Chapter 8: Road to Healing and Forgiveness
The rain came streaming down. People are attending a burial service. The rangers were all there, everyone was dressed in black. Cody is sitting in the front row with Alex and Hailey. Cody was in a haze, not hearing a word that was being said. The last few days were running through his mind, everything was a blur. Hearing the doctor telling him they were so sorry, they did everything they could, but she did not make it. Hailey crying for her mamma. Crying for her mamma to come back. Seeing Jennifer's dead body just lying there so peacefully. Saying his goodbyes to her, reassuring Jennifer he will take care of Hailey. Matt suggesting that might be best that Hailey live with him and Robin. Josh telling Cody they royally screwed up, it was their fault. Matt told Cody that he let himself open his heart to her, he could find it again with someone else.
Once the burial service was over everyone started walking away, Matt and Robin leading Alex and Hailey. Hailey hugged Cody and he hugged her back. She walked away with Alex, Robin and Matt. Cody just stood there as the rain fell over him. He watched as the coffin was lowered into the ground. Cody just stood there soaked to the bone.
Josh walked back and he escorted Cody to the car. Josh drove Cody to the ranger station where everyone was gathering. The rain had stopped, and the sun came out.
Cody just sat down on the front porch, not able to go in and face everyone again. He had been thru this once before and could not believe he was doing it again. He was hoping to start a relationship with Jennifer. The few months this winter they spent together in the cabin were wonderful. The two of them would stay up late at night, talking about all sorts of things. Several times they fallen asleep in each other's arms, and it was the most natural feeling. They kissed a few times and just a few days ago he told Jennifer he loved her and she loved him. Now she was gone.
Jennifer sat down next to Cody on the bench. Jennifer had such a calm demeanor about her. "It is so beautiful and peaceful here."
"Jennifer, you're here. How could that be?" Cody was confused.
"Why are you so sad?" Jennifer questioned.
"Jennifer your dead, how could you be here?" Jennifer did not say anything. "It's my fault your gone." Cody cried.
"Cody, don't blame yourself. He would have found me eventually, he always did." Jennifer put her hand on Cody's face to comfort him.
"But the research I did led him right to you," Cody said with tears in his eyes and tears streaming down his cheeks.
Jennifer wiped the tears from his cheeks, "Cody, he will never have a chance to hurt Hailey. She can live a normal life and not be on the run anymore." Jennifer said. Cody and Jennifer put their foreheads together.
"I wanted more time with you" Cody started to kiss Jennifer passionately. "I wanted you so much."
"Cody, you saved me in more ways than you will ever know," Jennifer said in that calm voice. "Our time together was shorter than we both wanted, but it was so precious to me. You made me feel safer than I have in years. And now I know I made the right choice in choosing you to raise my daughter."
"If was not for me, you would still be here," Cody cried and looking down in shame.
Jennifer tilted his head up, still in calm voice, "I knew I was dead the moment I left with him. It was my decision to go. You were on your way, I just needed to keep Roy away long enough for you to get there, so you could save Alex and Hailey. Cody, I have no regrets."
"Hailey would be better off with Matt and Robin." Cody said.
"Cody, I watched the two of you the last several months. You love her as if she were your own daughter. You are the one I want to raise her," Jennifer said calmly. "You're the one I want to walk her down the aisle when she gets married. "
"I told you earlier that day that I loved you. I have not loved anyone since Lizzie, and I thought I never would love again." Cody said. "I wanted to be with you that night. I wanted you to be in my life for good."
"Cody, I could not wait to see you. I wanted to be with you too. I loved you," Jennifer said calmly.
"Jennifer don't leave me, please don't leave me. I need you. I need you in my life." Cody kissing her all over her face.
"Cody, I need to go." Jennifer said calmly as she stood up.
Cody fell to his knees; he wrapped his arms around Jen's waist and hugged her as tight as he could. "Baby, please stay with me. Don't go. Please don't leave me." Jennifer wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed the top of his head.
"Cody, Cody, it's time to go." Matt voice said as he was trying to wake Cody up.
"Matt?" Cody was confused.
"Toad, time to go," Matt said.
"Go where?" Cody is still confused.
"To the hospital, you wanted to know when Jen woke up." Matt said.
Cody was still in a haze. The dream was so real. Was it a premonition of what was to come. He was so afraid when they got to the hospital she would be gone.
Matt walked into the room. Cody could hardly bring himself to enter the room. He felt like he was going to throw up. So afraid she was gone.
Cody heard Matt say, "It's good to see you awake."
Cody wiped the tears from his eyes prior to entering the room. Jennifer was a wake but very quiet not saying a word. When Cody tried to hold her hand, she just jerked her hand away, afraid of Cody's touch.
Robin was with Jennifer when she woke up. Jennifer panic'd afraid that Roy my have taken Hailey and hurt Cody or Alex. Robin tried to assure her that they were all okay. That Hailey and Alex were at her house with Cody.
"Jen, Cody is here." Robin tried to assure her.
"Cody?" Jennifer was confused.
"Jennifer, I am right here." Cody sat next to her. "You came back to us. I was so afraid you would not wake up."
"Where is Hailey?"
"She is okay, she is at Matt's house sleeping. When the doctor says it is okay, we will bring her to see you."
"Roy…. No… where is Hailey?" Jennifer was getting agitated and not making much sense. Jennifer had been in a medically induced coma for a few days due to the trauma and swelling in her brain.
"Jennifer calm down. Roy is dead. He will never hurt you again."
"He is dead?" Jennifer gave a sigh of relief. "Hailey?"
"I told you; she is okay. She is safe at Matt's house," Cody said.
"Alex?" Jennifer asked.
"He is with Hailey at Matt's house. He took good care of her."
Jennifer looked at Robin, "Where is Cody?"
"Jennifer, I am right here," Cody said.
Doctor and nurse entered the room to exam Jennifer. Robin, Matt, and Cody had to leave the room for the examination. Before he left Cody said, "Jennifer I will be in the hall way, while the doctor and nurse look you over. I love you very much and I will be back in a moment."
"You love me?"
"Yes," Cody said.
Matt, Robin, and Cody stepped into the hall. "Has she been like that since she woke up?"
"Pretty much," Robin answered. "At first, she did not say anything. She was in and out of consciousness. Then she asked about you, Hailey, and Alex. A few times she brought up Roy and she panicked. Like she has no short-term memory."
When the doctor left Jennifer's room, "Is there a Cody Hawkes?"
