Echoes of the Heart - 29. Chapter 29: Jeremy and Carter want to start over. Will their past allow them?

Leonardo sat on the edge of the hospital bed, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he spoke with Sheila. She stood by his side, her hand resting on his, talking to him, trying to reassure him that everything was gonna be fine.

"You’re sure you’re ready for this, Leo?" Sheila asked, concern laced in her voice. “After everything, you need time to recover—not just physically. We all do, but I feel like this is too much on you since you’re the one who got to suffer more.”

Leonardo chuckled softly, though it was tinged with weariness.

“I’ve been through worse, Sheila. Besides, I can’t afford to waste another second of this second chance.” He glanced at her, a flicker of gratitude in his gaze. “Thank you for being here—for everything.”

Before Sheila could reply, the door creaked open. Carter stepped in, his presence immediately filling the room. His bright smile contrasted with the heaviness of the moment as he approached his father.

“Dad,” Carter greeted warmly, leaning down to kiss his father’s cheek. “How are you feeling?”

Leonardo’s face softened as he looked at his son.

“Better now that I see you. You didn’t have to come so early, you know. I thought you’d be out handling things.”

Carter grinned, his eyes sparkling with a mix of humor and affection.

“You’re more important than anything else, old man. Besides,” he added, his tone shifting slightly, “someone’s here to see you.”

Leonardo tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his expression.

“Someone?”

Carter didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he turned toward the door, his smile faltering just slightly.

“Come in,” he called softly.

The door opened wider, and Jeremy stepped in, his tall frame seeming to shrink under the weight of guilt he carried. His head was bowed, his hands fidgeting at his sides. He hesitated in the doorway for a moment before slowly walking forward, each step heavier than the last.

Leonardo’s brows furrowed as he recognized the man. He sat up straighter, his gaze hardening instinctively. Jeremy stopped a few feet away from the bed, his eyes still fixed on the floor.

Then, without warning, Jeremy dropped to his knees.

“Mr. Romano…” Jeremy’s voice cracked, tears already streaming down his face. His hands clenched into fists as he struggled to find the words. “I… I don’t even know where to start. I—”

Leonardo stared at him, his jaw tightening.

“What are you doing?” His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, a layer of unresolved pain.

Jeremy’s shoulders shook as he raised his head slightly, his tear-filled eyes meeting Leonardo’s for a fleeting moment before dropping again.

“I’m so sorry,” he choked out. “For everything. For what my family did to you. For what my mother did to your family. To Ethan. To Carter. I… I don’t even know how to make this right, but I need you to know how deeply sorry I am.”

Leonardo’s hands tightened on the bedframe, his breath hitching.

“Jeremy, get up.”

Jeremy shook his head vehemently.

“No. Please, let me say this. I’ve been carrying this guilt, this… this shame since the time I found out, and I can’t keep it inside anymore.” His voice broke again as he continued. “Your family—your son—deserved so much better. I should have seen it sooner, should have done something to stop her. I failed you, and I failed Carter.”

Carter, who had been standing by quietly, stepped closer, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Jeremy…”

“No,” Jeremy interrupted, his voice firmer this time. He turned his gaze to Carter, his expression one of pure anguish. “I need to do this, Carter. He deserves this. Your father deserves to hear it. There’s so much… so much that I’ve done. So much that I let happen when I could’ve stopped it.”

Leonardo’s eyes softened slightly as he took in the raw pain on Jeremy’s face.

“Do you think kneeling there, crying, will undo what’s happened?” he asked, his voice low but not unkind.

Jeremy flinched, his head dropping lower.

“No,” he whispered. “But it’s all I can do. And I’ll do whatever it takes—anything—to make things right.”

There was a heavy silence in the room, broken only by Jeremy’s quiet sobs. Then, Leonardo shifted, reaching out a hand. Carter watched in surprise as his father’s fingers brushed against Jeremy’s shoulder, urging him to stand.

“Get up, Jeremy,” Leonardo said again, his voice firmer this time. “You’re not your mother. You’ve made mistakes, but you’ve also done more for my son than I ever could have hoped for. And for that…” He paused, his voice thick with emotion. “For that, I’m grateful.”

Jeremy hesitated, his eyes searching Leonardo’s face for any sign of deception. When he found none, he rose shakily to his feet, his tears still flowing.

Leonardo looked at him, his own eyes glassy.

