Brett’s voice comes through on the intercom in my office. “Sir? Do you have a moment?”

“What’s going on?”

“Um, there’s a Mr. Hogue on line two, and he says it’s urgent.”

I pause a moment before letting Brett know what I want him to do. I’m not sure why Fin’s lawyer’s contacting me. At the advice of his family, he pleaded guilty to all charges. He’ll be in jail for twenty-five years, if not longer, but there’s a chance for parole.

“I’ll take care of it, Brett. Thank you.”

“You got it, sir.”

I let out a breath and pick up the phone, placing it against my ear. “Mr. Hogue, to what do I owe this unexpected surprise?”

“Mr. Powers, I have a message from my client, Finley Vanderbilt. Do you have a moment?” he asks.

“Yes. What is it?”

“He’d like a visit from you today, if possible.”

My immediate answer is no, but when my father comes into my office and sits down, I tell Mr. Hogue I’ll call him back in a few minutes with an answer.

“What is it?”

I sigh. “Fin wants me to see him today. There’s no fucking way I’m going. I’ll end up murdering the bastard.”

“Now, son, calm down, and take a moment to figure out why he’d like to see you. At this point, there’s nothing you or I can do. The sentence has been placed, and it’s been well over a month. I’m sure you need some sort of closure to move on.”

“I have.”

“Are you sure?”

I turn my attention to my father, shake my head, and walk over to the bar to pour a glass of whiskey.

“It’s only when we get the answers we’re seeking when we’re truly able to let go and move on.”

“What makes you think he’ll tell me anything I want to know?”

“Even people who’ve done horrible things need some sort of forgiveness.”

I scoff. “I’ll never forgive him.” I bring the glass to my lips and finish my drink before pouring another. “What he did to Reagan is unforgivable. He deserves the sentence he received. All I wanted was for her to get justice, and she has, so we can all move the hell on.” I slam the glass on the counter, and anger fuels my actions once again.

“Drew—”

“No!” I shout. “Dad, if I go see him, then I’m not leaving that prison.” I point out toward downtown Chicago. “There’s nothing that asshole can say that’ll make me forget the hurt Reagan endured.”

“Think about it, is all I ask.” He gets up and pats my shoulder before leaving my office never mentioning what he’d come for in the first place.

I quickly walk over to my desk, pick up the phone, and dial Mr. Hogue. He answers on the second ring.

“I’m leaving now.”

* * *

Sander drops me off at the prison, and it takes me a moment to gather myself before I walk in and go through the process of visiting an inmate. I’m shown where to sit and see Fin staring at me through the Plexiglas. I thought anger would rush through me. Instead, I sit there, satisfied. The dark bruises on his cheek are apparent that prison life hasn’t been easy on him. There are a few cuts on his lip and brow. He looks anxious and worried.

I pick up the phone and wait for him to say something.

“Drew, I’m so fucking glad to see you.” His voice shakes on the line, and I stare back without giving him a response. “Listen, man, since I’ve been here, all I’ve been doing is thinking, and I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for what I did. That night”—he blows out a sigh—“I was fucked up, and I thought she wanted it.”

“Fin,” I bite out, “you should watch your words.”

He holds up his hand in defense and lets out another sigh. “Okay. I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am. I deserve being locked up, but, man, please, you gotta help me.”

“Help you?” I question. “Why the hell would I help you?”

“Man, we’ve known each other for years, and I know I hurt her. It kills me. These guys…” He pauses and lowers his voice. “I’m their bitch.” The look of fear is in his eyes. He quickly looks around and brings his body lower to the desk, near the glass. “Please help me.”

I keep my voice calm, and without hesitation, I let him know how I feel. “You deserve everything you get inside these walls. No, I take that back. You deserve worse, but knowing you’re going through hell, well, it’ll help me sleep better at night. There’s nothing you can say or do that’ll make me want to help you. You’re despicable. Enjoy prison and being someone’s bitch.”

“No! Drew,” he cries, “please. Man, please, help me.”

I don’t look back as I exit the prison, knowing I’m able to forget about Fin and move on to give my future wife and son the life they deserve.

