Chapter 29

29

Autumn

I stare at the phone. My dad's calling. I brace myself as I answer, my stomach turning in knots. This conversation is either going to be bad, or worse, I can feel it in my bones.

"Dad?" Who else?

"Autumn. Have you got a moment to talk?"

Uh, oh. Dad rarely calls me.

"Of course." I'm in my office, getting organized for the wedding this coming weekend. "What's up?"

He takes a long moment to respond. "We want to visit."

The words hang in the air, and I'm tempted to ask why. But I don't. I was raised with manners and human decency, so I keep my thoughts to myself. There is no point in going into all the gory details of how me and Beau got to this point, and it'll only give my mom more ammunition against us.

"Uh, alright."

"And we'd like to meet Beau's parents. It only seems right to meet formally and since we've not received an invitation yet, I'm assuming they're just as shocked as we are."

I clutch a hand to my neck. I guess I hadn't really prepared myself for this, but it was bound to happen. "We're not purposely leaving you and Mom out, and yes, Beau's parents were surprised. His mom was very happy for us. His dad, well, he's still on the fence," I explain. "But I want to see you, and I'm sure they'd love to meet you."

"Good, because there are things to say that can't be said over the phone."

"Dad?" I feel the tears well in my eyes. I've always been the apple of my dad's eye, and to earn his disapproval makes me sad. Though, I know I brought it on myself by lying in the first place.

Beau and I were both so worried about ruining our friendship, neither wanted to speak up and tell each other how we felt. That's on us, and yes I regret it. If I could go back and change things, I would. I would tell Beau exactly how I felt and risk that he'd have to let me down gently. I've always read those tropes in romance books about miscommunication, and here I am a prime example of what not to do. I was so caught up in trying not to ruin everything that I lost sight of what my real reason was for doing all of this; to be with Beau.

"I want the best for you," Dad goes on. "You're my only daughter. You deserve the wedding of your dreams, as your father I have concerns about that."

"Dad, I told you we want to get married as soon as the wedding season is done, when we have time to fit it in." That part is a hundred percent true now we're committed. And the thrill of walking up the aisle with our friends and family surrounding us on our happy day sends chills over my skin.

"Great. We'll have plenty of time to look at all the options when we arrive this weekend."

"This weekend?" I squeak.

"Honey, I need to meet the people who are now a part of this family."

"You need to, but what about Mom?"

"Mom will come around, you need to give her time."

"I won't be giving her time to tell me off again for not running back to Michael. He's a cheater, Dad, I'll never want a man like that in my life. You wouldn't want a man like that for me."

"You're right," Dad confirms. "It wouldn't be good enough and your mom and I have had a long talk about all of that. She had no right to say those things. The last thing I need is my daughter married to a cheating piece of shit who has a wandering eye."

I've heard my father swear maybe once or twice in my entire life, so even him saying ‘shit' is a big deal.

"I'm sorry we did what we did." A sob escapes me, and I mean every word. "I wish I could take it back and do it all differently."

He sighs. "I don't want you to cry, pumpkin. Just know that no matter what happens, I always want what's best for you. I can promise you your mom will be on her best behavior. I'll book us in at the?—"

"There's a cottage on the property. I could ask Beau if it would be okay for you to stay there, then we can be close and I can show you around properly." The Bassetts plan on more dwellings on the farm soon to accommodate more guests, but for now they've renovated a couple of the old workers' cottages.

My parents have money, that's not the issue, but I really want them to get a feel for the distillery and how magical it is here. How much I love it and how the farm and stillness is etched into my soul. I want them to love it too, and if they don't, that's okay. I just want them to see how happy I am.

Instead of arguing, Dad shocks me by saying, "That would be fine. I'll message you Friday to let you know what time we'll be there."

I wipe my tears away. "Okay, Dad. Thank you for doing this."

He muffles a laugh, like he's surprised. "I know I've been hard on you at times, Autumn, but you've no idea how it feels to be an ordinary man with an extraordinary daughter. Remember that."

My mouth gapes as I grapple for something to say. Dad never talks like this. "Thank you, Dad."

"See you on the weekend."

"I… I love you, Dad."

