The Sum of Love (Treasure Harbor Book 7) Read online

  “Do you think Ryan is right?”

  He glanced around the restaurant, making sure no one was nearby to overhear. “At first, I thought there was no way, but after he read that final journal entry, I think there’s a strong possibility.”

  “It’s so strange to think it might be found. I can’t wrap my head around it.”

  “Don’t get your hopes up yet. Lots of people have found what they thought to be strong leads and were wrong.”

  She sipped her tea. “I know, but I have a good feeling about this one.”

  “We’ll find out soon.” He glanced at her half-eaten slice that hadn’t been touched for several minutes. “Are you done?”

  “Yes. I couldn’t fit another bite in my stomach.”

  Levi grabbed the check and paid their bill.

  Outside, Paige pointed toward Gems, Treasure Harbor’s premiere jewelry store. “Let’s start at Gems. Jade told me yesterday they got in a new shipment of charms. There might be a good one for us.”

  He grinned broadly. If she only knew how well she played into his plan. Granted, he had planted the seed when he’d talked to Jade yesterday. “Great idea.”

  They crossed the street, careful in the twilight to avoid any oncoming traffic. A bell above the door chimed when they entered the store.

  Jade, the owner of Gems, glanced up, smiling when she saw them. Her eyes twinkled. “Welcome. What can I help you with tonight?”

  “We want to see the newest charms.” Paige started in the direction of the case in which they were displayed.

  Levi followed, going along with their assumed game. “There’s a seagull. We could get that one as a reminder of when one stole your sandwich.”

  Paige laughed. “I don’t think so. I’d rather forget that memory.”

  Standing back, Levi watched her scrutinize each charm, reliving certain memories applicable to different charms. She never noticed Jade sneak to the door and switch the sign to Closed.

  “What do you think?” she asked. “Do any of them stand out as the memory?”

  He shook his head. “You must not be meant to get a charm tonight. We should move on to the next shop.”

  “Don’t leave let.” Jade closed the display case. “I have a special one in the back I haven’t brought out yet. Let me show you.”

  Paige turned to him. “Do you mind?”

  “Not at all. Go ahead and show us.”

  Jade returned with a box. “I think this one will suit you perfectly.” She handed it to him and discreetly disappeared.

  Heart racing, he stared at Paige.

  She didn’t seem to notice his increased anxiousness. “Are you going to open it?”

  Taking a deep breath, he flipped open the lid of the box.

  Paige gasped. “That looks exactly like my engagement ring.”

  “It is.”

  Her hand flew to her mouth. “What… why… how did you get it?”

  He managed a wink despite his pounding pulse. “Your parents did a little detective and thief work for me.”

  “But…” Speechless, she didn’t finish her sentence.

  Taking her hand, he dropped to one knee. “I’ve loved you for over ten years. I asked you once, and you said yes, and I’m asking again, this time with forever in mind and nothing to come between us. Will you marry me?”

  “Yes.”

  He stood to his feet and removed the ring. Slipped it onto her finger for a perfect fit.

  They sealed their engagement with a tender kiss which overcame all past wounds.

  “I love you,” she whispered with tear brimming in her eyes. “I never stopped, even when there seemed to be no hope.”

  “There’s always hope. We just lost sight of that.”

  Chapter Nine

  A small crowd gathered around Camilla Callahan Burton’s gravesite. All the red tape had been cleared in a record short time. Bree and Roman, Jade’s fiancé, had used their connections to bring in a specialist to remove the cross. Soon, they would discover if Ryan’s hypothesis was correct, and if it was, a centuries-old mystery would be solved.

  Paige nearly bounced with excitement. All right, she did bounce—she couldn’t keep still. Levi stood beside her, calmer than her most sedate nerve.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “I’m nervous. What if this blows up in our face and causes bigger issues?” His eyes circled around the crowd, comprised almost entirely of Burton and Callahan family members, who’d been told because the group in charge felt the families had a right to be there. “It was our idea to bring everyone together, and I’ll feel terrible if it’s worse because of us.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Aren’t you the one who told me there is always hope? We’ve come this far. Don’t give up yet.”

  The tense lines of his face eased into a smile. “You’re good for me.”

  “More reason for you to keep me around.”

  Wrapping an arm around her waist, he tugged her closer. “I have no intentions of letting you go.”

  They quieted as the sounds of specialized tools began chiseling away. A few officers from the Treasure Harbor Police Department kept anyone from getting too close and inadvertently causing damage. They’d also been brought in to protect against any person going rogue and trying to steal whatever treasure might be found.

  An hour, and then two, passed. Paige shifted from foot to foot, craning her neck to spot the progress. Patience never was one of her better virtues.

