Page 63 of Savannah Heat

Over dinner, Jenna decided to do it, to ask all the questions, but first, she wanted to acknowledge what they had been through, and most importantly, to let him know he was appreciated. Jenna looked at Dan now, who seemed quiet and distracted, and smiled. “Dan, you saved a lot of people a lot of money and anguish. No one else could have done what you did or could have known what these particular thieves were thinking, not even the FBI or Interpol.”

Dan leaned across the table. “It takes a thief to catch a thief, remember.” He sat straight and looked her in the eye. “Maybe we should open our own investigation firm. You sell your magazine and give up your New York City job and all that traffic and noise, and we could buy this townhouse you love. We can search for office space downtown, become legit, and start getting into the business of everyone else’s business in this town.” His blue eyes stared. “How about it?”

Jenna sat back and looked at him, deciding if he was even halfway serious. “One thing about you, Dan, you do dream vividly. You know, though I might not agree to this plan merely to please you, a chance exists I could be persuaded to stay in Savannah since I love this house.”

Her heart rate ticked up. Was he answering all of her questions before she asked them?

Dan was grinning now and staring.

The gesture made her uneasy about what was coming next.

“Oh, so sorry, it’s not just the house, and there is no negotiation. Didn’t I mention the fine print? I come with the house. In fact, I will tell my dear friend who owns this house it’s a stipulation in any agreement the two of you work out. You see, it pays to have friends who owe you favors. You get to collect from time to time.”

“You were always a step ahead of me, and still are it seems. I should have known. I suppose I could tolerate you in order to have this house and get to live in Savannah again.” Jenna batted her eyelashes. “A high price, though, so I might resort to charming you to see things my way.”

“Good to know I come in second to this house. I suppose I can live with it, but I need to know one thing, though, before we can go forward.”

Jenna smiled, tiny shivers trailing up her spine as she tried to figure out what he was up to. “Oh, only one thing?”

Dan’s pacing had stopped, and he walked toward Jenna. “Yes, the most important thing—you said I owed you something, and I needed to figure out what that was before you’d truly forgive me for what I did, right?”

“I’m impressed you remember.”

“I remember everything you have ever said, Jenna. But this one thing, yeah, I think I figured it out.”

“Okay, let’s hear it. And I hope you are right.”

“I believe I am. I made a promise that I was—am, late in keeping. But I’m keeping it now.” Dan pulled a small blue box from his jacket. “Your ring, as promised five years ago, the one to match your bracelet. Sorry to be five years late.”

Jenna’s hand shook as she took the box, and she held it for a few seconds before she lifted the lid, holding her breath.

Dan stared. “Well, did I get it right?”

The tears ran down her face. Yes, it was a diamond-and-emerald engagement ring that matched her emerald earrings and the bracelet he had given her before.

“You remembered. Yes, you got it right,” she whispered.

Dan got down on his knees beside her chair. “Well, am I forgiven?”

Jenna brushed the tears away, took a deep breath, and smiled. “Yes, you are forgiven. I forgave you weeks ago, but I’m glad I held out for the ring to make it official. It’s official this time, right? You’re not running off to Paris or parts unknown?”

“No more running. I will ask again just for the record while I am down here on my knees. Jenna Myers, will you marry me?”

Jenna looked down at her ring. “Hmm, sounds kind of official, so I don’t know. I might need to think about it. You are not the most dependable guy.”

“Jenna!”

“Well, okay, you were pretty impressive these past few days, and you do come with the house I love, and you are damn sexy in that apron. And now you can even cook, and well, this ring…so, yes, I guess I will marry you.”

Dan smiled and pointed at the apron. “I knew that apron would win you over. But seriously, Jenna, I will try to make you happy.”

“If you promise me no more jewel thief cases, I might be open to the private eye idea.” Jenna handed Dan the ring. “Here, you put the ring on my finger.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, as the tears ran down her cheeks. “Kelly and Kelly Detective Agency.” She slipped on the ring.”

Dan held her hand and looked at the ring. “A perfect fit. And yeah, Kelly and Kelly sounds right. And there’ll be no fighting about whose name would come first on the door sign.”

“You can get off your knees now.”

“Okay, thanks. I’m pushing forty all too soon, and it’s getting more difficult to be on my knees. What do you say we take a bottle of wine upstairs and celebrate?”

“Yes, and we can talk about the wedding, our new house, new town, new business, and one other thing you should know, Dan. I think I do hear my biological clock beginning to tick.”

Dan picked up a bottle of wine and two glasses. “I can help with that. I love you, Jenna. Let’s go up and have a glass of this great wine, and take a minute to discuss our future since we have covered the past in great detail these last few days.”

“You lead, and I’ll follow.”

“The truth is, Jenn, I’ve always known my future would be bleak without you. I got to see just how bleak these last few years. Having you back in my life is more than I deserve.”

Jenna put a hand on his face. “Well, Dan, my goodness, you are unusually romantic tonight. I like it.”

Dan laughed. “It’s the Savannah heat.”