BROKEN

CHAPTER 41

She informed us of everything that happened from the day they took her. "They didn't touch you, did they?" I asked her and she shook her head at me. "Not inappropriately" she responded and I nodded. "So, he just turned himself in?. What about the others?" Kayla asked. "He did. The others went their own way" Kristen said. I looked at the bandage wrapped around her head. That's where they hit her. It must have been left untreated for weeks. "I'm sure you haven't had any sleep. Why don't you rest? Get some sleep?" I suggested and Kayla nodded agreeing. "Guys, I'm fine. Right now I just want to go home" she told us. "I'll speak to the doctor," Kayla said and got up leaving us. "You're a remarkable woman, you know that?" I turned to her and she smiled at me. "I'm sorry for leaving you like that," she said. "I'm just glad you're back safe and sound Kristen," I said to her, She gave me a warm smile and then closed her eyes.

End of p.o.v

Kristen's p.o.v

6:00 pm

The doctors agreed that I could go home. "Woah. This dress is gorgeous! Come on, you have to get ready!" Kayla rushed me to the bathroom. Apparently, Caleb had sent me a beautiful dress and left a note saying

"I have a surprise for you. I've sent a limousine to pick you up at 6:40. Love you❤️❤️"

Smiling at what I just read I followed Kayla's instructions and went to take a bath. I never thought I'd live to see the day when Caleb told me he loved me. It didn't take me long to get dressed since Kayla was there to help me with my makeup and hair. She caught my hair up in a messy bun and I looked over at her when she finished. "Wait a minute, why are you coming?. What's going on?" I asked puzzled and she grabbed my purse before opening the front door. "I have somewhere to be too. Hurry, hurry" she said and handed my purse to me. At the same time, I saw the limousine pull up and a young man stepped out and waved to us. "What could Caleb possibly be surprising me with?" I turned to her. "Girl if you don't get off this porch" she warned me and I laughed. "Fine...I'll see you later" and she waved me goodbye.

End of p.o.v

Caleb's p.o.v

The gallery was unexpectedly packed with many people. I didn't even send out that many invitations. As I walked onto the center stage I looked around at the people who were chatting and laughing. Some were having a drink and others were staring at the beautiful paintings that were hanging on the walls. Kristen will love this. I looked over at the front door to the gallery and saw that the security men opened it and there, I saw the most beautiful woman standing. Kristen Smith. The love of my life. She looked so stunning. I was glad the driver had followed my instructions of blindfolding her. I smiled and took Mike in my hand, making my way over to her. "Hey, you look stunning" I whispered to her and she jumped a little. "Caleb, Thank you" She smiled and I reached for one of her hands to make her feel less nervous. The room went quiet as Wane had given them the signal to be silent. Everyone's eyes were now on Kristen. "What's going on?" Kristen squeezed my hand a little. I reached forward and removed the blindfold. She opened her eyes and looked up. "Oh my God," she said freezing. "Ladies and gentlemen, these beautiful paintings that you're looking at, were done by this talented woman, Kristen Smith. I believe she must have poured her entire heart into them, because like you when I look at them, I see more than just paint colors. I see a picture worth more than a thousand words, and these pieces have touched my very soul, it's simply remarkable." I looked over at her and saw that she wiped a tear from her cheek. "Caleb-" she said but I interrupted her. "To me, God has placed something special inside of you. You're really gifted. Ladies and gentlemen, it was Kristen's dream to have an art gallery of her own and I'm very glad that I, along with others have helped her to fulfill this. Today is a special day to celebrate her and it's just the start of what God has in store for her. Kristen went missing about a month ago. We thought she would never return, but God brought her back to us. For that I'm grateful. Please put your hands together for her" I said to them and the room erupted in loud and cheerful claps. Kristen smiled at them and I could tell she was overwhelmed. "That's my best friend Y'all!" I heard Kayla shout from the top of the stairs and Kristen turned to look up at Kayla and laughed. "I can't believe this" Kristen said and looked at me. She walked closer to me and stared at me smiling. "Thank you, Caleb. This means a lot" she said responding. "You deserve it," I told her, and the next thing I knew she reached up and captured my lips. The entire room cheered louder. "I love you, you know that?" she asked breaking the kiss and smiling, her hands on my face. "I guess I'm gonna have to do much grander things for you to kiss me like that" I stated and she laughed and hit me in the chest. "Shut up," she said and chuckled. I laughed and reach down to kiss her again. She leaned into me and gave me a warm hug. "Ok ok, that's enough, you two are getting two lovey-dovey in front of us" I heard Kayla's voice next to us. How did she get down here so quickly?. Kristen laughed still hugging me. "I'm so proud of you" Kayla touched her chest wanting to cry. "Thank you, Kayla. And thank you guys for this" she said and broke up the hug with me. She reached over and hugged Kayla.

"Now come on girl, come and say a few words or something." She took Kristen's hand and lead her to center stage.

End of p.o.v