Page 79 of Luke

“Sounds good. I appreciate Sam doing this.”

Nevada grinned. “You know how he hates trouble in his town.”

Luke chuckled. “Yes, he does. I’m going to grab some food, then head upstairs. Do you want anything? It’s on me.”

“No, thanks, Luke. Courtney and I are going out to dinner later.”

“Okay. Tell her I said hello. Thanks for this, Nevada.”

Nevada shrugged. “Just doing my job.”

Luke smiled, then walked to the entrance of the diner and entered. He placed the order and sat at the counter to wait. As he glanced around, everything seemed normal. No one had a clue about what was going on and he hoped it would stay that way.

Connie placed the bag on the counter and Luke paid her, refusing to take the change. He grabbed the bag and walked out of the diner, heading toward the apartment. He nodded at Nevada as he passed him in his cruiser, then quickly made his way up the steps and knocked on the door. After a few clicks, Bryce opened the door and immediately ran into Luke’s arms, sobbing.

“It’s okay, baby. I’m here now. I’ve got you. I won’t let anything happen to you or Leah.” He kissed her softly. “Where is she?”

“She fell asleep just a little while ago.”

“I still need to see her. I promise not to wake her.” Luke gaveBryce a quick kiss on her forehead before putting the bag of food on the counter and walking down the hallway to the bedroom. He gazed at her sleeping peacefully. As he stroked her hair gently, Bryce entered the room and hugged him from behind, resting her cheek against his back.

“Do you have any idea how much I love this little girl?” he whispered.

“She loves you just as much,” Bryce replied.

Luke turned to face her. “I want to adopt her.”

Bryce smiled. “We would have to be mar—”

“Exactly.”

“You want to marry me?”

“Yeah, but only because I want to adopt Leah.” He tried not to laugh.

“Lucas Andrew McCallister,” Bryce said sternly.

“Uh oh. Did I piss you off again?”

“You’ll make it up to me.”

“Yes ma’am.” He kissed her lips. “Will you marry me, Bryce?”

“Yes. Once we get through this, I will marry you and you can officially become Leah’s daddy.”

Tears welled up in Luke’s eyes. “All I want is both of you in my life.”

“Let’s eat before it gets cold.” Bryce took his hand and led him to the living room. “Did you see Deputy Shelton?”

“Yes, I talked to him for a bit.”

“So, you know him?”

Luke grinned. “I know him very well. We used to work together before he became a deputy.”

“He used to be a livestock agent?”

“Yep.” Luke placed the bag on the coffee table, sat down and began unpacking the food.

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