Love & Consequences: A Love & Ruin Standalone Novel

by J. A. Owenby

  “Really?” she asked.

  “Yeah, really. And if we end up old spinsters because of it. Well, I guess we’ll be roomies again.”

  Gemma giggled. “My life would not be okay without you.”

  “Right back atcha, bestie.”

  Chapter 32

  The weekend after Labor Day, the temperature dropped twenty degrees. I slipped on my baby blue cashmere sweater and jeans and applied my make-up. Today, the band was making a TV appearance to announce their next tour.

  “Are you ready?” I asked Gemma. Although I wasn’t a part of the interview, my nerves were galloping full speed ahead. This was the first time since the shooting that everyone would be in front of the public. August Clover would also announce the new drummer, Layne Garner.

  “No. All I can think about is the last time we were on stage,” she said, applying the final touches to her eyeshadow in my bathroom.

  “Me too,” I said, turning toward her on the vanity chair. “But then I remember we’re in this together. Gemma … A part of me wants to fly a big fuck you to Brandon and his family … like I refuse to let them to steal my life, but the other side of me … I’m terrified when we leave on tour again, I won’t make it back to hug Mom and Franklin. What if the shooter returns and doesn’t miss this time? The only way I can console myself is that I figure we’d at least all die together. I can’t take losing anyone else. John’s gaping mouth and bullet hole in his head … it haunts me every time I close my eyes.”

  “Mac, that’s horrible,” she gasped. “I’m so so sorry you had to see that. I can’t even imagine. And you’re definitely not alone with how you’re feeling. It scares the shit out of me too. The only thing that helps me feel a bit safer is that we will have even more security around us. Plus, almost everyone I love will be with me, and I need to stay focused on that.”

  I nodded. She had a good point, and I needed to concentrate on the positive as well.

  The doorbell rang, and I rushed down the stairs to answer it.

  “Hi sexy,” I said, opening the door to Cade.

  He leaned over and gently kissed me. “How’s my favorite person in the entire world?”

  “Better now that you’re here.”

  I took his black windbreaker and hung it up in the hallway closet.

  “Are you excited?” I asked, beaming up at him.

  “Yeah, I’m glad I’m healed and ready to play and sing again. But even more, I’m happy to have you next to me for another month.”

  I giggled and gave him a quick kiss. “The TV crew is setting up in the living room.” I grabbed his hand and led him through the foyer.

  I left the room while Gemma, Hendrix, and Cade mic'd up. This would be their first interview without John.

  Stepping to the side of the foyer, I kept my focus trained on them. Although they smiled, it didn’t quite reach their eyes. My chest tightened. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't grasp the reality that John was gone. It just wasn’t fair. He had a full life ahead of him, and he should be on the couch next to his best friends. I looked away from the band and tried to pull myself together before I burst into tears. Deep down, I knew John would want them to be happy and move forward.

  “Are you ready?” I asked Franklin who had appeared next to me.

  “No. I’m not,” he admitted. “When your kids are putting themselves front and center, in harm's way and basically taunting an insane man … No, you can’t prepare for it.”

  There was nothing I could say to make him better. I leaned in and slipped my arm around his back.

  “I guess we’ll have to support each other on the sidelines then,” I said.

  The mere thought of Cade on stage and in front of a crowd again shook me more than I had expected it to.

  “I’m not sure I like it,” I said, pacing back and forth across my bedroom.

  “We’re all skittish, babe. We have extra security, and we’re doing everything we can to be safe. But we all agreed we’d tour again.”

  “I take it back,” I said, chewing on my fingernail. “Brandon is weeks away from being released from jail. I should have agreed to the Witness Protection Program.”

  “Is it what you really wanted?” Cade asked, rubbing my arms.

  “No. I just want my life back.”

  The sound of the doorbell startled me out of our conversation.

  “Hang on,” I said, listening as Ruby answered the door.

  My jaw dropped. “I’ll be right back.”

  I hurried down the stairs. What in the hell?

