Page 124 of Country Contract

Black Sheep by Harlow West.

I beam with pride as I smile at the patrons browsing in my store.

“Excuse me, ma’am, has anyone told you that you’re the most beautiful woman they’ve ever seen?” a man says while I adjust some indie books. I roll my eyes before I even turn around.

When I turn, I see Harrison holding Blake’s hand, a boyish grin on his face.

“Not today,” I say sadly.

Harrison’s jaw drops because he tells me every morning when I wake up.

“Well, your boyfriend should be thrown in jail because that’s a crime.”

“Uncle Harrison . . .” Blake starts, knowing that my boyfriend is her uncle.

“He’s joking, B.” I kiss Harrison’s cheek, and he returns it.

“Everything is perfect. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you. I truly don’t think this day could get any better. It’s fu—” I stop myself and look at Blake who is watching me closely.

“I think it could.” Harrison smiles a little mischievously, and I assume it’s for the naughty stuff that will happen tonight.

Blake pulls at Harrison’s hand and leads him over to the small, colorful hand-carved children’s shelf. She has already seen every book in this place, but that won’t stop her from pulling each and every one of them out and looking at them again.

He lets her hand go and gives her a reassuring nod.

As if on cue, the Hill family walks through the door, and I wave. Cassidy takes off for Blake, Hunter on her trail. Mr. and Mrs. Hill wave and walk calmly into the space, going to mingle with other people from their hometown.

“What about the stand?” I ask Harrison.

“Jake and his friend Lena are taking care of it for a moment. I guess she’s home for Thanksgiving.”

I nod and smile, looking over everything. It really couldn’t be a more perfect day.

Except it gets better because the next time the door opens, my parents, my sisters, Meg, and Maria walk through the door.

My jaw drops almost to the floor with surprise. This is the first time my family has come to visit, and it’s to show their support. I got congratulations texts in our family group chat this morning and felt like that was a move in the right direction. This . . . them being here . . . complete victory.

I walk over to them, greeting each person with a hug; even my dad wraps me in his arms.

When I turn to thank Harrison for obviously making this happen, he isn’t standing by the counter anymore.

Nope.

He’s right behind me and down on one knee, a deep green velvet box in his hand.

“Harlow—”

“Yes!” I go to move closer to him.

He pulls the box to his chest and frowns. “Let me ask, witch.” I smile and nod, lacing my fingers together in front of me.

“Harlow, you told me once that I was your right person, at just the right time. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that feeling. I knew for me, it was the same. I didn’t have to work tomake us work. We just did. We still do. The minute I came around the corner and bumped into you, I fell under your spell, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I used to try and chase this idea of a perfect woman—” I frown for the first time in his speech, now knowing his type. He only chuckles and presses on. “But they weren’t right at all. And that’s why it didn’t work. I was all wrong. I was chasing this idea, but it wasn’t you. My heart knew before the rest of me ever would that you were going to be my perfect person. I won’t let that slip through my fingers. I want to be there for every step in your life, and I want you in mine.”

Shit, here come tears. I was doing so good.

“Harlow West. Will you marry me?” He opens the box and inside it is the ring I didn’t even realize I wanted.

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