Page 162 of Stolen for Keeps

“It wasn’t your fault. None of it. It was just how things happened.”

I nodded, still tucked into her. The guilt might never leave, but having her beside me now? It changed everything.

I stared at her face, memorizing every change, every familiar line.

“The necklace,” I whispered. “I sold the diamonds. My lawyer traced the certificate back to Nana. But it’s gone now. I thought we were too.”

She scoffed. “And you think I give a damn about that necklace? Maya, that necklace means nothing. Butyoumean everything.”

My soul tore open.

“I love you, Mom.”

“AndIlove you, Maya Bel,” she said. “Wait, you’re Maya Lucas now.”

I was always her Maya Bel, and she knew it.

When I stepped back, she gazed at Noah and said, “Go on. He looks like he’s about to fall apart waiting.”

I strode toward him, light on my feet and full of joy and gratitude.

He wrapped his arms around me, holding me as though the world had tilted just enough to let us fall into this moment by grace alone.

“Mrs. Lucas,” he murmured against my skin.

I tipped my head up, leaning in. Hot mercy. No matter how long I’d known him, he still stole my breath. Joy, relief, and something deeper swelled inside me. I tugged the lapel of his blazer, let my lips brush close, and whispered, “You’re in so much trouble tonight.”

He smirkedthatsmirk, telling me he was already halfway there.

My life had built me up, torn me down, taken, and returned my freedom. But now? Now I was exactly where I belonged.

Because he and I? We were here for keeps.