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Please feel free to read my other stories.  They are:

Committed to You

Wanting You

For the Love of Patra

Treasure version  2

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And now for the final chapter of what my followers have called a beautiful, heart-warming story!!!! ENJOY!!!

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No one was expecting Blake to be at The Chicken and Waffle Inn. When he walked in many of the guests clamored towards him. They were happy to see him. Mrs. Madison had to go over and pull him from his fans. "You're as popular as a rock star."

"Well, they say absence makes the heart grow fonder," he kissed Mrs. Madison on the cheek. "It's so good to see you."

They walked back to a quieter area and took a seat. Blake was admiring all the new things he saw as he walked through. The Employee of the Month Award was now displayed in several locations. All of the TVs had been upgraded to 70 inches instead of 50 inches. The customers now had a suggestion box in the front near the cash register's desk. There were posters up announcing upcoming events. In addition to Meal of the Month Mondays, they now had karaoke night on Friday, Sleep Late Saturday Brunch and drawings every Sunday for one family to get a free meal.

Blake pointed out all of the changes that he saw. "This is impressive."

"It really is. How is it that we have the good pleasure of having you with us today?"

"An urgent matter at the coffee shop came up. I'll be here a few days to handle it."

"Did you know that Clarissa and Eldred are engaged?"

"Yes, Eldred called me. I couldn't be happier for them. They're just right for each other."

"I think Eldred realized that he shouldn't wait any longer after that scare she had in the hospital a few weeks ago."

"Clarissa was in the hospital? What happened?"

Mrs. Madison had a look on her face like she knew she'd said too much. She saw Ian and Avery walking in. She avoided Blake's question and called them to the table. The two of them made their way back to the table. They were both very surprised to see Blake. He extended a hand of greeting to them. He picked up on tension between them. "Why didn't someone tell me Clarissa was in the hospital? I would have flown down."

Ian mussed up his hair. What is the best way to answer this without giving a lot of detail? "She overextended herself."

"I thought she'd pretty much settled down around here. Did she wait until after I left to start back up again?" Blake looked at Avery hoping to get a better answer from her. She quickly caught his intent.

"Blake, she's really doing well. She was only in the hospital a few days. The main problem was that her blood pressure spiked. They got it under control quickly and kept her in for observation."

He raised his eyebrow. "That's never happened before, must have been something serious to get her that upset."

Mrs. Madison stood up and tried to excuse herself. She knew where this conversation was headed and really wanted to get out of the way. "Blake, it's been nice seeing you. I've got a few things I need to check on."

"Sit."

Mrs. Madison sat down. Ian gave her a withering glare for telling Blake that Clarissa had been in the hospital.

"You know, the hardest part of me coming down here was stopping by the restaurant. I want to see Rena so badly. I miss her. I know I told her I would give this matter with Courtney four months, but when I came back to Savannah I knew I was lying to myself. I've given Courtney as much time as I can. I don't mean to hurt her, but I'm madly in love with Rena. When I go back to Florida I'm going to settle this matter. I was hoping that Rena would be here when I walked in so that I could tell her. Where is she?"

Avery looked at Ian. He began pacing the floor. Mrs. Madison had a dull look on her face. Neither of them spoke up. Blake's eyes trailed the three of them. Now he was fully aware that they were being close mouthed about something. He knew Clarissa's situation was tied into this matter. "Where is Rena?"

Avery nudged Ian to say something. When he didn't respond she turned to Blake. "Ask Courtney."

Blake looked incredulous. His body stiffened. A low growl oozed from his throat. "What the hell is going on?"

"Avery, I told you not to say anything to Blake about this. I said I would handle this."

"You can't handle this alone, Ian. You need help. Do you think this is a coincidence for Blake to be here right now? This is your way out. I don't know how, but as sure as there is a God in heaven, Blake was sent here today."

Blake slammed his hand on the table, "What's going on?"

Mrs. Madison grabbed Blake's hands and squeezed them. Then their gazes locked. "You're going to be very upset. Please understand none of this is Ian's fault. Courtney blackmailed Ian to sell the restaurant so that she could force Rena to go back to New York. She threatened to have her father call the loan and slander the family name if we said anything to you about it. She's gone, Blake. She's back in New York."

Blake looked as if a steamroller had flattened him. He was lethally angry. Fury was all over his face. "Oh, my God! I can't believe this. I simply can't believe this."

Ian took a seat next to Blake. "She sent a man in here to make an offer on the restaurant. He was relentless, but I declined all of his offers. I told him that the restaurant was not for sale. I finally found my place here, Blake, and had no intentions of selling it. When the offer got to $600,000 and I rejected it, that's when I got a call from Courtney telling me that I better accept the offer."

