by Aria Cole
“Evenin’.” I nodded and dumped the boxes on the scanner. “We’ve got a bet.” I winked at the cashier. Her eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t reply. “Guess we’re gonna find out how potent the swimmers are.” I caught Scarlet under my arm and pulled her close.
“You’re just impossible. In all the really annoying ways.” Scarlet grumbled and crossed her arms over her chest, shooting an apologetic smile to the cashier.
“Newlyweds?” The woman smiled at us.
“No,” Scarlet replied just as I gave her a squeeze and said, “Yes.”
Scarlet's eyes shot up to me, the blush burning up her cheeks and making me want to undress her and feast on her body all over again as soon as we got home.
“Cute. Best of luck.” The cashier scanned the last box. “$36, please.”
I swiped my card and then snagged the bag, holding Scarlet tightly with my other hand.
“I can’t believe you spent $36 on tests for me to pee on,” Scarlet teased as we walked out of the store.
I shook my head. “Now you’re the one being impossible.”
“Not as much as you. Not even close,” she answered, then placed a kiss on the tip of my chin. “But thank you for being so thoughtful.”
“It’s damn more than that. I’ll be taking care of both of you."
“You already take care of me.”
“The day I stop taking care of you, Scarlet Fair, is the day I’m dead. You won’t ever have to worry about that.” I pressed my hands into her hair and took her in a kiss. I pressed her up against the door of my truck and thrust my tongue between her lips until we were both gasping for air.
“I love you, Beau,” she sighed.
My heart was more full than it’d ever been.
“Love you too, sweetheart.” I stroked her hair and pulled her against my chest, thankful for every second I had her in my arms.
“Beau!” she squealed when I lifted her in my arms and carried her through my house ten minutes later.
“Just trying to be helpful.” I sat her down in the bathroom and hooked my thumbs in her panties.
“You’re being a distraction right now! I need to focus,” she laughed and gestured for me to turn around.
“Not a chance, baby. You’re mine, and I’m yours. That means I have a right to your everything. Now sit…squat…do whatever you girls do…and go.”
“But Beau…?” She paused, feeling a flip of dread turn my stomach. “What if it’s positive? What if we’re…”
“Hey, hey, hey.” I cupped her face in my palms. “Whatever that little test says, nothing changes. What you and I have, we’ll always have. That will last for eternity, I can promise you that, love. Don’t worry ’bout a thing. I’ll take care of all of us.”
A slow smile crept across her lips. “I love you, Beau.”
“Ahh, petite rouge, I loved you the first day you fell into my arms.”
I swiped at a tear hovering in her eye. She heaved a big sigh before picking up the first box.
“No, this one first.” I thrust another at her. “Looked better.” I shrugged when her eyes widened in surprise. “Just sit.”
“So impossible.” She mouthed the words before she pulled her dress up and sat down. “Are you really going to watch me the whole time?”
“Oh, for God’s sakes, piss on the stick, woman,” I huffed.
She laughed, before replying, “Sorry, Mr. Loup.”
“And I'm the impossible one,” I grunted and left the room, stopping just outside the door. Be damned if I was going to get a step farther away from her than I had to.
“I can’t do it when you’re hovering.”
“You’re doing it just fine. Relax.” I peeked around the corner.
She arched an eyebrow back at me. “Do you have a doctor’s degree I don’t know about?”
My laugh filled the small space.
“There.” She thrust the stick towards me with a charming smile.
I crossed the room in two strides and took the test from her. “Now we wait.”
“Good luck. I’m surprised you’re not going to threaten the damn thing to give you the results sooner.” Scarlet finished up and flushed while I perched the test on top of its box.
“Smartass,” I chided while we washed our hands. “You want something to eat? Are you thirsty? We need to make sure you’re getting enough calories.”
“Beau, I’m hardly pregnant.”
