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  She had him all right. And that’s exactly where he wanted to be. “I’m not going to stop asking you to marry me until you say yes.”

  “And I’m not going to say yes until I’m good and ready.”

  “Stubborn woman,” he grumbled.

  “Persistent man.”

  “That’s part of my charm.”

  She draped her arms around his neck. “And that’s one of the many things I love about you.”

  “Good. Now let’s go home and I’ll show you just how charming I can be.”

  Gavin also planned to show her that a cynical sheriff, the once-confirmed bachelor, was capable of sharing his hardened heart, show her all of his love—and give her the gift of his trust.

  Epilogue

  From the diary of Valerie Raines-O’Neal

  This is the newest volume of my journal and the beginning of my new life. Six months have come and gone since I found the answers to my past and the man who has changed my life. During that time, Gavin proposed to me at least once a week, sometimes twice, and told me he loved me every day. He even found my pendant that Gretchen so carelessly tossed away and added a heart with our names on it to start our own tradition—something to pass down to our children, along with our story.

  Back in January we traveled to St. Louis together, where Gavin charmed all of the kids at the youth center. I said goodbye to my grandmother and I know that she’s happy now that she’s been reunited with her family, particularly Jess, who I’m sure had a hand in my happiness, too.

  I wrote a letter to my mother, yet she never responded, and that’s okay. I’ve forgiven her, the same as Gavin and I have forgiven each other. I’m working on my master’s thesis now, and in the meantime I’ve taken a job with the local children’s bureau as a social worker. This allowed me to assist with Mark and Alli’s adoption of Erika, which is now official. I’ve made good friends with Rose Windcroft Devlin, who now has a little girl she appropriately named Jessie—the baby who symbolizes the end of the feud between the Devlins and the Windcrofts. I also got to know the now-pregnant Melissa Voss while doing an interview, as well as Nita Windcroft-Thorne and Chrissie Thorne during various functions. I consider them good friends and their support has been invaluable. Oh, and Manny and Sheila, well, they have a brand-new set of twin girls. Serves Manny right.

  I’m proud to say that Gretchen was convicted on all counts and is now serving several life sentences in a maximum-security women’s correction facility on the other side of the state. I’m sure she finds the prison-issue clothing distasteful, and this gives me some satisfaction, although I’ll someday forgive her, too, even if I never forget what she has done.

  Last month I surprised Gavin by proposing to him. We married two weeks ago during the opening of the new memorial park on the grounds of my great-great-grandmother’s former home. The Historical Society decided this was a fitting tribute to Jessamine Golden—the one-time outlaw and now honored citizen. The ceremony took place in the shadow of a beautiful bronze statue formed in the likenesses of Jess and Brad—another gift presented to me by Gavin. The service was simple, attended by a justice of the peace and witnessed by friends, including former and present members of the Texas Cattleman’s Club—doctors, attorneys, law-enforcement agents, ranchers and firefighters and even Arabian royalty. I have never seen so many children and feel certain the members will contribute to populating Royal for many years to come, including my husband, who swears he’ll have me pregnant by the end of the year. I’m not in any real hurry since I’m greatly enjoying the process.

  I will never forget the look on Gavin’s face during our wedding, the way he held my hands and the quiet reverence of his deep voice as he vowed to honor and love me all the days of his life. But the final words spoken will always remain etched in my heart—as they are also etched in the base of the statue. My great-great-grandmother’s words of wisdom.

  Always remember, the real treasure in life is true love.

  I couldn’t agree more, for when Gavin O’Neal entered my life, I became—and will always be—the richest woman on earth.

  Special thanks and acknowledgment are given to Kristi Gold for her contribution to the TEXAS CATTLEMAN’S CLUB: THE SECRET DIARY series.

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-7412-3

  A MOST SHOCKING REVELATION

  Copyright © 2005 by Harlequin Books S.A.

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  *Marrying an M.D.

  †The Royal Wager