“Indeed. Now, my dear husband, since I’m here, let me spell out your future for you. You have no longer any access to a cent of the Boneiro money.”
“You have no right!”
“No? The proxy you signed before you were sentenced gave me that right.” Her smile was Cheshirian. “Or did you forget you gave me power of attorney over every cent you owned? I have moved everything into various offshore accounts. Since I now control the purse strings, it’s easy to make the rules and get people to do as I ask. So, the family attorneys are no longer at your disposal and as soon as the divorce that’s already in process is finalized… you’ll have less than nothing.” She laughed again. “Seeing as we had no prenup when we got married.”
Isabella sauntered toward the door. Her voice cut through the devastation that clawed at his mind.
“You're going to rot in this jail, Marco. All I can say is… good riddance.”
Epilogue
The Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, San Francisco...
“Since burying the dead in San Francisco was banned in the 1900s, Colma’s worst traffic jams nowadays are caused by funeral processions.” Brock’s voice sounded strained as he guided the GMC truck through the signature archway— a centerpiece of stunning architecture— into the Memorial Park.
“It’s been years since I’ve been here, which is truly a shame since my grandparents are buried here.” Jordan gazed at the fields of natural beauty that held captivating views of serenity.
Brock brought the truck to a halt beside one of the smaller lakes that bordered the well-known Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
He stayed motionless for long periods as he stared toward the lake where Jordan noticed a small granite fountain and bench next to a headstone with two angels reaching skyward. It was surrounded by a low white picket fence and colorful flower beds.
He took her hand and held it against his lips as if drawing strength from her.
“Thank you for this, Jordan.”
“They are part of the man you are, my love— your first family. Cecile and Courtney form an integral part of your heart. I would never take that away from you or expect you to push them to the back of your mind. I need you to know that I don’t feel threatened by the love you had and still have for her. On the contrary, it makes me love you more.” She brought his hand to her lips and kissed his palm. “Love can strengthen or weaken us. Your love for them and for me has given your life purpose, and it has given me hope. With your love, I’ve found the woman I lost to the violence of war. When we met, at first I fought the attraction I felt for you. You unsettled me with your ability to reach past all the barriers that formed over the years to protect my heart. You gave me the strength to open up to you. For that, I promise to love you forever and a day. You know me, Brock. I don’t do anything halfway.”
“God, you are the best thing that has happened to me ever since the accident that took them away and changed my life. I don’t know what I did to deserve you but I am thankful every day that I found you.”
He looked back at the private gravesite. “I never thought I’d ever fall in love again or ever be this happy.” He smiled at her. “I always shied away from it because I felt guilty, like I was betraying their memory in giving my heart to someone else.” He shook his head. “Since I met you my perception changed. I feel at peace, knowing she would understand and that this is what she’d want for me.”
“It’s because your love for each other was so pure. They were taken away from you too early but that’s why we have our thoughts to guide our path. Perhaps it is the memories that are the real bridge, that sense of love, a key to open doors into the worlds beyond, and when you visit them here… those are the moments when you can reflect on your everlasting bond.”
“I guess you’re right. Life is but a roaming shadow, and for some, a pitiable thespian.” He opened the door. “Are you sure about this, love? That you want to come with me to their grave?”
“Yes, honey, and not only because you want me here but because through you, I feel a bond to them as well. I know I’ll be sharing your heart with them forever and I’m comfortable with that.Youneed to believe that.” She got out of the car and fetched the flowers from the back seat before she took his hand as they walked closer. “It’s a beautiful grave.”
“There was a time that I spent days here, struggling to believe that they were gone. Many a time the grounds men had to chase me home to lock up.” His hand swept through the air as he indicated the private gravesite. “This is a reflection of what they loved. Cecile adored sitting on a bench watching waterfalls and fountains. Gardening was her favorite pastime, hence the flower beds and Courtney… she loved angels.” His eyes watered up as he went down onto his knees next to the grave. “I buried our little girl on top of Cecile. That way they would always be close to each other.”
“I’ll be over there on the bench, my love.” Jordan squeezed his shoulder and quietly stepped away.
Tears spilled over as she listened to his deep voice.
“Lord, how I loved you, Cecile. You kept me sane at a time when war raged not only in that godforsaken country I was in but inside my mind. I hated being away from home so much and I’ll always regret that I never got to say goodbye to you… to our beautiful daughter.” His hand trembled as he touched the wings of the granite angel. “I need you to know that I will always carry you in my heart and will never forget our lives together… how happy we were and the dreams we had.” He wiped the tears from his cheeks.
“I found new love, Cecile. An amazing woman who managed to fill the void in my heart… no, it’s more than that. She made me whole again. With her I finally feel human again. She’s here with me… yes, she’s that wonderful. I think of her as my emotional sunrise. She just said to me that memories are the real bridge offering a sense of love, a key to open doors into the worlds beyond. She’s right. It’s my memories of you and Courtney that kept me sane throughout these past years. They’ll always be cherished in my heart but it’s time to move on with Jordan. I’ve come to love her with a passion that scares me.”
Brock sat down next to Jordan and wrapped her in his arms. The kiss against her forward was tender and loving.
“Thank you, Jordan. Having you here means the world to me.”
“I have something to tell you and I believe this is the perfect spot. This way we can share our joy with your family that although in another realm, is now also mine.”
He brushed her hair back as he stared into her eyes. “You truly are an amazing woman.” He kissed her briefly. “I’m listening.”
Jordan took his hand and placed it against her stomach. She watched him smilingly.
Brock froze. “Honey? What… are you…?”