“You could be. Two more minutes and we’ll know for sure.” I placed a kiss on her bare knuckles, a reminder that she wasn’t officially bound to me yet, and instantly thought I needed to rectify that with something big and shiny soon.
“Counting down the minutes already? I’m a little afraid you’ll be disappointed if it’s negative.”
I smiled, enjoying these moments with her. I hoped she was carrying my child, and someday we could tell the little him or her all about this moment when we first found out together. “It won’t be negative, petite rouge. I know that as well as I know the curves of your body.”
“Beau?” she said. I covered her word in a kiss.
“It’s time,” I said when I finished, my hands stroking her shoulders reverently.
“You look at it first. You tell me,” she said as she quaked on nervous legs behind me.
I lifted the little white stick in my palm and squinted at the results. I flipped it over in my head, furrowing my forehead. “What do two pink lines mean again?”
“Beau!” she shrieked and swatted at my shoulder, swiping the test from my palms and reading the results for herself.
“Congratulations, mama.” I pulled her into my arms, hauling her into the air and spinning her in the small space.
“Beau, how is it possible? The first month?!”
“I manage the impossible, remember?” I grinned, placing a kiss on her mouth, feeling what had now become that familiar feeling radiating between us. Love multiplied. It was the three of us now, and the little life growing inside her connected us on a whole new level.
“I can’t believe we’re going to have a baby. Maybe I should take another test. Do you think it could be wrong?” She pulled away, her eyes gleaming up at me, happiness pulsing from every pore.
“Yeah, baby. We’ll do another one. But right now I just want you. Can’t let you go just yet.” I nuzzled into her hair, imbibing her gentle aura into my system.
“Let’s take a bath. I need to take care of both of you.”
SEVENTEEN
Scarlet
Hummingbirds flitted around in my stomach as I waited, Beau’s hand pressed in mine, my legs shifting anxiously as we waited in the foyer.
“We have to tell them, right? Are you sure we can’t just run away and never come back?”
“Ha, not a chance. I’m proud of the life we created. No chance in hell I’m running from it.” He squeezed my hand in his.
“Okay.” I swallowed the lump in my throat and smoothed the hem of my dress.
“Hey, I got you. No matter what happens, I got you.” He caught my chin in his fingers and kissed me squarely on the lips.
“Stop, they might see.” I squirmed with a smile, cognizant of the people waiting just around the corner.
“And I wouldn’t give a fuck if they did. You are mine. We are a family now, whether they want to admit it or not. That’s the bottom line.”
“You don’t know them. They won’t hold back.” Tears began a stubborn swell in my eyes.
“But I know you, and I know if they love you like I do, they wouldn’t walk away. They’ll do everything they can to support you.”
I nodded, sucking in a breath and getting control of my roller-coaster emotions. Just another symptom of pregnancy, I’d read.
We’d wanted to do this the right way and had called my parents down for the weekend.
My parents were now sitting in the living room, sipping hot tea and chatting with Gran. They’d exchanged long, loving hugs, but I was secretly terrified that my and
Beau’s confession may bring up old feelings. I knew I needed to see them with Beau by my side, I wouldn’t have the strength any other way. This would be so unexpected, I’d never even mentioned a crush to them before. The idea that I’d found the man I loved and we were ready to spend the rest of our lives together as we raised our baby would shock them.
“I’m ready.” I clutched his hand in mine as we took the few steps around the corner and entered the elegant front sitting room of the manor.
“Scarlet!” my mother cried and shot up, running to me with open arms. “We’ve missed you so much.”
My father joined us, and we all hugged. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You look healthier. This southern sun has done you well.” Dad placed a kiss on my cheek.
“Thanks, Daddy. I missed you guys so much.” I smiled. “Actually, I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
“Oh, Beau! I’m so glad you’re here!” Gran stood and rifled in the drawer she kept her gardening magazines in. “I saw this koi pond—”
“Actually, Gran, Beau is here for a different reason.” I stepped back to his side, locking his hand in mine.