“I’ll never forget what I’ve lost,” he said quietly. “But holding onto hate won’t bring Ethan back. And it won’t help Carter.”

Leonardo looked at Jeremy, his expression softening as he took in the broken man before him.

“Jeremy,” he began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion, “I can’t hate you. Believe me, I’ve tried. But the truth is, we all have one thing in common now. We all love Carter, and that love is stronger than all of this pain.”

Jeremy’s breath hitched, his tear-filled eyes meeting Leonardo’s. He opened his mouth to speak but found himself unable to form words. Instead, he simply stood there, his hands trembling at his sides, his face a picture of raw emotion.

Leonardo tilted his head, his gaze softening even more.

“Well, don’t just stand there, Jeremy. Come here. Hug me.”

Jeremy’s chest heaved with a sob as he hesitated, his feet rooted to the ground. Then, as if something snapped inside him, he took two quick steps forward and wrapped his arms tightly around Leonardo. The older man didn’t flinch, didn’t pull back—instead, he held Jeremy just as firmly. The embrace was heavy with years of unspoken words, with pain, regret, and something that felt a lot like hope.

Jeremy buried his face in Leonardo’s shoulder, his body shaking with sobs.

“I’m so sorry,” he choked out. “For everything. For what she did. For not knowing. For not acting sooner.”

Leonardo’s hand moved to Jeremy’s back, patting it gently as if to calm him.

“It’s not your fault,” he said quietly. “What Laura did… that was her choice, her darkness. It wasn’t because of you. Don’t carry her sins on your shoulders.”

Jeremy pulled back slightly, his face red and tear-streaked.

“She’s going to pay for what she did. I promise you that. For everything—Ethan, Elena, you—she’ll face justice. I’ll make sure of it.”

Leonardo nodded, his expression unreadable.

“Justice is important. But what matters more to me now is that we start over. We can’t change the past, Jeremy. We can only decide what to do with the time we have left.”

Jeremy’s lips trembled as he nodded.

“That’s all I want. To start over. To make things right.”

Leonardo gave him a small, encouraging smile.

“Then we start with Carter. He’s the bridge between us, and he’s already shown us that healing is possible.”

Jeremy glanced over at Carter, who had been standing quietly by the side, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“I want you to come live with us,” Jeremy said suddenly, his voice steady but filled with emotion. He turned back to Leonardo. “Come to the house. Stay with us. Get to know me better. Let me get to know you. Let’s try to build something out of all this pain.”

Leonardo blinked, his surprise evident.

“You want me to live with you?”

Jeremy nodded earnestly.

“Yes. You and Carter are my family now and family is supposed to stay together. And after everything… after all the damage my family caused yours… I want to give us a chance to rebuild. Together.”

Carter stepped forward, his voice gentle but firm.

“Dad, I think it’s a good idea. We can start over, all of us. We’ve all been through so much, and I think we need each other now more than ever.”

Leonardo looked at his son, then at Jeremy, his expression softening into one of cautious hope.

“Alright,” he said finally. “I’ll come. But don’t expect this to be easy.”

Jeremy managed a watery smile, his relief palpable.

“I wouldn’t expect anything else.”

The three of them stood there for a moment, the weight of the moment settling around them. Then Jeremy reached out a hand, and Leonardo shook it firmly. Carter watched them, a small smile tugging at his lips, knowing that this was the beginning of something new.

***

The week that followed was relentless. Laura's trial began, and the courtroom was packed every day, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. The charges against her were read out one by one: conspiracy to murder, double homicide, multiple murders, evidence tampering, bribery, and obstruction of justice. The list went on, the weight of her actions laid bare for all to see. Laura stood there, her face stoic, her eyes scanning the room but resting most often on her sons.

She didn't deny a single charge. When asked how she pleaded, her answer was always the same: "Guilty." It was as though she had already resigned herself to the inevitable. Jeremy and Jeff sat at the back of the courtroom, their faces tight with a mixture of anger and pain. Carter sat beside them, his hand resting on Jeremy’s arm, offering silent comfort.

As witnesses were called, and evidence was presented, Laura never once showed any visible sign of remorse or emotion. It was only when her sons were mentioned—when the court discussed how her actions had not only destroyed lives but also fractured her family—that her composure faltered. Her hands trembled slightly as she clutched the edge of the stand, but she quickly steadied herself.

