Chapter 19

Chapter Nineteen

Zane

K nock. Knock. Knock.

Autumn lightly taps her fingers across the front door of the log cabin built on an adjacent mountain. A few hand-carved rocking chairs are on the porch and they look comfortable. Pumpkins line the railing along with autumn-inspired decorations.

No one answers and Autumn turns to me, glancing at the flowers in my hand with a grin. “They’re probably in the back.”

Her phone buzzes in her pocket and she reads a text message.

“The rumors are spreading,” she says, showing me.

Julie

ALL HAIL THE PUMPKIN KING AND QUEEN!

Below it is the photo someone snapped of us making out on the park bench.

Autumn sighs. “By nightfall, we’ll be the talk of the town.”

“Great. Looks like our fake dating plan is in full effect.” I grab her hand, gently pulling her back, spinning her toward me. Those walls that she’s let fall are back in place. “What’s going on? Tell me.”

“This is happening fast.”

She’s right. I met her the first day of September and I already can’t imagine a life without her in it.

“We can explain we’re just friends,” I offer. “No lies.”

“After that photo was posted in the town group, no one will believe it, especially not my parents. I haven’t dated anyone since Sebastian. I’m never caught kissing someone in public.” She meets my eyes. “They’ll think you’re my forever person.”

“I am.” I chuckle and she playfully slaps me. I pull the four-leaf clover from my pocket. “I’ve got this. We’ll be fine.”

She glances at it and slowly smiles. “I bet you think this is a really stupid way to spend your birthday.”

“There is nowhere else I’d rather be,” I admit, glancing down at the picture of us on the phone. It was just us, and I replay the moment like a hazy dream.

She grabs my hand, pulling me from my thoughts, and leads me off the porch and around the house. In the backyard is a freestanding garage with the door open. Music drifts out of it as her parents dance and laugh.

I smile, seeing how in love they are, knowing this is the standard that Autumn stacks her relationships against.

“Mom, Dad,” she says, crossing the grass as I match her stride.

They turn toward us, surprised, as they glance between us.

As soon as we’re close I hand the bouquet to her mother. I required one stop in town before we drove over.

“My favorite,” she says, smelling them. “Very thoughtful. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“This is my boyfriend, Zane. He typically goes by Alexander,” she says confidently. Hearing her call me that, like I belong to her, does something to me. By her tone, it sounds like she means it.

I thought she’d at least introduce us as friends. Their smiles widen as they glance between us.

“Nice to meet you, Alexander,” her father says, and I catch the hint of a Southern accent. His handlebar mustache is intimidating, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he rides a Harley around town during the summer months. As I take a step closer to shake his hand, I see the bike I imagined he’d ride. It has slick black paint, fat tires, and leather saddlebags on the back. It’s the trophy in the room, surrounded by his neon signs. An outdoor pool table takes up the other half of the garage, along with a dart board.

His grip is tight, his hands rough, and he oozes confidence. “I’m Daniel, but my buddies call me Danny. And this is my wife.”

“Diane,” she says in a friendly tone.

“It’s an honor to meet you both,” I say. “Truly.”

“Welp, now you’ve all met. We can go now,” Autumn says, grabbing my hand, trying to escape.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” her dad says. “Where are your manners, Autie? This is why we should’ve raised her in Texas. This attitude wouldn’t exist.”

“Would you like some tea?” her mom asks, quickly redirecting the conversation. Her smile and eyes are kind, just like Autumn’s, who is a cookie cutter version. They look alike with the same wavy hair, but her mom has slivers of gray.

“I’d love some tea,” I offer, and Autumn lets out a tiny groan as her parents lead the way inside the house. In the back is a large kitchen with long windows that give a perfect view of the sunrise.

“Have a seat,” Danny offers and Autumn sits beside me as her mom places a kettle on the stove. Moments later, a plate of pumpkin shaped sugar cookies are placed in the center of the table.

“You both help yourself,” her mother basically demands, and we each take one.

She turns to Autumn. “How’d you and Mr. Dreamy meet?”

I chuckle and Autumn nearly chokes. “Mom.”

“You told him, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I know about him.” I glance at her. “I walked into the coffee shop and Autumn took my breath away. Then I lied and said the coffee she made tasted like shit.”

