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Leather & Lark

By Brynne Weaver

Summary of Leather & Lark

The book tells the story of Lark, a complex and troubled woman with a dark past, and her tumultuous relationship with Lachlan, a contract killer. The narrative begins with Lark's vengeful confrontation with her cheating ex-boyfriend, Andrew, which sets the tone for her character's desire for control and justice. As the story unfolds, Lark's life becomes intertwined with Lachlan's, and they form an arranged marriage to protect themselves from their respective enemies. Despite their initial animosity towards each other, they develop a deep and intense connection, bound by their shared experiences of trauma and violence. Throughout the book, Lark and Lachlan navigate a world of crime, murder, and deception, as they work together to uncover the truth behind a series of killings and confront their own personal demons. Along the way, they encounter a cast of characters, including Lachlan's brother Rowan, Lark's family, and the enigmatic Abe Midus, who becomes a formidable foe. As Lark and Lachlan's relationship evolves, they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including Lark's struggles with her past traumas, Lachlan's attempts to retire from his life as a contract killer, and the ever-present threat of violence and danger. Despite these challenges, they find solace and comfort in each other, and their bond grows stronger as they confront their fears and insecurities. The book builds towards a climactic confrontation with Abe Midus, who has a twisted sense of purpose and faith. Lark is kidnapped by Abe, and Lachlan must make a desperate bid to rescue her, leading to a heart-pumping and emotional climax. Ultimately, the book concludes with Lark and Lachlan emerging stronger and more in love, having confronted their pasts and the darkness that has haunted them. They finalize Lachlan's retirement from Leviathan, and Lachlan proposes to Lark, offering her a choice in their marriage. Lark chooses to stay with him, and they solidify their commitment to each other, ready to face the future together. The book is a gripping and intense exploration of trauma, violence, and the human condition, with complex characters, morally ambiguous themes, and a narrative that is both dark and hopeful. Through Lark and Lachlan's story, the book delves into the complexities of human relationships, the power of love and redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Chapter Summary of Leather & Lark

Prologue: Ignite

The scene unfolds with a dramatic and intense confrontation between the narrator, Lark, and her cheating ex-boyfriend, Andrew, who is strapped to a chair with fireworks attached to his body. Lark, fueled by anger and a desire for revenge, taunts Andrew and eventually lights the fuse, subjecting him to a gruesome and terrifying ordeal. As the fireworks explode, Andrew's screams are drowned out by the music and the sound of the fireworks. When the chaos subsides, Lark returns to find Andrew miraculously still alive, albeit severely injured. With a mix of shock, satisfaction, and a sense of justice, Lark ultimately ends Andrew's suffering with a gunshot, feeling a sense of empowerment and invincibility. The narrative is interwoven with Lark's introspection, revealing a dark past and a personal vow to never again be a victim, instead taking matters into her own hands to punish those who deserve it.

Chapter One: Submerged

Lark, still reeling from her previous encounter, finds herself in a new predicament after a car accident at Scituate Reservoir in Rhode Island. She calls her stepdad for help, who provides her with a contact for a cleanup service called Leviathan. The service sends two men, one of whom is nicknamed Budget Batman, to take care of the situation. Lark's interactions with Budget Batman are tense and confrontational, with him being dismissive and judgmental of her actions. Despite his rough demeanor, he and his partner, Conor, work efficiently to clean up the scene and dispose of the body. However, Lark's attempt to feign innocence and remorse falls flat with Budget Batman, who sees through her act. He forces her into the trunk of his car, sparking a desperate attempt by Lark to escape. Using a tool from her bag, she manages to pop the trunk open and makes a daring escape as the car slows down for a turn. As she walks away from the scene, Lark reflects on her situation and the fact that Budget Batman doesn't know her true nature, and she intends to keep it that way.

Chapter Two: Bull’s-Eye

The story takes a dark turn as Lachlan, a contract killer, is forced to participate in a twisted game of darts with his boss, Leander, using a captive, Robbie Usher, as the target. Leander's true nature is revealed as he takes great pleasure in the suffering of others, and Lachlan is torn between his loyalty to his boss and his growing sense of morality. As the night wears on, Lachlan is tasked with holding Robbie steady while Leander forces him to consume a grotesque pizza smoothie made with the victim's own teeth. After the ordeal, Lachlan reaches his breaking point and expresses his desire to retire from his life as a contract killer, but Leander makes it clear that he is not willing to let him go without a fight, citing the damage Lachlan caused to their business when he angered a valuable client. The chapter ends with Lachlan leaving Leander's estate, but it's clear that he will not be able to escape his boss's grasp so easily.