  “Mom? What are you doing back from Europe already?” My eyes popped open at the sight of her. She looked exhausted, but as beautiful as ever with her dark brown eyes and long sandy blonde hair piled on the top of her head in a messy bun. A bubble of excitement burst inside me.

  “Hi honey, I’m home,” Mom said, giving me a big hug.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked, motioning her inside. “Are you alright? Why did you end your trip early? Omigosh, I’m so glad you're here. But you’re okay? Nothing’s wrong?” I asked, worry nudging at me.

  “Franklin updated me on what was going on, so I took the first plane I could and came straight here before I went home. I couldn’t stay in Europe any longer. I needed to be with my family. I needed to hug my kids.”

  Mom’s expression softened as her eyes searched my face. It didn't seem to matter how old I was, I always needed my mom. Relief that she was home consumed me, and I pulled her in for a hug. We clung to each other for a long moment. When we stepped away from each other, Mom dabbed her eyes.

  “How was your trip?” I asked, dragging her into the kitchen.

  “Amazing. I’d love to take you some day.”

  “I’d love to go with you. Maybe a girl’s trip,” I said. “Do you want some coffee? Are you jet lagged?”

  “Is that who I think it is?” Hendrix asked, entering the kitchen with a huge smile on his face.

  “Hi! How are you?” Mom asked, wrapping him in a big hug.

  “I’m good,” he replied. “It’s good to have you home.”

  “Same,” she said, kissing his cheek. “Why don’t you and Mac sit down and fill me in on the tour?” she asked.

  “Janice, welcome home,” Franklin said from the doorway.

  Her head snapped up, and a shy smile eased across her face. I glanced at Hendrix and winked. There was a lot of history between Franklin and Mom, but I knew them well enough to realize they’d never stopped loving each other, life had just taken a crazy turn.

  “So Mom, welcome back. I’m having sex with Cade Richardson, Gemma thought she was pregnant, and Brandon will get out of jail in a few weeks. Yup, that’s about it.” I hurried over toward Hendrix, pulled on his hand, and headed out of the kitchen.

  “We’ll see you in the morning!” I called.

  “Mac,” Hendrix chuckled. “Are you trying to give them some time together?”

  “What was your first clue?” I asked, dragging him up the stairs.

  I stopped when we reached the top step and sat down. He sank down beside me.

  “Do you remember when we were little, and we couldn’t sleep? We’d meet in the hallway with our pillows and blankets?” I peered at Hendrix.

  “Yeah. It was when Janice and Dad argued all the time.”

  I nodded. “Even though they were in the process of splitting up, I never doubted my brother was there for me.”

  Hendrix reached for my hand.

  “I felt the same way about you, little sis.”

  My attention traveled down the stairs and into the foyer. I loved this house. I loved being here with Franklin, Hendrix, and Gemma. And as crazy as the outside world had turned, I always felt safe here.

  “We almost left everything behind, Hendrix,” I said. “I realize we still would have had Gemma and Franklin, but what about Janice and Cade? I know I’m with Cade now, but he’s your best friend. You’ve known him since grade school. I can’t imagine walking away from everything
we’ve known …”

  He turned toward me and held my gaze.

  “I get it. We’ve been through hell and back together.”

  “Yeah,” I said, propping my chin on my knees. “All of this … the Witness Protection Program, losing John, Brandon being released soon … It’s really made me evaluate what is important in life.”

  Hendrix looked at me with a somber expression.

  “I didn't understand for a long time that every choice we’ve made has affected our parents in either a positive or negative way, and every decision they’ve made has also affected us. We’ve all made mistakes, and even screwed up royally. But Hendrix, more than anything in the world I want us to be together as a family again,” I said softly.

  “Do you think Dad still loves Janice?” Hendrix whispered.

  “Don’t you? Whenever we mention Mom to Franklin, he gets this look on his face. Sort of sad and dreamy all at the same time.”

  Hendrix grinned. “Yeah, I’ve seen it too.”

