“You would never become that, Eli,” she said vehemently. “Never.”
“It took me a minute to realize that. The thing is...God, Emma, I love you so much. Losing you is the worst thing I can imagine, the very worst. Yesterday, thinking I already had, it was the most painful experience I’d ever known, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. But I survived it. And I’d survive it again, if it came to that. I’m not my dad. I can live without you, but I really, really don’t want to.”
“You don’t have to. You will never have to.”
“One more thing,” he said.
She looked at him. “Yes?”
“If you still need a deputy mayor, I’ll do it.”
Her eyes lit up and she shrieked. “You will? Oh my God. I’ve got so many ideas. Christmas. A big tree lighting ceremony. Do you think we can pull it off?”
“Together. We can do anything together.” He gave her hair a playful tug. “Actually, I have every faith that you could do it on your own. But you don’t have to.”
“Good. I would much rather do it with you.”
Christmas was six months away. Longer than he had ever been with a woman. But he could see it now, their future together. It wouldn’t be perfect. But it would be beautiful.
She was moving him, he suddenly realized. Guiding him up the steps, back to the house. Slightly awkwardly, as she was walking backward and their bodies were tangled up together. He grinned against her hair.
He had a good feeling about where they were heading, together.
Acknowledgments
It’s a strange and wonderful thing to watch a story become a book, and I am eternally grateful for everyone who helped make this possible. My editor, Mackenzie Walton, and cover designer, Christina Hovland, were amazing to work with. Liana and Lisa, thank you for listening to me talk about this book in between screaming about the awfulness of 2020. (2020, fuck you! I do not thank you for anything!) Rosie, thanks for the cooking lessons. I solemnly swear never to serve cold tortillas again.
And, always and forever, a huge thank you to my readers. You inspire me to put my butt in the chair and type these words every day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
About the Author
Elizabeth Bright is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with heart, humor, and heat. When she's not writing defiant heroines and the men who adore them, Elizabeth can be found hiking and rock climbing. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her two daughters, who are every bit as stubborn and wonderful as the characters she writes.
Elizabeth loves to hear from readers! Please sign up for her newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/39cef52b4880/harts-ridge or visit her website at www.elizabethbrightauthor.com to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Other Books by Elizabeth Bright
The Wicked Secrets Series
Twice as Wicked
Lady Gone Wicked
Wicked with the Scoundrel
The Duke’s Wicked Wife
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