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Elise’s eyes welled with tears at the message.

“Please?” Luke clasped his hands together. “We like him a lot. The dogs love him too.”

Movement out of the corner of her eye made her turn back toward Paul.

The man had dropped to his knee

Elise gasped and stared down at a red velvet box in his hand.

“Dearest Elise, I thought I could keep my distance from you and let you have all the time you needed to recover from past events, but I couldn’t wait another minute to let you know how I feel.” He opened the box to display a beautiful marquis diamond. “I know it’s too soon for you to make a decision, but I wanted you to know how I have always felt about you. I love you.”

“But I come with?—”

“Two little men who are the strongest, bravest and most protective guys I’ve ever known.”

Brandon and Luke stood taller, their chins rising.

Elise wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.

“I love them as much as I love you. They’re a part of you and I’d be honored to be a part of your family.”

A lump lodged in Elise’s throat, blocking any words she might say. A single tear escaped an eye and slid down her cheek.

Paul reached out with his free hand and brushed away the tear. “I know this is too soon, but I’m putting it out there,” he said softly.

Elise shook her head. “I was married to a serial killer.”

“That fact does not define you,” Paul said. “If you choose to reject my proposal, I’ll understand, but at least I will have tried. Think about it and take all the time you need. In the meantime, I won’t spoil the rest of the party.” Paul closed the box and started to rise.

Before he could, Elise dropped to her knees and took his hands, box and all in hers. “Wait. I’ve thought about it. You’re so good with the boys. They need a father to set a good example for them.”

“You’d marry me just for your boys?” Paul shook his head. “I’d do it, just to be in your life. But I love all three of you.”

“No, that’s not the only reason,” She held tightly to his hands, afraid to let him walk away. “I didn’t trust my judgment after Stan. I thought what we had was a good enough marriage. But I know better now. Because of you.” She lifted his hands to press her lips to his knuckles. “You taught me friendship is as important as sexual attraction and that couples could work together aspartners, not one controlling the other. You’re the father my boys deserve. I don’t need time to think. I know what I want.”

“Then say it already,” Mel said. “The suspense is killing us.”

“I love you, Paul Fletcher. I’ll marry you as long as Brandon and Luke agree.”

Paul’s eyes brightened. “Boys, what do you say to all three of us getting married and letting me adopt you as my sons?”

Brandon let out the first happy yelp Elise had ever heard from him and rushed forward with Luke on his heels. They launched themselves at Elise and Paul, knocking them to the ground, laughing and hugging.

Titan and Athena joined them in the happiest dogpile Elise could have ever loved.

Her nightmare life had come to an end and a new life stretched before her full of friendship, adventure and love.

She hugged her family, dogs and all and laughed her joy aloud.

~ * ~

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