Page 22 of After this Summer
But then it’smyphone that lights up.
BEAU: Why does Reid want to know the sex of the baby?
INDIE: He said he won’t tell anyone but he hates surprises
BEAU: He loves surprises
INDIE: Y’all can hash that out
BEAU: He can wait like everyone else
Smirking,I hand my phone to Reid, Pen and I dissolving into a fit of giggles when he huffs and turns up his nose.
It’s silly, but somehow that one simple exchange has a tendril of excitement snaking through my veins and now, I just need to hold on to it.
13
BEAU
BEAU: Come outside.
Pocketing my phone, I warm my hands by the fire I started and wait for Indie. A to-go box with dessert and two forks sits on top of a little table I wedged between the lawn chairs I chose over a blanket on the ground.
“Hey, I didn’t know you were back,” Indie says, pulling a sweater on and wrapping it around herself.
“Just got here.”And I couldn’t wait.
She looks around and raises an eyebrow. “Looks like you’ve been busy.”
“Today was important,” I tell her, taking her hand in mine and rubbing my thumb across her knuckles. “I went to see your parents.”
“You what?” She gapes at me. “You went to Tennessee? Today? Why would you…”
“I told you I had to do something.”
“You could have just called. Oh my gosh, you must be exhausted. Let’s sit down.”
She starts for the chairs but I tug her gently until she stops and looks at me. “Wait.”
“Beau, you flew to my hometown. Did Mama try to feed you? I bet she did. Gah! I miss her cooking.”
“She did.” I grin, brushing a stray hair back from her face before pulling a small box from my pocket, holding a ring her mama helped pick out.
“Beau, this isn’t real, this is?—”
“Marrying you is very much real, Stunner. You’ll be my wife and you’ll be wearing my ring.” When she opens her mouth to argue, I add, “Just because it’s temporary doesn’t mean it isn’t real.”
When I’m sure she isn’t going to protest, I drop down on one knee and take her hand.
“You don’t have to do this,” she whispers, but I can see the way her eyes are shining with tears, and even if she denies it, I know she feels it too.
I just gotta get her to admit it.
“The night I met you was the best night of my life and it’s only gotten better with each day that passes. It’s not the way you imagined but, Indie, will you marry me? And will you give me the honor of trying to make you fall in love with me?”
With a surprised laugh, she nods. “I think I’m excited to marry you, Heartthrob, even if it’s just for a while.”
Pulling out the simple white gold band with the modest cushion cut diamond—one I plan to upgrade when she’s finally all in—I slip it on her finger and stand.
