He smiled at her. “Yeah, I know Ames, but the way I’m thinking, this needs to be a group decision. Each person at this table has been hurt because of the treasure. Everyone here deserves a portion of the finder’s fee.”
Oliver shook his head. “I wasn’t even here when it was found.”
“But your expedition was affected,” Brandon argued.
“You earned it,” Sam said. “You helped Dot when she needed it.”
“We’re not family,” Gretchen said. “As Lara said, Lilian kept it for her family.”
“Bullshit,” Darcy retorted. “Every person here is as close as family. You’ve all done incredible things to help us.” His gaze fell on Sam and Sherlock. “You two are my brother’s brothers, which makes you mine too. You protected him when he was too dumb to know he was still welcome at home, and then you supported him when he returned and faced Stonefish.”
Sam and Sherlock fist-bumped their chests in appreciation.
“As for Nhiari and Dot.” Darcy shook his head. “We were stupid not to trust you with everything from the start. You did everything you could to protect us and help us. You’ve been constants in our life from childhood and are as close as sisters.” He smiled. “At one stage, Mum hoped you would become a true sister,” he said to Dot.
Nhiari whispered to Lee, “Brandon and Dot dated in high school.”
That was kind of sweet.
“As for your partners,” Darcy said. “Well, as far as I’m concerned, it’s a package deal. If one of you is family, then both of you are.” He met Lee’s gaze. “Yeah, even you.” He winked.
Everyone chuckled, and Nhiari squeezed Lee’s hand. He stared at Darcy, unable to speak. He blinked rapidly and nodded once, but it was all he could manage with his chest so full and the lump so large in his throat.
This family.
They were more than he’d ever dreamed of.
Darcy nodded in understanding and continued. “Gretchen and I spoke earlier, and we both agreed that whatever happens, both Lara and Jordan deserve their share of the treasure, to do with whatever they like.”
Lara squealed and Darcy added, “When you’re old enough to make sensible decisions.”
Everyone laughed at Lara’s huff.
“Mum can have mine,” Jordan said. “She needs it.”
Gretchen sniffed. “No, sweetheart. It’s all yours. You were so brave and smart, staying calm when your dad took you.” She gave an almost apologetic look to Lee.
“He was incredible,” Lee agreed. “Told me they would escape, and they did.”
Jordan nodded. “I’ll share mine with Cody then.”
What a kid.
“So with that settled, what does everyone want to do—take the money and split it between everyone?” Brandon asked.
One by one everyone nodded.
Brandon grinned. “I’ll tell the museum.”
The money would give Lee time to find a job and figure out what he was doing next in his life. He could contribute to their household. Lee glanced at Nhiari. Assuming he moved in with her. They hadn’t discussed what was next.
Around them people were getting to their feet and clearing the table.
“You OK?” Nhiari murmured.
“I need a moment,” Lee responded. “Can we go for a walk?”
She nodded and got to her feet. No one paid them any attention, but Nhiari spoke to Dot and then took Lee’s hand and they walked outside into the cool evening air.