Chapter Three: Guillotine

Lachlan meets Lark, Sloane's friend, at Rowan's apartment and is immediately drawn to her. Despite his initial attempts to appear brooding and aloof, Lachlan finds himself captivated by Lark's charming and vivacious personality. The two share a intense and passionate kiss on the balcony, but their encounter takes a dramatic turn when Lark reveals that she is the same person Lachlan had a confrontational encounter with on a previous night, when she was involved in a car accident and he was hired to clean up the scene. Lachlan's failure to recognize her, combined with his use of a derogatory nickname, sparks a heated argument between them. As the night progresses, Lachlan and Lark's animosity towards each other becomes increasingly apparent, with both characters exchanging biting insults and sarcastic remarks. Despite the tension between them, Lachlan can't help but feel drawn to Lark, and the chapter ends with a sense of uncertainty and unresolved tension between the two characters.

Chapter Four: Germinate

The narrator, a mysterious and calculating individual, breaks into the home of their adversaries, having carefully observed and planned their moves. With a talent for lock-picking and a deep understanding of their targets' habits, they navigate the apartment with ease. Their focus is on Lark Montague, a woman connected to several key players, including the Boston Butcher and the Orb Weaver. The narrator's motivations are rooted in a twisted desire for revenge and a need to inflict pain, driven by a warped sense of morality and a belief in divine retribution. As they ponder their next steps, they devise a plan to destabilize their targets and manipulate others into believing that Lachlan Kane, a killer for hire, is responsible for Lark's destruction. The narrator's actions are guided by a dark and sinister intent, fueled by a desire to mete out suffering and punishment to those they deem deserving.

Chapter Five: Threads

Lark visits her great aunt Ethel's home, where she reunites with her older sister Ava and discusses Sloane's upcoming surprise elopement. However, Lark's attention is diverted when she overhears a conversation between her parents and Stan Tremblay, discussing a potential threat from Lachlan Kane, a former employee of Leviathan. They suspect Lachlan of being involved in a series of murders, which Lark doubts. As she tries to make sense of the situation, she talks to her aunt Ethel, who reveals that she knows about the conversation and offers to help Lark protect Sloane and Rowan Kane, Sloane's fiancé. Ethel suggests that Lark's parents might be willing to spare Lachlan's life if Lark were to marry him, as they would not want to break their daughter's vows. Lark begins to consider this option, despite her reservations, in order to protect the people she cares about.

Chapter Six: Leytonstone

The story unfolds at Leytonstone Inn, where Lachlan is serving as the best man at his brother Rowan's wedding to Sloane. As the ceremony takes place, Lachlan's attention is drawn to Lark, the maid of honor, who is also a talented musician performing at the wedding. Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Lachlan and Lark are forced to interact, and they share a tense dance. Lark reveals that she needs Lachlan's help to investigate a series of murders targeting her family's business associates, and in return, she can help him retire from his contract killer job. However, there's a catch - they need to get married to guarantee Lachlan's safety, as her family sees him as a potential threat. Lachlan is hesitant, but Lark's determination and the risk to his brother and new sister-in-law's lives make him consider her proposal. As the night wears on, Lachlan is faced with a difficult decision, and Lark gives him an ultimatum: agree to her plan by the end of the night, or face the consequences.

Chapter Seven: Justice

Lark prepares for her wedding to Lachlan, a man she doesn't love, by working on a twisted craft project involving a pedophile, Patrick O'Neill, who she ultimately kills in a gruesome and symbolic manner. As she gets ready for the ceremony, she reflects on her motivations and the risks involved in her plan. Meanwhile, her friend Sloane is worried about Lark's decision and tries to convince her to call off the wedding. At the city hall, Lark's aunt Ethel gives her a family heirloom, a diamond ring, and offers words of wisdom about choosing love. Despite her reservations, Lark goes through with the ceremony, and she and Lachlan exchange vows and rings. The chapter ends with a intense and emotional kiss between the two, with Lark seemingly committed to her decision, but also aware of the complexities and potential dangers of her choice.

