I couldn’t begrudge her for that. And I couldn’t let her go feeling as if she’d let us down.

Even though I suffocated inside, I went to her and wrapped her in an adoring hug.

Nana Evermore politely moved away, proving she wasn’t the ogre I wanted her to be.

She was just a grandmother who believed she’d lost her entire bloodline only to find one back from the dead.

If I were in her shoes, I’d want to steal Pippa the second I could, too.

“We love you, Pippi.” I spoke into her hair, smelling the Fijian breeze and coconuts of our island. “Keep your promise and stay in touch.”

She nodded as I let her go. “Always, G. I’ll always love you. Always.”

I nudged her chin. “Conner and your parents would be very proud of you.”

She forced a weak smile. “I hope so.”

Estelle struggled to let her go, but I pulled her into my arms and held on tight. I didn’t let go as Pippa gave us one final wave and took her grandmother’s hand.

With a smile and promise to call when they landed, Pippa walked out of our lives for good.

It’d taken days to fall in love with her, years to get to know her, and now, we’d lost her in mere moments.

That was the worst part, but as we turned to face the officers, it turned out it wasn’t the only piece of terrible news.

There was more.

“Estelle Evermore, you have free clearance to enter Sydney and will be placed in a temporary apartment until your affairs can be resonated and your death certificate revoked. Unfortunately, your home has been sold along with your belongings, but your last will and testament has been overseen by Madeleine Burrows.”

Estelle jolted, latching onto new subjects. “I didn’t—I didn’t know I had a will. And Madi. Is she here?”

Alex shook his head. “We weren’t aware to contact her. The captain of the Pacific Pearl gave no such instruction. However, your lawyer has been notified, and he advised Ms. Burrows of your safe return. I believe she will pop in to see you once you’re settled.”

Estelle focused on the good news while I focused on the bad. She had a home to go to, permission to take our daughter, and a friend waiting to welcome her.

Me...the jury was still deliberating.

If it were anything like the last jury I’d faced...I was in deep shit.

Every muscle locked as the man delivered my verdict. “As for you, Mr. Oak. We are aware of your ordeal, and under normal circumstances, we would offer compassionate grounds to allow entry for a time. We would overlook the fact you do not have the necessary visas and work with you to ensure future paperwork was arranged. However, you are a convicted felon. You have a criminal record.

“As per Australian law, we don’t permit serious offenders into our country without a full background check and deliberation. Even then, it’s never guaranteed.” He peered at me over the bridge of his glasses. “Especially for murderers.”

And just like that...I’d gone from almost dead to forbidden.

Estelle was no longer mine.

My past had finally caught up with me.

It was over.

Chapter Seventy

...............................................

E S T E L L E

......

THIS CAN’T BE happening.

I couldn’t let it happen.

Galloway was mine.

I was his.

I’d delivered his daughter.

We loved one another.

“You can’t be serious?” My voice resembled a shrill violin. “What do you intend to do?”

The immigration officer (who’d become my nemesis) cleared his throat. “He will be held in the detention centre for his flight tomorrow and deported to the United Kingdom.”

I couldn’t stop shaking.

No, no, no...

Coco jumped off her chair, rushing on her tiny legs to grip my thigh. “Ma-ma. Home?”

Automatically, I scooped her up, not tearing my eyes from the asshole trying to rip apart my family.

He’d already stolen Pippa.

He wouldn’t steal my husband, too. “It’s okay, Coco. Don’t worry.” In the same breath, I snarled, “Where he goes, I go. You want to put him in a cage...fine. But you’ll put me in there, too.”

I watched my angry spectacle almost as an outsider. I saw Galloway stiffen and his rage at my conviction. I knew he would argue and encourage me to return home (not my home anymore) and let him sort it out when he arrived in England.

But I wouldn’t let that happen.

We’d been together every day for almost four years. I thought I’d lost him. I’d watched him die. There was no way in hell I would let them shove him on a plane and pay for a crime he’d already paid for.

The fact I could stare at these people and stand by my husband knowing he’d killed but know nothing of the facts could be seen as blind naïvety.

But I knew Galloway.

He’d served his penance.

Even if he hadn’t been in jail the past few years, his conscience and soul had paid. Time and time again.

He was purged and forgiven.

“Stel, wait.” G grabbed me. “Think of Coco. They can lock me up, but I won’t let them imprison my daughter.” He held my cheeks with shaking hands. “Please...do it for me. We’ll be together again soon.”

Whatever remaining shards of my heart splintered to dust. “You don’t know what you’re asking me.”

“Yes, yes I do.” His eyes blazed with blue horror. “Do you think I want to be incarcerated again? It fucking terrifies me, but I’m willing to do what is needed to keep you safe. And if being deported is the key...then so be it.”