Hardin's POV

As Freda uttered those words, my heart skipped a beat. It was as if the universe had aligned, and everything fell into place at that very moment. A surge of happiness washed over me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and contentment.

Her words echoed in my mind, filling me with a sense of joy and wonder. I had longed for this moment, yearned for her to want me, and now it was happening. It felt like a dream, one that I never wanted to wake up from.

I looked into Freda's eyes, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation, but all I...