Epilogue Delaney
Two Months Later...
“Ithink that went exceedingly well,” Ryder says as we leave the Denver Art Museum. He wraps an arm around my waist as we walk through the parking lot to his Lamborghini.
“Me, too,” I murmur, turning my nose into his lapel and breathing in his citrus amber scent. It never gets old and always manages to make my insides flutter.
After returning from Africa, we’ve spent almost every moment together. I haven’t officially moved in, but I don’t think I’ve spent more than a few nights at my apartment. And, of course, he stayed with me.
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 discussing options 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 lifts my 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 c?urs,” 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.
“Mon Dieu!” Brighton suddenly exclaims, grabbing my left hand and lifting it high. “Look at that rock!”
The girls pull me toward the sofa, asking a million questions at once. Since we’ve been back in Denver, Ryder and I have been coy and not officially announced anything about our relationship status. But now it looks like the cat’s out of the bag.
“Congratulations!” They all squeal.
I glance over at Ryder, giving a little shrug and grinning. “Guess they figured it out.”
“Might have something to do with that purple diamond on your finger,” he comments and saunters over. “Or maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t stopped smiling since you said yes. Again.”
“Again?” Brighton echoes. “Do tell.”
Before I can share the story about how I actually said yes two months ago, Addie’s phone rings. She glances down as it vibrates on the coffee table, frowning.
“Go ahead and answer,” I say. From the look on her face, it definitely seems like it’s a call she wants to take.
But she hesitates. “It’s Laurent.” She glances up at Cole, who walks over.
“Why would Laurent be calling you?” Cole asks.
“The better question is when did that sneaky bastard program his number into my phone?” She rolls her eyes.
“Want me to answer?” He crosses his arms with a scowl.
“Thank you, my surly detective.” She bats her lashes at him. “But why don’t we all see what he wants?”
Grabbing the phone, she swipes the bar over and puts it on speaker as everyone gathers around. “Hello, Laurent,” she answers with a weary sigh. “This better be good because I’m busy.”
A scuffling sound fills the line, followed by a low groan and a grunt of pain.
“Laurent?” Addie sits up straighter, and we all exchange curious looks. “Hello?”
“Hey… Tootsie Pop.” The Frenchman’s normally playful, easygoing voice sounds strained. “I’m in… a bit of trouble.”
“And you called me?”
“You owe me. Remember?”
“What do you need, Laurent?” Cole asks, cutting straight to the chase. “We’re not in the mood for games, so just tell us.”
Laurent lets out a chuckle which turns into a pained gasp, followed by a cough and low curse. “Well, for starters, it appears I’ve been slightly injured.”
Injured. We wait for further details, but he doesn’t elaborate.
“What happened? Where are you?” Addie asks.
“Coronado Island,” he grunts.
“We’re over a thousand miles away,” Cole states dryly. “What can we possibly do?”
“I need a place to lay low. Just for a bit.”
“My brother’s in San Diego,” Addie murmurs thoughtfully. She taps a finger against her lips, then she hands the phone to Cole. “Here, talk to him.”
“Do I have to?” Cole asks flatly, and she wrinkles her nose at him while deftly plucking his phone from his pocket. Seeing her sleight of hand up close and personal is a treat. Addie is highly-talented. “Hang on, Laurent,” Cole dutifully mutters, “Addie is calling her brother.”
“No rush,” Laurent responds. “I’m just probably dying.”
“Don’t be so dramatic.” Cole sighs. “So, are you going to tell us what happened or what?”
We all wait for Laurent to explain his situation, but he doesn’t. Meanwhile, Addie connects to her brother, getting straight to the point. He’s not on speaker, so I’m not sure what he’s saying. But after a quick conversation, she hangs up and takes her phone back from Cole.
“Ryland, Harper and the baby are visiting friends up North,” she tells us. “Laurent?”
“I’m here.”
“There’s a little restaurant just off Main Street called Charlie’s Place.”
“Not much in the mood for a dinner date,” he responds.
