Chapter Eight

Diesel and I returned to the seventh floor. Just before we entered the apartment, he asked, "Do you think you've seen enough?"

I thought about it for a moment, torn. I think I did know enough to make a choice, but I really wanted to live in this happy place for a while, too. One thing caught my attention in my thoughts, though, and I had to ask Diesel about it. "Are my kids here named after my parents?"

He grinned and nodded. "Partially. You might be surprised to know that your family are some of your biggest supporters. I know you don't have the greatest relationship with them, and in the future, when you marry Morelli, that doesn't change much. Here, you are very content, and Ranger helped you set boundaries at the beginning of your marriage. Your parents took your vow to stop talking to them to heart, and they became very supportive and loving like they always should have been."

I thought about that for another moment and smiled. That sounded nice, but then Diesel's words penetrated my brain. "What do you mean, partially?" I asked.

He chuckled. "Do you really want to know all your future decisions now?"

"Maybe not all of them, but this one, definitely."

"Elena is named after two people: your mother and Ranger's great-grandmother. Her name was Elena, but as you are aware, Elena is also a version of Helen. Now, any other questions?"

"Just one," I replied. "I don't think he is, but is Ranger cheating on me? I mean, just because he turned down that woman doesn't mean he doesn't have someone else."

Diesel smiled gently and took me in his arms. "Sweetheart, you should never have to worry about that, and I'm so sorry your experiences have led you to expect betrayal. No, Ranger is not cheating and never has and never will."

I sighed in relief. "Okay, we can go back now. And Diesel? Thank you."

Diesel pulled me tightly to him, and before I knew it, RangeMan disappeared from view.

I blinked in the bright sunshine. Diesel was gone, and I was back in my car in Point Pleasant. I guess he thought I had enough information now and could make my own decisions without his input. Who am I kidding? His gift of showing me where each path led was invaluable, and I'd treasure it always. I knew exactly what to do.

A/N: This one's a short one, and the next chapter is the last. See you tomorrow!