Page 41 of That One Night (The Heartbreak Brothers Next Generation #4)

When she walked out of the bathroom, he was waiting for her with a mug of steaming coffee and a pastry.

“Seriously?” She grinned. “Are you competing for the boyfriend of the year award or something?”

He shook his head. “No.” But there was a smirk on his face. It made her heart clench. “I made lunch for you, too.”

After a year of long distance dating – with her coming home most weekends to spend them with him and her mom – Emery had finally gotten a job at the local elementary school in Hartson’s Creek.

She’d left Charleston at the end of May, trying not to cry as Maisie had hugged her tight, making promises they’d see each other as much as they could.

And true to her word, Maisie had been down to visit them a few times. She hadn’t quite loved the country life the same way Emery did – she screamed the first time Frank wandered into the cottage – but she’d tried.

And now it was August again, and after a week of getting her classroom and lessons ready, Emery would be welcoming her students into school this morning.

With her mom happily living in town in a little bungalow, and the new owners working on the farm opposite, their lives were starting to come together.

Their only problem was that this cottage really wasn’t big enough.

It barely fit the two of them, and she and Hendrix had already agreed they wanted at least three children.

So he’d sat her down and showed her the plan he had his brother draw up for extending his cottage.

Building it out and up until it was family size.

They’d live in the annex in his parents’ yard while the construction was going on. They were due to start in a few weeks and they couldn’t wait.

But for now they were both working their jobs during the day, then coming home in the evening and working on the farm.

He had plans for that, too. Emery had been working on the financials with him.

She loved how he wanted to create a working farm that also had an educational side to it, where kids could come and learn about animals and agriculture.

He was passionate about the land. And she spent her free time helping him, seeing his vision come to life. He had so many ideas for the future. Her favorite part of every night was when she laid her head on his chest and he’d tell her about his day.

Okay, her second favorite. But it definitely came close.

“Ooh thank you.” She took the lunch bag he was holding out. “What did you make me?”

“A bologna sandwich and a little sweet treat.”

“What kind of sweet treat?” She tipped her head to the side. He knew how much she loved cake.

“Take a look,” he said. She took a gulp of her coffee and handed the mug to him so she could open the sack. And when she did, she saw exactly what kind of sweet treat he’d made.

A little red velvet box was nestled on top of her wrapped sandwich.

“Hendrix?” Her eyes widened as she lifted her head to gaze at him.

But he was already dropping to his knee.

“I decided to stop competing for boyfriend of the year,” he murmured to her, taking her hand in his. “I figure husband of the year is a loftier goal.” He kissed her knuckles, his eyes shining as he gazed up at her. “Emery Reed, will you marry me and let me show you just how good I can treat you?”

She swallowed down the lump in her throat. “Yes.” She nodded, a tear running down her cheek. “Absolutely and completely, yes.”

He grinned, standing up, taking the ring from the box and sliding it onto her slender finger. Then he kissed it. “You make me so damn happy.”

“You make me happy, too,” she told him. “And just so you know, I’m going to be competing for wife of the year, too.”

“You already won it.” He kissed her softly, stroking the back of her head. “Just by saying yes.”

She couldn’t help but admire the ring. Sparkling as she moved her hand in front of her face. Then she caught sight of the time. “Dammit, I have to go to work.” She pouted, because yes, she loved that he asked her, but what a time to do it. “I guess we can celebrate later?” she said, hopefully.

“That’s the plan. I’ll pick you up after school and we can head out for dinner.” He lifted a brow. “And I figure on the way home you’ll want to stop by and tell your mom.”

“And your parents,” she pointed out. Because this was Hartson’s Creek, after all.

If they didn’t tell them right away, the rumor mill would.

But she couldn’t help but smile at his words.

He and her mom were firm friends now. Last week, while she was at work, he’d helped her mom hang artwork around her house.

“Of course,” he murmured, pulling her close.

Emery rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, letting the warmth of his arms settle around her like home.

This was it – this was forever. The life they’d dreamed of was right in front of them.

Late nights on the farm, laughter filling their growing cottage, a future big enough to hold all of their dreams.

And as he pressed a kiss to her temple, she knew one thing for certain – she’d never been more sure of anything in her life as she was of the bad boy farmer with a heart made of pure gold.

Thank you for reading!

What some more Emery and Hendrix? Get a glimpse of their happily ever after in this exclusive bonus scene .