Page 111 of Whiskey Proposal

“He did?” My laughter turns everyone’s head. That man is trying to help me succeed. He’s the best, in every way. “He’s unreal.”

“He’s crazy about you.”

“Yeah. I think he is.”

Lane

I’m at the bank of computers lined up behind the mash tanks. Once I wrap this up, I’ll go to the meeting at Brooks’s place and we can put the whole trust business to bed. Then I’ll take my wife to bed and show her how much she means to me.

I finish typing in all the temperatures just as my phone rings. It’s Zack.

“Foster,” I answer.

“Lane, hello.” His voice is tinny, like he’s driving and I’m on speaker. “I just got out of my appointment, but my wife would like me to cut out early. Any chance we can meet now?”

Emerson’s in town, meeting with Clem and Prescott. She was so damn happy last night, quizzing me about everything I know about Dee’s Sweets. Tonight’s celebration is going to be extra special.

And afterward? I’ll give her that wedding. A party with everyone in her life who adores her. I’m going to make that girl’s dreams come true. I just have one thing to give her, and I’ll do it after we sign over the house.

“She’s in a meeting,” I say, “but I can grab the documents and get over there a little early just in case she can get there.”

“Worth a shot. Let Brooks know I’m on my way?”

“Will do.” When I hang up, I shoot off the message.

Lane: I’m heading over. Give me twenty minutes. Zack is on his way.

I get a thumbs-up in return.

Leaving the computer station, I type a message to Emerson.

Lane: Go straight to the meeting when you’re done. I’ll grab the documents to save time. Zack can be there a little early.

Hopefully, she won’t rush, but I know this is also important to her to do for Hillary.

When I’m about to walk out, Cruz enters. He runs a hand through his longish hair and grins. “Going to get it done?”

“Yep.” I can spare a couple of minutes for my brother. “Do I have you to thank for directing Elodie to Emerson?”

He shakes his head. “Nope. Other than helping her in the back and making sure she takes time off, I’m hands off at that place. But I told her about the pitch, and how we think she’s gifted at seeing the heart of a place. So, what’s after this?”

“Enjoy married life.”

Intrigue fills his expression. “Just like that?”

However it needs to be. “The ball will be in her court, but she’s taking on jobs. I think she finally realizes I’m serious.”

“She’s talking. She hasn’t been hired yet.” He says it almost like a warning. “Wants to be official with a contract and all that.”

“Smart.”

He nods, but he’s monitoring me. “You really think she’s staying hitched?”

“I really think we’re in love.”

“She dropped her lease and all that?”

Not yet on the lease, and I’m trying not to look into that too hard. She needs time and she needs reassurance. I’ve got as much of each as she needs. “I’m going to propose for real.”