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Chapter 13 - ✓Epilogue - Sledgehammer.

"Priceless. Just priceless my dear,"

Ryder smiled from where he sat across the table. Mr John was a renowned agent publisher who'd get his masterpiece out to the world. He was studying the manuscript as he spoke.

"Your story captures the heart with just a glance, and the writing style... exceptional. This is bound to be one hell of a bestseller."

"You're too kind,"

"Kindness comes to those who've shown it. After reading and hearing your story over the radio, you deserve all the love that you can get. I'm most happy to edit and publish your work."

Ryder nodded curtly. "I'll be leaving now so you'd attend to other things. There's a crowd waiting for you outside," he twisted the doorknob, opening the door by a chink. "Nice meeting you sir,"

"Ta-ta! Goodbye love," he waved.

Phasing out onto the streets of Denmark, with the sun rays hot against the Earth, Ryder smiled slowly, nothing the growth and speed these past few months. He'd been invited on interviews, he'd done so many podcasts, talked a lot over the radio station and finally, his book was going to be published; a guaranteed bestseller.

He'd managed to achieve fame and success but not the healing of a broken heart.

Jacob.

He hadn't seen the fugitive since he was being taken into custody three months ago, though news about his expansion in the business world filtered in, following his clear up as Sophie's murderer. The FBI went through the case thoroughly and captured Jasper on his escapade to Mexico. On this basis, it'd ended well for them all.

But not for him. Unfortunately.

Each day he'd hoped to hear from Jacob, sticking so close to his phone. Nothing happened, in fact waiting turned to torture and when he'd gone up to his firm to visit, Jacob had been unavailable.

He could swear the receptionist had been lying.

He'd preferred to go about his business like nothing ever happened.

Slipping past the heavy traffic, Ryder mingled with the crowd alighting from the Subway. Pasting a smile on his face, he greeted a few devoted fans before taking a curve out to Main Street.

All at once, the horizon became smaller. He strolled past two stalls then went into the third to rest.

He turned to the shopkeeper, his heart stopped.

"Jacob," he whispered. "You own this stall?"

It was a toy store for children with decorations up in pink and white, Jacob smiling from behind the countertop, looking gorgeous in loose, black shorts and a tight t-shirt. After all, he'd heard of Jacob's huge business empire he'd expected the ex-fugitive to be dressed nicely and sitting in comfort behind a huge desk. But here he was, his face unshaven, his eyes fiery blue than normal and his dressing common. Healthy enough but secretly starving. He pulled the teen into his arms and brushed his lips against his.

A full two minutes and he backed away. "Been reading about you every single day. You're much of a star now,"

"Nothing was ever certain."

At least you weren't.

"How's your family? Did they accept you back or something?"

Jacob nodded. "They did. It was one of the best turning points of my life,"

"I'm glad you were found innocent, but I also pray for Sophie. May her soul rest in peace,"

"Amen. Your book's gonna be a masterpiece as I've heard. I know I promised to keep away from you, but it's probably the worst decision I've ever taken. I was never one to let anything I wanted to go just like that," he added. "I'm stubborn."

And suddenly, there it was. What Ryder was looking for. What he had to do. It all began coming together at the seams. Contentment couldn't have come at a better time.

Pulling Jacob into the stall's storeroom, he turned to face him. "This seems good enough,"

"Nothing ever is," Jacob kissed him, wrapping his large arms around the teen's frail waist. "And if we had to do this every time we'd never be apart,"

"Get off me," Ryder growled, pushing him away. They both stared at each other for a moment then he laughed.

"I hate myself,"

"I love you,"

"That's already proven. You saved me,"

"When I heard you scream, I went out of my mind. I couldn't let you die. Marry me,"

That stopped Ryder for a moment. "We just met anew. It's like I'm a stranger and you're asking me to be your husband,"

"In truth that's what I want,"

"What if I said I don't love you? What would you do?"

The ex-fugitive grinned. "There's plenty of time to change that,"

"You're a sly one,"

"We're talking too much," Jacob sighed. "I'm asking you again, will you marry me?"

"I never planned to get married after Pete,"

"That's easy. Change your mind,"

"I still love him,"

His face darkened. "Ryder..."

"Yes, Jacob. I will marry you but first, you'll have to chase me,"

And with that, the game began. Out the stall, down the street and into the train, the duo never stopped laughing, never stopped teasing one another. To them, it seemed, the beginning of a new journey.