Diamond Legacy (39 page)

And best of all, these past weeks had been a time of healing. As each day passed, Matt grew lighter, happier, and constantly under foot. And she loved every second of it. Every accomplishment, every argument, and every glorious kiss and smoldering glance.

Intimacy grew with long talks, shared growth and change, and heated nights spent in languid sensual exploration. She discovered an enormous greedy streak when it came to his attentions, and he suffered it admirably. In fact, she’d never been more fulfilled in her entire life.

“It’s almost time!” Letta said as she entered the oversized tent serving as bridal headquarters. She carried a tray loaded down with a gourd and many glasses.

Miranda eyed the offering with suspicion. “No
mampoer
,” she protested. “I’d like to remember my wedding night, thank you.”

Letta only laughed as she poured several servings of golden liquor. “This is
ol-mangwai
. Marula fruit and nectar of the gods.”

Miranda still eyed the drink with trepidation. Not so her mother and sister. They’d been like giddy tourists since their arrival last week, relishing every tidbit and morsel of African life.

Erika tested the liquor and smacked her lips with heavenly satisfaction. “Oh, this is splendid. You know, I think I’m feeling jealous of your extraordinary luck. An exotic lifestyle, fun job, and I’ll be danged if you didn’t find the handsomest guy on the planet.” She sighed heavily. “What’s left for me, I say?”

“No crazy adventures for you!” her mother demanded. “One wild child is enough in the family.”

Laughter filled the tent, and Miranda smiled in happy contentment. She was about to embark on the best adventure yet. Matt had commissioned a firm to build their dream house, and they had worked together to design blueprints. They were set to break ground right after the honeymoon.

“A toast,” Letta said as she lifted her glass. “To Katanga, for which I’ll hold fond memories for years to come. To Miranda and Jason, for your friendship and encouragement that got me through my residency. And to Matt, for finding a way to keep you here!”

They laughed and drank, and Miranda worked to shake loose her nerves and prepare for the native ceremony about to take place.

“Did I hear my name?”

Miranda gasped and spun to find Matt standing just inside the tent, holding open the makeshift doorway.

“You aren’t supposed to be in here!” she declared.

Her dad came rolling in with Roz in his lap, Jason pushing his wheelchair. “Now, is that anyway to greet your future husband?” her dad asked.

“Appalling, I say.” Jason clapped Matt on the back as he passed by. “Good luck, old chap. You’re going to need it.”

“Why are you here?” Miranda’s mother asked. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”

“Technically we’re already married as of this morning.” Matt wrapped his arms around Miranda and spun her around. “At least that’s what the magistrate claims, and who am I to argue?”

Miranda laughed with utter contentment and joy. “Are Bakka and Zuli here yet?”

“Arrived a half hour ago, along with Nik,” Matt said with a beaming smile. “They are overseeing
karamu
as we speak.”

He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose, and Miranda laughed with the overwhelming joy of it.

“I hope the feast is as fantastic as you claim,” Jason said. “I’ve sorely missed Tavi’s cooking. And by the way,” he turned to Matt with a direct stare. “I may have been gone six weeks, but I still recall you owe us one aerial safari.”

“It’s already arranged for tomorrow,” Matt replied. “And yes, Letta, for all of us. That includes you.”

Over their laughter, a sudden round of shouts could be heard from outside, along with the rising tempo of the drums. The dancing was building and so was the bonfire.

Matt pulled Miranda up close to his chest. “How about it, Mrs. Bennett? Care to get married again?”

She had to be the luckiest woman on the planet. Love wasn’t all she’d found on her trip to Africa.

She’d found zing.

Adventuring is in Monica McCabe’s blood. She's explored places like Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. She’s climbed glaciers and ancient Mayan pyramids, dived shipwrecks and reef caves, camped in Sasquatch country, and drove across the USA three times. Currently she’s working on gathering as many official stamps in her National Park Passport as she can. When not traveling she’s writing romantic adventure books and travel articles, enjoys research way too much, and craves long nature hikes with her husband and their dog, Sam.