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Leann is sitting with my girls at the table, decorating cookies. This is something Camille wanted to do for Emmie. It took Camille weeks to finally convince Momma to let her host Thanksgiving at her house. I’m glad she finally did, because this house is amazing.

Adam outdid himself with the remodel. As soon as Jessica saw the kitchen, her mind started spinning with ideas on upgrades we could make to our house. Not much has changed about her childhood home other than necessary maintenance. I’m sure Adam would be more than happy to help us out and update the old farmhouse.

Laughter in the kitchen draws my eyes back to right in front of me. I’ve been leaning against the counter listening to Adam giveLizzy’s boyfriend, Josh, a hard time. Adam stepped into the role of a father figure for Camille’s daughter with ease. I always knew he’d be a great father. Lizzy may be an adult, but there’s still so much Adam can give her.

Camille hugs Lizzy tight, making me smile. I can’t imagine ever living that far away from a child of mine. The distance between those two has to be hard, but I’m glad Camille chose our small town for her new home. She makes Adam happier than I ever thought I’d see him.

“Leann, tell Sam he’s crazy.” I hear Joseph’s rough voice call from the dining room.

“And why would I do that?” Leann tosses back.

“Because this fool thinks Gracie and I have a thing. Tell him he’s fucking crazy.”

“Language!” Jessica scolds, making both me and Emmie laugh. I love how protective and motherly she is with her. It’s so much more than I could ever have asked for from her. She’s truly an amazing woman.

Joseph leans down and kisses Emmie on the top of her head. “Sorry, munchkin.” He turns back to Leann with a scowl on his face. “Just tell him so he’ll shut it.”

Leann looks up at Sam and gives him a fake smile. “Trust me, there is no way Gracie would ever give this manwhore the time of day.”

Jessica slaps Leann’s arm.

“Ouch!” Leann turns to her and frowns. “Why did you do that?”

Jessica nods in Emmie’s direction. My girl seems oblivious to the conversation around her. The cookies and icing in front of her are way more interesting. Leann rolls her eyes and waves her hand around the room. “That poor child has heard way worse from these heathens.”

“I don’t care.” Jessica wags a finger at her. “She’s not going to hear it from you. At least not while I’m around.”

Leann rubs her arm and sticks her tongue out at Jessica. “Fine.

A sudden lightness fills my chest and I’m overcome with the urge to go to Jessica. I need to tell her again how much I love her. I tell her multiple times a day, probably more than she needs to hear it, but I don’t care.

I lean down beside her and whisper, “Hey, can we talk?”

She looks up at me in confusion. “Of course, what’s up?”

“In private?” The words come out more serious than I intend, but I’m nervous.

She nods and furrows her brows. “Everything okay?”

I hate how worried her voice sounds, but it can’t be helped. I didn’t plan on this. My feelings for her are taking over, and if I don’t get this out of me, I might explode. “Yeah, everything is fine. I just need a minute alone with you.”

I take her hand and weave through the crowd that is my family. Thankfully, Adam and Camille’s house is huge, so it’s easy to escape them. Leaving the dining room, I guide her to the large window in the living room. The views of the mountains from this spot are spectacular, and I decide it’s as good a place as any to say what I need to say.

“Matt, you’re scaring me.” Jessica squeezes my hand and looks up at me with nothing but concern. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing if you say yes.” The statement just spills out.

“Huh?” She looks even more confused.

“Jessica, I didn’t plan on this today, but I can’t wait another minute to ask. Marry me? Please. Make me the happiest man alive and agree to be my wife.”

Her eyes widen and her mouth falls open. Clearly, she wasn’t expecting this today. Then again, neither was I. “I know it’s only been a few months since you moved back, but I don’t want to wait. Please, will yo—”

“Yes.” She smiles, tears filling her eyes. “Oh, my God, yes.”

I pull her into me and kiss her hard, my own tears spilling out of my eyes.

When we break the kiss, we’re both breathing heavily. I kiss her forehead and she melts into me as I pull her body flush with mine.