Page 192 of The Elusive Billionaire
But then I see the ring. The one he’s holding in his hands, and my world completely stops.
It isn’t flashy, though it catches every glimmer of light. An emerald sits at the center, strong and unyielding, encircled by a halo of diamonds. He turns it slightly, and I catch sight of the band.
Leaning in, I study the intricate weaving of vines that create the band with interwoven tiny diamonds. It’s like my life and his coming together in a beautifully crafted forever.
Then he turns it again, and I see the inscription:Mea lux.
“Oh, Grey.”
“After my sister died, I was cleaning out her room and found a diary of sorts. It’s where she designed and dreamed. In it were jewelry designs for every important time in our lives—includingthis engagement ring. She created it without ever having met you, but it’s as though she knew who you would be one day.”
He glances up, his face overcome with emotion.
“She designed this ring for my future wife, and Ace pulledmea luxstraight from her dreams for my future. She would have loved you, Savannah.”
Tears clog my throat. I’m not sure how much I can take before I explode in a blubbering mess of emotion.
“And I love you more than I ever dreamed possible.” His tone is like an ocean breeze—calm and steady. “You are my light, my love, my life. You’re everything I never dared to hope for and everything I need to keep me grounded. You’re the fire to my ice, the bark to my bite, the love of my life.”
“I love you too,” I choke out.
“Our start hasn’t been conventional, but I’ll spend every moment for the rest of our lives being the man you deserve and giving you a life better than any fairy tale. Savannah Monroe, will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife, again?”
If I could jump out of this chair, I’d already be straddling him. Instead, I nod, tears streaming down my face. “Yes. From now until forever, I am yours and you are mine.”
His kiss is the seal of all our promises, and finally, I understand the appeal of a Prince Charming and a happily ever after.
It just took this stubborn, beautifully broken man to lend me his pieces to create something whole.
Vaguely I hear our found family cheering in the background, but I’m fully consumed by Greyson Reyes—my one-time enemy turned eternal firefly.
Happily ever after to me.
EPILOGUE
GREYSON
One Year Later
“Fancy meeting you here.”
Savvy whirls around to find me leaning against the building. “I thought you had meetings today?”
I stalk her slowly, loving how even now, her eyes darken with desire. “I did, and I do, but did you seriously think I wouldn’t check on you, knowing what you were discussing with Dr. Collins today?”
Yesterday, she gave her impact statement to a courtroom packed full of people. Her brother sat behind Riley and didn’t so much as glance in her direction once.
The last thing I wanted to do was come face-to-face with her family, but I did it for her, and it solidified what we already knew—we’re better off without them.
Her features soften, and then she buries her face into the crook of my neck.
“How’d it go?” I ask gently, rubbing little circles on the small of her back.
I read her impact statements for both Riley and Kristen last week, and they damn near destroyed me. She left nothing out in either letter. But Riley’s was particularly brutal. She didn’t hold back and detailed how every one of his decisions and cruelties had impacted her life.
I wasn’t sure I could finish the letter, but I’m glad I did. It allowed me to be strong for her yesterday. The fact that she did it in person when she didn’t have to is a testament to her strength and her resilience. And it showed me how far she’s come.
Kristen and Riley were both found guilty. His convictions included attempted murder, stalking, and a host of other crimes; Kristen’s was reckless endangerment for feeding him information that led to the attack on Savvy. While Kristen will see parole much sooner than I’d like, Riley will never be free again.