Chapter Eight: Friction

Lachlan visits Lark in her hobby space, where she's working on a coffee table. Their interaction is tense, with Lachlan teasing Lark about her craft projects and Lark responding with sarcasm. As they discuss their plan to convince her family that their marriage is real, Lachlan agrees to meet her parents on Sunday. Lark asks for his help in tracking down a killer targeting her family's business associates in exchange for her help in securing his retirement from his contract killer job. They decide to use Leviathan resources for the investigation. When Lachlan helps Lark move the finished coffee table to the upstairs apartment using the old freight elevator, it breaks down, plunging them into darkness. Lark experiences a panic attack, revealing a deeper vulnerability. Lachlan tries to comfort her but ultimately leaves her alone in the elevator, fixing the issue and returning to find her shaken. Despite his attempts to talk to her, Lark pushes him away, and he retreats to the guest room. Later that night, Lachlan discovers Lark sitting by the window, playing her guitar and crying, revealing a more raw and emotional side to her personality. He withdraws, realizing that he may have unintentionally caused her more harm than he initially thought.

Chapter Nine: Banjaxed

Lachlan tries to understand Lark's behavior and reaches out to Sloane for help, but she refuses to discuss Lark's personal life. Lachlan decides to invite Lark to lunch with Sloane and Rowan, hoping she'll open up. However, the lunch is disrupted by Claire, a woman from Lachlan's past who has a connection to his brother Fionn. Lark becomes agitated and storms out, intent on confronting Claire. Lachlan catches up to her in an alley and discovers her plan to exact revenge on Claire. As they talk, Lachlan reveals that Claire was the one who broke Fionn's heart, and Lark realizes that her initial assumption about Lachlan's hatred towards her was wrong. Despite the revelation, Lark remains guarded and distant, leaving Lachlan to wonder about her true intentions and emotions. The chapter ends with Lachlan deciding to "hunt" Lark, implying a desire to uncover her secrets and understand her better.

Chapter Ten: Trophies

Lachlan searches the apartment for clues about Lark's past and discovers a hidden compartment behind a poster, containing a severed finger in a jar, which Lark admits is a "trophy" from one of her victims. As Lachlan confronts her about the evidence, Lark reveals that she is a "multiple deleter", confessing to having killed nine people. She explains that she did it to protect her loved ones from having to do it themselves. Lachlan is shocked and struggles to Process this new information, feeling a mix of emotions, including fear, concern, and a deepening connection to Lark. Despite his initial reaction, Lachlan realizes that he wants to understand Lark better and confronts her about her secrets, but she pushes him away, feeling judged and unaccepted. The chapter ends with Lark leaving the apartment, and Lachlan is left to grapple with the truth about his wife's dark past and the reality of their complicated relationship.

Chapter Eleven: Hologram

Lark reflects on her current situation, feeling a mix of emotions as she prepares to face her family with her new husband, Lachlan. She's still trying to come to terms with their arranged marriage and the fact that she doesn't have to pretend to be someone she's not around him. Lachlan, on the other hand, seems to be making an effort to understand and connect with Lark, even helping her with small tasks like walking her dog and making breakfast. As they head to her family's home in Providence, Lark's aunt Ethel appears to approve of Lachlan, and the two exchange banter, showing a more lighthearted side to their relationship. Despite their differences, Lark and Lachlan present a united front as they face the challenges ahead, with Lark warning Lachlan about the potential dangers of her family's business and Lachlan showing a willingness to adapt and protect himself. As they approach the family home, Lark's nerves begin to show, but Lachlan offers reassurance, and they share a moment of unexpected connection before putting on a brave face to meet her family.

Chapter Twelve: In Nominee Patri

Lark and Lachlan attend a tense family brunch, where they face a barrage of questions about their sudden marriage. Lark's family is shocked and skeptical, but Lachlan handles the situation with ease, charming them with his stories and charisma. However, the atmosphere becomes increasingly strained as the conversation turns to Lachlan's past and his involvement with Leviathan, a company that Lark's family has concerns about. Lark's aunt, Ethel, drops a bombshell by announcing that she has appointed Lark as chief security officer and plans to award Leviathan a contract, which Lark's family strongly opposes. Despite the chaos, Lark and Lachlan present a united front, with Lark declaring her love for Lachlan and her commitment to their marriage. As they leave the brunch, Lachlan reassures Lark's stepfather that he will protect his wife, and Lark begins to realize the depth of her emotions and the sacrifices she has made for Lachlan. The chapter ends with Lark reflecting on the pain she has caused her family, particularly her stepfather, and the uncertainty of their future together.

