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I nod, but the question is nipping at the back of my mind. I want to ask…not because it would change anything; because I want to know him completely. But maybe he isn’t ready yet, and I think that’s okay. He’s never pushed me for anything. “You don’t have to tell me who Melissa and Sadie are. It doesn’t matter what kind of mistakes you’ve made because…I know your heart. So when you’re ready, you can tell me.”

“I should have told you when you asked me why. I won’t get into the details. Melissa was my little sister, and Sadie was her daughter. I…was deployed when they were killed by her abusive ex. I had fought with her because she went back to him again, and I didn’t know how else to get through to her. I chose myself for once and ignored her letters for a few months. Next thing I know…”

“Kane, I’m so sorry.”

“No. I shouldn’t have done it. I felt sick to my stomach when I read those letters I had left unopened. She was desperately trying to seek help and I…fucking ignored her. If I had just not been so stubborn and⁠—”

“You can’t take the past back. I know I wish I could. If I could go back…I’d do everything differently. I’d have saved myself, too. So I guess what I’m trying to say is, everyone feels like that. All you can do is move forward. I bet they both adored you as much as I do, and so I can tell you for a fact they’d forgive you.”

He doesn’t answer, but his jaw clenches before he breaks out a half smile. “Come on, baby. Let’s get you the hell out of this room and cleaned up.”

“Okay,” I answer, my smile wide as he leads me out of the office.

It was an eventful week, and yes, I somehow got The Hangman to attend a pumpkin patch with me, and he even won me a plushie at the strongman game. I’m not sure what he and Mason did with Peter Reed, but I know wherever he is, he’ll definitely rot in hell for his crimes. I don’t know if I’m over it…but I’ll get there.

Because I found the person I will love forever, and I’m thankful for what I have.

Epilogue

KANE - 5 years later

“Daddy! Hurry!”

“Yes, Hal,” I concede, letting her drag me away from the car I’m working on in the shop and up the steps.

“Okay,” she says. She has a determined look on her face as she holds her hands out to stop me from walking any further into the apartment. Bacon immediately runs over to me, and I bend down to greet him. He’s a bit slower in his old age, but he never forgets to come see me whenever I come back inside.

“Hallie, I told you we can’t let Daddy in yet. I didn’t get the candles.” Layla slides past her, a knowing smile on her face as she comes over and puts her arms around my neck. Her lips find mine, and I hold her close.

“Hurry! I want to do the birthday!”

We both laugh, and I reluctantly pull away. My girls lead me over to the kitchen, and sitting there, my annual batch of chocolate cupcakes. She recreates them for me every year, with her little helper.

Maybe “helper” isn’t really the right word, more like batter thief.

“Happy birthday.” Layla beams with a smile, getting up on her toes and kissing my cheek.

“Happy birthday, Daddy!” Hallie cheers, clapping. “Make a wish!”

“Ah, same wish as always, Hal.”

“Mommy, can we eat the cupcakes now?”

“Yes, yes.” Layla waves her over to the counter, and Hallie jumps up and down and reaches over the counter to grab one. “But Uncle Mason is on his way,” she reminds gently, and Hallie happily agrees as she sits on the couch to eat her well-deserved cupcake.

“You should enjoy your first round of dessert,” Layla whispers in my ear, trying to turn and walk away but I slap her ass before she can move too far.

“Be careful, or I’ll put another baby in you this time,” I warn.

She laughs, walking off and I pick up a cupcake. I still remember it. Though I was livid at the time, I didn’t know I’d be sitting here years later having the same cupcake baked special just for me. That I’d be married and in love and have a beautiful daughter to raise,that the absolutely crazy girl who hunted me down somehow has become the best thing that has ever happened to me.

I was able to grieve Mel and Sadie and move on. I came to terms with my sin, and for her, I made myself find peace. Now, their picture frame hangs proudly in the hallway, and I’m not ashamed to show them my life.

I somehow evaded police, skillfully handled Peter Reed, and even Gabi went back to ghosting after she made sure Layla was okay. She eventually convinced me to let her tell her other friends from the forum, which…surprisingly went well.

Her best friend Crystal actually ended up becoming way more involved in my life than I ever imagined. She absolutely hated Mason when they met and dubbed him a Casanova. We thought they both hated each other, until we caught them fucking in the bathroom at Layla’s birthday last year. They still bicker, but I think Mason is happy.

And Layla…shines more every single day of her life. I helped her secure the small space for rent across the street from the shop, and Mason and I built it into her own little bakery. It sure took a long time and a chunk of my savings, but it was worth making her dreams come true.