Page 22 of The Last Road Trip

“You can retrieve it, but I’d advise you not to go alone. Given the circumstances, I recommend a police escort. They can accompany you to the property, ensure you have safe access to your belongings, and document anything you remove. It’s a straightforward process. I can arrange it if you’d like.”

“Yes, please. That would be wonderful. Thank you.” It’s so nice to not have to do this alone.

“Give me five minutes,” she says, her voice warming slightly. “I’ll see what we can do.”

Five minutes later, my lawyer arranged for an officer to meet me at my marriage home in half an hour. As I walk through the heavy glass doors of the office building, the morning sun temporarily blinds me. That’s why it takes me a second to recognize not only Kwemby and his car, but also the two other familiar figures standing there.

“Maren? Coris?”

My daughters rush to me. They look small in the sprawling lot. They must have seen my car, or perhaps Kwemby told them about my appointment and they all decided to show. Before I can find my voice, Maren hugs me and then pulls back, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“Mom,” she says, her voice thick. “We’re sorry for how we acted.”

Coris nods, stepping up beside her sister. “We’re so sorry, Mom. We’re going to be better—not just for you, but we need to be better people. We’re done making excuses for Dad and promise to hear you out from now on.”

The dam breaks. A sob escapes my throat, and I pull them both into me. We stand there, a tangle of limbs and tearful apologies, the weight of years of silence finally lifting. Their arms wrap tight around me.

When we finally pull apart, wiping our faces, Maren glances at Kwemby, who has been standing a respectful distance away, watching us with a quiet, steady smile.

“He,” she says pointing at Kwemby, “told us to meet you here and gave us a stern talking to.”

“Hate to say it, but you both needed it,” I say.

I can tell Coris and Maren both want to ask about the status of mine and Kwemby’s relationship, but I opt to keep it to myself. It’s none of their business at this point, and I deserve privacy.

“Everything go okay in there?” Kwemby asks.

I nod, though we both know it’s not entirely true. “They’re going to give Buck a plea deal,” I say. “No jail time, just probation and maybe counseling.”

His upper lip curls. “Dammit, I’m sorry.”

“I’m ready for this to be over. At least my lawyer is filing the divorce paperwork with the court today.”

“That’s one positive.”

I shake my head. “There’s more. I need to go back to the house. There’s a ring—my grandmother’s. It’s in the safe. Ronetta, my lawyer, is arranging a police escort.”

“I’m coming with you,” he says. “Police or no police, you need support.”

I don’t argue. He’s right, and it feels amazing to finally get vindication.

“Thank you. Maren, Coris, can you two not, though? The last thing I want is for your father to claim I’m putting you two in the middle. With Kwemby and the police there, I’ll be safe.”

Maren squeezes my shoulder. “Yeah, we understand.”

“We both have class this afternoon, anyway, and need to head back. Is that okay?” Coris asks.

“Of course! Your schooling is extremely important.”

Coris hugs me again. “I promise we’ll check in more.” I believe her.

Kwemby then grabs my hand. Not too tight. Not too loose. Only the right amount to let me know he’s here. His thumb traces a slow circle over my knuckles in a way that makes my skin tingle.

“You’re doing great, Harriet,” he murmurs, his voice a low vibration that settles deep in my chest.

Chapter 15

Harriet