On the final day of the trial, the judge delivered the verdict: life in prison with hard labor. The courtroom was silent as the gavel struck. Laura stood, straight-backed, as though the weight of the sentence didn’t touch her. But before she was led away, she turned to face her sons.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice trembling for the first time during the trial. Her gaze moved from Jeremy to Jeff, her eyes pleading. “I’m so sorry for everything. I know you don’t want to hear this, but I love you. I always have.”

Jeremy’s jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists. jeff didn’t even look at her, staring straight ahead as though she wasn’t there. Laura then turned to Carter, surprising everyone.

“And to you… I’m sorry for what I took from you. From your family. I hope you can find peace.”

Carter’s heart twisted, but he said nothing. He simply nodded, his expression unreadable. Laura’s words hung in the air as she was escorted out of the courtroom, her footsteps echoing loudly in the silence.

*

After the trial, Jeremy knew it was time to finally let go of the ghosts of the past—literally and figuratively. He decided to hold a memorial and perform rituals for Ethan, Elena, his father, and his brother. It was a way to honor them, to acknowledge their lives, and to let their spirits rest in peace.

The rituals were held at a serene hilltop overlooking the city. A priest was brought in to guide them through the process, and everyone important in their lives was there: Carter, Jeff, Sheila, Eric, and even Leonardo.

The ceremony began with prayers, the soft hum of chanting filling the air. Four small altars were set up, each adorned with pictures, candles, and the personal belongings of the departed. For Ethan, there was a small bracelet he used to wear. For Elena, a locket with her children’s pictures. For Jeremy’s father, an old pocket watch. And for his brother, a pair of glasses he never went without.

Jeremy lit the first candle, his hands steady but his heart heavy.

“Ethan,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, “I’m sorry for everything. For the pain I caused you, for not protecting you. I hope you can forgive me.”

Carter stepped forward next, lighting a candle for his mother, Elena. His hands shook slightly, but his voice was strong.

“Mom… I hope you’re proud of me. I’m trying to live a life you’d be happy to see. I didn’t spend much time with you but I miss you every day.”

Each person took turns, speaking words of love and remembrance. As the flames flickered, the priest sprinkled holy water and recited mantras, symbolizing purification and peace. Finally, they released flower petals into the wind, a symbolic gesture of letting go.

Jeremy felt a weight lift from his shoulders as the ceremony concluded. It was as if the hill itself sighed in relief, the spirits of the departed finally at rest.

With the past finally laid to rest, Jeremy and Carter made a bold decision: they sold the house. The memories it held were too painful, too heavy to carry into their new life. They found a new home, a modest but beautiful place surrounded by trees and sunlight—a fresh start in every sense of the word.

Moving day was filled with laughter and hope. Jeff and Sheila helped with the heavy lifting, while Eric supervised from the sidelines with a teasing grin. Leonardo was there too, giving advice on how to arrange the furniture.

Carter couldn’t help but smile as he watched everyone working together. It felt like a family—his family—and for the first time in a long while, he felt whole. But amidst the joy, there was a lingering worry in the back of his mind.

Dexter.

He was still out there, still on the wanted list. Carter couldn’t shake the fear that he might show up one day, bringing chaos and destruction back into their lives. He didn’t voice his concern, though. He didn’t want to dampen the newfound happiness.

That evening, as they settled into their new home, Jeremy pulled Carter into a hug.

“We’ve come so far,” he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Carter smiled, resting his head against Jeremy’s chest.

“You won’t have to find out,” he replied. “We’re in this together.”

As they stood there, holding each other in the quiet of their new home, Carter allowed himself to believe that things were finally falling into place. There were still challenges ahead, still wounds that needed to heal, but for now, they had each other. And that was enough.

***

A week later…

*

Jeremy tapped the steering wheel in time with the beat of a song playing softly on the radio. The sun was warm, streaming through the windshield, and his face was lit with a bright smile. The headset he wore crackled with Carter’s voice on the other end, the sound of his laughter making Jeremy’s heart feel lighter than it had in years.

“I can’t believe it’s been two weeks already,” Carter said, his tone a mix of excitement and relief. “The house has felt so empty without them running around. And they didn’t even know we got married, they’re gonna be pissed, you know.”

Jeremy chuckled, nodding even though Carter couldn’t see him.

“I know. It’s been way too quiet, but I am glad I took them away from all the drama, somewhere where only Jeff and I knew. I actually caught myself missing Andrew’s endless questions about how cars work. And Oliver… God, I even miss him stealing my coffee when he thinks I’m not looking.”