"$600,000?"

"Yes, Mr. Benet offered $600,000."

"Who is Mr. Benet and what does he have to do with Courtney?"

"Apparently her uncle has a real estate company in Atlanta that she manages. That gave her access to the money and the way to set this up."

"So she tried to use an outside buyer so that the purchase couldn't be traced back to her. It's just like Courtney to do that. No matter what I say, she's determined to do things her way. Clarissa found out and became ill. The love of my life is gone, again. My God. After all of our hard work and out of everything we've done, she's sabotaged it. This is incredible."

"Blake we don't know what to do," Avery held Ian's hand. "Ian has been miserable about this. He's so hurt. The sell goes into closing next week. We can't afford a scandal. Lord knows we don't want to lose this restaurant."

Blake ran his hands through his hair. He was pensive while his heart was breaking for Rena at the same time. That woman had to endure too much. He was devastated thinking about how her heart must have been ripped out having to leave Clarissa so abruptly. When he thought of the weight the rest of them carried it made him furious.

"If there is a way for her to forfeit the closing we will be okay. I made her pay me $300,000 earnest money deposit. We would use that to pay our debt and still have a profit."

"Ian, I don't know what you said to get her to do that, but it was the right move. Now beyond any doubt I know that Rena and I are meant to be together. This whole time Rena put Courtney first and tried to put her in a position so that she wouldn't be shamed. Courtney's sole intent was for her own self. She never once considered what she was doing to all of us. I'm going to take care of this. Leave everything to me."

"You can't confront her with this. She'll use everything she knows against us."

"That won't happen, Avery. I know what I need to do. I have to finish what I'm doing at the coffee shop first, but I'll have this matter settled before closing."

***

Blake went home that evening despondent. He knew that Courtney had her ways, but never would have imagined that she'd stoop that low. This trip to Savannah was the first time that he'd been away from her. He'd really tried to do what Rena asked. He thought it was a stroke of misfortune to be back in Savannah dealing with the coffee shop matter. Now he knew it was providence.

He'd already made up his mind that he was not going to call Courtney. That would only escalate the matter. He had a plan that he felt would be far more effective. As he walked about the house he could see traces of Rena everywhere. She'd placed the lemon potpourri in the air vents. There were flowers in a vase on the table that were now wilted. The house was spotless and there wasn't a trace of food in the refrigerator. He walked into his bedroom and saw one of his shirts neatly lying at the foot of the bed and he smiled thinking that she'd slept there, too.

He was too tired to go shopping. So he ordered pizza and a liter of soda. As he ate he reflected on the fact that if he'd married Courtney he would've made one of the worst decisions in his life. Though this day had been terribly upsetting, what had been exposed was for the best. His mind began to flood with thoughts of Rena – what she meant to him, how much he loved her and the sacrifice she made in letting him go. It made him want her. His heart ached. He couldn't help it when his thumbs began to tap the screen on his cell phone.

How are you?

She texted him - Four months.

I miss you.

Again she texted back - You promised.

I know.

He didn't want to stress her, so he ended the conversation. All of a sudden he felt an urgency like he'd never felt in his life. Even though it was late he couldn't wait any longer to handle the matter. He was not going to end his day until he had assurance that what Courtney planned was going to fail. He set his plan in motion. He made one phone call. He called Courtney's dad.

"Mr. Parks, this is Blake."

"How are you, son, and how's Courtney."

"I hate to say this but I'm calling off the engagement and you'll understand when I tell you what has happened."

Mr. Parks was stunned. He loved his daughter but he also had very kind feelings towards the Blackshear family and Blake. He couldn't believe that she'd used his brother's resources to hurt people in such a callous way.

"Blake, I'm so sorry that all of this happened. I'd heard that Clarissa was in the hospital but I thought it was the illness, not this. Since you haven't talked with Courtney, I'm going to get my brother to call Mr. Benet to confirm everything. Hold the line for just a few minutes."

When he got back to the phone Blake could hear the disappointment in his voice. "My brother and I are deeply sorry for what happened. There will not be a closing. He's going to have Courtney void the contract and he said to keep whatever she gave you for a deposit because of the trouble that she caused."

"I really hated to call you this late. I had every intention of coming to see you by the end of the week, but I couldn't rest. I'm so upset over this."

"I understand, Blake. Well, I was looking forward to you being a part of our family, but under these circumstances, I would've done the same thing. I'll close this out with Courtney for you. It's only going to be an argument for the two of you. Let me spare you that. You're a good man, Blake. Go on with your life."