"I am Cody Hawkes."
Doctor took Cody to the side. "Mrs. McGovern has given us the right to share her medical information with you and her medical power of attorney if she is not capable of making medical decisions. As you may have observed Mrs. McGovern is quite confused. She suffered from severe head trauma, four broken ribs, she sustained several kicks to her abdomen that resulted in some internal bleeding. She has a severe burn on her back. We suspected that she may have been raped so we performed a rape kit. She did not sustain any bruising or tearing normally found with a rape. There is evidence that she recently had intercourse both oral and vaginal. Are you aware of Mrs. McGovern having a sexual relationship with anyone?"
"She was not," Cody could barely get the words out. He had tears coming down his cheeks.
"Then rape won't be ruled out. We will give her a course of antibiotics in case of STD and morning after pill if you consent."
"I consent." Cody knew that Jennifer was not having a sexual relationship with anyone. So, if she had sex, then Roy would have raped her.
"We suspect Mrs. McGovern will be staying at the hospital for probably about a week. We like her to meet with a trauma counselor as soon as possible."
Cody agreed, "Will she keep having memory loss?"
"No, it should get better over time," Doctor said.
"Can she have visitors? It might do her some good to see her daughter, so she can see she is okay."
"That will be okay but keep it short. Mrs. McGovern needs rest."
"Thanks Doctor." Cody went back into the room.
"Hi beautiful, the doctor says you are doing very well," Jennifer just looked up at Cody looking so distant and sad. Cody sat beside her bed. Jennifer was still so quiet. "Doctor said you could have visitors. Would you like to see Hailey?"
"Yes," Jennifer whispered a little light shown in her eyes. She reached her hand and put it on top of Cody's hand. And she fell asleep.
Cody stayed close to her side while she slept. Robin and Matt left. Robin to get some sleep and Matt to meet with the FBI again. They had met with all the rangers and were finishing up their investigation of the shooting death of Officer McGovern.
After talking to Cody, Kelly brought Alex and Hailey to the hospital. Before the kids went in to see Jennifer, Cody wanted to prep them. Kelly left the kids in a waiting room and came to Jennifer's room.
"Uncle Cody," Cody turned and saw Kelly at the door. Cody went out to meet her.
"The kids are in the waiting room, but the FBI will be coming down soon to talk to you, Jennifer and the kids." Kelly explained.
"Thanks for the heads up. Jennifer is not up to it, and I hope they don't have to put the kids thru that." Cody said.
"Jennifer, Kelly is going to stay with you for a bit. Kelly brought a surprise for you. I will be right back with it."
Cody walked to the waiting room where Alex and Hailey were waiting. Both kids gave Cody a hug. "Why don't we take a seat. I want to explain a few things before we see your mom." Cody was looking at Hailey and then turned towards Alex "Jennifer. Your mom was beaten up pretty badly. She has a few cracked ribs, and she was bleeding on the inside, so the doctors had to go in and stop the bleeding. Her back is badly bruised and hurting. She has some bruising on her face as well. Roy hurt your mom very badly, she has been pretty quiet and sad. She might be jumpy if you try to touch her. Just let your mom tell you when okay to touch her or hug her, okay."
"Is my mom going to be, okay?"
"She will be, her body will heal but just might take a while for her not to be so sad," Cody said with some concern.
"Was that man really my father? Can he hurt my mom? Is he going to take me away" Hailey was scared.
"From what I know, he was your father, but he will never hurt your mom or anyone again. You don't have to worry about him." Cody said. "Are you ready to see your mom?"
Hailey shook her head yes.
"Alex, do you have any questions?"
"No dad. I understand," Alex said.
Cody peeked his head into the room first. "Jennifer are you ready for little company." Jennifer nodded her head yes with little hint of a smile. Hailey and Alex walked into the room.
"Come here baby girl," Jennifer said to her daughter. "Are you okay, did he hurt you? Jennifer put her hand on Hailey's cheek. Hailey was a bit nervous and scared after seeing the bruising on her mom's face.
"Momma I am okay," Hailey eyes filled with tears. Jennifer wrapped her arms around her daughter and gave her a good squeeze. Tears came down Jennifer's face too. "I love you sweetie."
"Alex, are you okay?" Alex had been standing behind everyone. He came over.
"I am okay, just a bit scared the other day." Alex answered. Jennifer reached out a hand to Alex and gave him a hug.
"Good," Jennifer said.
"He took good care of Hailey. He got the two of them down to the ranger station and was able to get the Rangers in place to help us quickly find you," Cody said proudly.
"Alex, I am so grateful to you," Jennifer said as she squeezed his hand.
"Momma, when are you coming home?"
Jennifer just looked up at Cody, "Doctor told me your mom might be in the hospital for about a week. The doctors and nurses will take could care of her."
Jennifer started to look little sleepy.
Matt peeked into the room, "Cody, can I talk to you for second?"
"Be right back," Cody left the room.
Matt introduced Cody to the FBI Agent, "This is Agent Jones from the FBI. He needs to get your statement for the shooting of officer McGovern. I will have Kelly take the kids down for lunch and I will sit with Jen."
Cody shook hands with the agents, "Sure, let me tell Jennifer what's going on." Cody stepped into Jennifer's room.
"Kelly, why don't you take Alex and Hailey down to the cafeteria to get some lunch and let Jennifer rest a bit," Cody gave his niece a look.
"Come on guys, let's get something to eat on Uncle Cody," she held out her hand to Cody. Cody took out his wallet and gave her some money. Kelly and the kids left the room and Matt came in.
Cody, "Jen, I need to make a statement to the FBI about what happened. Matt is going to stay here with you. Just try to get some rest," Jennifer just nodded.
Cody walked with the agent to a conference room where another agent was sitting, "Cody Hawkes, this is agent Schultz. Let's get started. Can you tell me what transpired couple of days ago."
Cody gave his statement, "I ran into Jennifer at the hardware store, and then we had lunch. Jennifer had invited me to join Hailey, Alex, and herself for dinner and to spend the night. My son, Alex was already at the lodge fishing with Hailey. I just had to stop at home and take care of a few things before riding my horse out there."
"Were you in a sexual relationship with Mrs. McGovern?"
"No, Jennifer's husband had hurt her so badly that she did not think she could be intimate with a man again. Jennifer and I had talked at lunch about starting a relationship, so I was hoping it would move in that direction."
"Were you in love with Mrs. McGovern?"
"Yes, and I had told Jennifer that at lunch that day."
