“Shawn? You mean, little Shawn? Why would he do this to you? That doesn’t seem like him. He’s always been such a nice, polite boy.”
“Yes, he was. He lost his parents, and it killed him. It caused him to feel abandoned by them and me when I moved. He wanted me back, but I am with Hudson now. He wasn’t happy about that,” I reply, looking down at the floor. My dad glances at Hudson.
“Honey, I have something to tell you. Shawn found you because of me. He called me and asked me if he could ask you to marry him. I didn’t know you were dating anyone and knew that you two were happy before you moved out here. I’m a fool. I’m so very sorry. None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for me.”
“Daddy, it wasn’t your fault. He would have found me without you. You didn’t know he was going off the deep end. No need to blame yourself.”
My mom takes me in a tender embrace, whispering in my ear, “You’ll both make it through this.”
“What happened to them? Are they in custody?” she asks.
Hudson walks over and put his hand on her shoulder. “Shawn ended his life, but Drew is in custody. He won’t be getting out for a very long time. I will protect both your girls with my life.”