Chapter 17
seventeen
Asher
These few days with Emma have been amazing.
Every day, I wake her up with a cup of coffee.
While she showers alone—Andrew would be proud of me for not demanding I wash her—I make breakfast and pack up what we’ll need for the day.
Some days we do a little exploring once she’s done with the plants.
But most days, she’s focused on her data.
She didn’t tell me she’d finished with her research she needs, but we both know it.
Last night, when we packed up, she spent a few moments saying goodbye to the plants.
The time has come for her to return to civilization.
Just the thought of her not in my home, my bed, my arms—is killing me.
I can’t allow her to walk out of my life.
Somehow, I need to ensure she comes back to me.
Sure, I could take her to defend her dissertation, so I can make sure she returns, but that feels wrong. I’ve let Andrew’s words bury themselves in my brain, and I don’t like it one bit.
If I don’t do something, Emma will leave tomorrow. Our time has run out, but while she’s been relaxing in the evenings, I’ve been plotting. Everything is in place now. She just has to agree. To say I’m a wreck about laying it all on the line would be an understatement.
These next few minutes might break me for good this time, but Emma—my Raindrop—is totally worth the risk. She’ll always be worth it, no matter what it takes. So here I stand, coffee cup in my hand, ring box tucked in the pocket of my jeans, and heart on a platter.
“Raindrop, time to wake up.”
“Mmm, your coffee is the best. I’m going to miss—” Her words drop off, and her eyes meet mine, realizing what she just admitted. “Asher…”
“No, baby, it’s okay. I know your research is complete. No use trying to hide it. Your presentation is next week, right?”
Emma nods and sits up. I stack pillows against the headboard, then hand her the mug.
Lowering myself onto the bed, I turn toward her and suck in a deep breath.
She’s so adorable with her blonde hair tangled and messy around her face.
She smiles at me as she takes a sip, those blue-green eyes bright. Eyes I want to gaze into forever.
I suppose I should get down on one knee, but it doesn’t feel right. For this one thing, at least, I’ll follow my instincts.
“I need to go. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve been doing for me. I know you don’t think so, but you’re an amazing man.”
“Why does this sound like you’re saying goodbye, Raindrop?”
She nibbles her bottom lip, and I pull it away from between her teeth. No one hurts my baby but me. “I’m sorry, Ashbear.” She wipes it away with her free hand and she stares into her mug.
It gives me hope that she’s feeling even half as much as I am. Leaning forward, I place a gentle kiss on her forehead, inhaling her warmth and the scent of spring rain that originally helped draw me to her. Tipping up her chin with my index finger, I meet her watery gaze with my determined one.
“You’re mine, Emma. I don’t want you to leave.”
“Oh, Ash, I don’t know what to do. I need to go, but I don’t want to, either.”
“Then marry me. Come back after you defend your dissertation, spend the rest of your life with me here, on the mountain.”
Her jaw drops as more tears gather in her eyes. “You want to get married? We’ve only known each other a couple of weeks…”
“Yes. I would have married you on the second day. I love you, Raindrop. You’re my heart, my future, my dreams, my baby, my submissive, my wife, and the mother of our future children. I’ll get down on one knee if it means you’ll say yes.”
I pull the ring box from my pocket, opening the lid to reveal the ring—a two-carat oval-cut diamond circled by blue-green tourmalines.
They exactly match the color of her eyes.
I was lucky to still have a connection with a jeweler who could create it for me on such short notice.
Being a billionaire comes in handy sometimes, even though I rarely use my money.
Emma’s gaze jumps from my face to the ring in my hand. I want to grab her hand and shove it onto her finger, then drag her to Maple Creek and get married. But I won’t be the troglodyte Andrew says I am—at least, not for this.
“Em? Are you going to answer? Do I need to get down on my knees and beg? I will. I’d do anything for you.”
Even as tears slide down her cheeks unchecked, her smile is radiant. “Yes, Ash, I’ll marry you. You’re my heart, my future, my dream come true, every grumpy, dominant part of you. I’ll be your wife.”
“Thank God.” I exhale all the breath I’ve been holding.
No wonder I feel lightheaded. Once I’ve taken the mug from her hand, I pull her into my arms. I pour every emotion into that kiss.
My lips consume hers, our tongues tangling, as I possess her mouth.
When I finally release her, we’re both struggling to breathe.