Silence, then, "I love you too, Autumn. I will never stop loving you."

??

I relay everything to Beau as we sit at Stones Throw Cafe when I meet him for lunch. Of course, word has spread around town and we've been greeted by several well-wishers. Then there's Aunt May. "I knew you two had a sparkle the last time I saw you." She winks. "Now, let us all know when to expect that big party I know y'all are planning."

The gossip around town is that ‘they fell in love quickly', which equated to ‘they couldn't keep our hands off one another and didn't want to live in sin'.

I guess that is a good enough excuse, and one I remember using on my parents initially.

Beau has constantly reassured me that it's all going to be okay. We're out in the open now, not just with my grandmother and the rest of the family, but with each other.

Beau pulls me to his side, insisting on sitting on the same side of the booth. This man cannot stop touching me and I'm giddy for it.

"Soon, Aunt May. You'll be the first to know once we have a spare weekend between the weddings at the distillery." He gives her a wink. "I had to take this beautiful woman off the market quickly, if you know what I mean."

Aunt May — unlike many others who have also looked down their noses with disapproval, likely due to our age gap — claps her hands together, her rosy red cheeks beaming with pride. It makes my heart swell that she's not annoyed with us.

"I can see why." She smiles warmly at me. "Just don't forget to let me know so I can plan ahead. I know how much you adore the lemon bars."

"I think we're your best customers," I laugh.

"You'll get plenty of warning," Beau assures her as she takes off to serve at the counter. His eyes flick to mine. "You okay?"

I nod. "I'm just getting used to telling everyone about us, and then there's the people staring."

"Don't worry about them. They're just jealous."

I smile, leaning in to peck him chastely on the lips. "You're so cute when you make sense."

He smiles. "Are you saying I'm not cute any other time?"

"Yes, when you wear those hunky glasses."

His lips part, pulling them out of his back pocket — amazingly he hasn't crushed them. "You mean these?" He slides them on. They're black chunky ones, just like the original Clark Kent, and I can't get enough.

"You know it's considered rude for a woman to mount a man in public." I bite on my lip as he nuzzles into my neck. I glance around laughing, trying — and failing — to push him off.

"Am I not allowed to snuggle with my wife?" His voice is low and gravely, the way it always is when he's turned on.

"Of course, but we're in public and Mrs. Parsons is watching us."

"She hasn't had any action in years," he mutters against my skin. "It might be good for her."

I slap him on the arm. "Beau! That's gross."

He just laughs, kissing my neck as he pulls back. Unfathomably, he finger waves at Mrs. Parsons across the room as I grab his hand and shove it down on the seat. "You're a party pooper."

"And you're going to get us kicked out."

"By Aunt May?" He snorts. "Not likely."

A few moments later, Brooklyn jumps into the seat opposite us out of nowhere, startling me. In all the flirty banter, I didn't even see him approaching. "Well, will you look at the two newlyweds?" He grins. "You know that's considered foreplay in Mrs. Parsons' book."

So he noticed her staring too.

I snort. "Hi Brook, how are you doing?"

Beau turns to face his brother, grinning as they clasp hands. He barely gets time to answer when Georgia appears. What's with the Bassett family reunion today?

She shoves Brook aside, sliding into the booth giving us both a haughty look.

"So here you two are. You know, I've been thinking?—"

"Did it hurt?" Brook chimes before she can finish.

She fires him a glare, then turns back to us. "I mean, I had an inkling about you two from the start and everyone said I was crazy. What doesn't add up is how you two just ran off claiming you didn't want to live in sin." She looks between the two of us. "What gives?"

We know Brooklyn already knows the truth, but we never wanted to hurt Georgia. Her and Beau are close, and she's still a little furious at us about the entire event.

There is no point in lying. "She'll see right through your bullshit in seconds," Brook warns us.

"Fine," Beau relents. "But no repeating this to anyone. I mean, anyone. We've already had enough scrutiny from Gray and Gabe, and Dad, so it's best if we just keep this between us, okay?"

She crosses her arms over her chest. "I'm listening."

Beau explains the entire story, but sums it up in a much quicker time than I ever could.

