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Strangely, when he spoke, all Chase said was—“This is for you, Laredo” He extended the envelope to him

Bewilderment flickered across Laredo’s face He hesitated, then stepped forward to take the envelope He looked at it, butlook to Chase

Soentled Chase’s hard, lined face, his eyes ith understanding

“Maybe I should have said the document inside is for Scott Ludlow, Jr,” Chase said

Immediately Trey took a backward step androo of Laredo’s questioning look “How—”

Chase cut across his words “Does it lance flicked briefly to the onlookers, taking note of Sloan’s arrival, followed closely by that of Dallas, Laura, and Sebastian Then again his attention centered on Laredo

“In that envelope, you’ll find a full pardon froainst you have been wiped from their records”

An audible gasp came from Sloan She tried to smother it with her hand as she looked up at Trey, who smiled back Jessy laid a quick hand on Laredo’s arm, her expression alive with happiness for him

Laredo wore a stunned look “How did you e that?”

“With Wade’s help,” Chase replied

Cat felt a swelling of pride in her chest Discreetly she slipped her hand into Wade’s, linking fingers with him, pleased and proud of the role he had played in this

Deeply moved, Laredo shook his head “I don’t knohat to say”

“After all you have done for this family, this is the least we can do for you,” Chase replied “Merry Christmas”

“Open it,” Jessy urged in a low voice

Laredo obliged and re it so Jessy could see it too “Scott Ludlow,” he murmured “I don’t even knoho that is anymore”