“Oh,” her dad says. “Surprised she forgave you. She’s very proud of her barista skills.”

“It took some coaxing, maybe a little threatening,” I say as she watches me. “But yeah, I knew right then and there.”

“The same thing happened to me with Diane,” her dad says. “Except Diane was a mechanic. When she slid from under that cherry-red 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle with grease on her cheek, I knew she was the woman I’d marry. She brushed loose strands from her face with the back of her hand and looked up at me with big brown eyes. When she smiled? Damn. The world stopped spinning. It was fate,” her dad says, smiling as he reminisces. “Always said it was like magic.”

Autumn gulps.

I smirk, and soon after, the kettle whistles. Diane pours tea into our cups and offers sugar cubes.

Her mom looks between us and laughs. “When are you two getting married?”

“Please,” Autumn whispers. “We’re trying each other on. That’s it. Don’t rush us.”

“I predict we’ll be married within a year,” I say and her cheeks heat. “If you allow it, of course.”

“ Your prediction?” Autumn playfully rolls her eyes, knowing Harper said it.

I pick up my tea and shoot her a wink. “Yep.”

“Shall I put it in my calendar?” She playfully pulls her phone from her pocket, then opens her app and types something into it. “Married by Zane’s Birthday.”

“I look forward to the notification that will pop up,” I tell her, wondering if Harper’s prediction will be true. A part of me hopes it is. I can almost imagine the day when that reminder pops up, and she’s my wife. A smile touches my lips.

It could happen. Anything is possible. At least that’s been my experience since visiting Cozy Creek.

“Oh, today is your birthday?” Autumn’s mom asks. “Happy birthday!”

Her dad says the same.

“Thank you. We had breakfast this morning and plan to have dinner and cake tonight.”

“That sounds like fun,” her mom says as I sit in the kitchen and meet this beautiful woman’s parents like she’s mine.

When our cups are empty, my phone vibrates. I slip it out enough to see who it is.

My father’s name flashes across the screen and my brows furrow. I reject the call. A minute later, it buzzes again and I hold down the side button, turning it off.

“Do you need to take that?” Autumn asks.

“No, I’m fine,” I say, but she doesn’t take her eyes off me.

“Well, it was great meeting you. Please join us for supper sometime soon,” her mom says.

“He’s very busy,” Autumn offers.

“Actually, my calendar is clear. Any time, any day, just name it,” I say as Autumn stands. I follow her lead.

“This was fun.” Autumn hugs her parents and then they pull me into a hug, too.

“Don’t be a stranger. Either of you,” her father says.

“Okay,” Autumn tells them with a grin, and I smile with a nod.

She takes my hand, pulling me down the hallway toward the front of the house.

The space is cozy and peaceful. The living room opens up to high, vaulted ceilings and a gigantic brick fireplace stacks up the wall. Pictures of the mountain cabins in snow are hung around and an oversized rug splashed across the dark, hardwood floors. Autumn glances back at me before she twists the knob to the door.

When we’re outside, I stop walking and she turns to face me.

“Do you have somewhere to be?” I ask, noticing how she’s in a rush to leave. Her parents noticed too.

“I want to go running,” she tells me. “It helps me clear my mind. I have a lot to think about.”

“Like?”

“Do you believe Harper is right?” she blurts out. “Stop avoiding the question.”

I smirk. “Pumpkin, I could meet another woman tonight, the one I’m supposed to be with. I don’t know. It might not be you.”

To be clear, the thought of that hurt my fucking heart.

Her brows furrow and I think she’s offended.

“Do you want it to be?” I ask.

“I…Uh.”

“Until you know the answer to that question. We’ll take it one day at a time. “I walk toward her, placing my hand on her shoulder, leading her to the Jeep. “Okay?”

She walks to the passenger side and I open the door for her. She climbs in and I stand in the doorway, then reach over and buckle her seatbelt for her, but she’s lost in her head.

We drive down the mountain with the windows down and the music plays low on the radio. She twists her long hair around her fingers, revealing the softness of her neck and her sun-kissed shoulder.

I find a parking spot a few blocks from her place. The traffic is too thick to pass through quickly.

“I want your sister to read me, or whatever it is she does. I want a road map for us, too.”

“Is that what this is about?” I burst into laughter. “Scared I have the upper hand?”

