Chapter 168 What's Next
Richard's POV
I can't believe it! I'm finally married. It's already been a month, and yet I still can't get over it! It feels so new, and every damn time I look at my beautiful wife I smile, looking at our little bump, proving to the world that we are creating something beautiful.
After all the shit we've been through, we deserve some happiness, and normalcy. The whole world is filled with people just living their lives, ups and downs, but they are normal! I want that!
No more fucking kidnapping or harassment. Just peace and happiness!
I want to say this is the end of our story and we get our happily ever after, but it really isn't. It's just the beginning of our life together. And come what may, we will handle it together.
Josie and I just got back from our honeymoon in Hawaii. I thought the sun would do my girl some good. Now she's fucking glowing with sun kissed skin, and our baby is now stand out proudly.
I honestly don't think I've seen her more radiant in her life. Even when her parents were still around. Probably because I was a fucking jackass to her back then and made sure she didn't have any friends.
She has forgiven me for my folly as a youth, but I haven't forgiven myself. I don't know if I ever will. It's harder than it sounds, to get over your own shame, knowing I purposefully hurt the most wonderful woman I know. I did it because I wanted her and didn't know I could have her.
She still doesn't remember what happened to her with James or Dean, which I'm fine with. I think she is happier this way, so why the hell ruin a good thing? I only want her happy. No stress! Nothing that will mar that beautiful smile of hers.
She also doesn't remember making the decision to end her life. I told her what had happened and explained that's why she's now got a scar along her arm. A shadow of a memory she doesn't even remember happening.
I'm even happier about that. If her mind really is keeping all its dark secrets from her, there has to be a reason. And that reason is to keep her safe and happy.
Just the way I like her.
That and damn horny! I love that even more. She's a little minx in bed, and I fucking can't get enough. I'm pretty sure it won't take us long after our little one is born to get pregnant all over again.
Both James and Dean, along with his associates have court dates coming up. I have been kept abreast of everything that has been going on with them. I've already got my lawyer going over papers and arguments. We've got all the fucking evidence we need. Open and shut!
However, since Josie doesn't remember what went down, we are going to have to use her previous statements and witnesses. She won't even be needed on the stands at all. Honestly, I'm scared for her to take the stands! What if it triggers her memories and suddenly, she remembers everything all at once and remembers trying to end her life? She'd have another break down!
It's just not fucking worth it! I'm more than happy to have all those horrid memories swept away.
It really doesn't matter one way or the other. We've got ample proof. Doctor's statements, photographs, and all the damn contracts from my father's office. What more do we need?
Josie decided to quit working for Hailey for the time being. She doesn't want to be harassed by the woman coming in to torment her, and Hailey didn't hold it against her. I'm so proud of her! She's protecting herself this time around, just like I wish I could've done earlier.
In fact, now Liv has an after-school job. At least it's keeping her away from that bastard Braxton. I still don't know why the fuck she is with him! No matter what we do, we can't convince her to cut him loose.
As for Charlie... She's hiding something from us. And as much as I don't want to push, we are going to have to dig deep to see what secrets she's been hiding.
AN: I hope you stick around for Charlie's Tale!