“He’s my—”
“Fiancé. Beau Loup, nice to meet you.” Beau stepped forward to shake my parents’ hands.
“Fiancé?” My mother’s forehead furrowed as she looked from me to him and back again.
I nodded slowly before holding out my hand, the gleaming rock Beau had placed on it just last night now blinding in the morning sunlight.
“Scarlet!” my mother shrieked and held my hand up to hers as if checking the ring was real, then glared at Beau and Gran.
“How did this happen? John, can you believe this?” My mother turned to my father.
His dark eyes searched my face before seeking out Beau’s. “Can I have a word, young man?”
Beau’s eyes shot up, and he nodded, leaving the room with my father.
“Scarlet, what are you thinking?!”
Gran approached, one comforting palm trailing through my hair. I closed my eyes, taking comfort from her quiet demeanor.
“It happened when I wasn’t looking. I met him one day and the next, I couldn't stop thinking of him. We kept bumping into each other, and when we’re together, it’s like the world rights itself. Everything is so messy and complicated, but all of it makes sense when I’m in his arms,” I breathed, hoping they’d see through to the heart of me.
“Oh, Scarlet.” My mother took me in her arms, hugging me fiercely.
“Love does funny things.” Gran nodded before looking up to the doorway.
“Seems there’s something else they’d like to tell us,” my father said when he entered the room, pressing a kiss on my forehead as he passed.
“Mr. and Mrs. Fair. I’d like Scarlet to stay with me here. I know this place is special to her, and I’d like to raise our baby right here where I grew up.”
My heart flip-flopped as he dropped our biggest revelation on them.
“Your baby?” My mother’s eyes widened and shot to my belly.
“A baby, Mama. We’re going to have a baby.” I couldn’t help the smile that spread my cheeks. I went to her, arms wide as we crushed each other in a tight hug.
“Oh, honey. I never wanted that for you.” Tears hovered in her eyes, and I sensed she was remembering a time in the distant past, my father and her confessing the very same situation to Gran.
“I know what you wanted, Mama, but I’m happy here. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.” I clasped Beau’s hand in mine and gazed up at him, love simmering in the gaze between us.
“I had no idea when you left, that the next time I’d see you, you’d be a woman.” The words choked my mother’s throat before a small smile turned at the corners of her lips.
“I had no idea either. Everything has taken me by surprise.” I couldn’t keep the grin from splitting my cheeks.
Mama slowly nodded. “I can see there’s not a thing I can say to change your mind, and even if I did, it would be purely selfish on my part.” My mother looked at Beau, then back to me. “Love. I could see it on you when you walked in. Happiness looks beautiful on you, sweetheart.”
A few more happy tears trailed down my cheeks before I turned to my dad.
“We had a talk. As long as he takes care of you, I’m a happy man. Only the best for my little girl.” He placed an emotional kiss on my forehead, then turned away, swiping at his eyes awkwardly.
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Your daddy and I used to dream about a wedding in the back garden. That didn’t happen for us, but maybe, with Gran’s blessing, it will for you.” Mama cradled my cheek in her palm
“I would love that.” I grinned up at Beau and saw his smile spread.
He pressed my hand to his lips and placed a kiss there. “I would marry you anywhere, Scarlet Fair, but right here feels just about perfect.”
EIGHTEEN
Beau
By the time summer sun set on the last week of August, Scarlet had the slightest bump protruding at her waistline. She was mine.
Like every fiber in my body had been telling me the day we’d met, Scarlet was mine to keep, and today would only make it official.
Today Scarlet’s father would walk her down the aisle and give her away.
To me.
I straightened my tie in the mirror, feeling, not for the first time, like the damn thing was choking me. I grunted, then spun, knocking over a photo of my parents. I sucked in a breath of air that actually stung on the way in. It pained me that they weren’t here, would never get the chance to meet the beautiful woman who had captivated my heart. Marrying Scarlet was a dream come true. Our courtship had happened in such a rush, our circumstances certainly not average, but we’d found love just the same. I only wished they could be here to share it all with us, but I was certain they would be here in spirit.
