Fever Dream (Emerald Lake, #1)(119)

“There’s only one problem,” I say, watching her expression morph to one of concern.

“What’s that?” she ventures carefully, and I step away, only deepening the frown lines on her forehead.

“The problem is,” I say, dropping to one knee before her, “I need to be married to you to give it my best effort.”

In one easy motion, I slip a hand into my pocket and pull out a perfect emerald-cut diamond, mounted on a dainty, warm yellow-gold band.

Her eyes widen as she stares back at me, blinking, processing. “Jules, will you please put me out of my misery? I know I said I was worried about shackling you to me, but the truth is, I like having you stuck with me. Would you do me the honor of staying that way for the rest of our lives?”

She reaches a trembling hand forward, flexing her slender fingers as I slip the ring onto her hand. She says nothing but watches in awe as her fingers wiggle, the warm light catching every facet of the diamond, making her gasp.

Then she drops to her knees, meeting me on my level, holding my cheeks the way she did that day she told me to go out there and win for her.

“Emmett, there is no one I’d rather be shackled to. Let’s be stuck together forever.”

I grin back at her. “You want to be a Brandt, doll?”

“Forever.” She smiles and kisses me.

And for the first time in my life, I don’t worry about losing her. I don’t feel scared to fall in love.

I feel fucking lucky.





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


SOMETIMES A BOOK feels like coming home, and for me Fever Dream is that book. Or maybe I should say that Emerald Lake is that place. This story and this setting are peppered with so many pieces of me—little nods to real moments in my life—that I can’t help but feel ultra attached to it. From the town to the horse farm, to the nostalgia of a dating show. I keep finding myself daydreaming about these characters, their adventure, and what’s to come for the rest of the Brandt siblings! Fever Dream is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to dive back into this world and share more with you.

As always, publishing a book is only possible with an entire village of love and support, and there are a few people I’d like to salute for supporting me in this process.

First, my husband and son. My boys. My support system. The ones who know when to distract me and when to leave me locked up in my office with a steady stream of snacks and coffee. I love you both to the moon and back.

My assistant, Krista. I don’t know what to say after all these years working together… I’d be a mess without you? You are the “she” to my “nanigans,” or however that saying goes.

My agent, Kimberly Brower. The hardest working woman in showbiz. And my constant source for advice, tough love, and supportive ass pats. Thank you for always having my back.

My editor, Paula Dawn. This is our FOURTEENTH book together. Enough said.

My beta readers, Leticia, Jill, and Catherine. Thank you, thank you, thank you for lending me your brains for this process. Fever Dream would not be the book it is today without your notes.

Aimee Ashcraft, the superstar who reads my absolute roughest draft and helps me find my way when I can’t see the forest for the trees.

Emilia Rhodes, Brittany Lavery, and Anthea Bariamis from Atria Books and Simon & Schuster (and their entire teams!), who worked so lovingly on this manuscript. Thank you all for bringing so much passion and insight to this process. Working with you was an absolute dream and I can’t wait to do it again.

Rebekah West, and the entire crew at Piatkus and Hachette. I’m so thrilled to be working with you all on a brand-new series. Thank you, thank you for believing in me.

A special shout-out to Pam Crawford, who submitted the name Richard Wadsworth in the “Name a Character” contest we ran in my newsletter. This book would simply not be the same without good old Dick Wad! And finally, to my readers. I’m so lucky to have each and every one of you along with me on this incredible journey. Thank you for joining me in Emerald Lake.

I say it with every book, but I’ll say it again: Elsie readers are the best readers.

xo,

Elsie