curled up on the couch with her. Becca repositioned herself so she could talk to him. "I lost my ring." Tears cascaded down her cheeks. "I know it's not the biggest thing to be upset about, considering, but.." She shook her head, painful sobs erupting from deep inside.
Hunter reached in his pocket. "I found it right outside the door of the room you were in. It's right here, angel." He gently picked up her hand and slid the ring back on, then brought her hand to his lips. "I think we're both going to need to continue to talk to our doctors, especially after this. I only got bits and pieces of what was said to you. When you're up to it, I want to hear your side."
Her fingers were shaky. "I'll tell you now."
"You don't have to right away."
"I know. I woke up in a room with Sylvia. She said she was on the island with us, and that you left her to die."
"I don't remember her being there. Not at all. All I know is through these dreams."
"Maybe you did what I did, blocked it out. Not intentionally, but look at the whole thing with Vince and Stuart Ellis. It took another memory to bring that one to light. Maybe our subconscious minds pushed it away." The room heated up, helping to ease Becca's constant shudders. Still, she wrapped the blanket around her tighter.
"I guess that makes sense. So she came after us because we left her to die?" He shook his head.
"She also said Rusty didn't die right away. She tried to help keep him alive and that he was looking for me. I don't know what else she may or may not have done. I don't think I want to know."
"Vince grabbed her right after she left the painting at the gallery," Hunter stated. "He wanted her to die so his secrets could go with. Apparently I was supposed to die with her."
"And he was going to forge marriage papers, then dope me up on medication. Play it off as if I'm the grieving fiancée who went crazy. The one thing that bothers me is that he claimed I had a violent streak. He says I killed Stuart Ellis, and that I attacked him because he told me the truth."
"I don't think you did, Bec. I think that was Vince messing with your head." Hunter sounded very sure. Becca didn't note a hint of disbelief in his voice at all.
"What if he never admits to it? What if they come looking for me once they open up the case?" The thought crossed her mind just now. Oh God!
Hunter grasped her hands in his. "I don't know, but I strongly believe he did it. Don't do this, Bec. One thing at a time, okay?"
She pulled them away to sign. "He said he provoked me at work to go after him for witnesses."
"I knew that man was bad news, I just didn't know how right I was. I want to go tell off the Langes so bad," Hunter growled. He lifted his mug to his lips.
"I still want to clear Rusty and Anne's name, so maybe we should. You and Jesse can come with. Then after that, I want nothing more to do with them. I owe them nothing, and they owe me nothing."
"They owe you years you can't ever get back and a piece of sanity because of that ass Vince," Hunter started, then sighed. "That's just my anger talking."
"It's really over."
"It is. We can work through this and move on. No more looking over our shoulder. No more fear. We're going to get past this. You and I together." Hunter held out his thumb.
A smile played on her lips as she sealed their special promise shake. They were going to be okay. It would take time, and a lot of healing, but Becca knew in her heart that they'd made it through the darkest of the storm.
*****
A week before Christmas, Becca, Hunter, and Jesse took a flight to Vermont to visit the people she once called her grandparents. It took Vince b
eing arrested for them to contact Becca and want to talk.
Today, Hunter and her brother would stand by her side as she said her piece, hear what they have to say, and leave their lives completely. Vince's sister was also going to be there, as she'd had no idea that her brother had been the reason behind her daughter's accident. She'd always thought Debbie Lange lost control of the car.
Becca's voice came back two days ago. The press was everywhere with this, and she had so many questions to answer as the police worked on building a case against Vince.
She swore months ago that she never wanted to come back to this house again. Becca fought a wave of dizziness as she stood on the front porch. Hunter clasped her hand, and Jesse took the other. "We're right here with you, Bec." Hunter brushed his lips against her cheek.
"Thank you," she whispered, then let go of Jesse's hand to ring the doorbell.
The door opened seconds later. The man she'd always called Grandfather stepped out. "Come on in," he said roughly and stepped aside. His gaze landed on Jesse, but never said anything.
