“So what about it, Bella? Will you show whoever did this today that you are a fighter and not a quitter and that you will keep what’s yours? Will you marry me so we can do that together?”

She held his gaze, exhaled deeply. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Jason.”

She thought the smile that touched his lips was priceless and she had to inwardly remind herself he wasn’t happy because he was marrying her but because marrying her meant he would co-own her land and get full possession of Hercules. And in marrying him she would get her trust fund back and send a message to whomever was behind the threats to her that they were wasting their time and she wasn’t going anywhere.

He leaned down, brushed a kiss across her lips and tightened his hold on her hand. “Come on. Let’s go tell the family our good news.”

If Jason’s brothers and cousins were surprised by their announcement they didn’t let on. Probably because they were too busy congratulating them and then making wedding plans.

She and Jason had decided the true nature of their marriage was between them. They planned to keep it that way. The Westmorelands didn’t so much as bat an eye when Jason further announced they would be getting married as soon as possible. Tomorrow in fact. He assured everyone they could plan a huge reception for later.

Bella decided to contact her parents after the wedding tomorrow. A judge who was a friend of the Westmorelands was given a call and he immediately agreed to perform the civil ceremony in his chambers around three in the afternoon. Dillon and Ramsey suggested the family celebrate the nuptials by joining them for dinner after the ceremony at a restaurant downtown.

The honeymoon would come later. For now they would spend the night at a hotel downtown. With so many things to do to prepare for tomorrow, Bella was able to put the fire behind her and she actually looked forward to her wedding day. She was also able to put out of her mind the reason they were marrying in the first place. Dillon and Pam invited her to spend the night in their home, and she accepted their invitation.

“Come walk me out to my truck,” Jason whispered, taking her hand in his.

“All right.”

When they got to where his truck was parked, he placed her against it and leaned over and kissed her in a deep, drugging kiss. When he released her lips he whispered, “You can come home with me tonight, you know.”

Yes, she knew but then she also knew if she did so, they would consummate a wedding that was yet to take place. She wanted to do things in the right order. The way she’d always dreamed of doing them when she read all those romance novels.