  “What if they never stopped loving each other and they simply need some time to heal now that Franklin has been sober and back on track for a while?”

  Silence filled the space between us.

  “Guess there’s only one way to find out,” he said. “All I want for both of them is to be happy.”

  “Agreed.”

  After a few more minutes of silence, we made our way down the hall and to our bedrooms.

  “Night,” I said, giving Hendrix a little wave. My heart swelled with love and gratitude for my brother.

  “Night,” he said before disappearing into his and Gemma’s room.

  I pushed my door open, and my soul did a little happy dance. My boyfriend was waiting for me in my bed.

  “Babe?” Cade asked sleepily.

  “Yeah,” I replied slipping out of my clothes and under the covers next to him.

  “Mmm,” he said, sighing. “This is the best part of the day. You next to me,” he said softly.

  “Mine too,” I said.

  Cade gave me a quick kiss on the forehead as I snuggled up to him and drifted off to sleep.

  At six thirty the next morning, I staggered down the stairs and to the front door with Cade.

  “I’ll be glad when you don’t have to leave,” I said quietly, my lower lip jutting out in a playful pout.

  “Morning,” Mom said from behind me.

  “Mom?” I was stunned to see her still here.

  She blushed at the knowing smirk on my face.

  “I’ll get some coffee started,” she said, hurrying past us in her burgundy robe.

  I waited until she’d slipped into the kitchen before I giggled.

  “I think my parents spent the night together,” I said, wrinkling my nose at the thought of them naked.

  “I’d agree with the assessment,” Cade said, grinning. “Maybe we’re all back where we belong.”

  “Almost,” I sighed, kissing him. “When you don’t have to leave me in the morning … then the world will be a perfect place.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” he said, nuzzling my neck.

  “Mm, you better stop or I’m going to take you back to my bed and have my way with you.”

  Cade’s soft chuckle sent goosebumps down my back.

  “I love you,” he said. “I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Have a good day. I better go and investigate my mom’s activities.” I couldn’t hide my grin at the thought she and Franklin might be patching things up.

  Cade kissed me goodbye and slipped out the front door. The house was quiet except for the drip of the coffee pot.

  I made my way into the kitchen.

  “I’m so happy to see you,” I said, sitting down at the breakfast bar with Mom.

  “You too, honey. I really missed you.”

  “Tell me about … Europe?” I giggled. “No, wait, we're adults and you’re at Franklin’s house in your robe. Spill.”

  A shy smile eased across mom’s face.

  “I know he still loves you,” I blurted.

  “Mac,” she chided. “We’ll need to work some things out. I know the idea excites you, but one night together doesn’t mean we're patching things up.”

  I planted my palm against my forehead. “Did you two have a one-night stand?” I groaned. “That’s the last thing I want to hear my parents are doing.”

  Mom smiled. “I don’t know what it means, yet. The one thing I know is I’m home to spend time with my daughter and her brother. When Franklin talked to me about the Witness Protection Program, it put everything into perspective again. In a way, I’m relieved we’re not going to hide.”

  I threw my arms around her. “I missed you so much.”

  “You too, baby.”

  Chapter 33

  Epilogue – One Year Later

  “It’s been a long-ass time coming,” I said, smiling at my boyfriend as we unpacked our boxes of books and placed them on the large walnut bookshelves. I was absolutely giddy at the idea of finally sharing a closet with Cade, not to mention a bed we didn’t have to leave at six-thirty in the morning.

  Our new house wasn’t far from Hendrix and Gemma’s, and we shared the same view of the Spokane River as they did. We were also within minutes of his mom and Missy. The full-time caregiver was amazing, which helped us both feel more comfortable about finally taking the leap and moving in together.

  I squished my bare toes into the new, plush, tan carpet while I lifted my dress shoes out of another box. The wall of windows was my favorite part of our new room. Well, other than Cade being a permanent fixture in it. He was by far the best part.

