Macy barely recognized her own house. There were fresh flowers in every room on the first floor, music floating through the air, and a banner hanging from the balcony that screamed Congratulations with a bunch of extra exclamation points.
“You think it’s too much, don’t you?”
She’d been so focused on the contents of her study for the past ten years, she hadn’t given much thought to sprucing up the rest of the house, but Harrison had worked wonders. She gave him a big smile. “Not at all. I think it’s perfect.”
Donna walked out of the kitchen and rubbed her hands together. “The cake came out perfectly. I hope you were serious when you said she likes chocolate because it’s chocolate to the tenth power covered in more chocolate and wrapped in a cloud of chocolate.”
“I’m sure she’ll love it.”
The doorbell rang and they all turned toward it at the same time. “Are you going to get it?” Harrison asked.
“You do it,” Macy said. “I want to watch her face when she comes in the door.”
Harrison ran to the door and flung it open. Beck was standing on the porch next to Liam. She hesitated for a moment, staring at the banner that was right in her sightline. She smiled and then scanned the room. Macy stood perfectly still, anxiously waiting for the moment Beck’s eyes met hers. They’d spent most of their time together in the month since Wayne was arrested, but today was different. Today, Beck had been officially reinstated as a Dallas police detective, and as if on cue, she reached into her pocket, pulled out her shield, and held it high while the rest of them clapped and shouted congratulations.
Donna hustled them all into the dining room where she handed out glasses of Champagne. She pointed to the very large cake in the center of the table. “I’m serving,” she said, brandishing a spatula. “Prepare to enter food coma status.”
They all sat around the table while Donna handed out gigantic slices. Once everyone had a piece of cake, Macy clanged her fork against her glass and called for attention. “Congratulations to Detective Beck Ramsey, the newest member of the crimes against persons unit at the White Rock substation.”
Beck half stood and bowed to the applause. “Thank you, everyone. Claire Hanlon asked for me to be assigned to her unit, and since she’s on the fast track to become a chief, I’m flattered. And I have a feeling I know who put a bug in her ear.”
Macy smiled when Beck shot a look at her. “I may have showed up at her office and made it clear I was very wrong about this case, that your instincts were spot-on, and that you were exactly the kind of cop she needs on her team. The kind who isn’t afraid to speak truth to power but is also committed to law enforcement as a noble cause.”
“Apparently, she bought it.” Beck tipped her glass in Macy’s direction. “And congratulations to this one. Part one of her feature piece on the Parks and Rec Killer runs this weekend.”
“I have to say, I’ve never been so excited to be done with a story.”
“I’m sure the folks at the Baxter Group will be thrilled with the bump in advertising dollars they get from it,” Liam said. He flinched. “I’m sorry, that was really insensitive. I know the guy was your friend. This had to be a really difficult piece to write.”
“Less than you’d think. I’ve spent the last month thinking about Wayne, and all I feel is anger. He murdered my best friend, and he would’ve killed Beck and me too if he could. When it comes to him, it’s not like I’m mourning the loss of someone I cared about. He was never the person I thought he was. If his wife hadn’t fallen ill, there’s no telling how many other women he’d have killed, and I’m happy to know he’ll rot in prison for the rest of his miserable life.” She laughed. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there’s therapy ahead, but I can finally turn my study into something other than a war room.”
“And as for the Baxter Group, they can kiss my ass. I handed in the story and gave my notice. The social media group Leaderboard wants to expand into online news platforms and you’re looking at their new feature editor. I start in two weeks.”
The group applauded again. Harrison raised his fork in the air. “I’m really happy for you all and your great news, but if we don’t get to eat this cake soon, I’m going to waste away.”
Beck stood. “Sorry, Harrison, but I have one more piece of news. Jack Staples signed off on a plea agreement this morning. They still have to have a presentence report done before they determine the final sentence, but I won’t have to testify.” She waved her arm. “Let the cake eating commence.”
Later, after everyone had left, Macy was putting dishes in the dishwasher when Beck slipped up behind her and pulled her into a hug. Macy turned into her arms. “I could get used to this.”
“Me too.” She cocked her head. “Are you really okay? You’ve been through a lot lately. I know you joked about Wayne earlier, but being betrayed like that had to hurt more than you’ve let on.”
Macy sighed. “It did. Finishing this piece is giving me some closure. I guess if time doesn’t heal all wounds, then I’ll get some help.” She ran her hand along Beck’s arm. “What about you? After all you’ve gone through after turning Jack in, are you more relieved or angry that he’s pleading guilty?”
Beck didn’t hesitate. “It’s a relief. Do I think everyone is going to instantly like me again? Probably not, but I have the approval of the only people I care about—you and Liam.”
“Our lives have changed a lot since we met.”
“Truth.”
“Do you think you might be ready for one more change?” Macy took a deep breath. “Because this is a really big house and now that I’m going to be spending time in other rooms besides the study, I was thinking it would be nice to share it with you.” She held her breath while she waited for Beck’s response.
“Nice? I’m thinking it would be more along the lines of amazing.” Beck pulled her close. “Let’s be amazing together.”
“I think that’s the perfect plan,” Macy said, kissing Beck to seal the deal.
The End