All I could do was nod as relief filled me, my body collapsing into Lachlan’s arms as I drew in what felt like my first breath in years.
* * *
I rushed through the crowded hospital corridors, Lachlan barely able to keep up as I ignored all his warnings to slow down. I couldn’t. Not until I saw my baby girl with my own eyes. It didn’t matter how many times he had assured me she was okay. That Nikko had brought her here as a precaution and hadn’t left her side.
Until she was back in my arms, I wouldn’t be certain of anything.
It had already taken me longer to get here than I would have liked. After answering Agent Curran’s questions, then needing to wash Nick’s blood from my body, hours had passed since I’d last seen my daughter.
And right now, I needed my daughter.
Needed to surround myself with her love.
When I neared a room guarded by a pair of cops, I knew I was close. The second they saw us, they stepped aside, allowing us to enter.
“Imogene,” I exhaled, overwhelmed with emotion as I took in my daughter sitting in the hospital bed.
She tore her gaze to mine, pushing out a trembling breath. “Mama…”
I rushed to her, crushing her body to mine.
“You’re okay,” she cried against my chest.
“I’m okay,” I assured her, savoring in my daughter’s familiar scent.
I didn’t think I’d ever smell her again. Didn’t think I’d ever feel her in my arms again. Didn’t think I’d ever bask in her love again.
But we survived. Again.
Just like we did all those years ago.
She lifted her concerned eyes to mine. “And…him?”
“He’s gone. He can’t hurt anyone ever again.”
“Gone?”
At the sound of the familiar voice, I looked over my shoulder, noticing Londyn and Wes hovering with Nikko and Naomi. I didn’t even bother to ask what they were doing here when they had a baby in the NICU. If I were in Londyn’s shoes, I’d want to know what happened, too, especially considering the hell Nick once put her through.
She stepped toward me, expression pleading. “Is he back in prison or—”
“He’s dead. Saw him get bagged up myself.”
She closed her eyes, as if thanking God for answering her prayers. I returned my attention to Imogene as she released a sob. But not out of pain or heartache.
Out of relief.
I wrapped my arms around her once more, soothing her tears as she allowed herself to cry over everything she’d endured the past several days. I stole a glance at Lachlan, the two of us sharing an unspoken understanding.
We didn’t want Imogene to know the details of what happened. At least not now.
“It’s over, baby.” I smoothed a hand down her hair. “We’re free.”
She held me tighter. “I really like the sound of that.”