Chapter 31—Two Years Later
Two years later, Susan was happier than she had ever dreamed possible. She was hopelessly in love with Derrick. They adopted a Golden Retriever from a shelter and named her Hilda. Ruffy adored her, and they spent hours playing together every day.
Two weeks after they were married, they went to Savannah and visited Susan’s, Aunt Clare. They went back twice more that year and were with her when she died a year later, leaving everything she had to Susan. Aunt Clare’s boyfriend died a week later. The nursing home said he’d died of a broken heart.
Aunt Clare’s legacy turned out to be over five million dollars. Susan donated two million to a charity for abused women. She spent thousands renovating her Aunt Clare’s six-bedroom waterfront home in Savannah, turning it into a showplace. The lush canopy of oak trees in the expansive yard reminded Susan always to be strong. It was a perfect place to entertain, and the entourage would often come for long holidays. They would ride through the cobble-stoned streets in horse-drawn carriages, visit historic sites, and stroll along the waterfront eating pralines.
Trips to Ohio were a panacea for boredom from ‘too hot’ Vegas summers. They went three times a year. Susan worked in her rose garden, canned peaches in the summer, and edited Derrick’s book about his experiences in the FBI. It was all fiction based on actual experiences. It became a best-seller, and he received a movie offer. He’s currently working on two other novels.
Fran’s dream came true. She and Max got engaged, and Fran moved in with Max. Susan gave them a huge engagement party at The Ranch with over three hundred well-wishers in attendance. They travel extensively. The last postcard Susan received was from Greece.
Bruce adopted a chocolate lab from the pound and named him Charlie. Bruce has met several nice ladies while walking Charlie around the neighborhood. But Bruce still hadn’t found ‘the one.’ And yes, he still has one-night stands.
Susan had therapy with Jack for two years and helped Jack write two books about women who fall in love with psychopaths. Susan tells her story twice a year at Jack’s seminars.
Millie became a champion tennis player, but her main interest in life is Jack.
Their six-million-dollar robot arrived, and they named him Stan. He was programmed to do almost any task imaginable. He roamed the grounds at night, detecting the slightest movement, and always knew where Susan was—Derrick only had to ask. There was only one problem—he was too human and creeped Susan out.
And Jenny—well, she never left. Susan called the psychic Mary Madison. Mary did the cards and determined that Jenny’s spirit had refused to die. Susan often remembers the dream about Jenny—fondly. She planted a garden of lavender and named it “Jenny’s Garden”—a magical place to go during stressful times. She and Jenny will always have that special bond—that somehow reaches beyond the grave. Sometimes Susan can see Jenny dancing under the stars. It’s as if she’s showing Susan how to live—as she leaps higher and higher, reaching for the stars.