Page 100 of Wicked Fortune

Greg nodded. “My grandfather, yes. He created it. And before she was murdered, Vivien gave it to him. It was … special to our family.”

“I know,” he said. “Ari told me the story.”

With perfect timing, the waiter brought over the silver-wrapped box that Matthew had entrusted him with earlier. He indicated Greg, and the waiter handed him the box, then slipped away.

“I don’t—what is this?”

“A small present,” Matthew said, holding tight to Aria’s hand.

“What are you—” she began with a whisper, but he cut her off with a small shake of his head.

Greg untied the bow, then lifted the lid off the box. His hand flew to his mouth and Ellie leaned over, peered in, and then gaped at Matthew.

“This can’t be—” Ellie’s voice faltered as she looked from the diadem to Matthew, then back again. “Where did—how did you find this?”

“I acquired it years ago. After I met Aria, I learned its history. And I knew that it had to be returned to its family.”

Aria’s hand brushed his beneath the table. He turned slightly, meeting her eyes, then melted a bit at the love he saw shining there.

“Matthew, we couldn’t,” Greg said. “It’s wonderful knowing that it wasn’t stripped of its stones and sold piecemeal, but it must have cost you a fortune. We can’t possibly accept it.”

“I thought you might say that, sir. Which is why I have another proposal.”

Greg’s brow furrowed. “I’m not sure I’m following.”

“What if you were to keep it, but to give me one of the diamonds?”

“Give you—” Greg shook his head, looking perplexed. But beside him, Elaine’s eyes shone, and Matthew could see the smile tugging at her mouth.

“One of the diamonds?” Aria said. “Matthew, what are you⁠—”

“It’s just that I need one,” he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a second box, this one black and velvet. He turned to Aria, then opened the box, revealing a white gold ring with an empty setting. “An engagement ring needs a diamond.”

Aria stared at him, her eyes wide, and in that moment, her parents and the restaurant disappeared. It was just them. Then she broke into a radiant smile, her laughter bubbling up like champagne. “Yes,” she whispered. “Oh, yes.”

Across the table, Greg laughed. “Well, hell, yes, son. You’ll have that diamond.”

His heart swelled as Aria kissed him, her lips soft and sure. When they pulled apart, her eyes sparkled with love. And with the promise of a future. He drew her close, his hand closing around hers as she rested her head on his shoulder.

For the first time in days—hell, maybe years—he felt completely at peace. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew they’d face them together.