Chapter 53

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

The hospital corridors were bustling with activity, but Cam's focus was solely on Kinley as he wheeled her out the front door and into the bright sunlight. Her release from the hospital was a welcome relief after everything she had been through.

When they reached his car, he helped her into the passenger seat with a gentle smile. "Ready to go home?"

She nodded but didn't say a word, and silence stretched between them as he climbed into the car and headed toward her house. He snuck looks at her from time to time, tempted to ask what was going through her mind. He bit his tongue, determined to let her come to him in her own time.

All too soon they pulled up in front of her house and parked. Cam moved around to the passenger side and helped her out. He trailed just behind her as she made her way up the front stairs toward the door, her steps slow and tentative.

Her hands shook as she juggled the keys, and he gently extracted them from her fingers. "Let me."

He unlocked the door, then pushed it open. She hesitated on the threshold for a moment before stepping inside, and he wanted her intently as she moved into the living room, her gaze sweeping the small space.

A shudder racked her body, and he settled a hand low on her back. "Kins?" His brows pulled together as he waited for her to turn and meet his gaze. "You okay?"

She offered a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, I…" She blew out a breath. "I'll be fine."

"My offer stands," he said quietly. "If you're not ready to be here…"

He trailed off, letting his words hang in the air between them. She studied him for several seconds, then glanced around the room again. "It's weird. I already knew I wanted to sell the house, but now… knowing what happened…" She shook her head. "I can't be here. It feels too… dirty."

"I can understand that." His hand slid to her waist. "Come home with me."

"Are you sure?" Kinley took a deep breath. "I just don't want you to regret it and?—"

"Never," he replied without hesitation. "I wanted you with me before all this even started."

He turned her in his arms and pulled her close. "Move in with me because you want to—not because you need to. We'll start fresh, be a real couple."

A small smile curved her lips. "A real couple?"

He peered down at her. "I love you, Kins, and I want to be with you. We'll take things as slow as you want, and I'll give you whatever time and space you need."

Tears glazed her eyes and her smile wobbled tremulously. "I don't need time. When I woke up in the hospital with you next to me…" She shook her head. "It felt different between us. I didn't want to admit how much I'd fallen for you, but… I did."

He curled a hand around the back of her neck and lightly stroked the tendons with his thumb. "Good. Because I've wanted you for as long as I can remember."

He dipped his head and kissed her, the gesture full of emotion. After a moment Kinley pulled back and looked up at him. "Thank you for everything," she said quietly. "I don't think I could have gotten through this without you."

"You're stronger than you think, Kins. You can do anything." He smiled and gave her one last little squeeze. "Come on, let's get you packed."

They moved through the house, gathering her essentials and stuffing them into duffel bags and suitcases. The rest could wait until later. Once they finished packing, Cam loaded her belongings into the car, then helped her into the passenger set and headed to his place.

Hours later they were settled on the couch, the TV playing softly in the background. Kinley broke the silence. "What happened?"

Aside from taking her statement, they hadn't spoken of the recent events. Cam drew in a deep breath. "We found David Collins in a hotel about an hour away. He admitted to everything—the murders of Misty, Hayes, and Max Everett. He's in custody now."

Kinley's eyes widened and she swiveled his way. "He confessed?"

Cam nodded. "It almost feels too good to be true. Everyone thought she disappeared for decades."

"Too bad Dennis didn't live to see justice served," she murmured quietly.

He nodded in commiseration. "Her funeral is scheduled for tomorrow. We can finally lay her to rest and start to move on."

Tears welled in Kinley's eyes, and she swiped the moisture away. "I can't believe it's finally over."

"It's over." Cam pulled her closer and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "It's finally over."

* * *

The day dawned bright and sunny, a stark contrast to the somber pall that hung over the small cemetery where Misty Collins was finally being laid to rest. The morning light filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the freshly turned earth.

The small town gathered at the cemetery, a sea of black-clad mourners standing in silence around Misty's grave. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, the only sound breaking the heavy silence.

Kinley felt the weight of the community's grief pressing down on her, mingling with her own guilt and sorrow. She had survived, but Misty had not. The thought gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the fragility of life.

The pastor stepped forward, his voice steady and calm, offering words of comfort and hope. "We gather here today to honor the memory of Misty Collins. A beloved wife, a cherished friend, and a kind soul who touched the lives of many. Though her time with us was tragically cut short, her spirit remains in our hearts."

Kinley glanced around at the small group gathered around the gravesite. There were no family members left to mourn Misty; her only family had long since scattered or passed away. Only her friend Tammy stood beside the casket, her face etched with grief and relief.

"I'm so sorry, Tammy," Kinley said, her voice trembling. "I can't imagine what you're going through."

Tammy nodded, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Kinley. I'm just glad you're safe. Misty would have wanted that."

Tammy stepped forward, placing a single white lily on the casket. "Rest in peace, Misty," she whispered, her voice breaking. "You deserved so much better."

Kinley placed a comforting arm around Tammy's shoulders. "She can finally rest now," Kinley said softly. "No more suffering, no more unanswered questions. She's at peace."

The discovery of Misty's body had reopened old wounds, but it had also brought a sense of closure. David Collins, the man responsible for Misty's death, as well as several others, was behind bars, and justice had finally been served.

Cam moved next to Kinley and wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'm glad we could bring her justice," he said quietly.

She nodded and leaned into him."Me, too."

From his other side, Dare nodded. "It's what she deserved. After all these years, she can finally rest."