Page 231 of Allegiance

He put his glass down and stared over at her. She was the best thing in his life. At one point, he’d believed it to be Elizabeth, and then Sarah, but now that he was feeling the things he hadn’t for them, he knew.

She was the one.

Sarah had been right when she’d raged at him, telling Dakota he didn’t love her with all he had. He’d kept Elizabeth in his heart not because he’d wanted her to be his, but as a place card for the woman who would one day have it all.

Eve Knight.

Now, he could let Elizabeth go.

He could let Sarah go.

“Because the second I met you, I fell in love. When I dated Elizabeth, I loved her too. Only, not like this. When I was seeing Sarah, I married her because I thought that was what I needed to do. I hesitated for a reason. She wasn’t meant to be my person. Then, I met you, and the reason I fought so hard, was because I wanted it so badly. You were always meant to be mine.”

Eve just stared at him.

“I mean, we’re ridiculous together. I’m a retired lawman, and you’re Adder. I’m a good eighteen inches taller than you, but you could whip my ass around this room blindfolded. I’m twenty years older than you, but you’re an old soul, and I can see that.”

She let him talk.

“I never wanted kids until I did. Now, I want Violet and this baby. You changed me, and now, I understand what each of my brothers meant. Zayn saw Stella as they were trying to traffic her, and he wanted nothing more than to save her. His heart knew.”

Violet was staring at her mother.

Praying.

She knew this man was good for both of them.

“When Rogue married Cordelia, his first wife, we all knew it was trouble. When he was found by Jinx, there was that click. When Jagger and Maura’s spouses died, they found each other, and just knew. I guess I was waiting for the one I would know would make me happy. That’s you.”

Eve’s heart pounded.

“So, what I’m asking you is this, Eve. Will you be my wife? I want this life with you. While you working as a Hunter scares me, I know that you’re the one. I want to be there to see you kick ass, and give life to our child.”

“And if I said yes?”

“Then, I’m making a call, and we’re going to find a judge and make it happen—unless you want a church wedding, Virgin Mary.”

She actually laughed.

“Can you give me and the daughter a minute? We’re a package deal. So we have to discuss it.”

He was aware.

“Want me to step out?” he asked.

She shook her head.

“No. Anything we say in private can be said in front of you.”

He waited.

“What do you think, V. Do we let the ridiculously handsome cowboy move into our nest with us?” she asked. “I know we said it was the Girl’s Only clubhouse, but…”

Violet shrugged.

“I mean, piano lessons, Mom. He does play pretty well, and he already knocked your ass up. You should saddle him with us for a long time to teach him a lesson. Contraception is your friend.”

He had been worried.