Chapter 71

“I shouldn’t be saying all this, right? I’m sorry.”

“No. You don’t need to be sorry. Don’t ever feel guilty about expressing your feelings, as long as you’re not hurting anyone. It’s okay to love your man. It’s okay to miss him and want to be with him.”

“I’m sorry your plans for tonight didn’t work out. But you said Jess promised he would be released tomorrow. I believe her, and I can’t wait for you all to make up for it.”

“You always know what to say to me. Thank you.”

“You’ve got nothing to thank me for. You’re an amazing friend, too. Vanessa is just a witch, trying to steal your joy. Don’t give her the benefit of the doubt. This is just a phase. You’ll see your man again tomorrow.”

Hailey nodded. “I just wish she would disappear forever.”

“She will. We’re definitely going to find a way to put her in her place. Wicked people don’t last forever.”

“I wasn’t expecting you to go all out for Cole today.”

“Cole and Jess said so. I’m surprised you’re saying the same.”

“You said you were never going back to that house, but you went there without thinking twice to put Vanessa in her place.”

“Then you went to see Cole from there.”

“You love him, don’t you?”

Hailey parted her lips, but then fell silent.

Debbie smiled. “You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. I said that because I’m proud of your bold decision. I know you care about Cole a lot. That’s enough for me, and I really want to see you both happy.”

“Thank you.”

“How did the boys take the news? Are they in bed?”

“Yes. They were sad, but I took them for ice cream, games, and shopping. I told them you and Cole had something urgent to take care of.”

Hailey nodded. “Thank you again. Sorry, I’m always disturbing you from your work.”

Hailey smiled. “Not an issue. My boss is very understanding.”

The Next Day.

Hailey groaned as she felt wet kisses all over her face, followed by soft giggles. She opened her eyes and saw her sons. Despite a headache from lack of sleep, she smiled at them.

“Good morning, Mommy,” the twins said in unison.

Hailey sat up, and her boys immediately threw themselves at her, hugging her. She returned the hug, kissing their foreheads.

“Where’s Daddy?” Enzo asked.

“Yes, Mommy. I want Daddy,” Ollie said.

“I miss him,” Enzo added.

Hailey smiled. “Daddy and I had some work to do yesterday, so he couldn’t make it to your school, but he will be here today.”

“Is there something you want him to bring so I can tell him?” Hailey asked.

“Toys and cookies,” Ollie smiled.

“I don’t want anything. I want Daddy to play with me,” Enzo pouted.

“It’s fine, my love. Daddy misses you both, too, and you’ll see him today. Let’s get you ready for school.”

Hailey’s morning was filled with meetings. She left in the afternoon and went to the station. She met Jessica and Moore. They spent a couple of hours sorting out the necessary papers for Cole’s release.

“The worst 24 hours of my life,” Cole mumbled as they exited the station. He held Hailey’s hands and was in clean clothes, thanks to the emergency clothes he kept in his car.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that. But I’ve partnered with some people, and we’ve started working on how to put Vanessa in her place.”

“Even after all the evil she’s done, I don’t wish her death, but I want her out of our lives forever,” Hailey said.

“Leave her to me. I’ll take care of everything,” Jess assured.

Hailey nodded.

“I’m glad this is sorted. I hardly slept last night,” Moore said, his stress evident.

“Thank goodness this nightmare is over. You all can go home and leave the rest to me,” Jess announced.

“Oh, I’m not going straight home. I’m meeting Eric at the cafe to give him a piece of my mind.”

“I respect that, but I see no point. It’s a shame he trusted Vanessa and Connie so much. I’ve got no problem with her; I just want her away from my family. A restraining order has been filed. I hope she complies,” Hailey said.

“I understand, dear. But leave it to me,” Moore assured.

“We need to go. I really want a hug from my babies,” Cole said.

Jessica nodded. “No doubt it’ll make you feel better. Take care, and I’ll call if anything new comes up.”

They hugged, then got into their vehicles, with Cole driving behind Hailey.

About half an hour later, they pulled up to Hailey’s house. Cole got out and waited for Hailey. He kissed her head and placed a hand on her back, then they went inside. She was about to close the door when she heard footsteps. She smiled, knowing who it was. “Daddy!”

Cole smiled, crouching to hug both boys.

A proud smile crept onto Hailey’s lips as she watched her sons.

“Where did you go, Daddy? I was waiting for you. I missed you,” Enzo pouted, pulling away from the hug.

“I missed you too, Daddy,” Ollie pulled away.

“I’m sorry, my loves. Something came up, and I couldn’t make it yesterday. I’m really sorry; I didn’t mean to break your hearts. But don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you.”

“I’m here now, and we can play together. I’ll read your bedtime story if you want.”

“Your mommy said you wanted cookies and new toys? I ordered them, and they’ll be delivered shortly,” Cole explained. He knew buying them in person was risky, given the news about Vanessa.

“Thank you, Daddy,” Ollie smiled, hugging Cole.

“Enzo?!” Cole called, pleadingly.

The little boy pouted, arms crossed.