Her Way (26 page)

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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