sight of Bobby, safe and standing in the doorway. If life up to this point had taught her anything it was that loving something too much was dangerous. Her feelings for Bobby scared her. The amount of willpower it took to suppress her innermost thoughts of what she wanted for her life was stifling.
“I think I can deal with that. We’ll talk later. But we’ll kiss right now.” Bobby leaned in and kissed Piper with such urgency that she almost stepped backward. It only took a second for the sweet taste of his lips and the smell of his clean skin to make her fall toward him. His cold hand running over her cheek and through her hair sent chills through her whole body.
As he let her go he knew it may not be easy to love Piper, or to help her to let go of her past and believe in him, but it would be worth it.
Bobby heard Betty clearing her throat, and though his eyes were locked on Piper’s he knew they had an audience.
“I’m happier than a puppy with two tails that y’all are getting on so well, but I’ve been wearing a hole in the floor pacing and waiting. There’ll be plenty of time for pawing at each other later.” Betty took the liberty of opening the screen door and waving them both in.
The group gathered in the familiar sitting room, and Bobby began to tell Betty and Jules the details of what had transpired. Both sat with eyes wide and occasionally cursing at the realization of who was involved. Piper was pleased as she heard him recount the details of the events between Judge Rosenthal and Christian Donavan. She was so relieved to hear that not only would they see justice served, but they would be safe from any retaliation as well. When Bobby finally finished, he asked if they had any questions for him.
“So they won’t actually get charged with Daddy’s murder? They’re going to jail and getting punished, but no one will ever know they killed him?” Jules didn’t want to sound ungrateful for all that had happened, for the risks that everyone had taken, but she wanted her father’s story told.
Michael felt the need to step in and answer. “No, I don’t think they’ll be able to charge them with it, but we won’t know until more of this gets sorted out. I know it’s disappointing, but I can assure you that I’ll follow it closely, and if there is any opportunity to do so, we’ll pursue it.”
“I’ll tell you what,” Betty said, sitting up straighter in her chair, “the best thing you’ve ever done is not tell me about any of this until it was over. I’d’ve cut that judge’s throat and let him bleed all over his runny eggs without a second thought about spending my life in jail. I know y’all took some big risks, and I want you to know I’m eternally grateful. I can’t tell you what knowing the truth has done for me. It’s a debt I’ll never be able to repay.” Betty wiped tears from her cheeks.
“Well, I’ll take my payment in pot roast,” said Michael, trying to lighten the mood. “Or fried chicken. Really, I’m pretty flexible.”
“I’ll put a big meal out for breakfast tomorrow. You kids are all staying over, aren’t you?” Betty asked, looking hopeful for the company.
“Of course,” said Bobby, ignoring the urge to grab Piper by the hand and drive her somewhere, anywhere they could be alone. “Judge Rosenthal assured us all this would be the headline story tomorrow, so we should all be together to watch it.”
Betty nodded, looking exhausted. “I’m turning in. My heart is tired. You kids stay up and help yourselves to anything in the kitchen. I’ll see y’all in the morning.” Betty went around and kissed each of them on the forehead then slowly dragged her tired body upstairs.
“We’ve got to go celebrate,” Jules said in an excited whisper. “Let’s go out for a drink and dancing. I can’t sit in this house all night, I’ll go mad.” She was standing now and practically jumping out of her skin.
“I think I’ll hang back here. My adrenaline has been on overdrive, and I need to unwind for a little bit. You and Michael should go,” Bobby said, stretching as if he were completely exhausted, even though he had never felt so awake.
“Come on, Michael, let’s go out. I’m so excited. I want to have some drinks