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Ethel nodded. “It’s that easy. When do you plan on getting married?”
She shrugged. “They haven’t asked me.”
“We can fix that right now.” Ethel gave Shane and Corey a stern look. “Down on your knees.”
Without hesitation, Shane and Corey knelt down in front of Belle, each taking one of her hands.
Her heart accelerated to a breakneck speed. “Oh my God. Is this really happening?”
“Everyone in town knows how crazy these two are about you, honey.” Ethel shook her head. “Well, gentlemen? Don’t keep the lady waiting.”
Shane squeezed her hand. “Belle, I knew the first time I saw you that you were going to change my life. You did. I’m a different man, a better man. Being with you, I see everything differently. You’re beautiful inside and out. Whenever I look at you, I feel like I’m having a wonderful dream except my eyes are open.”
Corey smiled up at her. “I’ve never known a person as tenderhearted and loving as you. You are my past, Belle. I was always searching for you. You are my today. I love being with you. You are my tomorrow, my future. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Shane brought out a tiny box from his pocket and held it up for her. Corey opened the lid and she saw the engagement ring with two interlocking bands with an emerald-cut diamond.
Corey’s loving gaze melted her completely. “This was our grandmother’s ring, Belle.”
“The two bands represented her two husbands, our grandfathers. Now, they will represent Corey and me.”
In unison they said, “Will you marry us, Belle White?”
With tears welling up in her eyes, she looked at her amazing, wonderful men. “You planned this, didn’t you? This wasn’t a spur of the moment thing, was it?”
Ethel wiped her eyes. “Belle, please. Answer them.”
“Yes. Yes. I will marry you both. I love you so much.”
They wrapped her up in their arms and showered her with kisses.
“That was beautiful.” Ethel might run her court with an iron fist but she had the softest heart. “Any ideas when you want to have your wedding? I’m not rushing you, but like I said, the sooner the better for the adoption.”
Shane’s eyebrow shot up. “Sooner is good. Is it possible we could get it done today?”
“I like that idea, bro.” Corey turned to Ethel. “Is it?”
Belle smiled. They were as anxious as she was to get married. “Guys, there’s got to be a waiting period, right Ethel?”
“There is, but you’re looking at a judge who can waive that. I have the power.” Ethel opened her drawer again and pulled out more paperwork. “Just so happens I have a marriage license right here.”
“How did you know?” Shane asked.
The dear woman winked. “Because I’m the judge, Shane Blue. I know everything. Well, Belle? You ready to make honest men out of these two hoodlums?”
“Who are you calling hoodlums, Ethel? I’m a US marshal and Shane is a CIA agent.”
Belle laughed.
“Okay. Two legalized hoodlums. Don’t forget, Corey Blue, I knew you when you went joyriding with your brother when you were only twelve, long before you had a driver’s license.”
“Yes, ma’am. I remember. You scared the daylights out of me when my parents brought me to court. I thought you were going to send me away for good.”
Ethel laughed. “That’s my job. Look at you now. I’m partially responsible for the wonderful man you’ve become. Now, back to the matter at hand. Belle, would you like to get married today, right now?”
“With all my heart, yes. But I want to call Amber. I’d like her to be one of my witnesses.”
“Juan and Jake, too,” Shane added, making her love him even more.
