The money would be welcome, however—and worth whatever hassles she encountered, if they helped Tasha achieve her dream.

Even if she’d rather spend her off hours snuggled up in front of the fire in Sea Glass Cottage with a cup of tea and a feel-good novel.

Or pleading her case to a certain police officer who could make Tasha’s dream come true with the stroke of a pen—if he relented.

But as she drove away, the reality was hard to ignore.

While she’d continue to pray Jack’s heart would soften, the evidence to date suggested that would take a miracle—which was as hard to come by as finding a happily-ever-after ending in real life like the ones in her favorite novels.

And despite the upbeat vibe in the town she now called home, it would be foolish to hold out much hope that that would change.

10

Hannah was his.

Jack let out a slow breath as he reread the results posted on the DNA firm’s secure online portal.

The confirmation wasn’t a surprise—but it did slam home the reality that his life was about to change.

Forever.

He logged off the site and gave the packed parking lot a sweep, fighting the temptation to restart the engine, go home, and spend Saturday night adjusting to his new reality.

Too bad he hadn’t ignored the text alert that the results were ready. Waited until later to check them out. Because now he was in no mood to attend Greg’s retirement party.

But after the stellar letter of recommendation his captain had written for him when a slot opened in Hope Harbor three years into his tenure with the Coos Bay PD, it would be rude not to show up.

He didn’t have to stay long, though. An appearance would suffice. There would be a large contingent of officers here to keep the party rolling—and loud bars weren’t his scene, anyway.

After that, he’d head home, finalize the plans he’d been formulating all week based on the expected test outcome, contact Erica to ensure they were in sync with all the legalities that had to be handled, and book a flight to Chicago.

He slid out of the Jeep, locked it, and crossed the lot toward the building.

As he drew close, the doors opened to disgorge a group of partiers.

Cringing at the blunt force trauma to his eardrums from the din that spewed out, he hesitated on the threshold. The decibel level in there was dangerously high.

Yet another reason to leave fast.

Bracing for further auditory assault, he plunged into the rowdy horde.

It didn’t take long to find the retirement celebration. Cops worked hard, but they also played hard—and their boisterous revelry was definitely amping up the volume in the place.

“Jack! Glad you could come!” Greg called out and waved at him above the crowd.