“What the fuck are you waiting on?” I ask, punching him lightly in the arm.
He leans in close and whispers, “I’ve got the ring. I just have to figure out how I want to ask her.”
“Take it from me,” Rhett says. “There is no right time or right way. If you’re feeling it, just do it.”
“What’s with all the commotion?” a familiar voice hollers. “I could hear y’all from the front of the house.”
We all whip around to see Beau come striding across the yard.
“Oh my God,” Vivian squeals for the second time today. “What are you doing home?” She runs toward Beau and pulls her firstborn into her arms.
“Well, Rhett’s getting hitched, and when Lincoln called and asked for my blessing to marry Adley, I figured I’d better get my ass home and figure out what’s in the water y’all are drinkin’ down here. Everyone is falling in love and getting married and having babies.” Beau’s gaze slides to mine, and he winks.
I may have told him about the baby. I knew we were going to tell the rest of the family today, and I thought that Beau would want to be part of the celebration.
I guessed right.
“No marriage, babies, or love here,” Coop says, handing his big brother a beer.
Beau clinks his bottle to Coop’s in a quiet toast. “Same, brother.”
Adley sidles up next to me. “You asked Beau for his blessing?”
“I asked your entire family for their blessing. Although their answer didn’t really matter. I was going to ask you to marry me regardless.”
She pushes up on her toes and kisses me. “I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“Not possible.”
Laughing, I pull her against my side. “I have a feeling this is going to be a continuous argument for us throughout our marriage.”
“I think you’re right.” She pats my chest as we watch Beau make his way through the small crowd, talking to the various members of his family.
When he spots Tess standing next to Claire, he tilts his head to the side. “Have we met?”
Tess’s body stiffens. Her jaw ticks, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think she was seconds from throwing a punch.
I lower my lips to Adley’s ear. “What’s her problem?”
She shakes her head. “No clue.”
Mo steps up beside Adley and whispers, “Maybe we should reconsider having them walk together at my wedding.”
But Adley shakes her head. “Don’t do anything hasty. I have a feeling things are going to heat up this summer, and we’re going to enjoy watching.”
Mo looks at Adley like the goddess she is and holds out a fist. Without taking her eyes off of Beau and Tess, Adley bumps it.
“What are you two up to?” I ask.
“No good,” Mo answers.
Adley grins. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
THE END
Where We Belong