Page 126 of The Defiant Wife

I watch Raj carefully slide another rose petal onto the thread, smiling to himself.

A quiet promise settles inside me.

As long as I'm here, this place will never face another corrupt officer or legal threat again.

This isn't just Diya's NGO anymore.These children are family.

"She's coming!" Keshav whispers suddenly.Instant panic.Rani shoves the flower basket under the table.Laila grabs the finished garland and stuffs it behind my back.Raj signs, “Secret.”with a grin.

Then we all pretend absolutely nothing suspicious is happening.A second later, Diya walks into the courtyard carrying a stack of donor files.

She stops looking at all of us. Then slowly narrows her eyes.

She's far too smart.

"What exactly is going on here?" she asks, walking toward us.

Her gaze lands on my hands.They're covered in bright orange pollen.Her eyebrows shoot up.

"Veeraj . . . why do you look like a corporate executive who just got caught stealing government funds?"

She turns toward Rani."And if he's destroyed my flower supplies, I'm holding you responsible."

The children instantly point at me.Traitors.I laugh quietly before standing up. The garland is still hidden behind my back. I walk over to her.

She looks between me and the children, completely confused.

Without saying anything, I bring my hands forward. The thick crown of marigolds, jasmine, and red roses rests across my palms.

Her eyes widen.

I gently lift it and place it around her head.The flowers settle against her hair, their sweet fragrance surrounding us.

My fingers linger for a moment near her collarbone before I step back just enough to admire her."The children and I decided you deserve a proper crown while you're running this place." I hold her gaze."You look beautiful today, my wife."

She forgets to breathe.

Her hands slowly rise to touch the flowers around her head before she looks back at me. Then at the children.

Behind me, Rani, Laila, and Keshav are trying—and failing—not to cheer.

Raj signs, “Beautiful,”again with a proud smile.

A tear gathers in Diya's eyes. She laughs softly through it. Then she steps closer, grabs my lapels, and gently pulls me down. She presses a soft kiss against my jaw.

The children erupt into loud cheers.

"So much for keeping it a secret!" Rani groans dramatically.

Keshav claps anyway.

Laila giggles.

Raj signs, “finally.”

I laugh, wrapping one arm around Diya as she hides her blushing face against my shoulder.

Standing here in the middle of this noisy little courtyard, surrounded by flowers, laughter, and the family we never expected to find . . . I realize I've never felt more at home.