I was spacing out, standing in the kitchen. My son was at school. It was the last day before winter break and over those two weeks off, Seth and I were packing up what we weren’t using in the house, preparing it to be put on the market. It was still decorated for the holidays, with Bear taking his usual spot underneath the Christmas tree, snoring loudly. Our dog definitely thought he was a present, but it made for some adorable pictures on my phone.
Today, I knew that Edward was giving our victim impact statement today and Jacob would be sentenced. I was trying not to think about it. Jacob needed to be placed firmly in my past and with Edward’s statement made on our behalf would hopefully do that. So, I was working in the kitchen to focus my attention on anything other than the monster who’d made my life hell for years.
“Knock, knock,” came the deep voice of Emmett.
“In the kitchen,” I replied. Bear woofed lowly, wiggling his butt when he saw my friend and adoptive older brother. Emmett tossed him a treat from his pocket, sauntering inside. “Shouldn’t you be with your wife, babyproofing your house?”
“Rose and Jasper’s parents are over and well, we don’t get along,” Emmett shuddered. “Too judgmental and all that shit. So, Jasper is there playing referee and babysitting his sister because if I’d stayed, I’d send Rosie into early labor or would have knocked my father-in-law into next Tuesday.”
“Yeah, don’t do that,” I snickered.
“I also wanted to check on you. How are you doing? Jacob is being sentenced today,” Emmett murmured, putting the full box into the living room. “Are you okay?”
I wrapped up my mugs, just to give my hands something to do. “For the most part, I’m okay. I’ve been talking a lot to my Edward and Caius, trying to come to grips with all that he did to me, to all of us. Yes, I’ve struggled, but I landed on my feet. Leah? Emily? They’re going … my heart breaks for them.”
“But, Jacob is getting his just desserts. He’s more than likely not going to have another day of freedom,” Emmett smirked evilly. “I wonder if he …”
“Jacob was an animal, but no one, no one, should have their choice taken away,” I snapped, glowering at him. “I know what it’s like and it’s a nightmare.” Tears welled in my eyes as I sat down heavily on the stool. I could feel the beginnings of a panic attack. Emmett crouched in front of me, taking my hands. He talked me through my calming techniques until I was able to breathe normally and the panicky feeling dissipated. I was grateful that I didn’t have to resort to taking my anti-anxiety medication. “Sorry about that. I … I’m still struggling with how to feel about Jacob’s conviction and eventual sentencing.”
“You should be overjoyed! Your abuser is getting what’s due to him!” Emmett exclaimed, dragging me into the family room. Bear hopped up onto the couch, curling to my side, recognizing my distress. I buried my fingers into his soft fur. “But, it makes sense that you’re struggling.”
“I’ve had several sessions with my therapist and I’m on the phone, nightly, with Caius,” I shrugged.
“You’ve become close to him,” Emmett smiled.
“My father, who died when I was in high school was irreplaceable, but Caius has stepped up to become a father-figure for me and adoptive grandfather to Seth,” I said, smiling gently. “He was so lonely before, but with us, he found a family.”
“We’ll happily take him. He’s an amazing man, with so much love to give,” Emmett agreed. “He even stepped up, taking a few shifts with Rose when I had to be at the café and Jasper was out with clients. The kids love Uncle Chaz.”
“Uncle Chaz?” I asked, arching a brow as I scrubbed behind Bear’s ears.
“Liam couldn’t say Caius,” Emmett snickered. “So, Chaz was adopted as Caius’s nickname. Caius said it made him feel ‘cool’. But, when we have the baby … it’ll be more of a gurgle or cry.” He gave me a wry smirk.
“I’ll bet you’ll be happy when the baby’s born,” I said.
“I’ll be happy when Rose is no longer in danger. When she goes in to give birth, she’s having her tubes tied since my vasectomy reversed itself,” Emmett sighed. “I love having a large family, but I love my wife more. I can’t lose her.” He looked at me, an adorable grin on his face. “Now, enough heavy. How are the wedding plans coming?” He picked up my left hand, wriggling my finger that my engagement ring sparkled on.
