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  Consenting, Mindie agreed they’d been dancing around any kind of partnership without actually joining powers. Forcing the thought of dinner from her mind, relieved he didn’t mention it again, she proceeded. “I’ll keep the contract…on a condition.”

  “What’s your condition?” She’d barely finished her sentence before he asked.

  “Please don’t do anything behind my back again, even if you think it’s for my own good.”

  “Absolutely, nothing like this will happen again. And, you know, you aren’t liable for any negative equity. This contract is only for the good of the business. I won’t let it sink because of something I created.”

  “With everything we’re expanding into, this is a great safety net for Nixie and me.” Believing him was as natural as breathing, she trusted the autonomic response for an unknown reason.

  The perfect segue opened for George. “Speaking of safety net, I’ve been reading some books on how to be a support system for you. I may not always have the right answer, but, I’m gonna try.”

  Researching sexual assault couldn’t be an enjoyable way to pass the day. “Sounds like horrible reading.” The medical staff and police department gave her literature. She’d not bothered with any of it. Perhaps if she ignored the good intentions, Mindie could forget faster.

  George nodded a little, moving his head tentatively from side to side, he apparently disagreed with part of her sentence. “I’m learning some valuable information to be there for you. I want to spend my time constructively. I know there isn’t anything I can do to take this pain away. I can only hope to help you move forward.”

  “It does sound like something out of a psychology book.” Finally managing a laugh, it had been days since she’d really felt enjoyment at anything.

  “Well, hell, it does sound scripted. I sound like some ridiculous nerd.”

  “Oh, no, thank you for trying. Everything seems weird in a way to me these days. I don’t intend to be rude.”

  Smiling, George leaned forward slightly, reducing the space across the table in a comfortable manner. “You’re not rude. I know we have a long way to go, but, I’m here, by your side. I’m your friend first, always. I’ll protect you every day of my life.”

  Friends- an interesting concept for anyone attempting a platonic relationship when so much more lingered beneath the surface. “Can we be friends?”

  “We absolutely can.” Sincerity bridged the distance between them across the table, joining their cosmic realms. A seed of hope planted in the fertile ground of their friendship. George reassured her concerned mind with more than words. She saw the sincerity in his eyes. They were more than meant to be. Unexpectedly, his eyes welled with tears. “Someday, I hope you’ll be my wife. I love you.”

  She’d never dreamed of someone so true.

  EPILOGUE

  Grapevines flourished, bright green leaves draped over sturdy rope-like vines, twisting down and around the support wires, signaling the passing of weeks of sustained growth. The long summer days grew the plants stronger, giving them the ability to survive the coldest of expected winters. When summer blended into early autumn, the team knew their project gained a successful start to the winery’s many years of growing seasons ahead.

  Mindie also flourished just as the grapevines. Time rubbed away the dinginess and pain of the attack, reducing the event from a glaring black stain to something less tainted. Friends and family surrounded her with a special kind of trellis- a human framework of enduring love for healing. The nightmares reduced from every night to every other slumber, giving enough reprieve to feel rested most of the days. Time was the main healing element giving her relief, prepping her for the long, legal process of a trial. George stood by her side, supporting every good or dark day. George hadn’t seen his brother since before the attack. He might’ve killed him if he had. He’d kept his word to Mindie, remaining a loyal friend, expecting nothing in return. They saw each other daily. The winery business expansion presented a welcomed distraction from the reality of their personal lives.

  When Charles’ court date rolled around, jittery dread returned to the pit of her stomach, knowing she’d agreed to testify. Thankfully, the mental and emotional healing boosted her confidence and strength in her legal appearance. Knowing the situation, the District Attorney agreed to her deposition outside of the court room, more than a small gesture. Not going down quietly, his team of lawyers more than filled the defense table. They’d demanded she represent in person, but, a savvy prosecution kept her protected. Charles had been out on bond for months, living his life far away from Iowa, although, within the United States. His board of directors placed him on indefinite leave, pending the outcome of the trial. All his prior deviant dalliances, whether violent or not, had never resulted in a trial, so, many of the members relished the opportunity to be rid such an evil wart.

  With so much money in his bank accounts, Charles could retire and never work another day in his life- another imbalanced scenario when so many others in society were in genuine need. After a short trial, a jury found him guilty on several counts of assault. The board deservedly fired him for the guilty verdict. He would serve time in prison before he could be released. He would be registered nationally as a sex offender. The evil lurking inside his soul might never change, but, Mindie and George were ready should he skulk into their lives again. She could finally finish the process of moving forward into a life promising wonderful rewards.

  Eventually, in their home on a rolling hill, love shattered all fear. George built the home Mindie dreamed of, waiting for her to become his bride. His ring sparkled on her determined finger, the daily visual of their devotion. She wasn’t broken, she was his forever.

  THE END

  About the Author

  Davee Jones began a career in the counseling field with her M.Ed. She then diversified and began work for the federal government. The dryness of the day to day assignments fostered the desire for her to do something more creative. Because writing was always a passion, she used every opportunity to journal and create fictional worlds with her words. She began writing short fiction and books, inspired by the events around her.

  Now avidly writing, in the little spare time she has, she has several other books in progress. She has books that draw from eroticism, romance, suspense, drama, and sometimes comedy. A few of her books garner only one flame, but, others will secure all five flames in the heat index.

  Living daily with an autoimmune disease, she attempts to show strength and help others who might have similar health issues.

  Connect with Me!

  http://www.finless.blogspot.com

  https://twitter.com/finlessbook

  https://www.facebook.com/finless.book

  https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/daveejonesauthor

  Other books by Davee

  Split the Uprights

  A Game of Inches

  Personal Fouls

  Coming Soon!

  Snow Spankings