Carter laughed, the sound warm and infectious.

“You know he gets that from you, right? He’s always trying to be like his dad. Both of them adore you.”

“Well, I adore them,” Jeremy said, his voice softening. “I can’t wait to see their faces when we surprise them with the movie night you planned. They’re going to love it.”

“Oh, they better,” Carter teased. “I spent hours trying to find the perfect movies. And don’t even get me started on the popcorn flavors.”

Jeremy grinned.

“You’re such a perfectionist. That’s one of the reasons I fell for you, you know.”

Carter’s voice softened.

“One of the reasons? There’s more?”

“Oh, you want the whole list?” Jeremy teased, a laugh bubbling out of him. “I’ll need a pen and paper for that. Or maybe a book.”

Carter groaned playfully.

“You’re impossible.”

“But you love me anyway.”

“Yeah,” Carter said, his voice tinged with emotion. “I really do.”

Jeremy’s heart swelled. Even after everything they’d been through, they still had moments like this—moments where love felt simple and pure.

“Well, I’m almost there,” Jeremy said after a pause. “The site where I am supposed to pick them up is just a few miles away. I’ll call you once we’re headed back, okay?”

“Drive safely,” Carter said, his tone suddenly serious. “And tell the boys I said hi. I love you, Jeremy.”

“I love you too,” Jeremy replied, his smile widening. “Talk soon.”

The call ended, and Jeremy tapped the button on his headset. He glanced at the rearview mirror, catching his own reflection. His face was relaxed, his smile unwavering. It had been a long time since he’d felt this happy, this… complete.

He turned up the radio and began singing along to a familiar tune, his voice light and carefree. The road stretched ahead of him, the trees lining it swaying gently in the breeze.

Suddenly, headlights appeared in his rearview mirror, brighter and closer than they should have been. Jeremy frowned, glancing back. The car behind him was speeding, its engine roaring as it came dangerously close to his bumper.

“What the hell?” he muttered, slowing down slightly to let the car pass. But instead of overtaking him, the car swerved and accelerated, cutting in front of him abruptly.

Jeremy slammed on the brakes, the tires screeching against the asphalt as his car skidded to a stop mere inches from the other vehicle. His heart was pounding, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

He threw the car into park and got out, his temper flaring.

“What’s wrong with you?” he shouted, striding toward the other car. “You could’ve killed me! Are you insane?”

But before he could get a good look at the driver, he felt a hand grab him from behind.

“Hey—what—”

He barely had time to react before something sharp jabbed into his neck. His vision blurred almost instantly, his knees buckling as a wave of dizziness washed over him.

“What… what’s…” His words slurred as his body grew weaker, his surroundings spinning.

Strong arms held him up, dragging him back toward his car. Jeremy tried to fight, to call out, but his limbs felt like lead, his strength sapped away.

The last thing he saw before the darkness took over was the car door swinging open, his body being shoved inside. The world around him dissolved into nothingness as the vehicle sped away.

***

Carter stood in the middle of the kids' room, admiring the transformation he and Jeremy had worked so hard on. The walls were painted in cheerful pastel shades—one side a calming sky blue and the other a warm sunshine yellow. Shelves lined with books and stuffed animals hugged the corners of the room. A play area had been set up with a ps5, train tracks, and blocks scattered neatly on a soft, colorful rug. Above the huge bed, canopies hung, dotted with tiny fairy lights that sparkled like stars. The room was everything Carter had dreamed of for Oliver and Andrew—bright, cozy, and brimming with possibilities for joy.

A soft smile spread across his face as he ran his fingers over the bed frame, picturing the kids’ excited reactions. His heart swelled with pride.

"They’re going to love this," he whispered to himself.

Just then, a pair of arms wrapped tightly around him from behind. Carter turned his head slightly to see Sheila, her face glowing with warmth as she pressed a cheek against his back.

“You’re going to be a wonderful father, you know,” she said softly. “Look at this room. It’s perfect. They’re going to love every bit of it.”

Carter smiled, leaning slightly into her embrace.

“You really think so?” he asked, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

“I know so,” Sheila said firmly, squeezing him a little tighter. “You’ve thought of everything. They’re lucky to have you.”

Before Carter could respond, his phone buzzed on the bedside table, the screen lighting up with an incoming call. Excitement surged through him, and without even checking the number, he answered quickly, his voice bright with anticipation.