I can't tell if Georgia is even more mad, or if this is just her resting bitch face. It's hard to tell with her. Finally, she speaks. "I always knew you two would work it out, I'm just surprised it took this long. It's in the cards."

I frown. "The cards?"

"Tarot cards. I read them sometimes, and when Brook kinda let it slip that Beau had a crush on you, I thought I'd do my own little reading."

Beau and I glance at Brook as he shrugs and says, "Hey, it all worked out in the end, right?"

There are no freaking secrets in this family, much less this town.

I'm curious. "What did they say?"

"They showed me ‘the lovers' card. I kept getting the same damn thing no matter how much I shuffled."

Beau sits back, his arm around my shoulders. "There you go then, my reputation for being a bore can be squashed, surely? Maybe you could shout that around a little."

Georgia ignores him. "The lovers card spells not just physical attraction, but soul mates and spiritual fulfillment. Passion. Union. Love. Marriage. So if you'd have just come to me in the first place, I could have saved you all the sneaking around."

She's adorable. "We're both truly sorry," I say. "We love you, GB. We've done a lot of things we're not proud of, but we're both committed to making this marriage work. We fell in love, and I also fell in love with this family. You've always accepted me with open arms, with love and encouragement and understanding. Helping me get my business off the ground and giving me a job. Taking me in when you knew my family were miles away. It feels like home because of you guys." I can feel the tears starting again and Beau's thumb strokes my shoulder gently.

"Aww!" Brook pouts, giving me a cute face as he reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. "Right back at ya, sissy."

Georgia slides out of the booth and envelopes me in a hug, practically sitting on my knee. "I'm sorry I was so judgy." Her tears start pouring too. "I just wanted so much for my brother to be happy, and when I heard you guys did this, I was worried that it was too fast and may not work out. Someone could get hurt and we'd not be friends anymore."

"Is that when you consulted the cards?" Brook winks at Beau as I stifle a giggle.

She really is the sweetest person under her tough exterior. "That would never happen," I assure her.

"Hey, why would you think I'd hurt Autumn?" Beau frowns when Georgia pulls back, wiping her eyes.

"Because like most men, you can be an absolute douchebag."

We both laugh, along with Brook, but Beau rolls his eyes. "I might be clueless, but douchebag is a little harsh."

"Least you got it right the first time." Georgia looks at Brook, giving him a side eye. "Unlike some other people we won't mention, who took three goes at it."

Brook raises a finger to hush her. "Three goes with the same woman. You forgot that part, and this time it's for good."

Brook re-proposed to Eden on Christmas Eve and she's now sporting a beautiful new diamond ring.

"Better late than never." Beau and Brook both lean over to bump fists.

Georgia is still sitting on our side. She looks more relaxed and I'm happy that she's forgiven us. I definitely don't want to be on the outs with Beau's twin sister.

"Now we just have to find you a man." I grin. "Or I could have a shuffle with the tarot cards?"

She shakes her head. "I'm sworn off men. I'm so over dating idiots."

"When was the last time you went on a date?" Beau raises his eyebrows in question, but Georgia just taps her nose.

"That's for me to know."

"Just wait until you find Mr. Right," Brook laughs. "I will literally give the guy fifty bucks if he makes it out the driveway."

Georgia glares across at her brother. "Very funny. I'll have you know that I'm considered quite the catch around here."

"Of course you are," Beau chimes in. "You're a Bassett, and the only one of us not to settle down yet."

"You're forgetting about Trudy, but I'm not sure if she will be settling down any time soon. Next you'll be trying to set me up with the dreaded Gaitley or even Easton, not that you'd find a woman in a thousand mile radius to put up with either of those two," Georgia sing-songs.

"I don't know, they're pretty cute." That earns me a poke in the ribs from Beau.

"Husband in presence." He kisses me on the cheek. "They're definitely not gentlemen in the lady department."

I smile, turning to peck him on the mouth. "I only have eyes for you."

"Saps," Brook laughs.

"God, get a room," Georgia agrees, sliding out of the booth.

But I want the world to know that Beau is my man. Nothing is going to change that. Not even the weekend and my parents' visit looming.

If I have Beau by my side, I'm on top of the world.