“We need to hurry. I’ll call Adam and have him send Rebekah over to help you get ready. Then we’ll leave.”
“What? Rebekah? What are you talking about?” She’s confused, the poor thing.
“You said yes, so we’re getting married—now.”
“Wait? Now? Like right now? How is that even possible?”
Chuckling, I shake my head at her. “Do you think I’d let you leave without making sure you’re tied to me?”
“You’re crazy, Ashbear.”
“Crazy for you, yes. But it doesn’t change anything. I ordered a dress for you. It’s waiting in Adam’s cabin. I just have to text him to bring it over. Then we’ll head down to Maple Creek. It’s all arranged.”
“You’re serious?”
“I am. I just needed you to say, ‘yes.’”
“But Asher, I’m leaving tomorrow…”
Using my Dominant voice, I utter my demand, “And you’ll return the day after. Go jump in the shower, baby. I’ll text everyone to get ready.”
She’s in shock, hopefully in a good way, but she climbs out of bed and heads for the bathroom. As soon as I hear the water turn on, I send a text to our group chat.
Asher: She said yes! I need Rebekah here with the dress. And you assholes need to put on your wedding suits.
Andrew: Congrats, bro. But just so you know, I’m going to ask her if it is her decision when I see her.
Asher: No problem. I’m not worried.
Adam: I’ll bring Rebekah over shortly. We’ll get dressed first. Congrats Asher.
Aaric: Fuck yeah. Poor girl though.
Asher: Shut the fuck up or I’ll punch you in the face. I don’t care if it is my wedding day.
Aaron: Another one bites the dust… Andrew, our brothers are falling like flies. I’ll make a bouquet from the flowers in the greenhouse.
Adrian: I’ll put a roast in the oven now that it’s a go. Congrats, Ash. Emma’s a sweetheart.
Asher: And mine.
Andrew: There’s the troglodyte we know and love. Call if you need anything. I’ll verify with Judge Henderson that he has everything he needs.
Asher: Thanks. I mean it. See you soon.
My stomach is in knots for a different reason now.
Will I be a good husband? Father? She doesn’t realize it yet, but I plan to breed her as soon as the ink dries on the marriage license.
I want lots of little Emmas running around our homestead.
But first, we make it official, then I’ll have a condom-burning ceremony.
Grinning, I pull open the closet door and gather my outfit—a navy blue suit, a white long-sleeved shirt, and the red tie I used to restrain her the first time. I hope when she sees it, she’ll blush the same color as the tie.
I finish getting dressed, and I’m brushing my hair when I hear a knock. Preferring my long hair tied back or in a bun, I’m doing this for Emma—since she loves to run her fingers through it.
“Emma, Rebekah is here. Hustle your butt, baby.”
The shower shuts off. “I’m going as fast as I can. You don’t want me to fall, do you?”
Growling, I lean close to the bathroom door. “You’d better not or I’ll tan your ass, and you can marry me with it glowing red under your dress.”
I hear her gasp through the door. I haven’t spanked my baby yet, but I will, now that she’s almost fully healed. I don’t doubt that she’ll love it. Andrew keeps telling me I’m too dominant, but my Raindrop can’t hide how much she loves it when I growl at her.
Smiling as I pull open my door, Rebekah takes a step back into Adam.
“What’s wrong, sis?”
“You’re smiling. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. It’s almost terrifying,” Rebekah answers.
I chuckle. “Smart ass.”
Adam grins back. “That’s Firecracker, and she’s mine.” Proving he’s just as much of a caveman for his woman.
“She’s in the bedroom and knows you’re coming. And, Rebekah, thank you for helping her today. I really am sorry about tying you up in our kitchen.”
“I’m happy to help. It will be great to have another woman to talk to. I still miss my sister, Hannah. There are way too many menfolk here.” Rebekah laughs as she walks down the hall to my bedroom.
Adam smacks me on the back. “I never thought I’d see the day…”
“Me neither, to be honest. Any advice for me since you’re the only one of us who’s already done this?”
“Just show her how much you love her. Cherish her. Like Dad treated Mom. That’s the best advice I can offer.”
Nodding, I walk into the kitchen to grab us some coffee. It’s an excuse that Adam lets me get away with. But I need a moment to collect myself after remembering my parents, finally without the anger and guilt. I know they’d love Emma.