“A big ask.”
“Again. I’m not asking.”
“You’d do it today?”
I steer with one hand and take her left in my right. I brush my thumb over her ring finger. “You marry me, and I’ll put a diamond around you
r finger and your throat.”
“Like a diamond collar? You’re crazy.”
“Think we’ve established that.”
She blows out a breath and stares out the window.
“Think about it.”
“I have a feeling if I fall asleep around you, I’m going to wake up married.” Hazel returns her attention back to me. “I guess this is only a matter of when and not if, huh?”
“Now it’s soaking in.”
“Do you need permission to marry me?”
“Now you’re fishing for excuses. Give me a month. You decide you want out, I’ll let you walk.”
“Just like that.”
I nod.
“Okay.”
“Perfect timing.” I grin and take the exit for Gatlinburg. I pull out my cell and dial Easton Reed. “Need a favor. Where did you take Wylla Mae when you eloped?”
“Who’s getting hitched?”
“Keep it to yourself for now, but I am.”
“Prez’s niece?”
“Yup?”
“Is this a joke?”
“Am I laughing?”
“Shit, man. Congrats. Fucking real happy for you.”
He texts me the info I need.
Hazel doesn’t think I’m serious about this. Thinks I’m fucking around.
I drive up to the courthouse and park.
“What the hell are we doing?”
“Getting our marriage license.”
“Um...don’t we need birth certificates? Take a blood test? I mean you need an appointment for this sort of thing, right?”