Page 13 of Beau & Autumn

“I didn’t spend as much as some people.” I eye Eden and she laughs all too knowingly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You were the big buyer of the night.”

Five hundred big ones went down that night and E sure staked her claim when she outbid Amber and shocked the town.

“Guilty as charged.” Eden holds her hands up. “But you two sure did look cute together.”

“He was just happy neither Dolly nor Amber snapped him up,” I say. “Though for a minute there I thought one of them might.”

“I love Dolly and all, but that would be way too much for my brother,” Georgia says. “But Eden’s right, you two do make a cute couple.”

“Umm, he’s eight years younger than me!” I laugh. “And one of my best friends.”

“Just sayin’.” Georgia shrugs.

He did look extra-cute the other day, there’s no denying it. He was wearing some well-fitting jeans and ankle boots, plus a smart black button-down… Not that I should be noticing every single detail.

One thing I definitely can’t shake is how good he smelled. His scent was slightly oriental, like mandarins mixed with a woody sandalwood or cedar, maybe even a hint of vanilla.

I know what she’s just sayin’. And my dear friend GB is well known around here for having a meddle or two in the love lives of those closest to her.

Funny thing is, she’s also usually right.

5

Autumn

Georgia and I head out after our coffee. Eden stays behind to get some emails and work done for the first Bassett wedding coming up in two weeks’ time. The couple are coming out to the property on the weekend to have a final meeting to go over everything.

She drives us down the hill at the back which leads to a wide road leading to the barn and several other out-buildings. I’ll get some shots from the front of the distillery and inside the tasting room before I leave.

While she’s driving, I decide to quickly post my usual morning message in the group chat.

AutumnLeaf

Good mornin y’all. Spring has sprung. I’m out at the distillery today taking more photos for the barn website now it’s completed. Exciting times! Will post a sneak peak when they’re done ??

I click my phone closed for now; I’ll update it later once I’m done shooting around the farm. I’m very interested in what the family thinks once I’ve posted some of the photos. It’s my chance to really prove myself. Even though I am very confident in my ability, this is a new venture for me and for them, so I really want to impress everyone.

The creek shots are what I’m really excited for. I can’t wait to get some sunset ones because the colors overlooking the water will be absolutely magical.

I took some amazing photos the night Beau and I had our ‘dinner date’ at Mary-Lou’s.

The sky had the most magnificent purple and lilac hue painted across it. Sometimes it doesn't even look real. Beau was so patient while we went for a walk as the sun was setting and I took some snapshots with my smaller pocket camera from different angles. It makes me smile as I think of it, especially with what led to our dinner on the lake.

The charity auction back in November…

Everyone is stunned that Eden just jumped up and yelled out five hundred big ones for her man. All of us girls can’t contain our laughter or excitement. Especially when she runs up onto the stage, throws her arms around him at the same time she throws her paddle in the air, and kisses him in front of the entire town.

It’s quite a sight to behold and has certainly set a precedent for the other auctions.

She comes back to her seat eventually, after almost being outbid by Amber Jenkins — there really was a battle of the wills going on there for a moment.

I hang onto my paddle, my fingers curling around the handle, waiting for Beau’s turn, my friend Carrie nudging me in the ribs.

“Are you going all the way?” she whisper-shouts in my ear over the crowd.

“You bet.”

“Why are you bidding for Beau again?” Eden asks on the other side of me when she’s settled back in to enjoy the rest of the show.

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