Page 120 of Defend Me

“I have a little announcement to make,” she says, glancing at me. “As many of you know, I have parted ways with Phillips, Brace, and Horowitz.”

She got fired as soon as the kiss made news. She told me she was planning to quit anyway.

“Did you get a job at another firm?” Caden asks.

“No,” Von says, standing straighter. She’s wearing a dark green jumpsuit and gold heels, her hair cascading down her back, her cheeks alight with a rosy glow. “I’m starting a nonprofit right here in Magnolia Bay. I want to help those who can’t afford decent legal representation—especially women who are in unsafe domestic situations or are victims of stalking. I’m calling it Marion’s Justice.” Her cheeks turn even pinker as the room erupts in applause.

“Von, that’s wonderful!” Isla gushes.

“This is the coolest!” Daisy squeals. “How can I help?”

Von laughs. “I don’t know yet. I’m hoping to get it up and running in the next few months. I’ve actually got a line on an office space in the center of town. But the one thing I reallyneeded before opening is an investigator.” She turns to me, and the look of pride that shines out from her face fills me with warmth. “Luckily, I happen to know a guy with pretty sharp investigative skills, who is currently seeking new employment.”

“Wow,” Alistair says.

“Amazing!” Daisy cries.

I catch a glimpse of Russell Everton’s face through the crowd as everyone comes to congratulate us. He gives me a nod and I return it.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this?” Pop says, smiling as he comes to congratulate me.

“Von swore me to secrecy until she could make the announcement,” I say.

“Congratulations,” Finn says, shaking my hand in his usual pompous manner. “Looks like you’re really part of the family now.”

“Thanks, Finn,” I say, then glance at Caden. It’s the perfect opening.

Caden clears his throat. “Speaking of the family…” he says. He turns to Isla and then lowers himself to one knee. There is a collective gasp from the women in the room.

“Oh my god,” Daisy murmurs. Isla’s mom is openly crying.

“Did you know about this?” Von whispers in my ear.

I mime zipping my lips.

“I love you, Isla,” Caden says. “More than anything in this world. I’m no good with words or standing on ceremony but…I don’t want to wait another second to start sharing the rest of my life with you.” He takes a deep breath. “Will you marry me?”

Isla has her hands clapped over her mouth, her eyes shining with tears. Caden holds out a velvet ring box and opens it to reveal a beautiful ring with a shimmering, opalescent pearl in its center, surrounded by a tiny ring of diamonds.

“Yes!” she cries. “Oh yes, Caden, yes!”

He slips the ring onto her shaking hand, and they kiss as we all cheer.

“Is that Mom’s engagement ring?” Alistair asks.

Caden nods. “Dad gave me permission.”

“Oh, Caden,” Isla says, tears spilling down her cheeks as she looks tenderly at Marion’s ring.

Alistair whistles. “Things are really changing around here.”

“Maybe you’re next, Al,” Caden jokes.

“Ha,” Alistair says. “No thanks. I’m perfectly happy living the life of a bachelor.”

I look at Von, and we twine our hands together.

Things really are changing.

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