The dedication ceremony today was wonderful, and now the museum has an archeology wing in memory of my dad. Since Ryder owned the mine, he got to choose what to do with our discovery in Africa. After discussingoptions with the museum, they couldn’t have been happier about dedicating the wing to my father and displaying the gem. I know Dad would be absolutely thrilled.
Ryder kept his word and offered to give me half of the motherload, but I declined. After seeing how excited the staff and guests were to see the exhibit tonight, I’m glad we donated the entire stone. Now everyone can enjoy it, and it will be safe from people like Adam Voss who want to cut it up and sell it for their own profit.
As for the Phantom Orchid that belonged to Empress Sophie, I decided it should go back home to Austria. We’ve been speaking to The Kunsthistorisches Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna about making its permanent home in a brand new collection highlighting the purple diamond’s fascinating history as well as its African origins. We also made sure to call Heidenreichstein Castle and let them know about the treasure trove in the subterranean tunnels.
Thieving has lost its charm and purpose for me. In all honesty, it was never something I wanted to do or enjoyed. It became a way of life when I had nothing. It served its purpose, and I am officially done. Now I have everything I could possibly want right beside me.
Stopping beside the car, I turn to face Ryder and wrap my arms around his neck. Whenever I look into his dark brown eyes, I can’t help but smile.
“I’m so damn proud of you, Delaney Marquette.”
“Why?” I tilt my head.
“You could’ve kept it—the Phantom Orchid and half of what we found in the mine—and you gave it all away.”
“It was never about keeping the diamond,” I murmur, trailing my fingers through the hair at the base of his neck. “It was always about honoring my father and finishing his quest.”
“You did that beautifully.” We share a smile. “However, a part of me believes after everything we went through, it would be nice to have a tangible reminder of our adventure. A little token.”
My brows shoot up.
“And what better way to honor what brought us together than by giving you this…” He reaches into his suit jacket’s inner pocket and removes a small box. Lowering down onto one knee, he flips the lid open. Glittering on the velvet bed is an enormous purple diamond set in a beautiful platinum setting.
“Ohhh…” I’m at a loss for words.
“I didn’t do this right the first time, and you’ve been so patient waiting for your ring,” he murmurs, sliding it onto my finger. Our gazes lock and I feel the sweet sting of tears. “Delaney Marquette, will you marry me?”
“Yes,” I whisper, pulling him back up and slamming my mouth against his. We share a long, passionate kiss and then I lift my hand to look more closely at the ring. “It’s part of what we found in Africa?”
His lips curve up in a wry smile. “I donated ninety percent of my share. But this piece—” He liftsmy hand, and the light above us makes the stone flash with a pinkish-purple fire. “This piece belongs to you.”
“It’s so lovely.”
“Oh, my Delaney.” He hugs me tightly, burying his face in my hair. “You’re my everything. My little English Crumpet, my Bella Diamond, my love, and soon, my wife.”
“I like the sound of that. Well, the wife part.” We laugh and he opens the passenger side door for me.
“Get in, baby. Linc texted and said the gang’s all waiting for us at his house.”
It doesn’t take long to reach Linc and Merritt’s gorgeous home in Denver’s ritziest section, Cherry Hills Village. Ironically, it’s not too far from Adam Voss’s mansion. The billionaire must’ve seen how Ryder and I found and donated the Phantom Orchid, as well as discovering the rest of it in the mine, because it was all over the news. Ryder’s dad has more connections than the King of England, and Arthur made sure every news outlet shared the story. He’s damn proud of his son and doing what he can to make amends, and that makes my heart very happy. My dad and I were best friends, and I’d love to see Ryder and his father find a good place together.
When it comes to Voss, it’s like he vanished. He’s been out of action, laying low somewhere, and completely out of the picture. A part of me is relieved, while another part is curious. Ever since he sent those mercenaries after us, and they failed, he’s completely disappeared. Fine by me,I guess. My life is full of so much happiness right now, I don’t need Voss messing things up or putting anyone I love in danger.
Unlike Voss’s cold and impersonal mansion, Linc and Merritt’s huge house is a home, bursting with warmth and love you can feel the moment you step through the door.
Addie and Brighton rush over to hug me, Merritt on their heels, carrying her newborn son. The Prince of Arcadia was born almost a month and a half ago, and I’ve never seen anyone prouder than Linc. He parades around with his tiny son in his huge arms, showing him off to everyone. It’s adorable, especially since he’s so big and Tristan is so small. For now, anyway. I have no doubt he’ll grow up to be as big and strong as his father.
“Hello, Tristan.” I touch his tiny hand, and he latches onto my finger with a smile, gurgling out a soft coo. “Such a flirt.”
“He’s a terrible flirt,” Merritt agrees. “When my mom holds him, he pulls her right under his spell, and she’s already spoiling him rotten.”
“All the girls are going to love him,” Hunter states.
“Un bourreau des cœurs,”Brighton adds, gently rounding a hand over his head, already full of dark hair.
“This little prince is definitely going to break some hearts.” Addie wrinkles her nose, making a face at Tristan, and he laughs.
“Where’s my handsome son?” Linc asks, strolling over. “Let’s give Mama a break so she can chat with her girls.”He drops a kiss on Merritt’s lips as he takes Tristan from her, and then heads back over to Ryder, Knox and Cole.
