Her Way

by Jessica Jarman

  Her face heated and she lowered her gaze. “A lot of things, but mostly for coming home to me.”

  He cupped her chin and shifted until his lips hovered over hers. “Always will, Emma.” He kissed her gently, then leaning back, he gathered her close. “Always.”

  Epilogue

  Emma strolled through the second floor bedrooms, examining every nook and cranny, periodically stopping to jot down a note or two on the clipboard she carried. After the last one, she made her way to the large stairway and started down.

  “There you are.” Will came to the bottom and watched her descend.

  “Hey, I didn’t know you were back,” she exclaimed, looking at her watch. “Wow, it’s later than I thought.”

  He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and dropped a kiss on her mouth. Glancing at the clipboard, he grinned. “How many pages of notes do you have now?”

  She batted her lashes at him. “Never you mind.”

  “Mm hmmmm.”

  “Hey, you have the final say on everything, that’s the deal.” Emma smiled. Will had agreed to a partnership after much, much discussion and negotiation, and honestly, she couldn’t be happier. They’d made an offer on the old mansion, which was quickly accepted. Since they’d closed last week, both of them had spent most of their spare time in the building or on the grounds, planning and dreaming.

  “Speaking of, did you look over the papers?” she asked, referring to the partnership agreement their lawyer had drawn up. She’d insisted on it, wanting to ease any worries Will had.

  “Yeah, I did.” He grasped her hand and led her through the large rooms of the lower level. “I don’t like it.”

  Emma came to an abrupt stop. “What?” She pressed her lips together and fought back panic. God, he wasn’t having second thoughts, was he?

  He pulled her toward the French doors leading to the large patio. “Yeah, there were several things I didn’t particularly care for.”

  “Oh, well…” She thought frantically. “Okay, let me call the lawyer, we can sit down and make whatever changes you—”

  “Yeah, that’s not going to work for me.” He released her hand and pulled the doors open. “I threw the papers away.”

  Emma’s vision blurred slightly. Palm on the small of her back, Will guided her out outside. She moved woodenly, her mind racing.

  “Will, we can work something out. If there were points you want changed, we can…” She lost her voice as she took in her surroundings.

  Thousands of flowers filled the patio; fairy lights twinkled as dusk fell. Music floated on the air. On one of the wrought iron tables rested a vase of white roses and a bottle of champagne chilling in a silver bucket.

  Emma spun around toward Will. He stood watching her, feet braced apart, hands clasped behind his back.

  “W-what’s going on?”

  He took a step forward. “I don’t want a business partnership with you.”

  She shook her head, unable to grasp exactly what was going on.

  “I want more,” he said firmly. “I want a partner in everything, in every part of my life. I don’t want to sign a damned agreement. I’d rather make a vow.”

  Emma slapped her hands over her mouth as he dropped to one knee. Oh God…

  “Emma Rose Lawrence, I don’t want anything if it’s not with you. I want you to be my partner in life. Will you marry me?” He lifted his hand, and between his thumb and forefinger, he held a diamond solitaire ring.

  “Oh my God,” she said, muffled against her palm. Head swimming, she stumbled backward a bit.

  “Whoa, are you okay?” Will started to rise.

  She held out her hands. “Don’t you dare! Get back down there, and put that ring on my finger!”

  The corner of his mouth lifted. “Is that a yes, Miss Emma?”

  “Yes.” She did a little hop and wiggled her hand in front of his face. “Put it on, so I can kiss you already.”

  He chuckled as he slid the ring on her third finger. When he stood, she threw her arms around his neck. Cupping the back of her head, he took her mouth skillfully. He ran his hands down to her ass and lifted until she wrapped legs around his waist. Rubbing against him, she groaned.

  “Emma,” he murmured.

  She bit his lower lip, then slicked her tongue over the tiny hurt. “Less talking, more loving,” she drawled.

  “As much as I’d love that—”

  “Oh sweet mother of God, I’m blind. I’ve been struck blind.”

  Emma’s lids slid shut and she rested her head against Will’s as Matt’s voice echoed through the yard.

  “Oh shut up. It’s romantic, dumbass.” Lynn snapped.

  Emma opened her eyes just in time to see her friend smack her brother upside the head. Despite the disappointment of being interrupted, she burst out laughing.

  “Okay, get off the man,” Hannah ordered as she and Ana strode around the corner, both carrying a large paper bag in each hand. “We’ve got food and bubbly, and it’s time to celebrate.”

  “Sorry,” Will said under his breath. “They helped plan all this and—”

  “Shh,” she pressed a finger to his lips, “just promise me we’ll pick up where we left off after we get rid of them.”

  “Oh yeah,” he drawled.

  She slid down his body to her feet and turned to her friends and brother. Matt had the champagne open and Ana was pulling flutes out of one of the bags. Hannah and Lynn were setting take out containers on one of the tables. Happiness filled Emma. She blinked back tears and glanced at Will. He smiled and winked.

  “All right,” Ana came over and handed her a flute filled with champagne, “we need a toast. Matt?”

  “Got it.”

  Everyone gathered around Will and Emma and lifted their glasses. Emma’s hand shook slightly as she followed suit.

  “Here’s to my sister finally finding her way in this world with the man who’s tough enough, and crazy enough, to put up with her family.”

  Emma burst out laughing.

  “Nice,” Lynn muttered sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

  “I wasn’t done,” Matt protested. He turned back to Will and Emma. “Remember every day why you fell in love. There are going to be hard days—that’s unavoidable— but being able to share not only the joys, but also the trials with the one you love, makes those times bearable. And it makes the best of times outstanding. To Will and Emma.”

  “To Will and Emma,” the others chorused.

  Will slid his arm around Emma’s waist and pulled her close. “I love you,” he said, his lips brushing her ear.

  “I love you.” She leaned into him contently. Tears clung to her lashes as she thought of her future with the man who’d helped her find out what she really wanted. She couldn’t wait to get started.

  About the Author

  Jessica grew up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and now lives in Minnesota—a Midwestern gal through and through. She wouldn’t have it any other way, although she’s been known to grumble about the snow and cold.

  Jessica was lucky enough to meet the man of her dreams early in her life. They’ve been together over sixteen years and are blessed with four kids, who keep things interesting and very busy.

  Despite her crazy schedule, Jessica finds time to write. If she didn’t, the voices in her head would take over, and everyone would be in big trouble! She’s incredibly grateful for her family who puts up with her craziness and understands when she ignores them all and hunkers down to finish a scene.

  Jessica loves to talk to her readers and can be found at http://www.jessicajarman.com.

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