Page 79 of Rake

And I have, too.

His mother is polite and distant, but she’s that way with everyone. His father still watches me with narrowed eyes sometimes, as if waiting to see what kind of long game I’m playing. He won’t figure that out until it’s too late, but it’s not any game of mine. If he asked, I’d tell him I’m going on to graduate school in the fall, as I planned. Social work. Finn’s been tackling his Ph.D. as only he can—like it’s an exciting hobby.

He’s brilliant, and he’ll come home from class thrilled to share what he learned that day. His enthusiasm is contagious. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got offered a curator position at his beloved Athenaeum once his doctorate is in hand. Someday we’d start the charity we dreamed up together too—something that offers college scholarships to kids in tough situations—full rides with living expenses included.

“What’re you thinking about?” Finn slides up behind me, kissing my head.

“You,” I say, pulling his arms around me. “And how you’re a genius.”

“Is that right?” he asks. “Well, I’m about to do the smartest thing I’ve ever done.”

“What’s that?” I ask, pressing against him.

He spins me around and gets down on one knee in front of me. “If you’d asked me before we met if I was happy, I would’ve said yes, even though I was entirely miserable. I didn’t know what happiness could feel like until you came into my life. And I’d be the happiest man in the entire world if you’d agree to be my wife.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ring. It’s so him to skip the little velvet box, and I couldn’t love him more.

“Yes!” It comes out as an embarrassing squeal, but I can’t believe this is happening. He slips the ring on my finger.

“It’s antique,” he says, standing up and kissing my hand, and then the scar on the back of my wrist.

“It looks like a flower,” I murmur. The center diamond is square, and a halo of smaller diamonds encircle it, except for two raised stones at the edges of the metal band, which are a rich purple.

He laughs. “Good eye. It’s a floral motif ring from the Edwardian period.” He traces my hand and points out the purple stones. “These are purple sapphires. I remember you told me your grandmother said you looked good in purple.”

I start sobbing like a maniac, throwing myself at Finn. “Thank you,” I say. “I love you so much.” I press a thousand kisses to his face.

“You were the one who said I was a genius,” he murmurs, finding my lips and kissing me deeply. “What kind of genius would I be if I didn’t seal the deal on the love of my life?”

“Well, when you put it that way…” I kiss him again.

“Now that the river is cleaner, we could probably get married right on the banks,” Finn says.

“Oh God.” I give a little shudder.

“No? Well, I’m sure we’ll come up with something good together.”

Of that I couldn’t be more sure.

Epilogue Two – Finn

One year later

“Swanky joint,” Rory says, adjusting his tie in the mirror of the office we’re getting ready in.

“I know a guy.”

It’s mine and Sasha’s wedding day, and we’re getting married in the Athenaeum. Once I got my doctorate, in record time, the director begged me to come on as a curator, historian and researcher.

It’s a fun contrast to the work I do at the casino, though I’ve stayed with that work to keep me balanced and to keep an eye on my father. Our staff is loyal in a way that baffles him.

Amazing how far just treating people equitably and with respect goes. He could learn something from that, but he won’t.

I’m glad I’d let myself learn the lessons Sasha offered to teach me. I hope I’ve given back to her too in some small way.

“Time to get to the front, fellas,” Patrick says, slapping me on the shoulder. “Unless you think this has been some long-term scam your lady is running?”

“Jimbo probably bet something on that,” Callan says. He smiles knowingly at me. Our long-term scam would be coming to fruition soon enough.

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