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“You put instructions in here for how to undo everything.”

“Figured you should have them.”

Another pause. Then those warm brown eyes lift to mine.

“Thank you, Damian.”

Three words.

That's it.

Three quiet fucking words.

And somehow they hit me harder than hearing her call my name while she's wrapped in my arms.

Because she means them.

Because for the first time since I claimed her, Belinda is looking at me without anger.

Maybe without fear.

And definitely without feeling like I'm trying to take something from her.

My chest goes tight. My Devil settles.

I nod because if I open my mouth right now, I'm liable to say something stupid like I love you and scare her straight back into the house.

“Anytime, Sweet.”

Her mouth twitches.

Barely. But I fucking see it.

Then she turns and walks back toward the B&B, still clutching that vellum envelope. I watch until the door closes behind her.

Only then do I let myself grin.

Those words?

They’re the best fucking thing I've heard all week.

I whistle softly and get back to work wooing my mate.

Lastly, I send her tomatoes.

Six bushels of prize-winning Brandywines.

My babies.

Owen stares at me when I load them into the wheelbarrow I intend to push to her door.

“You're giving her those?”

“Yes.”

“Your Brandywines?”

“Yes.”