"Thank you, Mr. Parks."

The weight Blake had been carrying all day vanished. The first person that he called was Clarissa. She was thrilled at the news. "Would you let Ian and Avery know what happened?"

"Of course. I will call them as soon as we hang up." As they were speaking, Blake got a ding on his cell phone. "I think you might need this information."

Clarissa texted him Rena's home and work address. Blake laughed.

"I'm sure there's at least one more flight out tonight, right, Blake?"

It cost him $900 since he didn't have an advance reservation. He left immediately and arrived in New York two hours later. The cab drive over to Rena's home seemed to last forever. Everything in him missed her. Everything in him wanted her. She lived in a Brownstone on Cobble Hill. When he arrived he felt his pulse soar. He tipped the driver, grabbed the backpack that he brought and made his way up the stairs. It was 11:30 so he didn't want to frighten her by ringing the doorbell, instead he took the gentleman's approach. He texted her. Open your front door, baby.

When she saw the message. She sprang out of her bed. Her stomach was in knots. "Oh my God. Oh my God!"

By the time she got down the stairs she was in tears. She flung open the door and dragged him inside. "Blake." She couldn't stop kissing his face. "Oh, Blake."

He peeled her off of him long enough to say, " I passed my test. I'm here to stay. I love you."

She pulled his head down and brought her lips up to meet his. He probed deeply and with every flick of his tongue she felt the embers inside of her turning into a slow burn. He deepened this kiss until her mind began to lose all reason. She was breathless when he released her. "I've always wanted you – only you. Marry me, Rena."

***

The wedding took place on a beautiful Sunday evening. It was a small, private ceremony held at Blake's home. The way Rena pulled everything together so quickly had everyone amazed. Blake flew in two of his chefs in to help Avery and Mrs. Madison prepare the meal for after the wedding. Ian and Eldred set up tables and chairs along the beach for the guests that were invited. Tables and chairs were draped with blue linen that harmonized with the sea and large crystal candelabras were placed on top. Rena had a large dance floor installed along the edge of the beach to house the minister's podium, later to be used for dancing. Nature did the rest by blessing them with a magnificent sunset above the glistening sea.

The song "Keeper of the Stars" drifted along the wind as Rena stepped onto the beach. There was no more fitting song. It was the one that had stolen their hearts years ago.

It was no accident me finding you

Someone had a hand in it

Long before we ever knew

Now I just can't believe you're in my life

Heaven's smiling down on me

As I look at you tonight

I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars

He sure knew what he was doing

When he joined these two hearts

I hold you in my arms

I've got all I'll ever need

Thanks to the keeper of the stars...

Clarissa and Dr. Clark escorted Rena. Eldred and Ian were both best men. Avery was the maid of honor. Rena looked stunning in her linen white top and long white skirt that danced in the wind. Her fiery red hair was tucked beneath a long white veil. She wore long pearls on her ears and around her neck. Her feet were bare against the sand. As she approached and saw pure love on Blake's face, tears fell. Out of everything they'd gone through, she couldn't believe this moment had finally arrived. He looked amazing in all white. She blew a kiss to him and he smiled.

Soft moonlight on your face, oh, how you shine

It takes my breath away

Just to look into your eyes

I know I don't deserve a treasure like you

There really are no words

To show my gratitude

So I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars

He sure knew what he was doing

When he joined these two hearts

I hold everything

When I hold you in my arms

I've got all I'll ever need

Thanks to the keeper of the stars

It was no accident me finding you

Someone had a hand in it

Long before we ever knew

Rena was standing next to him when the song faded away. He leaned over and whispered, "You look beautiful."

Rena threaded her fingers through his and squeezed his hand. Everything else in her mind was a blur. She didn't hear much of anything until she was asked to say 'I do.' Rena and Blake couldn't take their eyes off each other. There was a lot going on between them that no words could voice. She saw him mouth 'I love you.' She tipped up and kissed him in response.

Everybody laughed because the minister was not finished with the vows. He laughed, too. "We're almost there you two, hold on for just a minute."

Rena blushed as the minister finished the ceremony. He pronounced them husband and wife. This time Blake kissed her slowly and long enough to have everyone on their feet giving them a standing ovation. When they stepped apart she whispered, "I can't believe we're finally together."

"Neither can I."

***

When the toasts and well wishes were heralded, the top of the cake was tucked away in the freezer until this time next year, and the guests had quietly left, it was just the two of them. The light of the moon flowed over them as they danced slowly on the beach. This time there was no music only the sound of the waves slapping against the shore. "Mrs. Glass. I love the sound of that."