Chapter Thirteen: Network

Lark visits her ailing aunt Ethel in the hospital, where she reflects on her complicated relationship with her husband Lachlan. Ethel, aware of Lark's tension with Lachlan, teases her about her love life and encourages her to take care of herself. Lark then heads to Leander Mayes' estate to discuss a contract with him, with Lachlan by her side. However, things take a turn when Lark reveals that the muffins she brought were drugged, courtesy of her aunt Ethel, and Leander passes out. Lachlan is shocked and amused by Lark's actions, and they decide to head to the office to start their investigation. At the office, Lark uses the computer system to search for information on a person named Louis Campbell, but then switches to searching for her aunt's nemesis, Bob Foster. With Lachlan's help, they begin to dig into Bob's financial records, looking for any connections to the recent murders. As they work together, Lark and Lachlan share a moment of connection and teamwork, despite their ongoing tensions.

Chapter Fourteen: Retreat

Lachlan surprises Lark by showing up at her location and offering to take her to a sleep retreat, claiming it's to help her with her insomnia. Despite initial hesitation and mistrust, Lark eventually agrees to go, and they share a moment of connection during the car ride. At the retreat, Lachlan reveals that he won't be staying and will instead give Lark space to focus on herself. Lark struggles with her emotions, feeling a mix of gratitude, vulnerability, and uncertainty about her feelings for Lachlan. The two share a tender moment, with Lachlan reassuring Lark that he's committed to their marriage and won't break his vows. Lachlan then leaves, and Lark is checked into the retreat, where she begins her journey to address her sleep issues and emotional turmoil. The chapter ends with Lachlan's departure, leaving Lark to process her feelings and the unexpected turn their relationship has taken.

Chapter Fifteen: Signals

Lachlan picks up Lark from a sleep retreat and takes her to a cabin where Dr. Louis Campbell, the headmaster of Ashborne Collegiate Institute, is being held. Lachlan has been investigating Campbell's involvement in covering up the abuse of students, including Lark, by Artistic Director Laurent Verdon. Lachlan confronts Campbell, who admits to knowing about the abuse but doing nothing to stop it. Lark arrives and takes over, sewing Campbell's lips shut with gold thread as a form of revenge for his inaction. After Campbell's demise, Lachlan and Lark share a moment of connection, and Lachlan later reads to Lark over the phone to help her fall asleep. The story explores their complex and dark relationship, as well as Lachlan's growing feelings for Lark and his desire to understand and protect her.

Chapter Sixteen: Hymns

Lachlan is working in his shop, Kane Atelier, when a man named Abe Midus arrives for an unexpected visit. Abe has a Western saddle that he wants Lachlan to repair and refurbish, and as they discuss the project, Lachlan becomes increasingly uneasy due to Abe's vague and secretive nature. Just as Abe is about to reveal more about the design he wants added to the saddle, Lark arrives, and the atmosphere in the shop shifts. Lark and Abe engage in a brief conversation, during which Lark sings a hymn, "Nearer, My God, to Thee," and Abe requests that the lyrics be added to the saddle's design. The conversation takes a subtle but tense turn when Abe brings up the topic of faith, and Lark responds with a firm but nuanced perspective. As the meeting comes to a close, Lachlan excuses them, and they prepare to leave for their appointment, while Abe departs, whistling the tune of Lark's hymn. The encounter leaves Lachlan with a sense of unease and a growing concern about Abe's true intentions.

Chapter Seventeen: Ascend

Lark and Lachlan's relationship continues to evolve as they work together to uncover the truth behind a series of murders. They attend a club, where they plan to gather evidence, and their interactions are laced with a mix of tension and playful banter. As they navigate the crowded space, Lachlan's protectiveness and care for Lark become more apparent, and she begins to open up to him about her past traumas. In a heartfelt moment, Lark shares with Lachlan the story of her father's death and her experiences at Ashborne Collegiate Institute, revealing a deeper vulnerability. Lachlan's response is one of empathy and understanding, and he reassures her that he's committed to helping her. As the night comes to a close, Lark and Lachlan part ways, but not before they share a tender moment, and Lark begins to write a new song, hinting at a growing connection between them.

