Page 95 of Beau & Autumn

Yes! I need to see my newlywed bestie. What are you girls doing tonight?

Carrie

I’m free! What were you thinking?

Eden

Pizza at my place. Brook has just finished building the pizza oven

Me

Perfect. Count me in!

Carrie

Me too!

Eden

How’s seven?

Me

Sounds good, I’ll bring the wine!

Carrie

I’ll bring a second bottle ??

When I get to Eden’s later that night, she hugs me within an inch of my life because I haven’t seen her all week. She tells me Brook has taken Blake and Trinity to the movies so we can have some uninterrupted girl time.

Eden moved back into the family farm at the distillery recently. It’s where she and Brook lived back when they were in their twenties with a newborn. Their place is a large homestead that Brook turned into a hobby farm. They have horses, a donkey, a pet pig, two goats, chickens, plus a huge vegetable patch that he maintains with the help of his daughter. Eden is still getting the hang of becoming a green thumb, but I love the idea of growing your own produce, not that I can keep a houseplant alive.

“Look at you!” Carrie squeals and wipes her hands on her apron as she embraces me.

The two of them have been making pizzas — and it looks like I missed out on a whole boatload of fun. I’m fifteen minutes late and it’s all Beau’s fault. He insisted he show me his appreciation, and this time he wasn’t fast about it. Oh, no. I feel heat rising up my neck when I think about what we just did. Who am I to complain if my husband wants to spoil me with his tongue?

It sure has been a weekend of confessions, though. To think our marriage was only a week ago and we’ve already professed our love and gotten approval from most of our families. It’s just my mom who I need to talk to and try and smooth things out with, though she should really be apologizing for what she said about Michael.

I wish she’d take a leaf out of Gran’s book. To have her support would mean the world to me. I know in the end all Gran ever wanted was for me to be happy. I also know she has a different way of thinking to my mom. It isn’t all just about prestige; it’s also about making the right decision and loving the man you choose. Being in it for the right reasons; I know that now. I just wish Mom was the same.

“Thanks.” I smile. “It’s been a helluva time.”

“I’ll bet it has.” She chuckles as she pours us all a glass of red wine.

“So much can happen in a week,” I say. Again, I feel like a terrible friend for not talking to them in person sooner. I can’t excuse my behavior. As mixed up as I’ve been about my feelings for Beau, I have an amazing support network. I love my friends.

I smile and take a much needed gulp. I let the wine slide down my throat and sigh.

Eden’s eyebrows raise. “I’m pretty sure when I saw you on the side of the road just over a week ago, you weren’t married to Beau Bassett!”

“Yeah, how’s married life, Aut?” Carrie settles into a comfy chair opposite me.

I plop down too, guilt washing over me. “I know I have a lot of explaining to do.”

“Uh huh, you can start by telling us why you have the ‘I just got fucked recently’ glow?” Carrie asks.

I press my hands to my cheeks. “Carrie!”

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