Page 126 of Not Part of the Plan
“When I witnessed your catastrophic fight with Niko at the brewery, I knew it was time for the ace. So I messaged Mason, and it turns out he was visiting family in Buffalo of all places.”
“So you talked him into driving out here and proposing to me?”
“Like I said, super nice guy. He cares about your happiness, even though you dumped him. That says a lot about a man.”
“I can’t believe you convinced him to come here and take part in this ridiculous, over-the-top, insane scheme! No wonder why he looked so relieved when I told him no the next day. What would you have done if I had said yes?” Emma asked.
“Crapped my pants and then locked Mason in my basement, making his disappearance look like he abandoned you,” Ellery said with a thoughtful frown.
Emma blinked slowly. “You’re insane.”
Ellery shook her head. “I’m committed to love. There’s a huge difference.”
“Okay, I can tell when an argument is going to go nowhere. So I’ll just say thank you for whatever bizarre role you played in getting me out of my own way.”
Ellery leaned in and surprised Emma with a kiss on her cheek. “You’re very welcome. Now, about Mason. How big of a deal would it be if I asked him out?”
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Emma rested her head on Niko’s bare chest, admiring the engagement ring he’d chosen for her. She stretched languidly. “I don’t know about you, but I think we keep getting better and better together.”
Niko’s soft laugh rumbled in his chest under her ear. “We have to dedicate ourselves to practice,” he said, running his fingertips down her arm. “Hone our craft.”
The bedroom door rattled against the frame, and Baxter let out a mournful whimper on the other side.
Niko sighed and climbed out of bed. Emma admired his fine naked form as he crossed to the door and scooped up the puppy.
Man and dog returned to the bed.
“Is it going to be a problem for you if my ex-boyfriend moves here to open an accounting practice and starts dating Ellery?” Emma asked, propping herself up on an elbow.
“Not if it won’t be a problem for you if my Dad, Greta, and the rest of them come out for the weekend. Apparently, they’re into this whole family thing and think they should come celebrate the engagement and new house and puppy.”
Emma laughed. “I think that sounds great.”
Niko dragged her over him. “I think so, too.”
She traced a finger over his mouth. “You look happy, Niko.”
“I don’t have the words for how happy you’ve made me, Emmaline. But I think I can show you.” His hands skimmed over her back to cup the curves of her ass.
“Niko,” she sighed his name and took his lips. This was love. This was the foundation of something real and beautiful. This was the beginning of a lifetime.