Jolts of anxiety shook her world like massive earthquakes. With each step inside the house, dread filled Becca's heart. Rusty and Anne deserved this though, so she forged ahead.
"Rebecca. You're looking rather well, all things considered." Francine Lange swept into the room, shocking Becca with her almost compliment. "Hello, Hunter. And who is this?" Her steely, cold eyes landed on Jesse.
Becca sucked in a deep breath. "This is Jesse Laughlin. H-he's my brother."
The woman's jaw dropped. "Brother?" Her skin paled, and she grabbed hold of the bookcase close by to steady herself.
"That's right. I know you both believed your son stole me for his wife, but that's not the case. I came by today to clear Rusty Lange's name. He's not a kidnapper, and Hunter's parents didn't help steal me. I want to tell you the real reason behind my non-biological connection."
Two hours later, the trio left the Langes house and for once, Becca actually felt good about it. They'd actually listened without judging and commenting to her story, and when she asked about Vince, they spoke honestly. None of them knew his plans, and Francine admitted that Vince did in fact kill Stuart Ellis, but they used the cover that Becca wasn't in the right mind and had defended herself. Nothing had ever come up of it before now, so they'd left it alone.
It turned out Vince had people following Hunter and Becca to find Sylvia. The Langes had no idea about it. As for her grandmother's health, she'd been a little tired lately. No one knew why Vince threw that out there weeks ago.
When she left, they actually thanked her for telling them the truth about Rusty. Becca figured the closure was good for them. She spoke to Vince's sister for a little while over the phone. That suited Becca just fine.
They visited Rissi and her family next. She threw around huge hugs to Becca and Hunter, and when introduced to Jesse, she hugged him too, then punched his arm. "Don't you scare my sister at heart like you did, ever again!"
Becca gasped and covered her mouth. Jesse was taken aback, but he nodded in response.
"Fair enough." He cracked a smile. "I deserved that. It even hurt, too."
"Good!" Rissi's lips twitched. "Sorry. Ask these two. I don't hold back. Really good to actually meet you this time. Come on in, and welcome to the family."
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Christmas Day, everyone gathered at the house. The Sundstroms- including Eva and Sienna, the Whitemores, Cherie, Henry, baby Miranda, Shara, Jesse, and Elizabeth. Hunter glanced over at the tree, surrounded by wrapped presents. This was a special first Christmas, and he couldn't be happier that he had both his family and Becca's attending today.
Today would be a first in so many aspects.
Hunter held his breath as Becca, Elizabeth, and Jesse sat together in front of the Christmas tree. Today, their mom seemed to completely understand and be aware of her surroundings, and she knew she was in the present. She even started referring to her daughter as Becca instead of her biological name of Ariana, even though Becca had told her if she wanted to call her by the name she'd been given it would be okay.
Elizabeth sat in between her daughter and son. She put an arm around them, and the three faced the camera.
"I'll take a series of photos. Ready?" Hunter focused the camera on the tripod and waited for the three to stop wiggling and laughing. Nah, forget it. He wanted to capture every single minute. Candid shots and poses, Hunter wanted them all, and he knew Becca would, too. She'd been on the phone with Elizabeth each night. Jesse always called her to say goodnight, so now the two took turns. Hunter snapped photos.
"All right. My turn with Becca." Hunter straightened. Elizabeth and Jesse scrambled to get to their feet.
"I'll take the photos of you two," Beverly offered.
"I want a few with Sienna, too." Hunter glanced over at Eva. She'd been good about Becca and Sienna's relationship lately, but he didn't want to push. She sent him a nod of approval. Becca waited for him by the tree. She looked stunning, wearing a pair of black jeans and a red sweater that hugged her body in all the right places. Most of all, she looked happy and content. It wouldn't be long before this sweet angel became his wife. Hunter couldn't believe the day was coming closer, but still seemed so far away.
He wrapped his arms around her and leaned in for a kiss. "Merry Christmas, angel. I love you."
