Page 238 of Allegiance

He took Sarah’s off and put it away after he’d met this woman.

And for a reason.

This was his new journey.

With Eve.

When she slid it onto his hand, it was perfect.

The judge took that as his cue.

“Your turn, Mr. Rakin.”

Dakota hadn’t prepared anything, but instead, went with his heart.

“I promise to not assume. I promise to not put up those walls, and I promise to be your knight in shining armor, even when I know you don’t need me to do it. I vow to protect you, this baby, and Violet with my life. I will never stray, cheat, or break you. You were my goal and will always be it. I’ll work hard every day to show you that I’m the man you deserve. I will be your greatest supporter and your biggest cheerleader. You, Evelyn, are valuable, and my treasure. I’ll spend every day making sure you know it too.”

Her heart skipped.

Only, he wasn’t done.

He faced Violet and held out his hand.

She put her fingers in his.

“Violet, I swear to protect you, and to show you that not all men hurt women. I promise to love you and your mother, giving you my heart, my love, and my time. When you need me, I’ll be there. I’ll teach you how to drive, put your college furniture together, and be the person who keeps your secrets.”

The girl’s eyes filled with tears.

It was clear that it meant so much to her.

“I’ll teach you that you are wanted, loved, and cherished by every man and woman in this room. As your new family, and your father, I’ll worry about you when you go out into the world. We might not be blood, Violet, but I’ll be your father, giving you my protection.”

She wiped her eyes.

“I choose you both because I know you both choose me. We’re a circle within another circle, and I love you both. Forever.”

Violet hugged him.

When she set him free, he pulled the ring from his pocket and showed Eve what he had for her.

“Will you wear my ring, pretty lady?” he asked, grinning wickedly.

She couldn’t help herself.

Eve was giddy.

“Oh, absolutely. It’s perfect.”

He slid the ring onto her finger and was overwhelmed with emotion.

It was done.

They were a family.

From where he stood, the judge smiled.

“Well, those were beautiful vows. By the power vested in me by the state of Louisiana, and the city of New Orleans, I now pronounce you a family. Kiss your wife and kid.”

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