Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 109608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 438(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 438(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
To pretend I don’t know anything about the four C’s—color, cut, clarity, and carats—would be a lie. I love diamonds, and this amazing one does not disappoint. Of course, he never did. He whispers, “Is that a yes?”
“Oh my God, yes. Yes. Yes. I love you so much. You didn’t need a ring to get me to agree. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” I throw my arms around him and hug him so tight, not willing to ever let him go again.
His arms are around me, holding me just as tight when he gets to his feet with me still hanging around him. When my toes touch the ground again, he slips the ring on my finger. I say, “I can’t wait to wife you up.”
He chuckles. “Is that the same as taking me off the market?”
I kiss him. “You’re most definitely off the market.”
As we celebrate all the good news of the day, he steals his fiancée away to take a walk on the beach in the moonlight. As we hold hands, our feet leaving prints in the sand, I no longer dwell on my past. Loch and I may have met under unusual circumstances, but we sure did turn that tragedy into something amazing. “I’m no longer Loch Westcott’s unfinished business. Loose ends all tied up.”
Scratching the back of his neck, he chuckles, knowing exactly what I’m referencing. “About that.” He stops in front of me, still holding my hand. “Can I plead the Fifth since I’m a different person now?”
“No pleading necessary. I’m just teasing anyway, but I did want to tell you something.”
“What is it?” he asks, the moonlight shining over us and reflecting in his eyes.
My heart squeezes, and my throat thickens with emotion. “I can’t imagine my life if you’d chosen to return to the office instead of stopping for coffee that day. Thank you for saving me.”
Caressing my cheek, he kisses me, and then says, “You got it all wrong, baby. You saved me.”
EPILOGUE
Loch
“Twelve years, serving seven before you’re eligible for parole. For the guilty charge of solicitation of murder, fifteen years with no option of parole. The sentences will be consecutive. At the time of parole or the end of your served time, you will be extradited to stand trial in France for premeditated, attempted murder. The court is adjourned.”
When the gavel lands, I stand with Tuesday, wrapping my arm around her lower back. “Are you okay?”
I can see her gaze set on Carter as he’s led from the courtroom. Even if it doesn’t feel like in the moment, knowing he could get out, this is a win with the sentencing. I wouldn’t be upset if that fucker rots in his cell either.
His accomplice received a lighter sentence since he didn’t follow through with Carter’s order. However, her stolen handbag was valued at nine thousand, so he took a plea bargain and gave all the details of the murder for hire plot to lessen the felony charge. He’ll serve three years before he’s eligible for parole.
“I’m good.” She looks into my eyes. “Don’t worry. I really am.”
I hug her to my side. I see no lie in her eyes. She looks relieved. I am too. All of us are. “It helps when they plea down the charges to speed up the process.” We walk out of the courtroom and down the courthouse steps with our parents behind us. I can’t help but think how these steps are the ones that led me to her a year ago to the day.
The group stops on the sidewalk, circled together. Tuesday says, “Now we can put this behind us and move forward with our lives. I’m starving. How about lunch before we leave for France?”
No one would blame her for breaking down. She’s had a traumatic year that sounds like it was already bad prior to the attack. Her inner strength is one of thousands of reasons I find her so attractive. That’s my soon-to-be wife.
The bravest woman I know.
“How do you feel?” Noah asks, messing with his tie in the mirror.
“I’m good.”
He turns back. “Damn, dude, do you ever get nervous? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you nervous. That’s not normal.”
“I get nervous the night before a big trial and before a verdict is read. Marrying Tuesday . . . There’s nothing for me to be nervous about.” I get up from the couch, the leather screeching under the lifted weight, and look out the window where the ceremony is about to take place.
My youngest brother fucking with his tie for ten minutes has me wondering what’s going on with him. “Why are you so nervous?”
“Weddings, if I’m being truthful. A lot of expectations are involved, especially with single women when they’re in attendance. Everyone’s looking for love at these things. Add in the commitment stuff—bouquet and garter tosses, dances . . . yeah, weddings just aren’t my thing.”