The burial of renowned judge, Terry Lindsay was attended by the cream of society. All the dignitaries of South Carolina were present. None had skipped a ceremony like this. They'd paid their respect handsomely and after Gabby and Eddie had said their tribute, the priest ended the ceremony successfully.

It was after everyone had left the burial ground that he was able to show his face. Ethan Willows walked past several graves until he reached the one that was marked, 'In lovely Memory of Our Dear Mother and Sister. Terry R. Lindsay. 1980-2022.'

He gazed at her grave, silently grieving, sad, angry, and discontented. He had succeeded in proving his innocence, but yet he was still unhappy. He wished he hadn't done so many things, like break into her house and take her at gunpoint. He knew he couldn't repair the damage he had caused. He would forever live with the scars. He remembered all that had happened prior to her tragic death. He failed to protect her. And he'd never forgive himself.

He stood there for minutes, then hours, but said nothing. What could he possibly say to her grave? Ethan was speechless. He took out the single rose he'd brought along and gingerly placed it on her grave. Then letting the tears which had welled up fall, he forced his lips to move and say something. "I'm so sorry, Lindsay."

A breeze blew across the graveyard as clouds moved quickly in the sky. The first raindrop hit his face and he knew it was time to go. A good woman had been buried today and wherever she was, Ethan prayed for her soul to rest in peace.

S O M E W E E K S L A T E R

He sat in his car and watched as the little girl played with her friends in the garden. He had been doing that since Terry passed away. Gabby was a happy child, he had noticed it ever since he began keeping an eye on her.

The ball they were playing with suddenly flew towards his car and hit the door. Gabby said to her friends, "I'll get that."

One of the girls said impatiently, "Hurry, Gabby."

She pranced to the section the ball had landed and stopped in front of the big man who had caught it.

She looked at him and stuck out her hand. "Hello, sir. Could you please give it back?"

Ethan smiled warmly and got to his knees. "Of course." He extended the ball to her. "I'm Ethan. What's your name?"

She took the ball and replied, "Gabby."

Ethan saw that she'd inherited Terry's brown eyes and small mouth.

"That's a pretty name. I want to be your friend, Gabby."

She shook her head.

Ethan said, "No?"

She nodded, clutching the ball to her dress.

"Why?"

"You have to see Daddy first. I can't be friends with grownups without Daddy's permission."

Ethan laughed and ruffled her blonde hair. "Sure, Gabby. I'll come to see your Daddy some other time." He fingered the garden they were playing. "Your friends are waiting."

"Bye, Ethan." She waved at him and ran along.

He lifted a hand, said, "Bye, Gabby," and waved back at her.

He couldn't protect Terry, but to her daughter, he'd be his guardian angel. He'd make sure not to skip a day in her life. He'd get Eddie's permission and try to make peace with him. Together they would both protect Gabby. He owned it to Lindsay-after everything he had done to her.