“You're already wearin' my grandmother's ring, so I have nothing to give you at this moment, but I'll happily get on one knee and beg you.”

“Landen…” Her breath quickens as she lowers her voice to a whisper. “We haven't even had sex.”

“Well no…but…” I mock her soft voice even though no one else is in the room. “I'vewantedto for the past four years. Does that count?”

She nudges me, fighting back a laugh, but failing. “No, it doesn't, but I do appreciate you makin' us wait because now I know it's going to be even more special.”

“Trust me, it wasn't easy keeping your hands offallllllthis.” I slide my hand down my chest and abs.

She crosses her arms. “You are just so full of yourself, aren't you?”

“Is this where you tell me you remember why you hated me in your past life?”

She scoffs. “Oh, I'm remembering in this lifetime, too, Major Ego.”

“Aye.” I waggle my brows. “Now, say you'll marry me.”

“Hmm. On one condition…”

“Name it.”

“We can only get marriedafterI win first place at the NFR.”

“You only get that chance once a year…” I remind her.

“Yep, so you better make sure I win next year if you wanna make me yourwife.”

I confidently hold out my hand. “Alright, deal. As long as you’re prepared for my trainin’ sessions, which will include a lot ofstaminaexercises.”

She holds out hers too but then pulls back. “Okay…but I'm keepin' my last name. It's part of my career now.”

Lowering my brow, I counter, “Hyphenated.”

She blows out a breath, contemplating. “What about our kids? That seems cruel to do to children.”

“They get mine.” I push my hand closer. “And I'll build us our dream house.”

Her eyes light up and she beams. “With double wraparound porches and a view of the lake and sunset?”

“Yep, and I'll even throw in a few dogs.”

She sucks in a breath, gasping at the idea of having dogs for the first time in her life. “You play dirty.”

“We got a deal, Little Devil?” Smirking at her old nickname, I shove my hand closer.

Laughing and crying, she nods and slides her hand into mine.

Pulling her toward me, I crash our mouths together and slide my tongue between her soft lips.

“In case you haven't figured this out by now…” I whisper against her mouth. “I'm hopelessly in love with you.”

“It's about damn time. Only took you four years,” she deadpans.

“Sorry about that. I had to make sure I wasn't falling alone.”

“You won't ever again, I promise.”

I kiss the tip of her nose and smile.