Luke held up the idol. "It has been found."
A cheer rose as people celebrated the return of their artifact.
"It will be returned to its rightful place. But Jeremiah Hale had nothing to do with its disappearance. In fact, he was chasing the actual thief when he was mistakenly struck down. That's why the idol was never found. The true culprit is now known, and he has no relation to the Hale family. I am issuing a formal apology to every member of the Hale family, and I am making it known that they are welcome back in their home any time they see fit to return."
“I expect every person in this kingdom to welcome the Hales back into our folds with open arms. We owe them a great deal of gratitude for solving the mystery and returning our treasure,” Luke continued.
He glanced down to see tears streaming down Sarah's face. He reached over and wiped her cheek. "And I am making the royal proclamation that I am very much in love with, and intend to spend the rest of my life with, with Sarah Hale as my queen."
This time the cheers didn't end. Luke grabbed Sarah's hand and held them up, clasped together. "To my queen."
"To Queen Sarah, to Queen Sarah."
The crowd chanted as Luke pulled Sarah to him and kissed her possessively in front of the entire town. He smiled at her as he pulled back.
"Now, my love, let someone argue my intentions."
She kissed him again. "When you go in, you go all in."
Chapter Nineteen: Taken
Sarah Hale
After an afternoon that dragged into the evening of celebrating and mingling with the townspeople who all wanted to meet their future queen, Sarah was exhausted by the time she and Luke landed in bed.
"The people are so nice."
"And they're humble about believing the worst of your family."
Sarah yawned. "If I had heard one more apology, I was going to writeI forgive youon my forehead."
"They just want to make sure you know."
"My mother is the one who will really care," she answered as she snuggled against him. "I don't really even remember leaving. I just hope they're as accepting of her as they are of me because I'm marrying you."
"Speaking of, can we do that tomorrow?"
"Do what?"
"Get married."
She rolled and slapped him on the chest. "No, we can't get married tomorrow. Do you want to face my brothers and tell them that we did it without them?"
Luke's chuckle rolled deep in his chest. "No. I don't think I could take on all four of them."
"Damn straight." She laughed. "And don't forget Ma. She's a force to be reckoned with all on her own."
As she drifted off to sleep, Sarah couldn't remember a time when she had felt so loved and so safe. Even on their weekends together, there had always been the secret hanging over their heads. Now that it was gone, she enjoyed the heady feeling of just being in love.
The next morning, Luke kissed her and rose early. "I have to conduct court this morning, my love. I'm sorry."
She waved her hand as she settled back against the pillows. "Go. Be the best king ever. I'm going to enjoy that tub of yours if I ever decide to get out of this bed."
He dressed quickly and kissed her goodbye. "I won't be long. Enjoy yourself."
After he left, she tried to go back to sleep, but the bed just didn't feel the same. After a little tossing and turning, she finally rose and strolled naked to the tub. She stared in the mirror as she waited for it to fill.
"Girl, love looks good on you."