"I do, too. Do you realize how many memories we have on this beach? Today was the most beautiful memory of all."

Blake smiled as he pointed to a particular spot, "That's where I first saw you. I'd never seen anyone with red hair. I remember thinking 'Who's that pretty girl?' I was only five. I watched you build a sand castle."

"My first memory of you was seeing your father playing with you in the water. He kept tossing you in it. I begged my Mom to let me come out and play with you. She told me not today, but I will find out who he is and then you can play. The next thing I knew, Mom and your mother were good friends."

"That was the beginning of us."

He lifted her face and dropped his mouth over hers. This kiss was sweltering.

She moaned at the sensations flooding her body. He tightened his arms around her waist, drawing her closer. The fullness of him awakened her, a slow heat danced in her core. The repeated press of his body against her thin linen fabric made her shudder. Heat pulsed through her veins. His mouth slipped to her neck causing her to throb. He could hear pleasure in her breathing. He longed for her. "We should take this inside."

Only Avery would have been this thoughtful. The bedroom was flooded with candlelight. All the candelabras had been brought inside and lit. The glow from the flickering candles made Rena look even more beautiful, almost like a page from a Victorian wedding book. He kissed her deeper, harder. It spoke of his love. It told her how much he wanted her. She felt lovingly consumed. He couldn't get enough of her sweetness and continued to weaken her by his deeply passionate kisses. Her body became feverish as he worked his hands down her shirt, unbuttoned and removed it. He sank his mouth over the swell of her breasts and kissed them, leaving her unhinged. She moaned as he lingered there. "I love you, Rena."

"I love you, too," she breathed.

He unzipped her skirt and it slipped to the floor. "You're beautiful." His eyes trailed over her gorgeous body. He quickly dispensed of the remaining intimate garments, sending her into frenzy as he took her breasts to his mouth and suckled them. He loved the sound of her gasping and worked over them more. His hands set her on fire everywhere they caressed. He didn't leave one area of her body untouched.

She placed her hands on his shirt and began to work the buttons loose. She trailed kisses from his neck to sensitive areas of his chest. He groaned from the satisfaction she was giving him. Blake made her want to please him more, so she handled him thoroughly. It was in her touch, her kiss and the gentle words she whispered in his ears. She could feel his heart pounding. One garment after the other fell to the floor until there was nothing between them. "Your body is magnificent, every inch of it." She whispered in his ear.

Blake couldn't take any more of her seduction. He craved her. This was a moment he had wanted for as long as he could remember. He wanted Rena Blackshear as his wife. He wanted to love her like she was the only woman that existed on the Earth. In seconds he had her on her back sinking into the folds of the bed. He parted her in one fluid motion and filled her with all of his hard passion. "God, I love you."

Those words sank into her ears, sending fire into her core. He pleasured her beyond what her senses could endure. Her zone sparked. She cried out, begging him to release her. He would not. He kept heightening her. He wanted her to have all of him and he was not nearly done. "Blake, please, I'll die."

"No baby, you'll remember this night."

His mouth mapped over her flaming body. All she could do was to breathe deeper and whimper. She was out of her mind in pleasure. He placed one hand under her, helping her to keep up with his skillful vigor. His intensity was overwhelming to her. She clung to his back and rocked hard with him. "Oh God, Blake."

He thrust mercilessly until he sent her completely over the edge. "You're amazing, Rena."

She thrashed violently. He felt her heart thudding against his chest. She screamed as the firestorm peaked, releasing her into total bliss. He was only moments behind. They locked in a loving gaze. He stroked her face and kissed it until she went to sleep.

One year later

It seemed like all of Savannah showed up for the birthday party at the restaurant. Eldred was sitting at the table with Mrs. Dr. Clark tucked against his arm while she bounced Glass on her lap. Ian and Avery decided to name their son Glass (Glass Blackshear) after Blake's last name. Ian was a proud Papa. Avery and Chloe were thrilled to have another addition to the family. Mrs. Madison brought the birthday cake out from the kitchen and every one cheered to see what the little tyke would do about blowing out the candle.

Blake wrapped his arms around the swell of life in his wife's stomach. "Did you ever think we'd all be here in Savannah and this happy?"

"It's been a long time coming and totally worth everything we've been through."  Reyna took Blake's hand and placed it on the mound.  "I'm so looking forward to having our own birthday party, this time next year. I love you, Blake."

The End

To My Beloved Readers:

Wow! We've made it to the end of the journey.  Rena and Blake are together at last!!! Millions of hugs and kisses to them.  Thanks so much for traveling along with me on this book.