Epilogue

L ONDON 2024

On a sunny afternoon in early June, Jonas slipped his hand into Janelle's as they walked through the Queen Elizabeth Gate into Hyde Park. She glanced up at him, and a sense of peace and contentment filled her. They'd decided to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the day they'd first met by taking a stroll through the park and going out to dinner.

What a journey they'd traveled together in the last year.

In October, Amanda had resigned so she could stay home with her twins, and Janelle accepted the promotion to executive director. From the contacts Jonas made at the gala, he'd contracted five more projects.

In May, his documentary of Mary Alice's story, A Foundling's Tale—Lost , Sold , and Redeemed , had been shown at the festival and won the prestigious British Independent Film Award for Best Historical Documentary.

Janelle smiled as she recalled the last few images in the film. Mary Alice stood in a garden setting, surrounded by her husband, mother, aunt, uncle, and four sons. The caption listed their names and said the year was 1910, when Mary Alice was in her early thirties.

Another photo showed her in midlife, seated at a table with five other women. The caption stated the six women had been raised together as sisters after they were rescued from brothels. What an amazing family! How kind and caring Mary Alice's relatives were to bring all those girls into their home and help them heal from what they'd experienced.

The final photo showed Mary Alice in later life, wearing a cloche hat and 1920s-style dress. In her hands she held a copy of her life story and the round golden token her mother had left with her when she'd been given into the care of the Foundling Hospital.

Viewing that film with Jonas and seeing him win the prize had been a joyful night she would never forget.

That same month, they had opened a new exhibit at the museum featuring Mary Alice's story and including portions of the film as part of the display. The exhibit had received extensive media coverage, drawing attention to the history of human trafficking in London and challenging viewers to consider the ongoing impact on women and girls.

It had been a busy and exciting twelve months, and sharing all those changes and events had drawn Janelle and Jonas even closer.

Janelle pulled in a deep breath, thankful they could escape the bustle of the city and soak in the tranquility of the peaceful park. She glanced at Jonas as they continued down the path. "This was a wonderful idea. I'm glad you suggested coming here."

Affection shone in his eyes as he looked her way. "I filmed some scenes here last week. I know how much you love flowers, so I thought you'd like to see this special spot I found."

Her heart danced, knowing she'd been on his mind and that he wanted to share what he'd found with her.

They turned left and walked through an intricate wrought-iron gate with a delicate rose design and followed the path toward a circular fountain with a statue of a boy and a dolphin. The gentle sound of splashing water and the light fragrance of flowers sent a soothing wave through her. "This is beautiful."

He nodded, a twinkle in his eye. "It's nice, but this isn't the spot I had in mind."

She tipped her head and sent him a questioning look, then scanned the path ahead. Lush flower beds came into view, filled with colorful roses—vibrant reds, soft pinks, sunny yellows, and pure whites. Their fragrance wafted toward her, delighting her senses. "I've never seen so many lovely roses."

"I knew you'd like it ... but there's more." They stepped off the path and into the shade of several tall trees beyond the flower beds.

"Where are we going?"

He grinned. "You'll see."

They took one more turn and walked onto a circular lawn surrounded by arches of climbing roses. Janelle's gaze traveled around the secluded garden. "Oh my ... this is lovely."

He took her hand again and led her toward a small round table with two folding chairs. Janelle blinked. The table was covered with a white cloth and set with pretty china plates and sparkling silverware. A small bouquet of roses and two flickering votive candles sat in the center.

She turned to Jonas. "What is this?"

He motioned toward the table. "Dinner for two. I thought this would be a great place to celebrate our one-year anniversary."

She laughed softly. "How did you do this?"

He lifted his eyebrows. "I have my connections." He pulled out the chair for her, and she took a seat. Then he reached down on the other side of the table and lifted a tray with two covered plates. "Your dinner, my lady."

"Thank you, kind sir." She took her plate and placed it on the table, then she set his across from her.

He turned away and reached down for something else.

She smiled, pleased by his thoughtful planning.

Jonas turned around, then knelt in front of her. In his hand he held an open black velvet box with a sparkling diamond ring.

Janelle gasped, and she lifted her hand to cover her mouth.

Tender vulnerability filled his expression as he reached for her hand. "Janelle, you've won my heart. I love you more than I ever realized was possible. I think we are stronger and better together, and I can't imagine a future without you. Will you marry me?"

Her heartbeat raced, and her spirit soared. "Yes! Oh yes!" She rose and reached for him, and they held each other close. Joy spiraled through her. Jonas loved her. He wanted to marry her. They would be a family and spend their lives together. It was almost too wonderful, too much to take in. Happy tears filled her eyes.

He kissed her and slipped the ring on her finger, then he turned toward the trees. "She said yes!" he announced in a loud voice.

Janelle's eyes widened as Howie, carrying a camera, stepped out of the bushes and walked toward them. Lauren followed, beaming and carrying Liam in her arms.

"Congratulations!" Howie called, lowering the camera and grinning from ear to ear.

Maggie, Dan, Olivia, Cole, and Caleb stepped out from behind the trees. The boys jogged toward them, laughing and dancing. Dan grabbed hold of Jonas's hand and pumped it vigorously. "Great job! Congratulations!"

Maggie hugged Janelle. "Oh, I'm so glad he finally proposed! I've known about his plans for three weeks, and it was killing me to keep it a secret!"

Janelle laughed and hugged her back. "So, you helped set this up?"

Maggie nodded, her eyes shining. "Olivia and I arrived about an hour ago. It was so fun."

Olivia grinned. "You should have seen us carrying in the table and chairs, and then guarding everything until you two arrived."

Maggie nodded to her husband. "Dan picked up the food, Lauren arranged the flowers, and of course Howie filmed it, so you'll always have this memory to treasure."

Janelle's smile spread wide, and her eyes misted as she looked around the group. "Thank you! This is so, so special."

The circle of smiling friends gathered in closer, patting Jonas on the back and hugging Janelle.

Jonas slipped his arm around Janelle's shoulder. "So, you liked your proposal?"

She looked up at him. "Liked it? I loved it!" Then she wrapped her arms around his neck. "But I love you even more." She kissed him then, with the happy chorus of cheers and applause from their friends playing in the background.