"Were you hoping to have sex with her that evening?"
"Yes, if she wanted it as well. But I was not expecting it."
"What do you know about the relationship of the McGovern's?" agent Schultz asked.
Cody told the FBI everything Jennifer had told him, and he finished with, "When we had lunch, Jennifer mentioned that she had some evidence of some of the things that Roy had done. We were going to get it the next day and go over it. We were trying to find a way to get her husband out of her life."
"Do you believe that is what Officer McGovern was after?"
"I can only speculate, but I would believe so from everything I have heard from the kids."
"When you went to the cave that night. Did you plan on killing Roy, so he would be out of Mrs. McGovern's life?"
"No, I did not have a chance to even think about it. I was just trying to get Jennifer away from him."
"Did you discuss killing him with your niece or nephew before entering the cave?"
"No, we were just trying to get Jennifer out of their safely."
"Has Mrs. McGovern told you anything that happened that night?"
"She has been confused since she had woken up. But mentioned Roy. But she been more worried about the safety of her daughter and my son."
"Did you know Roy wanted to kill you before you entered the cave?"
"I had no idea he even knew who I was, outside my name on Hailey's birth certificate."
"Getting back to that night," agent Jones, "How long of a ride is it from your place to the Lodge."
Cody answered, "About hour and a half when riding a horse."
"What happened when you arrived?"
"I saw Alex's horse was in the corral, so I knew he was still there. When I walked into the lodge, I could see there had been a struggle right away. I found Alex and Hailey tied up in the pantry."
Agent Jones asked, "Few people referenced that you are listed as the father on Mrs. McGovern's daughter's birth certificate. How long have you known you name was listed.?"
Cody responded, "The night her and her daughter moved into my house."
Agent Jones questioned, "Did that make you upset?"
Cody answered, "Honestly, Initially I did not know what to think. She had told me about the things her husband did to her. So did not bother me if it kept Hailey safe from Roy." The agent just nodded. "Alex said that Jennifer pleaded with Roy to let them go. She said she had something of his in a cave four miles from the lodge and she was going to take him there. He had smashed the radios, network connections, and phones at the lodge. He slashed her car tires. I sent the kids off on the horses to the ranger station to get help. I tracked them through the woods and eventually found the right cave. I could see the light of the fire and could hear Jennifer screaming. Sounded like he was torturing her. I met up with Kelly and Jasper and we approached the entrance. We could see that Roy was saying something to Jen. He had a gun in his hand. Jasper identified us as High Mountain Rangers and he should drop his weapon. Roy turned towards us and pointed his gun at us. He was about to shoot when Jasper took a shot. Jennifer was unconscious lying on the floor of the cave naked and beaten."
The FBI thanked Cody for his statement. They felt they had enough information to close the shooting case. The shooting was ruled in self-defense and Jasper received his badge back. The FBI did not need to talk to Jennifer at this point or the kids. The FBI mentioned they were going to look into Roy's activities and may have future questions for Cody and Jennifer if they felt it was warranted. Jasper will remain on desk duty for a couple of weeks as it is standard protocol.
Jennifer was still having issues concentrating and focusing by the time she was ready to be discharged from the hospital. She could not figure out where Hailey and herself should live. Both Jennifer and Hailey did not want to return to the Lodge. Cody told Jennifer that the two of them should move back into his cabin. He would be happy to help them until Jennifer was able to figure out the next steps of her life.
Jennifer would have to take it easy for the next 5 weeks. She also needed someone to change the bandage and place ointment on her back, help her get dressed and get washed up. Robin will come up about once a week to give her a full bath. Robin also brought her some tank tops. This will make it easier for Cody to reach the burn on her back. Jennifer was still nervous about being touched, especially by a man. The counselor helped them prepare for the experience and gave them suggestions on how to proceed and Cody instructions on how to be gentle with her. So, Jennifer was able to get over some of the fear of Cody helping her and treating her wounds.
Cody, Jen, Alex and Hailey returned to the Cabin a week and half after Roy's attack. Jennifer had to sleep up right while her ribs were healing. Jennifer was having nightmares at night, and she would jerk awake yelling. In the hospital they would give Jennifer sleeping pills or sedate her. She did not want to continue those drugs, she wanted to be in control of her surroundings. Cody decided to move the chair Jennifer would sleep on into the master bedroom. Jennifer could feel a little safer in the bedroom verses sleeping in the middle of the cabin. He thought it would be best to have Hailey sleep upstairs so she would not have to experience her mom's screams if they continued. Jennifer did not want to put Cody out, so he slept in the same room as Jennifer in the bed. Jennifer did feel some comfort with him in the room and right by her side.
Jennifer would spend most of her days in the bedroom. Not wanting to come out. "Jennifer, it is a beautiful day, why don't you come outside and sit on the porch. The fresh air may do you some good."
Jennifer just looked at Cody and agreed. Cody grabbed the shawl that Jennifer got from Maddox to wrap around her. He helped her sit down. Cody sat down next to her.
"It is nice out here" Jennifer said softly. She did not look at Cody, she just stared out towards the lake. Jennifer placed her hand on Cody's hand.
"Momma! Momma! See what I have learned to do." Hailey was riding Cody's horse by herself. Jennifer looked into the direction of her daughter's voice.
"Very good Hailey," Jennifer said. Cody squeezed her hand as he got up and went over to Hailey on the horse and helped her get down.
"Momma, Alex and I took a nice ride down to the meadow," Hailey was so excited she ran up to her mom. "We saw some deer and baby fawns."
"Good job sweetie. You need to go help Cody with the horse. You need to learn how to take care of the horse if you want to continue to ride him."
"Momma, I will be right back. Please don't go anywhere. I have something to show you," Jennifer just nodded back.
Jennifer was getting sleepy while she waited for Hailey to return, she fell asleep on the porch. Jennifer did not sleep well. When she fell asleep sitting on the porch the dreams started. Jennifer seeing flashes of that day: Kissing Cody in the parking lot only for the kiss to break and Roy's face to appear, Roy putting his hand around her neck in the cave, someone slamming her head into the table and then pushing their body up against her, hearing Hailey screaming, feeling the pain of being whipped by Roy's belt. Hailey and Cody start walking from the barn to the cabin. Cody could see Jennifer starting to stir. He knew the signs that Jennifer was having another nightmare. Cody handed Hailey the kitten he was holding.
"Hailey, I need a minute with your mom. How about you bring the kittens back in the barn and give me a few minutes."
