Page 50 of Destined Chaos

“That’s bigger than I’d planned.” I pointed to the additional houses nearby. “What are those?”

“That’s where the costs are going to be offset. Those are going to be used like halfway houses for some of Champ’s victims. You can give them employment in the lodge while Champ is working on their relocations. Champ will pay you handsomely for the help in keeping them off the grid, and I’ll be nearby to make sure we don’t have any unforeseen problems.”

“Champ is going to do that?” Emmett asked.

“Of course. Libby tells me it’s a win/win that I can’t possibly turn down.”

“And what am I doing here?” Dinky asked. Libby had used some of her savings to pay off Dinky’s debt even though Johnson was sitting in jail. She’d explained it as getting them both out from the dark cloud that was following them.

She touched his arm. “You’re family, and you need to put down some roots and get a fresh start. So, I’ve decided that you’re going to work with everyone and represent the Slaughter name.”

“Why me when you can do that?” he asked, swallowing hard.

“You’re her family, and that’s going to make you part of ours,” Emmett answered.

“Wait. What?” Libby lifted her gaze.

“Way to spoil it, Emmett,” I said, shoving his shoulder.

“What? Clara told me today was the day.”

“Tonight, over dinner,” I said.

“Oh, no, no, no,” Libby said, wiggling her finger. “I’m not getting married until I outlive my mother.”

“Excuse us,” I said, taking her hand and leading her to the clearing where she’d almost died.

The memories washed over her face like a sour taste.

“Of all the places, you picked here?” she asked.

“Here is where I almost lost you. Here is where you saved my life. Here is where I knew for certain that I was falling head over heels in love with you.”

“Hugh…”

I pulled the ring out of my pocket and held it up to her as I dropped to my knee. “I don’t need to wait to know you, and I know we’re meant to be together. I love you, Libby Slaughter. Even if you were to die in the next five years, I’d still love you even after you’re gone. Our love will be the legacy you leave behind.”

“Hugh.” She smiled. “And you’ll wait five years?”

I rose from my spot and pulled the ring out of the box. “I’ve waited my entire life for you. I can handle five more years.”

“Even if I’m going to die?” She already knew that answer. Hell, she should have seen this scenario coming. I was finding out that there wasn’t much that could surprise her.

“You’re not going to die. I won’t let you.”

She held out her finger, and a smile split her lips. “Then yes. Yes. I’ll marry you.”

I kissed her like she owned my world, because she did.

“I never saw you coming,” she whispered against my lips.

“That’s probably a good thing. You would have run the other way.”

---