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Hunter studied him carefully. “I told them you’d agree. There’s a good chance she’ll plea, but you need to be prepared just in case.” He gave a slight nod. Apparently he already knew that the woman would most likely plea. Good.

“So I stay here,” Jackson said, stroking thepuppy. “Okay.”

“No.” Hunter waited until the kid looked up. “I’ve petitioned for custody of you. Miss Angelina is an amazing woman, and she’s our family. But I want you withme. For good.”

Jackson froze. He swallowed several times, his gaze down. Were those tears? “All right.”

Faye’s eyes burned, and she blinked them away. No wonder sheloved this guy.

Hunter nodded at Miss Angelina. “We’ve already talked to the mayor, and I’m set to replace the chief within the month. The guy doesn’t know what he’s doing, and it’s time for me to do what I do best.” He grinned. “Besides fish on the weekends, of course.”

Of course. Faye nodded. It was good he was getting back into law enforcement.

Hunter cleared his throat and moved toward her. “And I want you with me, too.” He dropped to one knee and whipped out a velvet box. “I asked Miss Angelina for her blessing, since she’s basically the one who has always loved us. She said yes.” He opened the box to reveal a stunning square diamond in white gold. “What do you say? I love you and I trust you forever.” He grinned. “Forget all of those last names you’ve tried. How about you take mine? For good?”

She couldn’t breathe. The diamond was beautiful, but forever was even better. Faye Holt. It had a seriously good sound to it. In fact, it was the name she’d been waiting her whole life to claim as her own. Just as Hunter had claimed her.

Jackson cleared his throat. “We’d be a family, Faye. Just think of it.”

Aww. He was trying to convince her.

She lifted her face to Hunter’s, her vision completely blurry from tears. “Yes.”