"No, stop, please stop, don't hurt them." Jennifer shouted and jerked awake. Cody ran over to Jennifer and knelt before her.
"Jennifer you are safe, it was just a dream. Everyone is okay."
"Cody." Jennifer was breathing hard and obviously shaken.
"Did you remember something new?" Cody asked concerning.
Jennifer shook her head yes and she had tears flowing down her cheeks.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Jennifer shook her head no.
"That is okay, whenever you want to talk about it, I am here for you," Cody wiped the tears off Jennifer's cheeks. "Hailey has a surprise to show you. Are you ready to see it?"
Jennifer shook her head yes.
Cody went down to the barn to get Hailey. They carry the baby kittens up to the cabin with the momma cat following closely.
"Momma, look what we found in the barn, baby kittens." Hailey was so excited.
Cody handed Jennifer one of the kittens. "Hey little baby." Jennifer had a smile on her face. First smile Cody seen on Jennifer's face since seeing Hailey for the first time after the attack.
"Momma, can we keep one? I will take good care of it. I have always wanted a pet. Please…" Hailey begged.
"Maybe, the kittens are way too young to leave their momma yet."
Jasper had been having a difficult time since killing Roy. He had never shot anyone before. He was having problems sleeping and seemed off. Soon as he was done with work he often headed down to the bar in town and got drunk. Or he would get drunk at the ranger station or walk into the mountains.
Josh noticed Jasper was not acting like his normal jovial self.
Jasper was done with work and he went up to his room and grabbed a bottle of vodka and headed out to his favorite mountain cliff.
David had replaced Jasper at the front desk. Josh was talking to David when he saw Jasper come down with a bottle of vodka in his hand. Josh did not like what he saw. He was just finishing his work day; he grabbed his jacket and took off after Jasper.
Josh was following Jasper who made no attempt to hide where he was going. Jasper was sitting at the edge of the cliff and opened the bottle of vodka. He took a big swig from the bottle.
Josh came and sat down next to Jasper. Jasper had not even noticed that Josh was there. Jasper was just staring straight ahead.
"Beautiful view, do you come here often," Josh said.
"Oh Josh, I did not see you sit down," Jasper said.
"Could I have a swig of that?" Josh asked.
Jasper handed Josh the bottle of Vodka, Josh took a little and sat it down, away from Jasper.
"Wow that is some strong stuff."
Jasper said, "I guess."
"About four years after I joined the rangers, there were some escaped convicts from Folsom Prison. Some of the prisoners took three college age women hostage. Your uncle Cody and I tracked them through the mountains. They beat one of the women to death. We found her body just discarded. I have never seen anything like that. They were animals. We managed to track the convicts to an empty cabin, they were able to get hold of some weapons they found in the cabin. Your uncle Cody and I pinned them down. One of the convicts fired at us. And I shot back and killed him. The other two convicts surrendered, and we were able to free the two remaining women. They had been beaten, but luckily, they had not been raped. For weeks I kept reliving everything from that day. I could not sleep; I could not eat and drank too much. It almost cost me my job." Josh paused a bit. "It was the first time I shot and killed someone."
"So how did you get it to stop?" Jasper asked.
"To start, I put the bottle down," Jasper explained. "Then I asked a friend for help. He made me an appointment with a counselor to help talk things out. It took a while for the dreams to fully go away, but they did. Charles T. Dales was his name. He had been convicted of raping three women, killing one, and left the other two for dead."
Jasper responded, "He was a bad man. I killed a cop."
"He was a bad man too. You saw how Jennifer looked when they found her. He nearly beat her to death, he raped her, he threated to kill your uncle Cody and Alex. From what Cody told me, Jennifer had been running from him for over 11 years. I know Jennifer is traumatized by the things he did to her. Cody is worried she won't ever come out of it."
"Josh…. I need help. I want the dreams to go away." Jasper had tears in his eyes.
Josh gave him a side hug, "Whatever we talk about will remain between us. I won't say anything to your parents, your uncle, or your sister. What happens and what we discuss will stay between us. Okay?"
"Okay."
"I will make you an appointment with Doctor Sanders."
Jennifer did not remember everything about that day. Things were slowly coming back. The more she remembered, the more withdrawn she got. Jennifer would just sit and stare out at the world. The more time went by the more distant and the more she seemed to be turning inward. Jennifer would speak to Hailey but only when her daughter would address her or try to get her attention. Cody would try to talk to her, but Jennifer would only briefly comment and give short answers. Jennifer's ribs had healed and so did the burn on her back.
The only thing Jennifer seemed to care about was one of the kittens. She would walk to the barn and pick up the kitten and just hold it.
Cody sat by her, "What is the little lady's name?"
"I… I don't think she has a name." Jennifer answered.
"Maybe you should name her?" Jennifer looked at Cody and then back down to the kitten. She continued to pet the kitten. When the kitten started to get restless, she put it back. Jennifer adjusted the shawl she had wrapped around her and then she left the barn.
"Would you like to join me down by the lake for a bit?" Cody asked. Jennifer nodded. They walked together down by the lake.
"Where did that come from?" Jennifer asked.
"I figured this was a favorite sitting spot and it deserved a more comfortable place to sit," Cody answered, he had built a bench where once sat a rotting log. Cody and Jennifer sat side by side.
"Nice," Jennifer said quietly.
"Thank you. I love this spot; I could just sit here for hours." Cody said. Jennifer nodded in agreement.
"Cody… can you tell me what happened that night?" Jennifer asked. First time she had asked him. Cody did not respond right away. "I have all these memories all jumbled up. I am not sure what is real and what is not. I need to know."
"Jennifer, I don't know much. Just what Alex has told me and how we found you," The counselor warned Cody not to tell her too much about what happened. It was better for Jennifer to process it as she remembered it. "I will call your Counselor and talk to her, maybe in your next session we can discuss it."
"Why won't you tell me?" Jennifer cried.
"Jennifer, after I talk to the counselor," Jennifer got up and ran back to the cabin and curled up in bed crying. Jennifer just did not understand why Cody just would not tell her. Cody started to go after her, but figured it was no use.
Jennifer's dreams were getting more and more detailed. She was dreaming that she had sex with Roy. But that could not be. There was no way she would have. She could not say anything to Cody, she was afraid he would hate her. The fact that he would not talk to her about it, made it worse.
