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Okay? I’m one emotional hiccup away from melting into a puddle on the floor, but in the best possible way. “Yeah,” I manage, voice barely above a whisper. “I just… I’ve never had this before.”

His hand slides up my back, all heat and reassurance, his calloused firefighter's palm leaving a trail of warmth through the thin fabric of my blouse. "You do now. You have all of it. You have me, and I'll love you until my last breath," he murmurs, his deep voice rumbling against my ear, sending shivers down to my toes.

God. My heart detonates in my chest.

Dawson fake gags, and his wedding band catches the light as he dramatically clutches his throat. "Stop all the gooey stuff before I lose my appetite."

"Shut up, asshole," Beckett growls back, his arm tightening protectively around my waist, muscles flexing beneath his rolled-up shirt sleeve.

"Fu—" Dawson's growl is cut off by his father's steel-blue glare, the same one that probably stopped a thousand teenage arguments in this very room.

For the first time in my entire life, I realize I’m not on the outside looking in anymore. I’m right in the thick of it. The loud, messy, overwhelming heart of this family.

“Are you okay, honey?” Debra squeezes my hand, her smile warm enough to melt every doubt I ever had.

I nod, fighting back tears of my own. “I’m more than okay. I think I just… found my home.”

Beckett hears me. I can feel him smiling at my side, so big and proud and happy it practically rearranges all my internal organs.

He leans close, voice so low only I can hear it. “Told you.”

He was right.

It’s fast, it’s overwhelming, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

I’m a Hot, and these crazy people are my tribe.

Bring on the chaos. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.