Chapter Eighteen: Spotlight

Lachlan gives Lark a matte black box with a leather harness inside, which she plans to wear to her music gig. As they prepare to leave for the venue, their interaction is charged with tension and desire. At the venue, Lachlan watches Lark perform, and she dedicates a song called "Ruinous Love" to him, singing about pain, longing, and the fire that burns between them. During the performance, Lark gives Lachlan a remote control that she had given him earlier, and he discovers that it controls a toy she is wearing. He teases her, turning the vibration up and down, and Lark's reactions are visible to him as she struggles to maintain her composure on stage. The scene culminates with Lachlan pushing Lark to the edge, and she ultimately reaches orgasm, her desire and desperation palpable as she watches him. After the song ends, Lachlan disappears from view, leaving Lark to bask in the aftermath of their intense and passionate connection.

Chapter Nineteen: Exposed

Lark is left feeling vulnerable and hurt after Lachlan disappears from the audience during her music performance. She tries to compose herself, but eventually breaks down in tears in the bathroom. Lachlan surprises her by bursting into the bathroom, and they share a intense and passionate moment. Lachlan teases Lark, using a remote control to activate a vibrator she's wearing, and they engage in a provocative and intimate exchange. As they prepare to leave, they're interrupted by Xander, who accidentally walks in on them. Lachlan is possessive and jealous, but Lark reassures him that he has no reason to be. As they exit the bathroom, Lark meets a man named Abe, who had previously visited Lachlan's shop. Abe seems friendly, but Lark senses a darkness beneath his smile. Despite the unease, Lark and Lachlan leave the venue, with Lachlan promising to fulfill his earlier promise to make her unable to walk the next day.

Chapter Twenty: Crawl

Lachlan and Lark's relationship reaches a new level of intensity as they engage in a passionate and explicit encounter, with Lachlan pushing Lark to her limits and Lark embracing her desires. After a night of intense intimacy, they wake up together, and Lachlan realizes that he can't imagine a future without Lark by his side. As they go about their day, they exchange playful banter and comfortable silences, their relationship feeling more familiar and easy. They visit Leander Mayes's estate, where Lachlan is on edge, but Lark charms Leander with her presence. As they work together to investigate a series of murders, Lachlan and Lark's connection deepens, and they begin to trust each other. They discover that Stan Tremblay, Lark's aunt's enforcer, may be a key figure in the murders, but their search is halted when they find out that he is already dead, marked with a Code 100, indicating a homicide.

Chapter Twenty-One: Enucleate

Lark and Lachlan are dealing with the aftermath of Stan Tremblay's murder, and they're trying to uncover the truth behind the series of killings. They visit their apartment, where Lachlan comforts Lark and they share a romantic moment. Lachlan reassures Lark that he's committed to their marriage and will face her fears with her. As they prepare for their next move, Lachlan takes Lark to a cabin where Dr. Louis Campbell is being held, and Lark exacts revenge on him for his inaction in covering up abuse at Ashborne Collegiate Institute. Afterward, Lachlan and Lark return home, and their relationship continues to evolve as they work together to investigate the murders. They attend a club, gather evidence, and Lachlan's protectiveness and care for Lark become more apparent. Lark begins to open up to Lachlan about her past traumas, and he responds with empathy and understanding. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they discover that Stan Tremblay's vault may hold the key to unlocking the truth, and they hatch a plan to break into the medical examiner's office to retrieve Stan's body and use his biometric data to access the vault. The plan is set in motion, and Lachlan and Lark, along with Conor, execute the break-in, facing challenges and dangers along the way. They successfully retrieve the required body parts, including Stan's eye, and make their escape as the fire department arrives. With the retrieved items, they hope to access Stan's records and uncover the identity of the killer, who is due to strike again in forty days. Lachlan reassures Lark that they will find the killer and exact justice, and their relationship continues to grow stronger as they face the challenges ahead together.