That night Jennifer woke up screaming again. It was different than any other time. Jennifer was now sleeping in the bed and Cody was sleeping on the couch. Cody jumped off the couch, he ran to Jennifer and tried to calm her down and settle her. Jennifer was afraid and fought him. She was able to break free from Cody. She had pushed him off the bed. Jennifer ran out of the room, out of the cabin and down to the lake. The sun was just coming up, so the air was still cold. Jennifer ran with no shoes or jacket, with just what she had worn to bed.
It took Cody a second to collect himself, he threw his boots on and put his coat on. He grabbed Jennifer's boots and coat as he ran out the door after her. Jennifer headed towards the lake. She was on the shore of the lake away from the cabin. She fell to her knees, and she just started to scream. Cody stopped at a safe distance and just watched her. Jennifer clinched her hands into a fist. She sat with her shins on the ground. She pulled her hands up to her face, she curled herself up into a ball and just started sobbing and rocking back and forth. Cody was unsure what to do. She had not acted like this before. He cautiously moved towards her. He knelt across from her and just gently started to talk to her and reassured her.
Jennifer looked up at Cody, "I remember everything. I did not want to, but I slept with Roy." Cody was not totally surprised. He thought Roy had raped her. "Cody, I am so sorry, I willingly slept with him. He said if I pleased him that night, he would not hurt you or Alex, so I did it. I am so sorry Cody, I told you I loved you that day and I wanted to be with you that night. But I had sex with Roy instead. Afterwards I felt dirty and ashamed of what I did. He told me I was so gullible, and he would still kill you. Cody, please don't hate me."
Cody grabbed her by the arms gently, "Jennifer, you did what you had to do to survive, and you made sure he did not hurt the kids. You have nothing to be sorry about." Cody held her close and just tried to comfort Jennifer. "Alex said that you told Roy that you would take him to the cave and then he could do whatever he wanted to you. You sacrificed yourself, so he would not hurt them. You bought us time, so I could get there. There is nothing for me to forgive."
Jennifer just cried. "Cody, when I left with him, I knew I was dead. And he nearly killed me. If you had gotten there minutes later, he would have. Sometimes I think you would have been better off if he did."
"Jennifer, please don't talk that way. I love you; it does not matter what he did to you or what you did, I love you. I need you in my life."
"Cody, I want to be with you, but can't and I just slept with him," Jennifer sobbed.
"Jennifer, it was not your fault, you did what you had to," Cody pleaded. "If anything, it was my fault. If I had not done that research on your background, he would not have found you."
"Cody, it was the transfer of the Lodge to the rangers that tipped him off. I did not even think of the fact the property transfers were public records. I made it so easy for him." Jennifer sobbed. Cody went to hold her and cradle her in his arms. Jennifer did not flinch; she did not fight him. She just let him hold her.
Jennifer continued to see the counselor and tried to pick up the pieces of her life. The first time in a long time she was free. Free to be Jennifer Jacobs again, if she wanted. Free to do what she wanted, live where she wanted. Cody and Jennifer started to meet with the counselor to talk thru what happened, their future and being intimate together.
Jennifer sat down with Hailey to talk about what happened. Cody and Alex went off fishing so they could talk as well.
Jennifer and Hailey sat on the bench by the lake. "Hailey, you know I love you more than anything."
"Yes, I love you too momma."
"I am sure you have a lot of questions about what happened," Jennifer said, and Hailey just nodded.
"Are you still sad, momma?" Hailey asked.
"Not as sad as I was. But I am working thru it with the counselor, and it is helping." Jennifer rubbed her daughter's hair. "I am sorry it has taken me so long to get to this place where I could talk to you again. I was in a very bad place after all the stuff Roy did to me. I only remembered bits and pieces of the things he did to me. I could not face the unknown. Do you have any questions?"
"Was he really my father?"
"Yes, he was."
"Was he excited that I was coming like the stories you told me? Did he want me?"
"I left him before I told him, so I can't say for sure."
"Why, momma?"
"Roy was a very cruel man. While we were married, he hurt me very badly. He was very controlling of everything I did. He would hurt me if I did not do things he wanted. He hurt other people that were close to me. I was pregnant once before. Roy did not want the baby and was mad at me for getting pregnant. He hurt me so bad that I lost the baby. When I got pregnant with you, I could not take a chance. I ran from him. That is why we have been moving around so much and why we changed our names so many times. That is why I put Cody's name on your birth certificate."
"Would Cody ever hurt you like that?"
"No, Cody is a very loving man. He is very kind, sweet, gentle, and compassionate. We are very lucky to have him in our lives."
"Was Roy your husband?"
"Yes, he was."
"So does that make you a widow?"
"I guess so, I had not really thought about it in that way."
"Do you love Cody?"
"I do love him. Since we don't have to run anymore, we are free to decide where we want to go. Would you like to go back to school?"
"Yes," Hailey said with enthusiasm.
"Is there any place we have lived before that you like to move back to?"
Hailey got a sad look on her face, "That means we would be leaving Cody and Alex. I don't want to leave them. Can't we stay here with them?"
"We can't keep imposing on them. It's too long of a commute for a job and school. Another option, we could move to South Lake Tahoe. I can look for a job in town and you can go to one of the local schools. Then we still be close to Cody and Alex."
"Then you could date Cody?"
"Maybe, sweet heart. We will have to see. So South Lake Tahoe it is."
"Tahoe here we come," Hailey chuckled.
Alex and Cody were doing some fly fishing.
"Alex, for the next school year, would you like to go to school with kids your own age? Go to school in South Lake Tahoe?"
"Would it mean we have to leave the cabin?"
"We would have to move to town, but we keep the cabin and come up when we could," Cody explained. "I would have to find a job, so might be limited how much time we have to come up here."
"Would Jennifer and Hailey come with us?"
"I don't know son. I hope so. Jennifer is talking to Hailey. She is asking Hailey where she would like to live. Jennifer would like Hailey to go to school in person. Jennifer would then look for a job nearby. The first time in long time Jennifer has a choice in her life, she can live again as herself. So, we need to support her on whatever she decides."
"Don't you love her dad?"
"I do, but Jennifer needs time to heal and to forgive herself before she can move on."
"What do you mean?"
"Jennifer feels guilty for bringing Roy into our life. That he could have hurt or even killed us. She sacrificed herself to try to save us, now she can't forgive herself for it."
"Roy said something to Jennifer that he was going to remind her of her wifely duties. I didn't realize what he meant by that until now. But I thought sex was a way of showing someone how much you love them," Alex questioned.