“My brother’s sister-in-law will be closing up,” Addie continues, ignoring his remark. “Laurent, go to Charlie’s Place and ask for Savannah, okay?”
“I—” Click. The call disconnects, and we all exchange worried looks.
“What do you think happened?” I ask. Laurent has always been my competition. A sneaky French thief who exudes enormous charisma and wit. He’s the kind of man who can break into the Louvre, steal the Mona Lisa and charm his way out, all without breaking a sweat.
“This is the infamous Laurent we’re talking about,” Knox says. “Whatever happened, he’ll be fine. He’s like a cat with nine lives who always lands on his feet.”
“True,” Ryder agrees, reaching for my hand.
“The Denver PD could never pin anything on him,” Cole tells us. “He’s too good. Hell, we never even found out his first name.”
We all look at each other, and it occurs to me that no one here actually knows if Laurent is even his name at all.
I guess the Frenchman and I are similar in that regard—carefully-guarded and secretive.
Always hiding behind a well-constructed mask.
Well, we were similar. Because I don’t need to shield myself any longer.
I’ve found people I can finally open up to and trust without fear of consequences.
I have friends, and I have a man who loves me like I’ve only ever dreamed of being loved.
“Harper is calling Savannah right now,” Addie adds. “Hopefully, he makes it there okay.”
“I’m sure he will,” Cole says dryly. “But is poor Savannah ready to deal with him?”
“Harper said Savannah gave up on men a long time ago,” Addie murmurs. “Maybe a visit from the infamous Laurent is just the thing she needs.”
“God help her,” Cole mutters, and we all chuckle. “But, hey, if it gets his attention off my beautiful fiancée then I’m all for it.”
“Are you jealous, my detective?” she teases.
“He has too many nicknames for you,” he growls, pulling her into his arms, and we all laugh because it’s true.
As everyone starts chatting again, Ryder guides me away from the group and leads me through a set of sliding glass doors and out onto a lovely back patio.
As I look around, I suppose “patio” is an understatement.
There’s rattan furniture with a ceiling fan lazily spinning above, and it’s all surrounded by endless, colorful plants and flowers.
The scent of jasmine fills the air, and I see the delicate pink flowers wound around the pillars.
“It’s so pretty out here,” I murmur.
Ryder opens his arms, and I step into his embrace. “Smells just like you.” He begins kissing my neck, and I lean back and sigh. I’ve never felt so content or deliriously happy. “No, I take that back.” I straighten up and frown. “You smell better.”
“Good save,” I tease.
“Your delicious jasmine scent is one of the first things I noticed about you.”
“Oh?”
“Even when I didn’t see or recognize you because you were in some disguise, the moment I smelled jasmine, I knew you were there. Somewhere. And then I’d start sniffing you down like a deranged but determined bloodhound.”
I throw my head back and laugh. “You’re crazy.”
“Crazy for you.”
We share a smile and then his lips descend. Kissing Ryder, feeling the way he loves me so thoroughly, always makes me melt. And tonight—right here, right now—I’m utterly liquefied.
“Thank you,” I whisper, a little breathless as I cup his stubbled face.
“For what?” he asks, voice husky.
“For seeing the real me.” I place a hand against his heart. “And for teaching me to trust again.”
He answers me with another soul-searing kiss, and I push up onto my toes, responding eagerly. Sliding my fingers through his wild waves.
Not long ago, I thought I’d lost my identity, the very essence of who I am. But now I know that’s not true. Delaney Marquette was never gone. She was just waiting for a reason to reclaim herself. And with the help of her forever man, she’s back.
And she couldn’t be happier or more in love.
I hope you enjoyed Ryder and Delaney’s happily-ever-after. Next up, the infamous Laurent has his work cut out for him while trying to outsmart a formidable enemy, as well as charm a woman who’s vowed never to love again.
Continue the Ring of Thieves series with Forever a Thief.
Want to get to know Harper and Savannah a little better? The sisters first appear in Ryland (Force Protection Delta Book 1).