Chapter 8 - Coming HomeThe following months were difficult.
Investigations spread across multiple states.
Companies were seized.
Officials resigned.
People disappeared into witness protection.
Alessandro testified.
David testified.
I testified.
The story became national news.
But I didn't care about headlines.
I cared about Logan.
He finally had his father.
At first, he was cautious.
He wouldn't sleep unless David stayed beside him.
He asked questions.
"Why did Daddy leave?"
"Why did Daddy come back?"
"Is Daddy going away again?"
David answered every question honestly.
"No."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
One night, I found David sitting beside Logan's bed.
He was crying.
"You okay?"
He nodded.
"I missed so much."
I sat beside him.
"You can't change the past."
"I know."
"But you can be here now."
He looked at me.
"I don't deserve you."
"Maybe not."
He laughed.
"You're still brutally honest."
"You married me."
"I did."
"And I'd marry you again."
He stared at me.
"Even after everything?"
"Especially after everything."
He took my hand.
"I love you, Catherine."
"I love you too."
Then Logan opened one eye.
"Are you kissing?"
We laughed.
"Go to sleep."
"No."
He sat up.
"Family hug."
We climbed onto the bed.
For the first time in years, I felt safe.
Not because the danger was gone.
But because we had survived it together.
A week later, Alessandro visited.
His arm was still healing.
He handed Logan a gift.
A new stuffed bear.
Logan looked at Captain Bear.
"Who is that?"
Alessandro smiled.
"His brother."
Logan hugged both bears.
"Thank you."
Alessandro looked at me.
"I owe you."
"You saved my family."
"Your husband saved mine first."
May you like
David smiled.
The past was finally becoming a story instead of a wound.
