Chapter Sixty-One
Lee Munroe stood in line as the Dean of the University called out names. It was graduation day and he had finally completed his law degree. Marella sat in the audience with David, Cecile, Blaire and Blain. Behind them sat Mason with Grace on his lap and Kelley next to him, both of them looking as proud as could be.
David and Cecile were still annoyed because the twins had opted not to go college but had started working for Kelley’s company straight out of high school. Lee hadn’t commented because the twins did valuable work for them, work that David and Cecile didn’t have to know about.
“Lee Munroe, Summa Cum Laude.”
Lee stepped forward as the Dean shook his hand, handed him a scroll and he smiled for the photographer. He had graduated in the top five percent of his class and he already had two job offers in St. John’s City.
He walked across the stage and took his seat again. The valedictorian, a girl named Sue-Anne Maloney, gave her speech and then they clapped politely. They left the auditorium in a silent fashion until they reached the outside.
Loud cheers greeted him as he spotted his family and he smiled with genuine happiness. David and Cecile both hugged him and Cecile cried as they took photos. Lee got rid of his robe as soon as he could and then they headed to a restaurant to celebrate.
“Uncle Lee! Daddy says you were one of the smartest in your class!” Grace kissed his hand and he picked her up and carried her into the restaurant.
“Congratulations, big guy.” Kelley slapped him on the back and Mason gave him a brief hug, knowing that Lee hated the physical contact.
It had been a tough six years, four of them spent earning his law degree and two of them completing his undergraduate degree. He had worked hard, played football and helped raise Grace. Marella had lived with him and they rarely argued.
Lee liked his life just as it was and he was ready to start work with John as Nascosto Scelto’s legal advisor. In two weeks he’d move back to Yorkdare Bay with Marella, move into their own house close to both Kelley and Mason and then he’d propose.
He had it all planned. Get a degree, get a job, get a house and then get married. Marella knew all about his plan too and she’d agreed. They should take life at their own pace. Marella hadn’t spoken to her father in six years but she spoke to her mother often.
Marella had finished her interior design degree three years in but she’d stayed with Lee and helped with Grace. Lee couldn’t be happier and he hoped that Marella was as happy as he was with their life. He had never before loved someone like he loved her and he knew deep in his soul that she was it for him.
Marella was naturally shy and reserved but she put up with Lee’s nightmares, never touched him on his back or chest and she was honest and faithful. Lee knew he was lucky and that he didn’t really deserve her love but he also knew he’d never let her go.
“What are you thinking?”
It was late at night, their celebration having ended three hours earlier. David and Cecile had gone back to Yorkdare Bay with the twins and they lay in bed after a long day. Lee shifted onto his side, the moonlight shining on the scars on his chest.
“I’m thinking that I’m lucky to have you.”
Marella smiled gently as she looked at him. “I love you, Lee Munroe, all of you.”
“Ditto.” Lee still couldn’t say the words and he hated himself for it. Six years with the same girl and he still couldn’t tell her that he loved her. He knew he did, felt it deep in his bones but the words failed whenever it came to the push.
“Do you think Kelley will be okay?”
Lee wondered where that question came from. Kelley was tough, durable and unbreakable. “Why wouldn’t he be?”
“I worry about him. He pushes people away, except us, but Kelley needs love like other people need air. Deep down he’s got a big heart and I’m afraid that Juliana’s death still haunts him. The way he’s having one-night stands, though, it’s not him.”
“I don’t think Kelley will ever forget her or what happened to her but he’s not completely cold. Kelley’s selective in his love, not opposed to it.”
“You’re probably right, you and Mason are the closest to him.”
Lee lay awake for a long time after Marella had fallen asleep. He did worry about Kelley and his antics, not ever getting to know a woman, just having sex when he felt the need. Kelley needed someone to keep him grounded, to share his life.
Lee smiled secretively in the darkness. Any woman that caught Kelley’s eye like that would have to have hair on her teeth and nerves of steel because Kelley Alexander wasn’t that seventeen year old boy anymore. He’d grown into a man who took what he wanted and was ruthless in his business dealings. His heart was cold now but Lee was sure that the right one could defrost it, she would just need the chance to do it.
Lee woke to an empty bed and rolled over onto his back. Marella’s scent lingered on the pillow and he glanced at his watch. It was already seven am and he got up with a sigh and pulled a t-shirt over his head. Even though Mason and Kelley knew his history he didn’t like people seeing his scars.
He reached downstairs just as a knock came at the front door. Lee ran a hand through his hair and pulled the front door open. He blinked as he looked at the man standing there, recognition filtering in and he could see the man didn’t know who he was.
“Good morning, my name’s Durandt Black, I’m with the Yorkdare Bay Police.”
“Morning, Detective, please come in.”
“Have we met? You look familiar.”
“Lee Munroe, you pulled me from a cage in a basement.”
Durandt stopped suddenly and looked at the large man in front of him. He couldn’t believe that this man was that same young boy. “I can’t believe it.”
“Come through to the kitchen and I’ll get some coffee on.”
“Thank you.”
