Page 57 of Beau & Autumn

I hate those words, they sound so final. But I still find myself nodding. “Okay. So when and where do we do this?”

“I haven’t exactly looked into it, but I think we should go to a registry office out of town.”

I swallow hard, hanging on his every word. “Okay.”

His lips twitch. “Are you gonna say anything else other than okay?”

I lower my voice once more. “Sorry, husband, but excuse me if I’m just taking all of this in. Marriage vows mean something, it’s like we’re lying to God or something.”

“Say that again.”

“Marriage vows mean someth?—”

“Not that. The husband part.”

I feel an instant heat spread over my cheeks as I flush. “Beau.”

“What? I’m acting the part of a doting soon-to-be-husband in the making, right? Our homework can start right now; project acting flirty. In front of Dolly Simpson?” He flicks his eyes over toward the counter where Dolly is still loitering around talking to JJ. “It’ll be across town in no time.”

Our hands are still touching.

“I just wish I didn’t feel so guilty.”

“Hey, the only thing you need to worry about is how to keep your husband happy.”

I narrow my eyes and he laughs. “I’m just kidding.”

“I really hope you’re not a slob to live with,” I sigh.

He balks. “A slob? You’ve been in my house, and bonus points; I know how to use the washing machine and I can cook a couple of dishes really well as long as I can disguise it with cheese. Impressed yet?”

“I’m falling over from anticipation.” I want to laugh, but I’m also freaking the hell out. “Maybe we need to discuss boundaries and what’s expected.”

“Maybe we need to do that in a more secure location?” he suggests. He has a point. Discussing our upcoming nuptials at the busiest diner in town can only spell trouble.

“You’re probably right. We should both get our bearings and maybe write down any questions we have, then we can meet up later at your place or mine and go through it all.”

“Sounds perfect. I’ve gotta help Brook with the horses in half an hour, so I can come by your place after that?”

I look down at my hands as Beau removes his. Goddamn, should it feel so cold without his touch? We’re in the freaking diner and I’m already pining for him.

This is bad.

This is very bad.

I nod. “Sounds good.”

He reaches over and I feel him brush my chin with his gentle fingers, forcing me to look up to meet his eyes. “If you change your mind, Autumn Leaf, you don’t have to go through with this. I never want you to think you don’t have options.”

My heart warms in my chest. “I know, Beauster.” But is he still Beauster anymore? “I’m just up to my eyeballs at the moment, and I hate asking Anton for any more money. Not that this is all about money,” I quickly amend. “I mean, I wouldn’t just marry anyone.”

He chuckles. “Glad to hear it.”

I reach down to the seat to grab my purse and pick up my coffee cup, taking a last swig as we go to stand. Beau’s hand is warm at the small of my back as we walk and then I hear his low voice. “Permission to touch you?”

I smile. “Permission granted. But you don’t have to keep asking. To make this thing work, we do have to pretend we’re dating, so touch away.” I turn my head to look up at him and he grins down at me, clearly pleased. “I mean… not touch at your leisure or anything… Just like, in public… to make people think we’re into each other… You can uh, put your hands on me… God!”

He rumbles with laughter and I slap his arm. “Stop laughing at me!”

---