* * *

Sander’s driving Reagan, Dawson, and me to our new house. They think we’re going for a drive and on a picnic. Little do they know, I’ve signed all the paperwork, and I have the keys burning a hole in my pocket. The house has some furniture, but I’m going to leave all the design to Reagan.

I’m watching them talk to one another, and my nerves get the best of me. I know there’s no reason to be nervous, but I can’t help it. I’m scared she won’t like the house, or she’ll be upset I went to see Fin last week. I have yet to tell her, and I hate doing it today. It’s eating away at me. I don’t want any secrets between us. All the what-ifs run through my mind.

“What’s wrong, babe?”

“Nothing,” I quickly answer. “I’m fine.” I bring her hand to my lips and watch as she goes back to her conversation with Dawson.

“Dad, why are we here?” Dawson asks when Sander comes to a stop.

I feel the car jerk a little. He opens the door for us, helping Dawson and Reagan out first.

“Thank you, Sander.”

“You’re welcome, sir. And good luck.”

I smile and wrap my arm around Reagan’s waist. I watch as she eyes the house in front of us.

Our house.

“Wow. This house is beautiful. Oh, what I would do to live here and get out of the city. Can you imagine, babe?”

I take her hand, and we walk on the lawn, toward the back. I hear Dawson’s gasp when the pool comes to view.

“Please tell me we’re buying this house!”

“Drew?”

I hold back a smile and turn to face Reagan. “This place is ours.” I slide my hand into my pocket, grab the keys, and place them in her hands. “My apartment holds memories but very little with you. This is my gift to you, Reagan.” I swallow hard, trying to push down the lump in my throat and keeping my anxiety away. “I’m thankful you’ll be my wife next year, and I can’t thank you enough for giving me you. My heart was cold and bitter. Then, you came along and showed me what I had been missing. You and Dawson are my life. My world.”

She stands there and listens to me, tightly holding my hands, and I wipe the tears from her cheeks.

“With you, I can conquer the storms and push away the clouds to find there’s beauty on the other side. And that beauty is your heart. Your soul. Your whole being. This is why I’m yours.”

“Drew,” she cries as she brings her lips to mine. “I love you so much.”

“I love you.”

Our foreheads lean against one another, and I can hear the softness of her breaths.

“I need to tell you something, and I hate to ruin this moment.”

She leans back and looks at me with worry. “What is it?”

“I saw Fin last week.”

“I’m glad you did,” she tells me. She takes my hand, so we can walk further into the backyard. “He was your best friend, and you needed closure. I hope you got what you were looking for.”

I don’t tell her about the bruises or him asking me for help. “It was what I needed.”

“Can I give you something?”

We stop talking and turn toward one another again.

“Of course.”

She pulls out a box from her purse and hands it to me. Without a word, I take the box and open it. Inside holds the key to locking us together forever.

“Pregnant?” I shake my head. “But you’re on the shot. We were careful. Do you want a baby now?”

“We were careful. The shot isn’t always one hundred percent effective, and, yes, I want a baby. I want your baby. I’m carrying our son or daughter, and I want us to be married as soon as possible. I don’t need a fancy wedding. All I need is you, Dawson, and our baby.” She places her hand on her stomach and lets out a light sigh.

“Whatever you want.” I laugh and pull her into my arms, lifting her up and spinning her around.

“What’s going on?” Dawson asks as he runs over.

The both of us kneel down, and Reagan shows him the pregnancy test.

“Holy moly! I’m gonna be a brother! Thank you so much. Wow, this is awesome!”

I watch as Dawson throws his arms around Reagan’s waist, and they stand in a loving embrace.

“Unlock the door to our new home, and I’ll take you on a tour.”

“This is so cool,” Dawson says. He grabs our hands, so we can go inside and see the house.

* * *

When we’re back at the apartment, I’m holding Reagan in my arms after making sweet love to her. I can’t help but think about the baby we made and the adventures we’re about to embark on. My hand rests on her flat stomach, as I watch her sleep and lean down to kiss her cheek.

“I’m going to love you and our children forever. You're my world and it's because of you I have the life I'm now living. Thank you for coming into my life. This connection we have is exactly why I’m yours.”

“And why I’m yours,” she softly whispers.