Page 73 of Rust and Stardust

“We did thanks to Lucas here,” she said, patting me on the shoulder. “This boy deserves a raise.”

Beau lifted an eyebrow in my direction, a mischievous grin curling over his lips. “I think I know somethin’ he’d like better.”

“Beaufort Turner!” Dolly cackled, swatting at him. “If you’regonna talk like that in my diner again you better make sure I’m around!” She gave him a wink. “All I’ve got is the

Hallmark channel at home and it just ain’t the same.”

“You weren’t gone long,” I smiled, looking up at Beau. “I thought you’d be out until the afternoon.”

“Nah. I knew what I needed. Meet me back at the ranch?”

“This was my only stop, so yeah.”

We said our goodbyes to Dolly. Beau went out the front, hopping in his rusty old truck. Meanwhile I went out the back, climbing into Jack’s truck to take it back home. He’d let us use it for the business to start, but Beau didn’t know I was secretly saving up for a delivery van of our own. It was the least I could do after he’d used his prize winnings to pay off my lease break fee at the old apartment. Between my remote job as a small business marketing consultant and the barbecue, it wasn’t gonna be too long before that delivery van was sitting in the driveway.

By the time I got back to the ranch, Beau’s truck was already there. He was standing on the front porch, grinning like a fool with his hat tipped up. That blond hair of his caught the sunlight, making his blue eyes even more prominent. As I stepped out of the truck, I couldn’t help but admire the striking figure he cut in those tight jeans. Even after two months together, my heart still picked up its pace every time I saw him.

“I got a surprise for you,” he said, beckoning me inside.

My stomach twisted. “It’s not a ring I hope…”

Beau turned bright red. “No, no! God no!” He stopped. “Not that I don’t love you more than anything… but it’s… it’s a big step and I’m not sure?—”

“I’m kidding, cowboy,” I grinned, kissing him on the cheek. “What’s this big surprise?”

Beau pushed the porch door open, ushering me inside. As soon as I was in, he pressed in beside me, pointing up at the wall where the hat hooks hung. They were all there, just like always. However, as myeyes moved over the wall, I spotted a hat I didn’t recognize. It was a buckskin color with a beaded band.

“Who’s is that?” I asked, pointing up at it.

Beau, grinning still, reached up and pulled it down. He held it reverently in his hands, his rough fingers gliding over the smooth leather. “It’s yours, darlin’,” he said simply, looking up at me. “Everyone in the family gets a hat and a hook,” he continued. “Even Mama’s hook is still on the wall. And you… well, you’re family to me. To all of us.”

I took the hat gently, turning it over in my hands as tears threatened in the corners of my eyes. “Beau… I… I don’t know what to say.”

“Do ya like it?”

I nodded. “It’s beautiful.”

“Well then, put it on, cowboy.”

I carefully placed the hat on my head, feeling its weight settle comfortably. It fit perfectly, as if it had been made just for me. Beau's eyes sparkled as he looked at me, a mix of pride and affection clear on his face.

“Well, don't you look the part now,” he drawled, reaching out to adjust the brim slightly. His fingers lingered, brushing against my cheek. “Suits you.”

I felt a rush of emotion, overwhelmed by the gesture and what it meant. This wasn't just a hat; it was acceptance, belonging. It was Beau telling me, in his own way, that I was part of his world now. Forever.

“Thank you,” I managed, my voice thick. “This means... everything.”

Beau's expression softened, and he pulled me into a tight embrace. I breathed in his familiar scent - hay, horses, and wood smoke. It was my favorite smell in the entire world, the one I fell asleep to each night and woke up to every morning. My heart soared as I held him, feeling for the first time in my life like everything was right in the world.

“Nobody’s home,” Beau whispered in my ear, his lips dancingover my skin. “Maybe you can take me upstairs, cowboy. Show me how good you ride?”

I pulled back, heat flooding my body as I pressed my groin against his. “Why Mr. Turner… I do believe you’re makin’ a move on me,” I said, mimicking his accent. “What about my honor as a fine upstandin’ gentleman in this town?”

He grinned. “We all know what kind of reputation you have around here.”

“I guess I have been a bad boy.” The accent fell away as I started to laugh. “But I suppose that just means I’ll have to give you what you want.”

Taking Beau’s hand in mine, I pulled him down the hall and up the stairs to his bedroom. The moment the door shut, our lips crashed together, the heat rising between us. I reached up to pull my hat away, but Beau stopped me.

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