Chapter 10 - The Heir and the King
Six months later.
The summer sun bathed the sprawling gardens of the Voss estate in deep green and gold. The damage from that winter night had been completely repaired, replaced by upgraded marble, higher security, and expansive new gardens where Belle was currently running around with a golden retriever puppy.
I stood on the stone patio, wearing a simple white sundress, holding a folder of legal documents.
The truth about my family had come to light in court. With Vance behind bars for life and the forged deeds annulled, the city of Detroit had officially recognized my full ownership of the Meridian land trust. At twenty-three, I was no longer a broke waitress with fifteen dollars in her account—I was one of the largest landowners in Michigan.
"You're thinking again," a deep voice purred behind me.
Two strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back against a warm, solid chest. Harlan rested his chin on my shoulder, his lips pressing a soft kiss against the sensitive skin of my neck.
"I'm looking at the development plans for the old Meridian Theater," I smiled, leaning back into his embrace. "We're turning it into a free children's medical center and community center."
"A multi-million dollar donation," Harlan murmured, his grey eyes filled with pride as he looked down at the blueprints in my hands. "My legal team says you're a terrible businesswoman, Miss Callaway."
"I have enough money, Harlan," I laughed, turning in his arms to face him. "And besides, I have a very rich business partner who handles the aggressive investments."
"Is that all I am to you? A business partner?" Harlan asked, a slow, devilish smile touching his lips.
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. He didn't drop to one knee—he didn't need to. He held the box open, revealing a breathtaking pear-cut diamond ring that glittered like sunlight on snow.
"Six months ago, you walked into my life in a dark parking garage with nothing but a heart too big for this city," Harlan said, his voice dropping to a low, intense rumble. "You saved my daughter. You saved my soul. And you taught me that the only thing worth protecting in this world is you."
My heart hammered against my ribs, tears of joy blurring my vision. "Harlan..."
"Marry me, Rue," he whispered, placing his hand over mine. "Sign one last contract with me. Be my wife, Belle's mother, and the queen of this family."
From across the lawn, Belle came running up the stone steps, holding her puppy in her arms, her laughter echoing through the sunny garden.
"Did he ask you yet, Rue?" Belle giggled, jumping up and down. "Say yes! Please say yes!"
May you like
I looked at the little girl who had handed me her phone on the coldest night of my life. I looked at the man who had built a fortress around my heart.
"Yes," I cried, laughing through my tears as Harlan slid the ring onto my finger and pulled me into a deep, sweeping kiss that sealed our future forever. "Yes, Harlan. A thousand times yes."
