Page 31 of Promised Love

She looks Lukas up and down, lingering a little longer on the sling over his arm.

He shrugs. “It’s a minor injury.”

“Lukas is no guest.” We hear Grandma’s voice before she walks inside. “Lukas is Autumn’s husband.”

Why doesn’t she announce it to the whole town with a mic?

“H-husband?” Emma’s gaze jumps between Lukas and me, and I try hard not to squirm. “Since when?”

“Let’s get Lukas settled. He shouldn’t be on his feet for too long.” Thankfully, Dad comes forward and leads everyone to my suite.

What I hadn’t expected was for the embarrassment to continue. As soon as Dad opens the door of my suite, Lukas and I are held in place.

The bed is neatly made. Above the white comforter are beautiful towel swans. I already know there will be red rose petals tucked on each swan feather. A champagne bottle and two glasses are placed on the side table lined with a pink tablecloth.

Jesus! This is our deluxe honeymoon setting.

I don’t need to check in the bathroom to see his-and-her robes, along with flowers and essential oils in the nice-smelling bath.

“Mom!” I whisper, in shock at the utterly beautiful yet horribly embarrassing scene before me.

“Did you think we forgot how you guys got married in a rush?” Grandma pats my cheeks. “I want to throw you guys a real wedding. A grand one. You’re our only granddaughter, Autumn.”

Her wrinkles appear more prominent as she smiles wide. But I struggle to breathe.

We haven’t figured out a way to get out of the first wedding, and Grandma already wants to tie us in a second one.

“Mom, Lukas needs to recover. That’s the most important thing for all of us right now.” Dad gently places his hand over Grandma’s shoulder, pulling her to the side.

“Of course,” Grandma whispers. “But we still have to figure out how these two will manage living in two different towns now that Autumn is ready to take charge of the inn.”

Before my grandmother can attack me further with her word bombs, my mother grabs her hands.

“Mom, Lukas and Autumn haven’t talked in four years. I’m sure they have a lot to discuss. Give them a chance to figure things out. For us, it’s only important that they’re happy. Isn’t it?”

“Yes. For us, it’s only important that they are happy together.” Grandma stresses the last word before my parents finally take her out of the suite.

I release a deep sigh, but before I can feel the calm, Gavin, who’s still standing next to the door, smirks. “It doesn’t look like we’ll see you back in St. Peppers, Spencer.”

“I have full faith that if you stay any longer, Autumn’s grandma might kidnap you so I’m not here alone,” Lukas retorts, making his friend grimace.

“You’re right. I can definitely see her doing that.” Gavin turns around and then looks over his shoulder. “Call me if you need anything, Spencer.”

With that, he takes off, and it’s just us in the honeymoon suite.

Lukas flops onto the edge of the bed, and I’m a second too late in screaming, “No.”

He has already pulled open the drawer of his nightstand.

“What the fuck is this? You running an inn or a sex shop?” He almost looks horrified, and I want to die of mortification. “Please don’t tell me that your grandma put these here,” he says, holding up a strip of condoms.

“She herself didn’t…but she might have asked someone to. This”—I wave around—“is our deluxe honeymoon setup. You shouldn’t open the bottom drawer.”

My face is hot. Actually, not just my face but everything feels hot and sweaty.

Lukas is sitting on the white comforter with flowers all around and a strip of condoms in his hand. It’s an effing hot sight.

On top of it, my brain has no problem constantly reminding me that just a few inches away from his feet is the fun packet we prepare for our more…adventurous couples.

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