We’d thought about postponing the wedding for my sister, but she was still completing her ninety days in rehab, stronger and healthier than ever, and had plans to move into a transitional house after finishing. She’d wished us well and promised that she would come to visit soon, but that she didn’t feel strong enough to be exposed to all the temptations of the outside world just yet. I’d been silently saddened, but knew she was taking the right steps in her recovery and for that I was prouder of her than ever.
I turned back to the mirror, adjusted my tie once more, then flicked off the lights and left. I had a wedding to get to.
Taking long strides down the driveway, I cut left to head down the path that led to the big house. I stopped when I came to the tree line, taking in the massive estate. The mansion looked stately in the background, the rolling green gardens and terraces were always breathtaking, but now, in the evening light, even more so. Rows of chairs decorated the lawn, a large white tent to feed our guests after, and one long aisle. People milled around. A grand piano had been set up on the patio, and a pianist released sweet chords into the air.
It was a fairy tale, without a doubt. But my real happily ever after was getting Scarlet. I hadn’t seen her coming, was powerless in the face of the control she held over me, and utterly bewitched by everything that was her. Scarlet had chosen me, and I’d spend every day of my life proving to her that she’d made the right choice.
I walked the remaining yards down the path to the gardens, where I would take my spot at the end of the aisle as the groom. I approached Scarlet’s grandmother, and she welcomed me in a hug. She’d grown frailer as the months of summer had gone on. Scarlet was worried, and that was part of the reason why we’d wanted to rush the wedding, so we could share this day with her.
“You’re such a wonderful, kind man, Beau.” She patted me on the cheek. “I know somewhere deep in that stubborn heart of yours, you probably don’t think you deserve her, but you deserve all the love she has for you. You deserve everything, Beau.”
“Ms. Fair, you brought me Scarlet, and for that, I can’t thank you enough.�
�� I held my arms open, and the little old woman tucked herself against my body.
“This summer has been nothing short of magic. I’m an old woman. I won’t be around for much longer, but I wanted to give you this.” She handed me an envelope. “It’s my will. I’m leaving you and Scarlet the house. I’ve always wondered who would live here after I was long gone, but now I can rest happy knowing it will stay in the family.”
“No ma’am.” I shook my head. “I don’t think we can accept that. It’s too generous.”
“Nonsense. Scarlet is my granddaughter, and the only other person I would consider leaving it to is standing right before me.” She smiled. “Now I don’t want to make you late on your big day. Go get your girl.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” I nodded, and she smiled and turned away, walking back to her seat in the front row. There’s another woman who constantly took me by surprise. Maybe it ran in the family.
Scarlet’s mom sat next to Ms. Fair and an empty chair where Scarlet’s dad would soon be sitting. My eyes crossed the aisle to the handful of people I’d invited, all the chairs filled except for two in the front row. A bouquet of white lilies on both in honor of my parents. It’d been Scarlet’s idea to include them, and the idea touched me to the very core of my heart. It was perfect.
The music started then, and I took my place at the head of the aisle beneath the flowering trellises, waiting for my girl.
Finally, the music changed, and Scarlet and her dad turned the corner and began their slow march down the aisle. My eyes were riveted the entire journey, my gaze caressing her form as she walked to me, tears shimmering in her eyes and a smile hovering on her lips.
“Petite rouge, you look edible.” My voice was husky as she clung to my arms. “I want to peel this fluffy white confection off your body and taste you.”
A vibrant shade of red climbed up her cheeks before the cleric cleared his throat and started. I tuned out his words, my eyes only focusing on Scarlet’s.
“Who gives this woman?” I heard him ask, and her father stepped forward. “I do.”
The ceremony continued. We recited our vows and were finally pronounced man and wife. When he said the words, I took her face in my palms and kissed her like no one was watching.