  “It was well worth the wait, though. We finally have our own place, and I don’t have to share you with a houseful of people anymore,” he said, grinning and tossing the dark burgundy, king-sized sheets onto our bed.

  “And the best part is you don’t have to leave every morning!” I said, clapping my hands together. “At first I was worried about leaving Franklin alone in that big house, but when they announced Mom was moving in with him. Well! Problem solved. Plus, my family is back together, Cade,” I whispered, my voice filled with emotion. “I’m so happy.”

  Cade sauntered over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

  “Me too, babe,” he said gently, placing a kiss on the tip of my nose. He held me for a moment, then pulled away, his expression growing serious. “We have a big day ahead of us. How do you feel about seeing Brandon?” He tucked a loose hair behind my ear.

  Brandon’s sentencing date and the anniversary of John’s death had somehow fallen on the same day. Maybe John was up above, pulling some strings to finally end the madness. I placed my hands-on Cade’s broad muscular chest and peered up at him.

  “I don’t think I’ll ever be alright when I see that sorry son of a bitch. But over the last year I’ve learned that life is full of surprises and shit rarely turns out like you expect it too. But my life is filled with people I love and trust, which means I can make it through anything with them by my side.”

  Cade leaned down and kissed me gently. “I couldn’t agree with you more. Losing John, getting shot … it really put things into perspective. I’m ready to see Brandon get what he deserves, and I’m definitely looking forward to the celebration later tonight.”

  “At least Brandon will get a minimum of twenty years in prison and maybe life. It’d be nice to know the world would have one less rapist and kidnapper walking around.”

  “I’m just stunned he didn’t learn anything the first time. Granted, he only served three months for kidnapping you, so maybe he thought he could get away with grabbing an underaged girl and driving across state lines. The second he did that, it became a federal offense.”

  “Brandon’s sneaky and manipulative, but his narcissism was the noose around his neck, and it brought him down.” My inner voice cackled with glee.

  “I’ll take it,” Cade said, kissing me.

  I glanced at the clock. It was nearly noon, and w
e needed to meet Gemma, Hendrix, Franklin, and Mom at the courthouse in an hour.

  I pulled my burgundy windbreaker around me a little tighter as Cade and I walked up the courthouse steps accompanied by Zayne, my security guard. Cade looked sexy as hell in his navy-blue suit and white button-down shirt. My mind easily drifted to what was waiting for me beneath his clothes.

  The afternoon sunshine warmed the bright blue sky, and the air carried the crisp, fresh smell of autumn. Thoughts of hay rides, scented pumpkin candles from Bath and Body Works, and Thanksgiving were enough to calm my nerves for a minute. It was also crazy to think that, in a few short months, Spokane would be covered in snow and Cade and I would spend our second Christmas together.

  Cade opened the door for me, and I immediately spotted Gemma’s red hair. She smiled and waved, her one and a half carat solitaire engagement ring flashing on her petite finger. We walked over to the group hand in hand.

  “Are we on schedule for the sentencing, Dad?” I asked Franklin, giving Vaughn a quick wave who stood behind Mom. Dad looked as spectacular as he always did in a black suit, but now his eyes gleamed brighter. My mom just had that effect on people.

  “Yes, everything is going according to plan,” he said, smiling and leaning down for a hug.

  “Hi, Mom,” I said, kissing her on the cheek. She’d opted for a simple black dress that hugged all her curves, giving her a sexy but classy look.

  I quickly hugged Hendrix, Gemma, and Pierce while we waited outside the courtroom to be called in. Although I knew Brandon would be locked up for a long time, my nerves were still on edge.

  Ten minutes later, the door opened, and we filed into the stuffy room and sat down on the wooden pew. I was stunned to see the rows of seats fill so quickly with the victim’s family, reporters, and what I assumed were other girls Brandon had harmed. I’d never know for sure how many he’d hurt, but at least there was a good chance he’d never harm another person again. Cade laced his fingers through mine, his thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of my hand. I leaned against him, thanking the universe he was next to me. Although I’d found my own inner strength, Cade was still my rock.