Page 106 of The Devil's Wrath

Jolie nodded in agreement. “Of course, darling. That’s the most important thing. The rest will fall into place when it should.” She stood and smoothed her skirt. “Now, who’s ready for lunch? I’ve had Marta prepare all of your favorites, Theo.”

Theo leaned in close as we walked to the dining room and whispered, “I told you they would love you.”

I smiled up at him, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “You were right.”

He kissed my temple before pulling a chair out for me at the elegant dining table. As we settled in and Marta served the first course, Jolie regaled me with stories of Theo’s childhood antics, much to his chagrin, while Thane shared stories of his courtship with Jolie. It was clear that, despite their positions within The Brotherhood, they were a family first and foremost.

Thane raised his glass in a toast as the meal drew to a close. “To Theo and Wrenly,” he declared, his voice filled with pride. “May your love be as enduring as the bond between our families. And to the little one on the way, a new generation to carry on our legacy.”

We all headed to the foyer, putting our jackets on as we prepared to say our goodbyes. Jolie pulled me into one last hug, whispering in my ear, “I’m so proud of everything you’ve overcome, Wrenly. Thomas and Margaret did well by you, and I know they are looking down and smiling at you and their grandchild,” she said, her eyes misty with emotion. “Now, we expect to see you two more often. Especially once my grandbaby arrives!”

I laughed, returning her embrace. “Thank you for accepting me and this news. An engagement and a baby are probably not what you expected.”

“Are you kidding me?” she exclaimed.

“We’re honored to have you join our family, Wrenly. Your parents would be proud of the woman you’ve become.” Thane gave me a final smile, his green eyes like Theo’s crinkling at the corners.

His words brought a lump to my throat, and I blinked back sudden tears. “That means more to me than you know.”

THIRTY-SEVEN

WRENLY

With final hugs and promises to visit again soon, we made our way out to the car. Thick snowflakes drifted down from the gray winter sky, blanketing the city in a layer of pristine white. As the snow fluttered down around us, Theo draped his arm over my shoulders, pulling me close as we walked. The crisp winter air nipped at my nose, but the warmth of his body and the joy in my heart kept me from feeling the chill.

“That went well, don’t you think?” he asked, his breath visible in the cold.

I nodded. “Better than I could have imagined. I didn’t realize how fondly they thought of my parents. It feels good to know that their death left an impact on others.”

His smile faltered slightly at my words, and he turned to face me. “Your parents’ deaths left an impact on everyone who knew them. They were incredible people, and they loved you and Gage more than anything in this world. Don’t ever doubt that.”

I leaned into his touch, letting his warmth and reassurance wash over me. “I know. It’s hard sometimes, not having them here for moments like these.”

“I understand, baby. But they’re always with you, watching over you.”

He opened the car door for me, and I slid into the warm leather interior, grateful for the respite from the biting cold. He climbed in beside me, taking my hand as we pulled away from the curb. I leaned against his shoulder as we drove through the snow-covered streets.

We were about ten minutes from home when he slowed down and pulled onto the shoulder of the bridge.

“I almost forgot,” he said. “Do me a favor and reach into my jacket pocket.”

I gave him a curious look but did as he asked. My fingers brushed against a small velvet box, and my heart skipped a beat as I pulled it out.

“What is this?” My voice shook as I asked because I already knew the answer.

He grinned, and his green eyes sparkled. “Open it and find out.”

With trembling fingers, I cracked open the lid, revealing a stunning diamond ring nestled in the black velvet. The stone was a large, oval diamond on a thin rose gold band. It was classic and elegant, and it took my breath away.

He parked the car, the snow settling on the windshield. “It was my grandmother’s ring,” he explained softly. “She and my grandfather had a love story for the ages. She left it to me when she passed, making me promise to give it to the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.” He took the box from my hands, plucking the ring from its cushion. “And if it’s not already apparent, that’s you, little bird. It’s always been you.”

Tears blurred my vision as he slid the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly, as if it had been made just for me. “It’s beautiful,” I managed to say around the lump in my throat.

“Wrenly Morgan,” he began. “I know I’ve already asked you this, but I want to do it right. Will you marry me?”

Tears sprang to my eyes as I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. I unfastened my seatbelt and threw my arms around him, burying my face in his neck as I let the tears fall freely.

“Yes! I love you so much,” I whispered, my voice muffled against his skin.

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