  In another half hour, the cross was removed. A palpable tension filled the air. Paige held her breath while waiting to see if anything remained inside the cross.

  Mayor Danville faced the group. “Levi, you took the initiative to bring these families together. Would you like the honors of looking inside the cross?”

  Levi looked at her, shocked.

  “Go,” she whispered.

  He walked to the front of the crowd with a sure and steady gait. “Ryan played an instrumental part in bringing us to the point. As a show of solidarity between the two families, I’d like him to join me.”

  Her heart burst with pride. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. After all the exclusions from his own family, and the treatment of him and Peter from the Burtons, Levi only wished the best for everyone and wholeheartedly wanted to see a resolution of the feud.

  She shouldered her way to the closest spot available without crossing barriers. By now, most of the town knew of her and Levi’s engagement, and most of those gathered let her pass without issue.

  Ryan and Levi exchanged a glance. Levi lifted the cross, and Ryan extended his arm into the hollow cavity. When Ryan’s eyes widened, the gathered crowd gasped, realizing he must have found something.

  Paige clutched a hand to her chest with feverish anticipation.

  “There’s a box wedged inside,” Ryan announced, wiggling his arm. Within a few minutes, he pulled out a box,

  Deafening silence filled the air. No one uttered a single word. Paige circled her gaze over the crowd. Every last person but her had their eyes fixed on the box. Even Lara, the resident journalist, didn’t take notes to document the moment.

  Returning her own attention to Levi and Ryan, Paige tried to find her breathing capability. The shock of actually finding the treasure knocked the air from her.

  “Should we open it?” Ryan asked Levi.

  Paul Burton stepped forward, motioning to Douglas Callahan Sr. and Jr. “May we have the honor?”

  Levi nodded, and he and Ryan stepped back. Joining her side, Levi entwined his fingers with hers. He closed his eyes, his mouth moving in silence, and she knew that he was praying.

  She swallowed, watching as Paul unfastened the two latches on the box. Douglas Jr. lifted the lid up and back. Gold coins spilled out along with jewels of vibrant color. The three men sorted the contents of the box while everyone stared in awe. As they reached the bottom, ten or so pieces of jewelry were retrieved. Paige had lost count in her wonder.
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  “There’s a paper at the bottom.” Douglas Sr. held up a paper, unaged because of its protection of the box and cross.

  “Read it,” came the excited cries.

  Douglas Sr. held a hand to request silence then began reading. “Pride and greed have no virtue and are a benefit to no one. My beloved Camilla is dead because of her family’s arrogance, and their inability to allow their daughter to love a man they deemed below her station. These riches, although rightfully mine by means of Camilla’s dowry, mean nothing to me. I wish them to disappear, but I am too familiar with the nature of humans and understand these valuables may one day be found. I have vowed that they will never again belong in the hands of the Callahans. I also cannot allow them to remain in my family, as I refuse to benefit from my beloved’s death. Therefore, I, Drake Burton, hereby bequeath the entire contents of this box to the village of Treasure Harbor, to be used for the greater good. Only when citizens come together and look beyond our superficial differences, will we achieve peace in our souls. This is my legacy to Camilla, who forever lives in my heart. Signed, Drake Burton.”

  Several disgruntled groans sounded through the gathering, but they were quickly stifled by a roaring applause.

  Paul Burton addressed the families. “I confess, my family has always believed that the treasure, if found, rightfully belonged to us as the most direct line of descendants from Drake. However, being here today and hearing the words of my ancestor, has made me realize how true his words are, and has made tangible the pain and grief he suffered at the hands of his bride’s family.” He paused, making eye contact with his wife. Paige caught their silent conversation. “As for my family, we would like to end this feud, and will not contest ownership of the treasure. Following Drake’s request and giving it to the town is the only solution to bring peace between the families.”

  “I agree.” Douglas Callahan Sr. stood tall beside Paul. “My ancestor made a grave mistake following an error in judgment. The Callahan family has experienced repercussions from it for centuries, but it’s time to move forward. Treasure Harbor is a community, not just a town, and it’s time to bring unity. Imagine how much more we can accomplish by working together. As the patriarch of the Callahan family, I state here and now, that we accept that the treasure belongs to the town, and we, also, will not contest ownership.”

  Respectful cheers of approval sounded from individual families.

  Paige threw her arms around Levi, more in love with him than ever. “You did it. You brought the families together. Peter would be so proud of you.”

  Levi smiled, but shook his head. “It wasn’t me. It was a collective effort.”

  Epilogue

  Two years later

  Paige stood on the edge of the street, bouncing three-month-old Cami on her hip.

  Police sirens whirred at the end of the block.

  “It’s starting.” Levi slipped his arm around his wife’s shoulder. “Are you sorry you’re not in the Heritage Festival parade this year?”