"Sometimes people use sex to hurt someone, control them, manipulate them. Sometime people don't care who they have sex with they are just filling their own sexual desires and in turn they hurt the other person. A man should always be a gentleman to a lady and not treat them that way. If they say "Stop" or "No" you stop. You may have desires for them, but it's not right if not something you both want. If you really love someone you respect them, and it is only special when something you both want. When you share it with someone you are married to, it's the most incredible thing. Something you share between just the two of you."
"Jennifer was married to Roy?"
"Yes, she was, and I am sure their marriage started out that way or at least for Jennifer. But Roy got abusive with her physically and mentally. This went on for a long time. He nearly destroyed her then.
"So, was he like that when she got pregnant with Hailey?" Alex asked.
"Yes, and for some time before that," Alex started to cry and just hugged his dad. Cody had tears too.
"So that is why she was so nervous when I first met Hailey."
"Yes son, and why she got so mad at me for digging into her background. She was afraid that Roy would show up."
"So, is that how he found her?"
"No, it was the transfer of the lodge to the rangers. So, she needs to forgive herself for that too."
"Dad, do you think you want to marry her some day? I would be okay with it if you did. You could give her mom's rings too."
"I would love to marry her when she is ready," Cody said. "Are you sure about the rings? I was saving them for you to give to someone special someday."
"Dad I would like Jennifer to have them. I know how much you loved mom, and I can see you love Jennifer just as much, if not more."
"Your wise young man. I had to talk to your aunt Robin before I stop feeling like I was betraying your mom."
Alex and Cody rode back on their horses. Hailey and Jennifer were already back. Alex just got off his horse and started to walk into the cabin. He did not tie his horse up or anything.
"Alex!" Cody shouted. Alex did not listen. He just kept walking. "Hailey, can you help me with the horses." Cody knew his son was going to need some time alone with Jennifer. Hailey went with Cody to help him in the barn.
Alex walked into the cabin and went to Jennifer and just hugged her and started to cry. "I am so sorry, for everything you went through." Jennifer just tried to comfort him. She and Cody had talked before, she was okay with Cody telling Alex whatever Cody felt appropriate.
"Alex it is okay. I would do anything to keep you safe."
"Dad and I talked about moving to South Lake Tahoe before school starts, will you and Hailey come with us?"
"That something your dad and I will need to discuss, but Hailey and I have decided to move there as well." Jennifer answered.
"Good. I hope you do come with us. You have made my dad so happy, and I missed having you guys around when you moved back to the Lodge. I know my dad really loves you and I love you too," Jennifer just hugged Alex again.
"I love you too Alex," Jennifer wiped the tears from his eyes.
Back in the barn Cody and Hailey were cooling down the horses and getting them brushed down.
"Hailey, do you have any questions for me about what you and your mom talked about?"
"Did you kill my father?" Hailey asked.
"I did not kill him." Cody answered.
"Then who did?"
"Roy started to point his gun at Kelly, Jasper, and myself. Roy would not put his gun down when Jasper ordered him to do so. Jasper was able to fire his gun first."
"So, Jasper saved us?"
"Yes, he did. If was not for him. We would be having a very different conversation."
"Mom wants me to go to school and we decided we are going to move to South Lake Tahoe so we can stay somewhat close to you and Alex. Mom needs to find a job first before we can go. I will miss living here, but I will miss you and Alex more."
"Can you keep a secret?"
"Sure."
"Alex and I talked too. Alex would like to finish high school in Tahoe. So, we will be moving to South Lake Tahoe as well. Then we won't be too far apart."
"Will you date my mom?"
"When she is ready, then yes. I love you and your mom very much and hope the two of you will stay in our lives."
That evening when the kids went to bed Cody and Jennifer sat on the couch next to each other.
"So how did your talk with Hailey go?" Cody asked.
"It went well. She asked a lot of good questions. She is okay with us moving to Tahoe."
"Alex would like to finish high school in person. So, we are going to move too." Cody said.
"Alex, asked if we be moving with you." Jennifer smiled.
"Is he trying to move in on my lady?"
"Your lady?" Jennifer said with a grin.
Cody got his phone out and started playing the song, "Can't Help Falling in Love," by Haley Reinhart.
"Can I have this dance my lady?" Jennifer shook her head yes.
Cody got up and reached out his hand to Jennifer and the two began to slow dance. Like they did on the night of the Winter Fling. Jennifer put her head on Cody's chest. When the song ended Jennifer looked up at Cody and he looked down at her. "Jennifer, can I kiss you?" Jennifer shook her head yes. Jennifer and Cody had a long passionate kiss.
When they came up for air, Cody smiled, "Jennifer, my feelings for you have not changed. I still love you and I want you in my life."
Jennifer gave a half smile, but was nervous, "My feelings have not changed either. I love you too." They continued to dance in each other's arms even though there was no music playing.
Cody and Jennifer arrived at the Ranger Station. Cody opened the door to let Jennifer in. Jasper was sitting at the main desk.
"Hi Jennifer and Uncle Cody," Jasper greeted them.
"Hi Jasper, is my brother in?" Cody said shaking his hand.
"He is in the Commander's Office," Jasper answered.
Jennifer went around the desk and gave Jasper a big hug. She held on to him for a long time. Jasper had been a bit distant since that night. He was afraid of how Hailey and Jennifer would react to him.
"Jasper, thank you so much for saving me and my daughter. I don't know what would have happened if you had not shot him. He was a good shot, and he may have killed all three of you. I could not have lived with myself if that happened. He was a bad man." Jennifer shared.
"Thank you, Jen," Jasper said.
Cody took Jennifer's hand, and they walked back to the Commander's office. Jennifer and Cody walked part way when Jennifer remembered she had something for Jasper. She broke away from Cody.
"Jasper this is for you, It's from Hailey." Jennifer handed Jasper an envelope. Jennifer ran back to Cody; he took her hand and kissed it.
Cody knocked on Matt's office door. "Hey, Matt can we talk to you?" Cody asked.
"Come in." Matt said.
"We want to talk to you about our future plans." Cody stated.
"Okay" Matt was hopeful that Cody would take the Commander's job. Cody and Jennifer sat down across from Matt. He noticed that Cody and Jennifer were holding hands. Jennifer had been good for Cody and Matt could see that Cody was good for Jen.
Jennifer stated, "Hailey and I are not going to stay at the lodge anymore. There just too many bad memories. I want to turn over the keys" Jennifer set the keys on the desk.
"Jen, I understand that. So, what are your future plans?" Matt asked.
