Page 40 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
I find myself daydreaming about marriage. Austin is my husband in the daydream, of course. He gets drafted, and plays for the Fort Worth Lariats, and we get to stay fairly close to my parents. And we have tons of babies. I find myself sighing as I think about what our babies will look like. Rosy cheeks and dark hair. Green eyes that sparkle, just like Austin’s.
“What are you thinking about?” Austin’s hand warms the top of mine. My cheeks are as hot as the bonfire we’ll have later. I bite my lip in a shy smile as I slowly meet his eyes.
“I was thinking about the future.” I whisper.
“Oh yeah? What part of the future were you thinking of?” He leans back in his chair, as if he’s sure that I was daydreaming about him. His eyes darken, and I swear he can actually seesome thought bubbles around my head about being his wife and raising kids with him.
My blushing cheeks blaze hotter. “Marriage.” I peer through my lashes at him. “Children.” He starts to rub circles on the back of my hand and my stomach tightens. Do I tell him that I want those things with him? That’s where this is all headed. I know that. And from the few times that we’ve brought it up, I’m pretty certain that’s what he wants too.
“I want those things with you.” I flip my hand over, and capture his. “I’m past liking you, Austin.”
I swallow the nervous lump in my throat.
“I love you.”
My heart is racing like a runaway tractor. I didn’t intend to say those words tonight. They just came out. How will he take it? Did I go too far? Tell him too soon? I haven’t even discussed saying theLword yet with my mom. And we’ve discussed every aspect of my relationship.
Austin shifts, leaning forward in his chair. He keeps his one hand on mine, but the other comes up and strokes my cheek. He chews on his lip, and his eyes rove over every inch of my face. “I’ve been wondering when to say those words, afraid that I would say them too early.” His green eyes darken, turning into deep velvety pools. The pad of his thumb teases the edge of my lips. “I love you too, Rae. I want those things with you too.”
Hope and elation bloom from my heart outward, covering me in delicious goosebumps. Austin rises from his seat and leans across the table to capture my lips in a sweet kiss. I’m so glad there isn’t a candle on the table, otherwise we’d likely burst into flames. I cup his cheeks and pull him a smidgen closer before releasing him, I know the chaperones are watching. As we settle back into our seats I find myself just watching him. Making eye babies—thanks Chrissy for coining that term.
“I have a gift for you.” He reaches into his pants pocket and produces a small square box. It’s bigger than a ring box, so I tell my racing heart to calm down. I’m willing to bet it’s a necklace or a bracelet. No matter what it is, I know I’ll love it.
Even though we just kissed, my breath still hitches at the contact of our fingers as I take the box from his outstretched hand. Gingerly I slide off the ribbon and slowly open the lid. Inside is a white gold necklace with a horse shoe pendant, my birthstone in the shape of a heart situated in the curve of the horseshoe.
“Austin, I love it. It’s so pretty.” I stand up and hold it out to him. “Put it on me?” I turn around and pull my hair out of his way. He fumbles a little with the clasp, those tiny things are tricky. Gently, he lowers it to my collarbone and secures it.
He rests his hands on my shoulders, before wrapping his arms around me. I grasp his wrists and lean back into him, relishing the warmth of his chest against my back and the rhythm of his pulse under my hands.
“This has been my best birthday yet. Thank you so much, Austin.” I turn my head and press a kiss to his cheek.
We stand and stare off across the Rolling R’s empty fields for a few minutes, watching as the sun begins its descent, painting the sky in purples and pinks.
“I’ve got to clean everything up and light the bonfire. The guys should be here any minute.” He starts collecting all the dishes. “Go show the girls your necklace.” I can feel his eyes on me as I step off the porch.
“It’s so pretty.”
“Do you think it’s a real diamond?”
“You’re the luckiest girl in the world.”
“Is he a good cook?”
“Did y’all kiss enough?”
Chrissy and Jaimieoohandaweover my necklace. I hear all their questions, but my mind is still back on the porch. I’m still staring at him as I finger the necklace. Those amazing muscles stretching and lifting mesmerize me. And the way those jeans cover his strong thighs...
Chrissy’s hand waves in my field of vision and the throaty purr of an engine along with the sound of spitting gravel wake me from my dreaming. The guys have arrived.
Chrissy can be a great actor, she oozes drama. Except for when it comes to hiding her crush on Carson. Jaimie and I share a sly grin and a giggle, watching Chrissy pat herself down for wrinkles and make sure every hair is perfect before we head for the fire pit.
We all gather around the bonfire that is now roaring. The fixings for the s’mores are in the picnic basket that Austin had brought dinner in. I snatch a roasting stick from the stack that the guys brought. I’m perched on a sanded down log, leaning against Austin, Jesse is strumming his guitar, and I’ve got a marshmallow roasted almost to perfection.
I freeze and just take it all in. I don’t want a moment like this to end. I’ve had a lot of those moments lately.
Austin’s jean-covered thigh leans against mine. His arm is around my back and I rest my head on his shoulder. He smells like home: fresh air, leather, and a scent that is pure Austin. I’m glad he doesn’t go crazy with the Axe body sprays. I could get lost in his smell. In the feel of his body against mine. His rib cage expands, then shrinks against my arm pressed to his side. I turnmy head and gaze up at his face.Sigh.A fine layer of stubble covers his firm, angular jaw.
He can apparently feel my eyes on him. He turns and gives me a smirk at first, then a full on heart-melting grin. His temple comes down to rest against mine. “I love you, Rae.”
