Contents
Chapter 71
Overview
In the fire’s aftermath, Veronica keeps Teddy with her until Jeremy arrives, having rushed back by plane. Father and son reunite in tears, and Jeremy thanks Veronica for saving Teddy. Aware the police will investigate two deaths and Teddy’s true parentage, Veronica resolves to reveal the truth gently while preserving Jeremy’s paternal place.
Summary
Hours after the blaze, Veronica and Teddy wait in an ambulance, avoiding the hospital to stay together. Both are coughing but stable. Veronica hides a head wound’s true cause from paramedics, too exhausted to explain the preceding violence and the cellar deaths.
Veronica reaches Jeremy as firefighters complete the rescue. He races to Boston, catches the next flight back to JFK, and speeds home. He arrives disheveled and breathless, and Teddy bolts into Jeremy’s arms. Both cry as they embrace, and Jeremy repeatedly thanks Veronica for saving his son.
While witnessing their reunion, Veronica considers the looming police questions about the fire and the two bodies in the cellar. She accepts that the truth about Teddy’s parentage will surface and decides to manage it carefully with Jeremy.
Veronica resolves to tell Jeremy that, despite not being Teddy’s biological father, he will always be Teddy’s father in their lives if he chooses. With Teddy safe beside her and Jeremy grateful, Veronica believes she can guide them through the fallout and keep their family bond intact.
Who Appears
- Veronica (Ronnie)Narrator; keeps Teddy safe after the fire, contacts Jeremy, and resolves to reveal Teddy’s parentage while preserving Jeremy’s role.
- TeddyRescued from the burning house; reunites with Jeremy and clings to him, coughing but okay.
- JeremyReturns on the first flight, tearfully embraces Teddy, and thanks Veronica for saving his son.