"Hailey and I are going to be moving to Tahoe. I want her to go to school in person. I am currently looking for a job. Either part time or full time if you hear of anything? We will also be looking for a place to live in town."
"I might be able to help you with that," Matt said. "The office administrator we hired just quit. The job is 30 hours a week with full time benefits. If you are interested in it. I imagine you can apply this time."
"Matt this would be wonderful." Jennifer said looking at Cody and just smiled.
"Just fill out an application and we will let you know," Matt said.
"Thank you, Matt," Jennifer got up. "With that I think I will leave you boys alone to talk and I will get started with that application." Jennifer looked at Cody and smiled at him. She rubbed the back of Cody's hand as she broke away from his hold. Jennifer closed the door behind her. She paused outside the door and hope their plan will work.
Back in the front office, Jasper just looked at the envelope. He just stared at it, and he could not bring himself to open it. Josh walked into the room.
"What is that?" Josh asked.
"It something from Hailey, Jen's daughter," Jasper said, little worried. He killed that little girl's father. He avoided Jennifer and Hailey since that night.
"Are you going to open it already?" Josh asked. Jasper looked at Josh and he slowly opened it. He pulled out the piece of paper that was in the envelope. Jasper was worried about what it was going to say. Jasper could not comprehend what the drawing was. He showed it to Josh. It was a drawing of a man wearing a cape with hands on hip.
"What do you think this means?" Jasper asked. At that point Jennifer walked into the room.
"Jen it is good to see you," Josh said.
"Josh, good to see you too."
"Can you interpret this for us?" Josh asked. He showed Jennifer the drawing that Hailey did.
"Sure… It is a drawing of Jasper, Hailey's hero."
"Hero?" Jasper questioned. "She does not hate me?"
"Hate you?" Jennifer asked.
"Yeah… ah… because I killed her father."
"She did not know her father... just stories I told her of the perfect father I made up. I have told her about Roy. He…. he… hmm... would…have…"
Josh could tell that Jennifer was having issues getting the words out, that she was struggling. "Would have killed her mom, Cody, and Alex. He would have taken her away from her family." Jennifer just shook her head. Jasper could see that Jennifer was still struggling too.
"Jen, do you think it would be okay if I went up to the cabin tomorrow to see Hailey?" Jasper asked.
"Yes, I think she would like that," Jennifer said and she gave a re-assuring smile. "Jasper, do you have any of the application forms up here?"
"Jen, are you applying for the administrator job?" Josh asked. Jennifer nodded yes. "That is wonderful news Jen."
"Wait…what happened to Betty?" Jasper asked.
"She quit couple of days ago," Josh said as he handed Jennifer the application.
"Can I have two copies, just in case I need to make some corrections?" Jennifer asked.
"Sure," Josh answered as he handed her the second application.
Back in Matt's office. "So, it looks like things are going well with the two of you." Matt asked hopefully.
Cody answered, "It is. She is a strong woman and doing amazing. She still has nightmares some nights, but it is getting better."
"That good to hear Cody." Matt paused for a moment.
"Matt, I love her, I want to spend the rest of my life with her," Cody paused for a moment. "When the moment is right, I am going to ask her the marry me."
"Wow, I did know things were that serious between you?" Matt questioned. "Does she feel the same?"
"The other night she told me she loved me too. We started to dance and kissed. I don't know how long we were dancing after the music stopped. I could have stayed that way all night."
"Have you guys, you know…"
"Not yet, I think will take time, but she will get there some day. I will just have to take is slow and maybe some cold showers."
"You better, little brother. She is like a little sister to me," Cody just smiled a bit, then Matt asked, "So what did you want to talk to me about?"
"I was wondering if there any open ranger positions?" Cody asked.
"Unfortunately, I don't have any open ranger positions, but I do have the Commander position yet to fill," Matt said. "You know I have asked you before to put your name in for the position. If you are interested, it is yours for the taking. You would do a great job as Commander. When you worked here before you were on the path to be the next commander and it was something you wanted."
"Thanks for the offer, Matt, but right now I need to concentrate on my family. Alex only has a few more years at home. I want to spend as much time with him as I can. Then there is Jennifer and Hailey to consider. I need to spend time with them too," Cody still had something up his sleeve. He figured that would be Matt's answer. "I think you have been overlooking someone. You have someone here already that would be perfect to be the commander. He has earned his spot."
Matt just looked at him. "Who are you talking about?"
"Matt, I think you have been so busy wanting me to come back, you have over looked Josh Cutler. He would be perfect for the Job. He did a lot of leading when Williams was here. Williams just took the credit for everything Josh did. He is the one that should lead the rangers."
"He did?" Matt asked.
Cody answered, "Yes. Over the years I have worked closely with him. I could see the talent he has to lead and prepare rescues. Williams is only good at bullshitting. I know on several occasions he helped his fellow rangers go through difficult times."
Matt called up to the front desk, "Hey, Jasper when Cutler comes in, can you have him come see me?"
Jasper answered, "Hi dad, yeah he is right here." Jasper hung up the phone and sent Josh into Matt's office. Jennifer looked up from the table where she was filling out an application and smiled. She thought that was a good sign for their plan.
Jasper asked, "What is that all about?" Jennifer just shrugged her shoulders and smiled. Jennifer looked back at the application she was working on. She was just staring at the almost blank page. She had filled in her first name and that was it. She was stuck on the last name. If she tried to go past the last name, the next question was the address. She did not have anything to put there. What would she do.
Josh walked into the office. "What's up boss," he saw Cody sitting there and was wondering what that was all about.
"Josh, I wanted to let you know we have found the new commander for the Rangers." Josh looked from Matt to Cody. Josh had been a troubled youth that Cody mentored. Over the years Cody had trained him in everything he knew and helped him become a ranger. Really going out on a limb for him. Over the years the student mentor relationship faded, and they became the best of friends. At times Josh had thrown Cody some work here and there and they had helped one another. Matt had never worked with Josh but knew the reputation that Josh had as a youth. Which is why he never considered him to be the commander.
Matt continued, "The new commander will need to make a decision about personnel and hiring for an open ranger position." Josh looked confused.
"I think this is my queue to leave," with that Cody got up and squeezed Josh's shoulder, looked at him and smiled.
"Cody, make sure you fill out an application" Matt yelled to Cody as he left.
"Sure thing" Cody said as he waved his arm.
Cutler is looking confused.
"Josh I would like to offer you the position of Commander of the Rangers. You have been highly recommended by your peers. From my understanding, you were already managing the role under William's command. Would you accept the position?" Matt asked.