Becca leaned close and kissed him back, sliding her arms around his neck. Her eyes glittered with love and adoration. Once again, she proved her strength by picking herself up after a traumatic event. They both continued with appointments. Hunter ended up buying a punching bag of their own, which he set up in the garage, and they made good use of it, sometimes daily. What a major stress reliever.
"I love you, too," she whispered after the kiss ended. The camera clicked in the background, but they only had eyes for each other.
He chuckled. "Maybe we should actually face the camera for a few photos, huh?"
"Mmm. Might be a good idea." She winked, then wrapped an arm around Hunter's waist. They faced the camera for photos, then Sienna ran toward them and got in on the action.
"Where's your sister today, Shara?" Hunter asked when the photos were done.
"She's with her boyfriend's family. We'll spend some time together this evening." She shrugged. Hunter detected a note of sadness. Shara and her sister used to be fairly close, but lately, her sister had been distant. Hunter was always closer to Shara, but he did wonder what was up with Fern.
Sienna giggled with excitement as she sat between Joe and Sandra. Hunter went through all the papers Joe had brought weeks ago, and he'd been right. Those files were difficult to read in the sense that it brought up a lot of emotional angst, but they detailed the events of the crash and the reasoning behind them. Joe had nothing to do with it, other than not researching the company his firm used to fly people more than he had. It wasn't really a fault of his, though. There was no way Joe could have known about the suspended pilots still flying when they weren't allowed. Their crash had been the third incident, but the deadliest and most costly by far. So it hadn't been a one time problem. Still, he disliked the reasonings behind the lawsuit, which was Sylvia's threats and the Langes' determination to keep the family drama away from disgracing them.
Joe did admit that he and Hunter's father did discuss making Sylvia disappear in the sense of having someone take care of her, but after reading the in depth letter Elizabeth left with his father, Hunter understood. Curt Everett Laughlin was a dangerous man, and keeping Becca safe was the first concern always, so when Sylvia overheard Joe and his father talking about Jesse, it sent too many warning signals.
Elizabeth's depression and mental state turned for the better. Finding the daughter she fought so hard to save must have been the trigger. After the holidays, they planned to find a good place for her to live here in Virginia so she could be close to Jesse and Becca. Hunter debated on having an addition built to the house so they could both stay here, instead of
having to find a place to live elsewhere. If Elizabeth had any medical needs, they could all be dealt with and they wouldn't be far away. Later, when exchanging gifts, he'd bring up the idea to the three of them. He already had a few ideas, but he wouldn't implement them until he had the go ahead from Elizabeth and Jesse.
Today proved to be perfect. Surrounded by those who mattered, the worst was finally over. Cherie rocked her baby girl in her arms, with Henry by her side. The family had become close with Becca and Hunter, and often times Henry would come by when Cherie needed a break.
He was thankful the house and his life had become a safe zone again, that they had a chance to do things like this without so much heartache and pain.
Cherie rubbed her head and winced as her once content daughter began to wail. Becca rushed to her aid, offering to hold her for a while so Cherie could take a breather.
Hunter's breath hitched as he watched Becca with the baby. She was so good. She cradled Miranda in her arms and rocked her. When she sang softly, goosebumps ran over his arms. Becca sang the song Anne Lange used to sing to her. She looked up and met Hunter's gaze. Her lips curved up in a sweet smile.
He loved this woman. For twenty years, Hunter carried a piece of Becca in his heart. He'd been there for the worst moments of a young girl's life, but he'd been able to watch her grow into the beautiful adult she'd become.
"Is my mom okay?" Henry tugged the sleeve of Hunter's sweater.
"I think she's a little tired. You and your sister wear her out sometimes," he teased, messing the boy's already unruly hair up. But the joking manner didn't help. Henry seemed genuinely scared.
"She's in pain a lot. Her head hurts, and she cries. I know she misses Daddy, I do too, but I thought she was okay. Sometimes, she can't remember things or she talks funny," Henry whispered.
The words tugged at Hunter. He knelt down in front of Henry and wrapped him up in a big hug. This seven year old boy had been through way too much recently. He didn't have any good words of wisdom to say that would ease this child's mind.
A Forever Masterpiece (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 3) Page 29