“Yep.” She smirks and before she can reach for the handle, I get out and open the door for her.

“What about your dreams? That has to be some sort of advantage.”

“It’s not the same.”

We make our way across the street and each time our fingers brush together, tiny sparks flood through me.

“Thanks for meeting my parents,” she says.

“They were amazing. You’re lucky to have them.”

She nods and smiles.

“Dinner tonight with my sister,” I say, and we awkwardly stand in front of one another. I take a step forward and hold out my arms, and we exchange a friendly hug.

She turns and walks up the stairs. I glance over my shoulder at her and smile before she goes inside.

On the way back to the Jeep, I turn on my phone. After I shove it back into my pocket, it buzzes. It’s my dad’s number. Part of me wants to reject it and send him to voicemail like I have since I left the city. Today is different.

“Zane? Did you actually answer?”

“How can I help you?” I breathe out.

“Happy birthday!” he says.

“Thanks.”

“Where are you? I’ve been worried.”

“Have you?” I ask.

“Don’t act like an asshole. I called to check on you.”

“Sure you didn’t call to confirm I’d be at the wedding?”

“You’re my best man. It would hurt if you weren’t there.”

The lump in my throat grows three sizes too big and the silence lingers for a few seconds as I watch the leaves roll across the ground. My mother would want me to attend, even though I don’t feel like my father was there when I needed him the most. We grieve in our own ways.

“What happened between you and Celine wasn’t right, and I hate that she’s still around and you have to be subjected to her presence. I don’t support their behavior, but son, listen to me when I say she did you a favor. I want better for you than?—”

“Please, stop. Okay? I’ll be there.”

He lets out a sigh of relief.

“But,” I blurt. “I want you to ensure that me and my date will be left alone. If my boundaries are crossed, I’ll leave without saying a word to anyone.”

“Whatever you need.”

I unlock the Jeep and climb inside.

“Great. I can’t wait for you to meet my girlfriend.” It feels right calling her my girlfriend. Mine.

“You’re seeing someone? This is news to me.”

“I’m not discussing my private life with you.” I end the call using the same words he gave me when I learned he was marrying my ex-best friend’s mother.

He can do what he wants. I’ll support my father because I love him, but there is a lot of hurt I haven’t worked through. Therapy has helped some.

Once I’m home, I clean up the mess in the backyard, then go upstairs for a shower.

On the counter rests an orange toothbrush and it makes me smile. I look under the sink and see an old package that has been there for a long time.

The hot stream pounds against me and I close my eyes, succumbing to it. Remembering how Autumn’s body felt molded to mine, knowing she was touching herself next to me.

My cock begged me to take her right there. She wanted me to, nearly asked me, but I know sex complicates things, blinds people. I won’t cross a line unless we’re sober. No excuses. No regrets.

The sound of her greedy pants play on repeat and I grab myself, stroking. Goddamn.

I place my palm on the tile wall as I allow thoughts of her to flood me. I race to the end, my balls tightening as my breaths grow ragged. She meticulously teased her little clit until she spilled over.

“Fuck,” I growl out, steadying myself, picking up the pace. My eyes slam shut and the orgasm quickly rips through me. My heart nearly beats out of my chest as I fall from my high. Once I catch my breath, I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around me.

After I dress, I go downstairs with Autumn in the center of my mind. This morning, when I woke up with her wrapped in my arms, I didn’t want to leave the bed. However, a knock on the door forced me away. By some miracle, she didn’t wake up.

My phone is on the counter where I left it and I notice a few notifications on the front, all texts from my sister.

Harper

Is it okay if I invite someone to dinner tonight so I won’t be an awkward third wheel?

Zane

Feel free. Meet us at the resort restaurant at eight. Reservations will need to be updated.

The resort has a five-star restaurant run by a world-famous English chef. He’s known for his assortment of puddings and beef Wellington.

Harper

Fantastic. Btw… I like her a lot.

Zane

I do too.

Harper

See you soon! Hope you enjoy your cake.

Zane

Thanks for coming out. Love ya, sis.

Harper

Love you too.

I make a few phone calls and set up a limo to pick Autumn up for dinner. Tonight, I want her to have the time of her life. Maybe it will be a birthday I’ll never forget. I guess we’ll see.