Chapter Twenty-Two: Wanderer

The narrator, a self-proclaimed servant of God, visits Ethel, Lark's aunt, in the hospital, intending to kill her as part of their divine plan. The narrator, who has been manipulating events to achieve their goals, engages in a witty and dark conversation with Ethel, who remains defiant and unafraid despite her impending death. As the narrator administers a lethal dose of medication, Ethel continues to taunt and provoke them, showing no remorse or fear. The narrator, driven by their twisted sense of purpose and faith, sees themselves as an instrument of God's justice, seeking to punish those who have escaped punishment. With Ethel's death, the narrator feels a sense of peace and fulfillment, believing they have carried out God's will. The chapter ends with the narrator expressing their desire for a confrontation with Lachlan, who they believe will try to avenge Ethel's death, and the narrator is eager to face him.

Chapter Twenty-Three: Last Defense

Lark meets with her friend Rose at a coffee shop, where they discuss Lark's improved relationship with her husband Lachlan. Rose is happy for Lark and notices the positive change in her. After Rose leaves to join the Silveria Circus, Lark receives a call from her mother informing her that her great aunt Ethel has passed away. Lark is devastated by the news and reaches out to Lachlan for comfort. He reassures her that he will be there for her and confesses his love, to which Lark reciprocates. As Lark prepares to meet her family at the nursing home, she feels a sense of loss and drifts into thoughts about her relationship with Lachlan and her aunt Ethel. However, her moment of introspection is interrupted by the arrival of Abe Midus, a man with a sinister presence, who attacks her and renders her unconscious. As Lark fights to stay awake, she sees Abe standing over her, holding a syringe and a brutal-looking tool, while her dog Bentley defends her with a vicious growl.

Chapter Twenty-Four: Apparition

Lachlan attends the funeral of Lark's great aunt Ethel, where he meets with her parents, Damian and Nina. However, Lark is nowhere to be found, and her phone goes unanswered. Lachlan becomes increasingly desperate and panicked as he tries to locate her. With the help of Conor, he discovers that the killer targeting Lark's family is Abe Midus, a man who had visited Lachlan's shop and spoken to Lark. Lachlan, along with Rose and Fionn, searches for Lark and eventually tracks down Abe's location to a building across the street from their apartment. They break into the building and find evidence of Abe's obsession with Lark, including charcoal drawings and handwritten notes. Rose discovers a Bible with the name "Abe Mead" written in it, revealing that Abe's real name is actually Abe Mead, the brother of Harvey Mead, a man killed by Rowan and Sloane in Texas. Lachlan and Rose find a map with the title "Portsmouth" and believe it may lead them to Lark's location. With a sense of urgency and desperation, Lachlan sets out to rescue Lark, determined to find her and bring her back safely.

Chapter Twenty-Five: Scorched

Lark wakes up in a dark, metal room with no memory of how she got there, only to discover she's being held captive by Abe Midus, a man with a twisted sense of purpose and faith. Abe reveals that he has been planning to punish Lark and her husband Lachlan for their past wrongs, and he forces Lachlan to make an impossible choice: save Lark from being burned alive in a rotary batch oven or save his brother Rowan from a bomb planted under his car. Lark takes the decision out of Lachlan's hands, telling him to save Rowan, and accepts her fate. However, Lachlan and their friend Rose manage to rescue Lark just in time, and Abe is killed in the process. As Lark and Lachlan reunite, they share a emotional and intimate moment, with Lachlan vowing to never let her go again. The chapter ends with Lark and Lachlan clutching each other, finally able to confront their feelings and the darkness of their past, and looking towards a future together.

Chapter Twenty-Six: Renew

Lachlan and Lark visit Leander Mayes to finalize Lachlan's retirement from Leviathan, and Lark signs a contract, sealing the deal. After drugging Leander with a beer, they leave and head home, where Lachlan surprises Lark with a gift - a safe containing trophies from her past, including a cube of clear resin with Dr. Louis Campbell's heart suspended in gold wire. Lark is overwhelmed with emotion, and Lachlan reveals that he has one more surprise - a proposal. He gets down on one knee, holding a diamond ring, and explains that he wants Lark to have a choice in their marriage, offering her divorce papers as an option. However, Lark is furious and tearfully declares her love for Lachlan, ripping up the divorce papers and choosing to stay with him. Lachlan slips the ring onto her finger, and they share a passionate kiss, solidifying their commitment to each other.