“Hey, baby! Did you get the kids?”

But the voice on the other end wasn’t Jeremy’s.

“Yes, step baby bro,” came the reply, dripping with dark amusement. “I got them. They’re with me right now.”

Carter’s smile vanished, his body stiffening as the color drained from his face. His hand holding the phone trembled slightly as he pulled it away, glancing at the screen. It wasn’t Jeremy’s number. It was a strange one. His breath hitched.

“Dexter,” he gasped, his voice barely audible.

Sheila, still standing behind him, frowned in concern.

“Carter? What’s wrong?” she asked, her eyes fixed on his face.

Dexter’s mocking laugh echoed through the phone.

“Why do you sound so surprised, Carter? I heard you were looking for me. Shouldn’t you be happy I finally reached out?”

“What do you want, Dexter?” Carter forced out, his voice cracking with fear.

“Oh, don’t sound so tense, little brother. I just missed everyone. You know, family’s important.” Dexter’s voice was light, almost jovial, but there was an unmistakable undercurrent of malice.

“Dexter—” Carter began, but his brother cut him off.

“Speaking of family,” Dexter said, his tone darkening, “I have something to show you.”

A beeping sound interrupted the call—a video request. Carter’s heart pounded as he accepted it, his hands clammy. The screen lit up, and there he was. Dexter.

His appearance was jarring. The left side of his face was different—his left eye, the one Carter had injured in their last fight, was now a strange, artificial bright blue that contrasted sharply with his natural right eye. Scars marred both the upper and lower lids of his left eye, giving him a sinister, almost inhuman look. His hair was cropped shorter than Carter remembered, but the grin on his face was unmistakably the same—twisted, cruel, and full of malice.

“Why the shock, Carter?” Dexter taunted. “You don’t like my new look? You did this, after all.” He chuckled bitterly, leaning closer to the camera. “The fake eye’s starting to grow on me. It gives me this… villainous vibe. Don’t you think?”

Carter’s throat tightened, his hand gripping the phone so hard his knuckles turned white.

“Dexter, what do you want?” he repeated, his voice trembling.

Dexter’s grin widened.

“Oh, I’ve got a surprise for you.” The video angle shifted, and what Carter saw next made his blood run cold.

In the corner of a dimly lit room, Oliver and Andrew sat huddled together on a bed, their small bodies trembling as they clung to each other. Fear etched their faces, and their wide eyes darted around, searching for an escape that didn’t exist.

“Oliver! Andrew!” Carter screamed, his voice breaking as tears welled up in his eyes.

Dexter’s face reappeared on the screen, his grin now a full smirk.

“Isn’t it wonderful? I always imagined them being my step kids one day, and now we’re having a family reunion. All that’s missing is Jeremy, and we’ll be complete.”

“Don’t you dare hurt them!” Carter yelled, his voice cracking as desperation took over. “If you want to hurt someone, hurt me! Leave them alone, Dexter!”

There was a loud thudding sound in the background of the video, and Dexter’s grin widened.

“Oh, look who decided to join us.” The camera panned to reveal Jeremy on the floor, his hands tied behind his back, his face pale but his eyes blazing with defiance.

“Jeremy!” Carter screamed, his tears now streaming freely.

Jeremy’s head turned toward the camera, his eyes locking onto Carter’s through the screen.

“Carter,” he said hoarsely, his voice filled with both fear and determination.

Dexter’s face filled the screen again, his expression mocking.

“Well, Carter, I’d love to chat, but I have a family reunion to attend. Don’t worry, though—I won’t forget you. Expect my call.”

The screen went dark as the call ended, leaving Carter frozen in place, the phone slipping from his grasp.

Sheila stepped in front of him, her face pale with worry.

“Carter? What’s going on? What happened?”

Carter’s knees buckled, and he sank onto the edge of the bed, his hands trembling as he covered his face.

“It’s Dexter,” he whispered, his voice choked with tears. “He has them—Jeremy and the kids. He… he has them.”

Meanwhile, in the dark room, Jeremy lifted his head, his jaw clenched as he heard Oliver and Andrew crying. He turned to Dexter, who crouched in front of him, his twisted grin still in place.

“What do you want, Dexter?” Jeremy asked, his voice low and steady despite the fear coursing through him.

Dexter leaned in close, his fake eye glinting ominously.

“What do you think, Jeremy? Revenge. And trust me, it’s going to be glorious.”

To be continued…