“It’s not about how old you are. You always need parents. If you agree, you’ll be in our will with Benji. We’ve been thinking about this for a while. Benji has always wanted a sister, and we all love you dearly. We already consider you our daughter, and we would love to make it official. We understand that we could do all of this without adopting you, but this way, you’d legally be recognized as our daughter, and you’d have a family. Forever.” Marilyn’s eyes misted over, and she grabbed a tissue from the box on the table next to my bed.
I was so overwhelmed with emotion that tears streamed down my cheeks. “Yes. I’d love to officially be a part of the family.”
“Oh.” Marilyn fanned her face with her hand and laughed. “That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day. Michael and Benji will be elated. Franklin already connected us with an attorney, so he’ll draw up all the appropriate paperwork. We’ll review everything and sign, and then it’s legal.”
I glanced at Layne, who dabbed his eyes.
“Will my last name be Parker?” I mentally sounded out Tensley Parker. I liked it a lot. Plus, it signified a new beginning.
Marilyn’s focus cut to Layne then back to me. “It’s up to you. You can take Parker, or you can hyphenate it, but I have a sneaking suspicion your name will change again soon.”
My eyes widened, and I glanced at Layne. A huge smile eased across his gorgeous face. He remained silent but placed a sweet kiss on the back of my hand.
“Excellent. This will be done up in no time. Welcome to the family.” Marilyn stood and wrapped me in a warm embrace. “We’ll have a big celebration as soon as it’s done and you’re feeling better. Does that sound okay, daughter?” Marilyn’s expression lit up with her smile.
“Thanks… Mom.” I clung to her, reveling in the fact that I finally had a mother who loved me. I had parents who would protect me, teach me, and share my life with me every step of the way.
We released each other and I wiped my cheeks. “What’s up with my leg, and when do I get to go home?”
Layne cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, the knife severed the muscle and tendons, but your bone was only scraped. They rushed you into surgery since you were bleeding. You’d lost a lot of blood by the time they got you to surgery, so we weren’t sure you were going to make it.” His eyes clouded with relief. “You’ll be back on your feet in about six weeks, though. It might feel like a while, but it’s not bad considering what you went through.”
“I don’t remember any of it. How long did it take them to get me to the hospital?”
“Forty minutes by helicopter,” Layne explained.
My brows furrowed. “Where in the hell was I? I mean I know I was in the woods somewhere, and I know he drove all night, if not longer, but—”
“Babe, we’re in eastern Montana. The moment they contacted us, Franklin flew us over in his jet.” Layne ran a hand over his hair and sighed softly. “It was the longest night of my life.”
Layne’s last sentence spoke volumes, since he’d also lost his daughter. My goal was to never put him through something like that again.
Marilyn patted my hand. “Michael and I thought it would be best if one of us stayed with Benji and Avery, but everyone has been beside themselves.”
“They know I’m going to be okay, though?” I hated that they had all gone through hell.
“Yes. They’re ready for you to come home. Let me talk to the doctor.”
I turned to my lawyer, wincing as a sharp pain traveled through my leg. “Franklin, I can never thank you enough. You don’t even know me, but you stepped right up and made sure I didn’t die. You’ve been so good to me through all of this. I’m so grateful for everything.”
“I’d do it again too. Michael and Marilyn have nothing but amazing things to say about you, but the first time I saw you, I knew in my gut you weren’t guilty.”
“You’re a good man, Franklin.” Marilyn stood and smoothed her dark hair. “Tensley, I’ll see if I can locate your surgeon. You and Layne probably need a few minutes to yourselves.” She smiled sweetly at Layne, then left the room.
Franklin nodded towards us. “I’ll see you kids later.” His dress shoes scuffed against the tile floor as he exited, leaving Layne and I alone.
I looked at my boyfriend and my heart began to beat rapidly.
He leaned over and kissed me. “All I want to do is crawl in this bed and hold you. I don’t ever want to let you go again.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry I put you through all of this. After losing Nicole, you—”
“None of this is your fault, Tensley. None of it. I told you the other night that I’d made a commitment. I don’t get scared off easily.”
“Promise?” Normally I didn’t believe in promises, but a lot had changed in the last few months. I’d fallen in love, found my real family, and survived a serial killer.
Layne took my hand in both of his and smiled. “With all my heart.”
26
The next afternoon, I used my new crutches and hobbled into Benji’s house. Well, I guess it was my house now too. I wasn’t sure if Avery or Benji’s squeals were louder when they saw me. Layne stood behind me as Avery ran to the door and nearly knocked me over with a hug.
She trembled as she cried and clung to me. “Oh. My. God.”
“I’m fine,” I said, consoling her.
She pulled away and wiped her cheeks. “Are you sure?” She assessed my leg, then giggled nervously. “I’m sorry. What was I thinking? You probably need to sit down.”
“I do. I’m a little tired. But first …” I turned to Michael, who was patiently waiting for me in the foyer.
He grinned and greeted me with a warm hug. “Welcome home.”
“Thank you. You have no idea how happy I am to be here.”
Michael stepped back and rested his hands on my shoulders. “Marilyn shared the fantastic news. Our attorney is already working on the documents.”
Tears filled my eyes. “I’m ready.” I took a deep breath, then kissed him on the cheek.
Benji wheeled over to us and laughed. “I guess this means we shouldn’t share a bed anymore, sis.”
“Um, no. People can think what they want. But who will know other than us anyway? The moment Layne pisses me off, I’m coming to you.” I winked at Layne, then hobbled over to my soon-to-be brother.
Benji chuckled and gently pulled me onto his lap. “I love you.” He leaned his forehead against mine. “While you were gone, I had a glimpse of what life would be like without you, and I’m not okay with it. At all.”
“Me too. But I’m home, and now you’re stuck with me.” I laughed, lightly punching him on the shoulder. “Seriously, though, are you okay with the adoption? I need to hear it from you. If you’re not, I completely understand, but your opinion matters to me.” My heart galloped in my chest while I waited for his answer.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. But just because you’re going to be a legal part of this family, promise me the dynamic of our relationship won’t change.” Worry lines creased his forehead.