Page 129 of Claim Me

“She’s extraordinary,” Mikhail said as he moved beside me.

Exhaling, I had difficulty taking my eyes off her. In the weeks since Popov had been arrested, his entire empire had crumbled, but as expected, there’d been vultures waiting in the shadows, eagerly gobbling up the crumbs.

“She is quite the businesswoman.” I laughed from the admittance. She’d made good on her desire to purchase thedrive-in, already developing plans for marketing. I admired her spirit and resolve.

“I thought you’d like to know the board of directors enjoyed your presentation on Marengo.”

I glanced at my brother, half laughing. “Do you honestly think Marissa would allow me to even consider selling the property?”

He clapped me on the arm. “Not under any circumstances. You have your hands full with that one.”

“Yeah, I do and I couldn’t be happier.”

“You look happy. I’m glad you were finally able to let Jasmine go.”

I reflected for a few seconds before answering. “She’ll never leave my mind, but I’m ready to enjoy my life again.”

“Does that mean I should plan another wedding?”

He’d moved in front of me, his grin one that had always driven me crazy. “Not so fast.”

“Just let me know. I’ll give you a special deal on renting Ecstasy.”

“Nope. If we do, it’ll be in Genesis.”

“Always the competitor.”

“You bet, brother.”

Everyone from the family had arrived to pay their respects to Charlie and to welcome Marissa into our lives. Death had always seemed so finite to me, a dark place in my mind where there was little but an ending. It was strangely funny to me that after Marissa had come into my life, everything seemeddifferent. Charlie’s death wasn’t an ending as much as it was an opportunity to continue his memory.

Maybe as I’d gotten older, I’d become too philosophical. Whatever the case, the peace I’d felt in the last few days was a welcome respite. I headed toward her, taking my time. When I was directly behind, she tensed and tipped her head over her shoulder.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close and signing my response. “I will always be with you.”

“I’m glad. Charlie loved you like a brother. That much I can feel right now. I hope Marengo thrives for generations to come.”

Very slowly, I pulled her around to face me. “With you at the helm, I have no doubt it will.”

“So you’re allowing me to take control?” Her expression was full of mischief.

“Not a chance.”

As our eyes connected, she pressed her hand against my chest. “I’m glad. I wouldn’t want our life any other way.” She glanced over her shoulder at the ocean. “This was his favorite place in the world. He told me this was the only location in the world where he’d found his peace. I understand why. It’s time to set him free.”

“I know, baby. I’ll be right here. There is no place I’d rather be than by your side.”

As I’d done before, I gave her space, guiding the others around her in a semi-circle. Her words of love and adoration to herbrother were heartfelt, leaving almost no one without tears in their eyes.

Just as she opened the lid and began to scatter Charlie’s ashes toward the sea that he’d loved so much, a rainbow appeared, the vivid colors crisscrossing the sky.

One of love and peace.

And one of family.

The End