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Dylan chuckles, the sound low and warm. “I sure do.”
His voice drops lower as he steps nearer. “You look beautiful, Gemma.”
My pulse quickens at the heat in his gaze. He takes in the necklace gracing my neck, expression thoughtful.
“It suits you. But you know none of that matters to me, right? You'd shine just as bright without any of it.”
Emotion swells in my chest. I blink back sudden tears. Of course Dylan recognizes how conflicted I feel accepting this heirloom. He knows me to my core.
I glance around quickly to ensure no one is within earshot. Then I lean up on my tiptoes until my lips nearly brush his ear.
“Dance with me later? I want to be close to you,” I whisper.
“Try and stop me.”
His husky promise sends a thrill through me. As he straightens, Dylan winks. With a subtle brush of his fingers over my wrist, he resumes his watchful position along the wall. But the heat in his eyes promises more later.
Turning, I spot Lisa waving me over. As I cross the room, I feel lighter than I have in ages. The necklace still weighs heavy around my neck, but with Dylan's steadfast presence, I can endure anything.
It doesn't matter what I wear, but who I am beneath it all. Although the road was long, I'm proud of the person I've become.
Epilogue 2
Dylan
Three Years Later
Three years have passedin the blink of an eye. As I stand to the side of Gemma's elegant penthouse, watching the partygoers, I'm amazed at how much has changed. Gemma glides through the room, radiating confidence as she chats with her guests.
Gone is the timid young woman who deferred to her father's demands. In her place stands a self-assured leader. Gemma throws back her head and laughs, her chestnut hair flowing over her shoulders.
She captivates those around her, speaking passionately about the eco-resort and other projects she's working on.
One of the guests, a hotelier from New York, gushes, “Your resort is remarkable. The architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. And your farm-to-table restaurant is exquisite!”
Gemma smiles graciously, “Thank you, but it was a team effort. I'm fortunate to collaborate with so many talented individuals.” Her humility is yet another trait I admire about her--she graciously shares credit, empowering those around her.
My gaze is drawn to the vine-shaped necklace adorning her neck, a gift from her father at the grand opening three years ago.
It symbolizes their healed relationship and her resilience. Anthony continues to play a significant role in Gemma's life, more as a mentor guiding her ongoing success now.
As if sensing my thoughts, Gemma's eyes meet mine from across the room. The bond between us has only deepened with time. Together we've faced challenges, always supporting each other.
In the months following Thomas's dramatic downfall, we tied up all loose ends. Incriminating evidence was supplied anonymously and it was enough for the police to apprehend Gemma's disturbed stalker as he attempted to flee the area. He faced criminal charges for harassment, attempted kidnapping, and breaking probation from an earlier offense.
With the stalker safely behind bars and Thomas's crimes finally brought to light, Caldwell Enterprises regained financial stability under Gemma's savvy leadership.
True to her thoughtful nature, Gemma tracked down every former employee impacted by Thomas's embezzling schemes over the years.
Moved by the stories of lost homes, broken families and derailed dreams, Gemma took it upon herself to compensate each victim for their hardship from her own funds.
While the money could never fully restore what was taken, her compassion and advocacy for those once abandoned offers hope for a brighter collective future moving forward.
“Good to see you again!” A firm pat on the back pulls me from my thoughts.
It's Thorne, one of my former SEAL teammates. We served multiple tours together years ago.
“It's been too long,” I reply, warmly clasping his hand.
