Page 115 of Sundown Somewhere

He yanks me into him, kissing me hard. I whimper, savoring his taste. It’s our first kiss since our hiccup. The first of forever.

“I have no idea what that means, but you’re the second woman in your family to say it to me today.”

“Old family saying about getting into trouble,” I explain. “Grandma Dolly told me right before she passed that you were the rip in mine, and to never patch it up.”

“She always was a wise one.”

He kisses me again, this time slower and full of purpose. I lean in, letting it linger, enjoying the moment. The ease of it. Of us. Because this is how it should feel. Sweet, loving, easy.

There is still one outstanding question though.

“You really won’t marry me?” I tease, poking him.

Scrunching his face, Hux gives me a sour look. “Doll, I’ll marry the fuck outta you. Why do you think I’m here, talking to your daddy?”

My heart stops all over again. But this time, it’s for all the right reasons.

Fireworks shoot off in my belly like it’s the Fourth of July, every fiber of my being ready to shout my acceptance. To get this party started and for forever to start yesterday.

“But we’re gonna do this properly. None of your half-ass proposed we don’t need the big to-do nonsense. Which means I’m gonna parade you around this town on my arm showing you off for a bit, and then I’m going to make a showing of getting down on one knee, and then, we’re having a wedding. Hayes style.”

“McLain-Hayes style, thank you very much.”

He nods. “McLain-Hayes style.”

“At sundown?”

His brow furrows. “If that’s what you want.”

“It’s sundown somewhere, right?” I smile, butterflies spreading through me as his own grin takes over.

“With you, it’s always sundown.”

“I love you, Hux Hayes. I know I pinky promised to never do that, but I need to break that promise. Because I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Dolly. How ’bout a new pinky promise?”

I hold out my hand, little finger extended. Hux wraps his around mine, squeezing.

“To forever?” I propose.

“Forever.”

EPILOGUE

HUX

Three months later

Sucking in a deep breath, I hold on to it for a beat, letting my diaphragm stretch, doing one last mental check to make sure I have everything.

Parcel of land—check. Folder full of little white houses—check. First pieces of home decor—check.

I tap my pocket for what must be the hundredth time this morning, just to make sure. Grandma Dolly’s diamond ring—check.

Now all I need is the girl.

The same one that I hope isn’t too upset that I left her alone in bed this morning with a note about where to find me. She thinks that we’re headed to Sloppy Seconds—the day after event for Rhythm and Brews where the town gathers to chow down on leftovers from the BBQ tent and then start the work on tearing down—and we’ll get there. Eventually.