Page 138 of Zone

Chet

She’ll run out of money before that happens.

I’m smiling as I tap out my reply.

Melody

Oh, we’ve started a fund for her. She’s not going anywhere. Goodbye, Shet!

The gray dots of his reply are still floating as I swipe over to block and delete his number. I’m not having that in my life for another second.

Lifting my chin, I look up to see Knox standing in the back with Austin and Edward joking around. It makes me smile.

Kim appears at my side, grabbing my hand. “Where have you been? You and I are going to dance.”

“Okay,” I laugh, following her out onto the crowded floor.

Knox’s uncles are dancing on the bar, surrounded by waitresses in cutoffs and tank tops, and it might only be February, but it’sHot in Herre, which is the actual song they’re playing.

I sashay onto the dance floor behind Kim, and the two of us twist and dance with our hands in the air. I smile over myshoulder as Knox quickly dances up behind me, moving his hips and sliding his palms up my body.

Shaking my head, I turn and pretend to play hard to get—because I know he loves it. His blue eyes flash, and he leans down.

“Don’t taunt me, woman.” His stern voice vibrates my core. “I can only take so much from you.”

“Take the checkdown, K-Brad,” I tease, swaying my butt and lifting my arms again.

“You texted me once that I had to look at what was right in front of me.” His big sexy body moves in time with the music, heating my veins. “I’m looking, and I’m taking.”

I lift my chin, flickering my lashes at him. “You don’t have to take what you’re given.”

Large hands grasp my waist, pulling me flush against him. “I love you, my Melody.”

My arms wrap around his neck, and just as I seal my lips to his, I say the words. “I love you, too, my-Brad.”

We’re headed out, because we’re both ready to seal this deal when Aunt Liv stops us near the door.

“I filed the adoption paperwork this afternoon.” Her smile is warm, and my eyes heat. “The judge just has to sign off on it, but Cricket is officially your daughter… and a Bradford.”

“Our daughter.” I look up at my man.

He smiles, leaning down to kiss my nose. “Family. My greatest legacy.”

* * *