Chapter Eleven
A week later, Cole stood outside the hospital room. Peyton’s, Jillian’s, and Leah’s laughter echoed into the hallway. He smiled.
The detectives had called him with news of Hendricks’ new home. He was institutionalized with an IQ level of a five-year-old. When he had jumped Hendricks, Vadoma knew Cole was in trouble and helped by incapacitating Hendricks. While the old woman had control over the psycho, she bestowed a special gift especially made for the murderer. Cole chuckled. Old Vadoma kicked his mental ass.
There was something else happening that gave him the willies. He shuddered. The doctors couldn’t explain why, but Hendricks was learning at an exceptional rate.
Cole sighed. He wouldn’t worry about that now. Kevin had told him Hendricks wouldn’t stand trial, but would be incarcerated for the rest of his life. The son-of-a-bitch deserved to have more punishment meted out, but as long as Peyton was comfortable with the circumstances, he was a happy man.
He ambled inside as Jillian and Leah gave Peyton a kiss on the cheek. Leah whispered in Peyton’s ear, and Peyton’s cheeks changed to a vermillion hue.
“Glad to see my bright-shining star is getting out today.” His fingers tightened into a fist and held the answer to all their questions. “The detectives found this.”
Peyton gasped. “The bracelet you gave to me that I lost at the conference in New Orleans. Wait. It looks different.”
“It is. Hendricks found this and used it against us. Vadoma added some crystals. Her group initiated a cleansing ceremony and finished with a blessing. I had the clasp reworked.” He chose not to tell Peyton and scare her with what the old woman had warned. In the near future, they would be calling Vadoma again.
Peyton offered her wrist.
For the second time, he fastened the beautiful piece on his bright-shining star. “I have one request.”
“Sure, what is it?” Peyton’s head tilted a little to the side. Her smile reached her eyes, which gave him the strength to forge ahead.
He gathered Peyton’s hands in his. “Will you marry me and be the mother of my children?”
Tears erupted and streamed down her face. “Yes, I want nothing more than to be by your side for as long as we live.”
God, he loved this woman.