Betrayals of the Heart (28 page)
He smiled in return. “Hear that, boys? We need to let your mom rest. She’s going to need it.”
Michael lifted Nicholas off the bed, twirling him around in a circle before carrying him out the door in a fit of giggles.
“The truth is…I love you, Makayla. Never want to be without you.” Moisture flooded his eyes and her heart welled in her chest.
“You don’t have to decide about the baby now. When you’ve healed. When you’ve had time to really think about it, we’ll talk more.” He turned his face into her hand and kissed her palm. “All I want is you with me. The baby was a ploy to tie you to me further.” Guilt etched the creases around his handsome mouth.
She cleared the tight knot from her throat. “There’s no reason for me to run now.” And for the first time in her life that statement was true.
“Harrington says you are to receive complete amnesty for your cooperation and testimony against Prichard Enterprises. The faux company and all Steven’s holdings are to be turned over to the FBI.”
Chills raced over her skin and she choked back a sob. It was over. Steven had died that day and Michael had finally found a way to end his misery. Her oldest son had finally won the battle he’d been fighting for fifteen years.
The nightmares made sense now. He’d been punishing himself with thoughts of how he might turn out just like his father. But he’d proved he was different that day. He’d killed Steven in self- defense. And although she knew the mere act of taking another life would be hard for him to stomach, he was going to be just fine.
She was free to live the life she’d always dreamed of.
No more running. No more fear. No more lies.
Yes
. A new baby sounded perfect. Just what they all needed. The perfect way to help everyone heal.
Award winning author Melissa Ohnoutka has always loved to write and escape to new worlds where she was in control. Born and raised in Texas, Melissa tends to dream big and believe good conquers all. She is a wife, proud mother of three, enjoying all life has to offer, even though at times it gets pretty bumpy along the way. When not writing, she loves spending time with the famliy, camping, snow skiing, photography, painting and just goofing off around the house.
For more information on Melissa and her upcoming releases, please visit:
www.melissaohnoutka.com
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