  “Last year was fun, but I’m happy to let another couple play the roles of Drake and Camilla.” She smiled at him, her lips inches from his. “I like the idea of watching it with my husband and daughter.”

  Unable to resist, he kissed her, wishing they weren’t in public. Time only served to deepen the love he shared with his wife. Reluctantly, he kept the kiss brief and pulled away. “Did you talk to Max and Kori about joining us for dinner after the ribbon cutting ceremony?”

  “Yes, and they happily accepted.”

  “Great.” He spotted members of the historical society marching in the parade. “I love how the new museum finished just in time for the Heritage Festival. We couldn’t have asked for better timing.”

  Paige nudged him. “I think the board director had something to do with that.”

  He winked. “Perhaps.”

  Actually, until last week, he hadn’t been sure that the museum would be completed in time. Construction had run behind schedule, and the historical society was over ambitious in their move to a full-fledged museum. As director of the funds, he’d had to carefully guide them in making the best choices and several times he’d had to tell them no when they’d asked for more funds.

  Although the appraisal of the treasure reached into double-digit millions, the money went quickly between the two main projects—a new civic center and museum. A select few pieces hadn’t been sold in order to be donated to the Treasure Harbor Heritage Museum and the Smithsonian. Smaller grants had also been given to each small business in town, and a substantial donation had been made to the Eagle’s Refuge, a non-profit Brody Chance had created for veterans.

  The approach of the police cruisers leading the parade turned his attention back to the present. The cars passed in front of him and Paige, and scores of other residents. The officers waved and threw candy to the young kids eagerly waving back. In a few years, Cami would join the other children who grabbed the taffy and lollipops from the street.

  As the parade continued, Levi kept a close hold on his family. Cami graced him with a toothless smile. He and Paige had won a hard fought love, but the prize was better than he could have dreamed.

  He glanced up and down the streets lined with the people of Treasure Harbor, a community that brought people together and looked out for their own. He watched the joy on Paige’s face, enjoyed her glee when the horses trotted down the street. He caught another smile from his daughter and brushed a kiss on the peach fuzz on her head.

  Peace enveloped him in a warm hold.

  The words Uncle Peter had written to Mona came to mind.

  That’s what this was—the complete peace and contentment that came from a strong faith, good friends, and an amazing family.

  It was the sum of love.

  A Note from Leah

  Dear Reader,

  Have you enjoyed the Treasure Harbor series? This has been a new and fun experience, and I pray that it has been for you as well. When the project began, I knew where the treasure would be, and I knew there had to be a reconciliation between the two feuding families. As the weeks passed, Matthew 5:9 laid heavily on my heart. In the news, and even in my personal life, I continually saw situations in which people reacted to situations out of fear, anger, and retaliation. Each time, I would think to myself, how much better the world would be if we acted and reacted with love and kindness, if we were the peacemakers instead of the problem creators. If I can leave you with anything from this story, it’s to be a peacemaker in this world, and work to bring people together, not divide them.

  Until next time,

  Leah

  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God

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  Not This Time Excerpt

  Please enjoy this excerpt from Not This Time, available HERE

  Amie Reynolds stared at the empty church still decorated for a wedding that hadn’t happened.

  Bouquets of purple-berry dahlias hung from the center-aisle edge of each pew. A length of white satin carpet stretched from the rear of the church to the altar. The never-lit unity candle nestled in its brass holder, a bitter reminder of the nonexistent wedding.

  All because her fiancé—no, ex-fiancé—decided without consulting her that a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to study a previously uncontacted tribe of the Amazon took precedence over their wedding and a life together.

  A note—that’s all Tim had left for her to find early this morning. Instead of experiencing what should have been the best day of her life, she’d been jilted. Tim hadn’t even given her a say in the matter. He’d simply taken off for Brazil last night, two hours after the rehearsal dinner, with little regard for her, the woman he professed to love and wanted to marry. His note explained he’d had to make an instant decision. The study would last five years, and he didn’t expect her to wait for him. He’d ended the note with “Sorry for the inconvenience.”

  Inconvenience? Is that what it was called these days? Try humiliation, heartbreak, devastation, or all of the above.

  Somehow, in the midst of her anger and disappointment, Tim’s insensitivity and immaturity in handling the situation provided a mild salve to her battered ego. He had obsessed over his work for as long as she’d known him, but she’d foolishly assumed that would change once they were married and started a family. Her lack of nuptials today proved she’d been wrong.

  Work always had and always would come first to Tim Deshaye. If they’d made it to the altar, she’d have found herself trapped in a life of playing second fiddle. When she looked at it that way, being jilted was a blessing in disguise. Regardless, it didn’t ease the pain.