Jane patted his head. “Let that part of your past go but keep the good memories. They’re the only things worth remembering.”
Was there any wonder why he’d loved her? Finn chucked the ring into the Serpentine without second thought. It made a soft plop as it sank, and as it did, portions of his heart that had housed that guilt were suddenly empty, free for filling with happier, brighter things.
A few minutes later, Rodgers came out of the underbrush with a slight cough. “Good evening, Major. The lady instructed me to wait three quarters of an hour before arriving on the scene. Do you require assistance?” He nodded at Jane. “My lady.”
Never had he been more elated to see his friend. “Yes, and I’m grateful for it, as well as you, Rodgers. I heartily apologize for making you worry.”
“Think nothing of it, sir,” the valet said as he approached and offered Finn a hand. “All of us go through the valley at some point. It’s the people who are waiting for us on the other side that make the difference.”
“Indeed, they do. Let’s go home.”
He had a new life to begin planning, and a wonderful woman to declare his love to.