"Yes, I will accept," Cutler responded, shaking Matt's hand.
"The first order of business is to find your replacement. We would need to find an experienced ranger. From my understanding you soon will have one applicant. Someone who has experience working here, but don't feel you have to accept that applicant. You should post the position and pick the person you feel is best suited." Matt explained. He did not want Josh to feel that he had to hire Cody. It was the commander's decision. So, he had to leave it to Cutler to decide to hire Cody or not.
Cody headed over to the table where Jennifer was filling out the application and she handed him the second application.
"So far so good" Cody smiled and gave Jennifer a quick kiss on her lips. He took the application and started filling it out.
Jasper watching the interaction of the couple, he was trying to figure out what was going on.
Many of the rangers started to gather for lunch in the kitchen. Matt and Josh walk into the room.
"Jasper, can you step into the kitchen. I have an announcement to make." Matt said. Jasper followed his dad and Cutler into the kitchen.
"Can I have everyone's attention, I have an announcement to make," Matt said. "I am pleased to announce that Josh Cutler has been named the new Commander of the High Mountain Rangers affective immediately ".
Everyone started cheering, clapping their hands, and congratulating Josh.
Cody dropped his application in the inbox at the front desk. Cody and Jennifer then left the ranger station. "I love it when a plan comes together," Cody said and they both laughed.
Cody and Jennifer were on their way back to the cabin on horseback. They rode for about an hour when they arrived at a quiet meadow. They spread out a blanket. And sat on it and ate the lunch that Jennifer prepared for them.
"So, things went well with Matt?"
"Yes, he offered me the Commander job again. I told him I needed to spend more time with my family and that I thought Josh was the right person for the position."
"And he fell for it?" Jennifer teased as she leaned in and kissed Cody.
"Come here you," Cody was leaning up against one of the saddles. He pulled Jennifer closer to him. She was now sitting with her back up against Cody, sitting between his legs. Cody wrapped his arms around her. Cody was kissing her on the neck.
"Jasper is going to come to the cabin tomorrow. He wants to talk to Hailey. I think that the drawing she made affected him. I hope it helps him." Jennifer said concerning.
"I hope it helps him too," Cody paused. Cody was a bit nervous. His hands just rubbed up against her hands. "Why did you not fill out the application?"
Jennifer took a deep breath, "It was harder than I thought."
"What do you mean?" Cody asked.
"I…. hmm," Jennifer stumbled.
"Jennifer, I love you. You can tell me anything."
Jennifer went over to the saddle bag and pulled the application out."
"I…. I just did not want to put McGovern down. It's my legal name and I just could not do it. I tried to skip it and next was the address and I don't have one to put down. I filled in the rest, but just could not finish it."
"Would you like to change your last name?"
"Yes, I think McGovern brings back too many bad memories, I feel I can't escape. And I want Hailey to have the same name." Jennifer stated.
"What name would you want to use?" Cody asked.
"I am thinking about going back to my maiden name, Jacobs," Jennifer answered.
"What if you skipped a step and just go right to Hawkes?"
"Cody, what are you saying?"
"Jennifer, I know our relationship has been a bit unorthodox in any traditional sense, but I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. We are good together. I want the four of us to be a family."
"Cody, I love you too, but are you sure, it is not too soon?" Jennifer said little nervously, "What if I can never be with you?"
"I think intimacy will come in time, but if we don't, I am still sure I want to marry you," Cody pulled out a ring. "This is the ring I gave to Lizzie when we got engaged. I have been saving it for Alex to give to someone someday. He told me he wanted me to give you this ring. Will you marry me?"
Jennifer looked at Cody a bit and shook her head, "Yes… yes I will marry you, Cody Hawkes." Cody placed the ring on her finger. She reached up her hands to his cheeks and she kissed him deeply. They had been through hell together and he still wanted her and to have a life together. They are not going to wait to get married. They decided they would get married as soon as they could get everything together within the next couple of weeks.
The next day Jasper arrived at Cody's Cabin in time for lunch. The five of them had a nice lunch together. Alex and Hailey could not wait to tell them the big news that they were going to be a family. Cody and Jennifer had gotten engaged on the way back from the ranger station the day before.
"Congratulations! That is wonderful news," Jasper explained. He was honored that he was the first one to know.
Jasper wanted to spend some time alone with Hailey. "Hailey, I have heard you have some kittens, that are now ready to leave their momma."
"I do, do you want to see them?" Hailey asked.
"I would." Hailey grabbed Jasper's hand and she led him down to the barn.
"Hailey, they are so cute."
"They are getting big. Momma and Cody said I can take one with us when we move. I am not sure which one yet. I am thinking of this tiger colored one. She loves to purr, and I think it is my momma's favorite. She likes to hold kittens a lot. I think they have helped her. I would prefer to keep them all."
"We could probably use a couple at the barn in the ranger station. Always good to have cats around to get the mice."
"Then I can visit them sometimes."
"I have been seeing a doctor to talk about things, just like your mom has. The doctor suggested that I might want to get a dog or cat. With my schedule it would be difficult to have a dog, but I was wondering if I could have one of your kittens."
"Jasper, that would be great."
"Could you help me choose one?" Jasper asked. Hailey went through all the kittens and their personalities. She thought the black and white one would be the best one for him. The kitten liked Jasper a lot and climbed all over him and purred when he pets her. "Now my new friend needs a name?"
"How about Bandit, to go with the black mask over his eyes."
"Hailey, I think that is the perfect name. Bandit it is," Jasper said. "Hailey, I want to talk to you about the drawing you did of me. Am I really your hero?"
"Yes, you are brave and strong. You saved my mom before my father killed her. I don't know what I would do without my mom." Hailey got tears in her eyes. "She has always taken care of me and loves me, even when I have been bad. I thought I would never see my mom again after that night. I was afraid that man was going to take me away. He told my mom she would never see me again. When we saw my mom in the hospital, I almost did not recognize her. I was scared to go near her. She has been very sad and distant for the last several months. She is only just becoming herself again. But if you would not have killed him, I would not have my mom any more. Thank you for saving my mom." Hailey gave Jasper a big hug. Jasper just closed his eyes and a tear rolled down his cheek. "If you would not have stopped him, he could have hurt Cody or Alex too. Then I would not be getting the best father and big brother ever. Now I am getting both and a terrific cousin too." Hailey smiled at Jasper.
"I very happy to be getting you as a cousin as well." They hugged again.