Page 91 of Beau & Autumn

Anton looks between us. “Holy fucking Christ.”

“I’m gonna be straight with you.” Beau clears his throat, turning back to face my brother. “At first this plan did hatch out that way; your sister needed money and I offered to marry her to ensure no other asshole got to share her life or anything else. Your parents and grandmother have these ancient, ridiculous rules but Autumn didn’t want that. She can never be put in a box with a label on it.”

“Beau?” My voice is so faint, but I know he hears me.

His lips lift into a little smile. “But for me, it started long before that. I had feelings for her and didn’t tell her. I thought that if we got married and just pretended, I’d somehow make her fall madly in love with me, then I wouldn’t feel like such an asshat for lying to everyone. I couldn’t tell her how I really felt because the feelings I have for her are so strong, if she shot me down, I don't think I’d ever recover.”

I gape at him.

“I never thought she’d actually go through with it. Your sister is the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. It took me until recently to realize it. The idea that she could be married to some other guy, especially not one of her choice, made me livid. I’d rather be her fake husband than her marry for convenience or to keep up a longstanding family name.”

My brother’s hands move to his hips, and I don’t know if he’s going to come out swinging, or hug Beau. What I do know is that my entire body is rigid and my heart could burst out of my chest with his words.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” Anton cusses again.

“Oh, Beau. I feel the same way,” I choke out before he turns and I throw myself into his arms. “I didn’t want to tell you before we married either because I liked you so much and you were such a good guy. I just thought you were doing it to make me happy, not because you felt feelings for me. I think I’ve loved you since… Since… Maybe forever. I was just too dumb to realize that I had the guy right in front of my eyes all along.”

The revelations cause the tears to leak and stream down my face. Beau catches them by smoothing his thumbs across my cheeks, wiping them away. “You never have to worry about my feelings for you, Autumn Leaf. They’ve always been there. I was the one who couldn’t see straight because I didn’t feel worthy of your love,” he goes on. “I figured you’d think I was too young, that I hadn’t had enough experience to be in a committed relationship. All of those feelings would be valid, but completely untrue. I know this is different because the room spins whenever you walk in. I want to rip any man's throat out who even looks at you. I want you to be mine and only mine.”

I can’t believe he’s saying these words, and in front of my brother! “I am yours. From the time of the auction when we made that deal, I was falling for you. I didn’t let myself admit it because I was afraid. I’d been so hurt by my ex’s that I didn’t really think the perfect guy exists. But he does.” A sob escapes me. “He really does.”

He pulls me into his arms and I cry tears of happiness and relief into his shoulder. Leaning down, he kisses my hair and whispers in my ear, “I love you, baby girl. I’m sorry it took me so long to grow some balls.”

My brother scoffs. “I think I need to leave, let you two get reacquainted.”

I pull back, cupping Beau’s face as we kiss.

“No, I think I’ve heard quite enough,” my grandmother’s voice sounds from across the room. I freeze. Oh, no. How much did she hear?

We pull apart and Beau tugs me to his side.

My brother’s eyes meet mine. “I’m happy for you,” he says, sincerely. He pats Beau on the arm with a thud. “You too, even though you should’ve just come clean to each other in the beginning, I can see you’re crazy about one another, so for what it’s worth, you have my blessing.”

Beau nods. “Appreciate that, brother.”

“Hey, let’s not get crazy.” Anton smiles. He leans toward me and kisses my cheek. “Good luck.” He leaves the room and passes Grandma. Her eyes narrow toward him in a terse look that just makes him grin all the more.

My brother is a walking-talking cliche. His time will come, that I can guarantee.

“Grandma,” I begin, but she waves a hand at me.

“I heard everything.” Her tone isn’t mad, nor is it happy, and that scares me.

I swallow hard. Beau’s arm tightens around me. “I love her,” he says before I can say any more. “Nobody is going to stop us being together because I’m too young, or don’t have the right name or enough money. I’ll provide for her, she’s my wife, but she’s a very independent woman. That’s one of the things I love about her the most.” He gazes down at me, his beautiful blue eyes are soft, warm and inviting. “And that fierce little temper that rears its head every now and then.”

I smile tentatively, my eyes darting back to my grandma. It fades when her piercing eyes seek out mine. “And you, Autumn Violet Davenport. What do you want?”

I stare at her, my back ramrod straight. I know now. I know! I feel it in the very core of my being. Not just because Beau and I had a wild, wonderful night — and morning — together. Our connection was set in stone a long time before we ever got physical.

I love every single thing about him, and now he knows and he also feels the same way. His words still wash over me as I turn to gaze at him, smiling. “I love him, Grandma. He’s my husband and I’m his wife. I love him with all my heart.”

And finally, I feel free.

26

Beau

I stare at Autumn. Her words sinking in. She loves me. Just as much as I love her. How the heck did all of this happen? She said she fell for me back when we made a deal at the auction, and I admit, that’s also when I began to see her in a different light. Maybe I’ve always had her on this pedestal and that’s where I’ve kept her; slightly out of reach so she’s untouchable. But she can’t stay that way forever.

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