Feathers and Thorne Series Books 1 - 3: The Complete Collection

Epilogue

Isabella

Two Weeks Later

I adjust the vase of roses in my father’s room, dreading the appointment with the doctor today. At least Tristan and Sam have come along with me from the Bronx, Anita staying behind so she can whip up another large lunch for everyone.

Luce and Paul have returned from the hospital upstate, and everyone except for Carter is staying in the family home now. I miss him too much, crying myself to sleep in the lingering scent of his body on the sheets of my bed.

Even then, it doesn’t sate my need to have him holding me.

Tristan has someone to hold; Sam is snuggled up closely with him on the couch while I pace through the room, waiting to hear the bad news about my father’s care. I haven’t paid a single bill in weeks, and I know that means his care could be stifled, especially for the treatments that they deem a privilege. They think destroying the cancer in my father’s body is elective.

I see it otherwise, watching the white-coated doctor stroll into the room. I sink into the chair, my father smiling at the man as he comes in and introduces himself.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Smith.”

“Hello,” I breathe, feeling nauseated already. “I’m his daughter, Isabella Julis. Can you just break it to me?” I plead. “Are you kicking him out?”

The doctor’s brow furrows and deepens. “What? No, of course not.”

My breath hitches with a glimmer of hope. “I know I’ve been behind on payments, but I’ve been laid off, and my new boss, he’s… well, he was arrested,” I admit, my face blushing. “I can put down money soon, I promise. I just need time to—”

“Ms. Julis,” the doctor mumbles, shaking his head. “Your bill is paid.”

My breath catches, wondering if he’s just trying to cheer me up with a lie because, obviously, it is a lie. I haven’t got enough money to pay the monthly payment of his bill, let alone the entire lump sum. My eyes flicker to Tristan and Sam, my lover’s cousin biting down on his grin.

“Carter… he paid…”

“He did,” Tristan nods. “Months ago, actually.”

Although part of me is frustrated he never told me the bill was already paid, I feel a pang of happiness wash through me. I can’t even stare straight at the doctor, my eyes welling with gleeful tears.

“His last round of treatment is going to be next week,” Dr. Smith breathes, flipping through his clipboard. “We will need a good full-time care facility to release him to. If you have a preference, we can call them and make the arrangements for you.”

“The best one you got,” Tristan cuts in, replying to the doctor for me. “The price tag isn’t important on that, either. Just recommend your best, and she will accept it.”

He marks something on his sheet and nods as he leaves, my nerves still in shock.

Tristan nuzzles into Sam’s side, my body trembling all over while I realize what this means. I’ll be able to get my father his last treatment and not have to stress over the bills and worry about his future care once he’s released. Everything is taken care of.

Carter Blackthorne continues to enrich my life, but not having him with me at this moment still stings.

When everything is settled, we all return home to Anita, seeing the entire family gathered in the kitchen, laughing and happy as usual. There’s a table full of food, but I ignore it, waving and grinning gently while retreating into the tower of a bedroom.

I shut the door behind me, hanging my head while I’m alone in here again. Carter and I once argued over his stepsister in here before, our arguments pertaining to Brooke always so painful and hard to get through without feeling like I was being used.

I realize now, stroking the window frame, that her pictures are long gone from in here as well. I never wanted him to forget about her. She was still part of his family when he was adopted, but knowing that he is comfortable putting her in the past and holding me in the present makes me happy.

Or it would—if he was still here.

I collapse into bed and sulk over the course my life has taken in the last six to seven months. We’ve been persecuted, attacked, and ripped apart, but I can’t give up that he won’t return. He’s Carter Blackthorne.

He always finds a way back to me.

I shut my eyes and dream of him, the door creaking open and yanking me from the memories I keep on replay in my mind. I sniffle, wiping my wet eyes and sinking my face into the pillow.

“I’ll come down in a minute for dinner,” I groan. “I promise. I just… I need a minute.”

“Well, that’s a shame. I was hoping to lay down with you, but if you need space, then…”

I jolt upright, seeing Carter in the doorway, wearing a hideously orange shirt and a messy pair of jeans. I don’t care about his attire, launching into his arms and letting him catch me. He takes a gentle handful of my hair, forcing his lips against mine and holding me there as we can’t break away from one another.

I need to kiss him more, to be held tighter by him, but he’s doing it all already and doing it well. I focus on his grasp, on his scent, and don’t care as the loose tears stream down my flushed, blushing cheeks.

“How did… when…”

“They released me for good,” he pants. “In exchange for my records and files against Frances, all the charges have been dropped, dove. So I’m here to stay.”

“With me,” I pant in utter shock. “You’re free!”

“I’m free,” he snickers, kissing me passionately again.

My feet hit the floor, melting under his sweet, powerful eyes and beautiful smile. He tucks my hair back, stroking my cheek. I lean into his chest to hear his pulse, to feel his warm breath on my scalp.

“I love you, dove. I’m here to stay forever.”

I wince, needing him to repeat all those words over and over again. “And Frances?”

“He’ll rot in prison.”

I relax with that claim. It’s the last loose end to tie up, and I’m just glad it’s over now. It’s all over.

“So, what does this mean now?”

He hesitates, his lips turning upright. “Well, I’m an uncharged man, a citizen of Manhattan, and I need a mayor on my side to get back to work and spoil the woman I love.”

I furrow. “Who are you planning on endorsing?”

With light eyes and soft, subtle lips curled upright, he holds me tighter to his chest. “Me.”

I try not to chuckle, seeing the intensity of his intent already. I glaze over his idea to run for mayor, knowing it’s going to happen, and I don’t mind it.

Anything Carter Blackthorne wants—he gets.

Just look at me.

* * *