EPILOGUE

RYDER

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Three months later

––––––––

"God it's so beautiful here," Savannah says, walking barefoot along the sand. "So peaceful and serene."

It's mid-summer in New Zealand. We arrived a couple of days ago.

We planned to spend the next three weeks traveling around the country, but when I learned about the small island off the Auckland harbor, which has beautiful beaches and wineries, I arranged a surprise visit.

For a reason.

We flew over this morning on a helicopter and checked our bags. Then had a long lunch at one winery on a hilltop overlooking the ocean.

While Savannah has been recognized today, the kiwi islanders have mostly left us alone. The six-star resort has been incredibly respectful, promising us privacy and peace.

Something I knew was important to her.

Something she craves.

Nearly as much as I crave her. Constantly.

I'm so fucking in love with this woman. There is not a day that goes by that I question if she is the one.

I just know.

We stroll along the private beach, Savannah in a white sundress and straw sun hat. I'm in a long pair of tan shorts and white t-shirt. My sunglasses cover my eyes as I watch her skip along the edge of the water.

She's glowing.

I want her to do a pregnancy test. I'm almost certain she's carrying my baby.

But first...

Savannah skips over. "Let's swim."

"In a minute," I say, taking her hips in my hands. I smile down at her questioning face, then sink to the sand.

"Ryder," she gasps.

"Marry me." I pull out the box with the ring inside. "Savannah, I couldn't love anyone more than you, and I refuse to spend another day of this life without you in it. So please, marry me. Be my wife."

I open the box and a tear slides down her face as she swallows.

"Really?"

"No, I'm joking." I snap the box closed and start to stand up.

Then I grin and open it again.

"Oh." She giggles, then slaps my shoulder.

I wait for her answer.

"Yes, I will be your wife, Ryder St. James." She tackles me, throwing her arms around me, and we fall into the sand. I laugh as her mouth finds mine and god knows where the fucking ring is.

Kissing, laughing, and crying, we finally pull apart.

"Woman, where is your ring?" I shake my head.

"I only want you."

"Liar. You want a fancy ring, too." I lift her onto the sand next to me and go digging.

"Yeah, I do." She giggles as I raise my hand with the diamond between my fingers. Then back on my knees, I sit in front of her and take her hand as I slide the four-carat diamond and platinum ring onto her finger.

Our eyes lock, love flowing like a river between us.

"I never knew love like this could exist. Not for me." Savannah says, her eyes lifting from the ring to me. "Thank you for loving me."

She doesn't need to thank me. But I understand this woman. I know where she has come from and why she thinks the way she does.

In the past few months, she's met my family and they love her. She's learning what it means to be a part of my world as I am hers.

We fit.

Despite everything, it works.

"Thank you for saying yes to being my wife. I promise to protect you and our baby for the rest of my life.

"What baby?" She narrows her eyes...but she's not that great an actress.

Golden Globe winner or not.

"The one I am 99 percent certain is growing in your tummy." I lift my brow.

She tries not to smile.

"Savannah," I say firmly.

"Um, congratulations. You're going to be a daddy." Her face breaks out into the most beautiful smile. "I was going to tell you at dinner."

I pull her into my arms as I stand and swing her around.

Life is perfect.

I swear I am the happiest man alive.

"Fuck, I love you, Savannah Sinclair."

Looks like there's another wedding in the near future. Because I am not waiting long to make her my wife.

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If you love dark mafia romances, check out The Darkest King—it's FREE. Or turn the page to read chapter one!