Fantastic friends-to-lovers story. Zora is the youngest and only girl in the family and had to fight to earn her place in the family's bourbon business. She is intelligent, fierce, and doesn't put up with anyone's BS. Zora also envies those family members who found their true loves and started families. Each new addition brings home how much she wants that for herself. Tired of waiting for Mr. Right, she decides to go ahead and become a single mother. Before facing her family with her decision, Zora wants her best friend's opinion and support.

Dallas is a talented furniture maker and designer. He and Zora became best friends in kindergarten when she confronted the bullies tormenting the new kid (loved that story and the way Dallas told it!). For years, he and Zora were each other's "plus ones" at various events when they weren't involved with other people. That was often the case with Dallas, whose relationships tended to be short-lived. That's okay with him because he doesn't see himself as a husband and father, thanks to the poor example of his own father.

As the book opens, Zora joins Dallas in Las Vegas to support him as he receives a prestigious award for his furniture designs. They then plan to celebrate Zora's upcoming birthday. From the moment of Zora's arrival, there is a feeling that something is changing. Both Zora and Dallas determinedly work to preserve their friendship, ruthlessly suppressing any hint of attraction. A spontaneous kiss under the mistletoe a few years earlier started a slow burn that was about to burst into flame. Their post-ceremony celebration included some potent cocktails and some enhanced brownies, leading to waking up the next morning in bed together and wearing wedding rings. Unable to pretend it didn't happen, thanks to a viral video of the wedding, Dallas and Zora agree to stay married for at least a year.

I loved seeing the progress of Dallas and Zora's relationship from friends to lovers. Though Zora freaks out at the marriage, Dallas finds that he doesn't mind at all. In fact, he wants to make it real. I loved watching him negotiate the "terms" of their bargain to his best advantage, including offering to make her baby dream come true. From the beginning, Dallas does everything he can to show Zora how right they are together. I loved the little things he did, from making sure she got the waffles he promised her (fantastic scene!) to having her back when dealing with her family.

Zora's fear of losing their friendship causes her to fight her growing feelings for Dallas. Though she freely admits they love each other, she's not so convinced about the "in love" part. She doesn't want to deprive either of them of that lightning bolt "aha" moment when they meet the right person. She doesn't realize that she and Dallas have already passed that point, thanks to their well-developed friendship. She especially worries about Dallas sacrificing his happiness in his desire to make things perfect for her.

I ached for them both when he confesses his feelings, and she doesn't reciprocate, not because she doesn't care but because of what he gives up. I understood why she wanted to ensure his needs counted as much as hers. I ached for them both as she pushed him to accept the opportunity in Iceland. I loved seeing how their time apart helped Zora come to terms with her feelings for Dallas (with a bit of brotherly encouragement) and what she did about it. The twist at the end regarding the direction of the family company and Zora's part surprised me. The epilogue was sweet and perfectly showcased Dallas and Zora's relationship. ( )