Page 4 of Love on the Run

Beau

The small parking lot in front of the church was packed—even more so than a typical Sunday morning. Apparently, Anna and Dean knew how to draw a crowd.

Money did that. Money brought people swarming in on all sides, and it only caused problems. For Beau, those problems were usually in the form of unbalanced accounting records. Mechanics weren’t built to handle money, and he’d gladly fix a car over reconciling statements any day.

He usually parked on the left side of the building, but that section was full because it was closer to the dining hall. Catering trucks blocked most of the area by the side entrance.

It was a good thing his motorcycle didn’t need its own designated parking spot. He parked on theright side of the building in front of the first row of vehicles and popped the stand.

He pushed back the sleeve of his leather jacket to check the time. The wedding hadn’t started. Why did it look like he was one of the last to show up?

Whatever. He’d find a seat at the back and slip in without having to make boring conversation with anyone. Then, he would sneak out while everyone got excited about the reception.

He pulled off his helmet and gloves and stowed them in the side bag. After running a hand through his short hair, it was time to face the music.

Olivia promised the ceremony would only last about fifteen minutes. He could sit still for a quarter of an hour. At least, his sister assured him he’d survive.

Olivia also claimed weddings were beautiful and thought he should be actively working to find a woman who would entertain the thought of spending her life with him.

That’s where she lost him. He had no desire to get married or commit to any other relationship titles people used these days.

He wasn’t interested in “hanging out.”

He didn’t care to “date.”

“Getting to know someone” wasn’t for him.

He needed a wife like he needed a toe fungus.

His black boots were a stark contrast to thewhite stone steps leading to the side entrance. Maybe he should have worn something nicer.

He was halfway up the stairs when a blur of white burst through the door. Anna held a small purse in one hand and pressed the other over the skirt of her dress as she flew down the stairs.

Anna Harris was a force to be reckoned with. The bride had been best friends with Beau’s sister since they were in middle school, and he’d gotten a front-row view as she’d carefully picked her way through life one perfect piece at a time.

Graduate with honors.

Become a successful attorney.

Help the community.

Volunteer at church.

Find a boyfriend.

Fall in love.

Get married.

Live in the suburbs with a picket fence.

Have pretty babies just like her.

Yeah, Anna’s list was generic, but one item on her list meant more than all of the others.

Fall in love.

The woman had been walking around with stars in her eyes since they were kids. Everything she did revolved around love and building the perfect family.

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