Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
“No. They’d be ecstatic,” Maisie admitted.
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” He turned to call his parents first.
Maisie listened as he spoke to them. Just as she suspected, they were not pleased. She sighed deeply as he went into the guest bedroom she used as her office to talk to them. Beau was trying to protect her, but to his parents, she’d always be the trash that cluttered Avondale.
Maisie headed for their bedroom to change. At the sight of Floof lying on her pillow, she scooped her into her arms and hugged the stuffie close.
“Oh, Floof. Please let this work out.”
“It’s going to be okay, Little girl.”
“You can’t make everything perfect, Beau. Your parents will never accept me.”
“Then that’s their loss.”
CHAPTER 18
Even Maisie got misty during the ceremony. Wiping her eyes with her free hand, she held the tote bag against her chest so the precious stuffie inside didn’t miss a single word. With his arm wrapped around her shoulders, Beau supported her the entire time.
The ceremony was sweet and brief. It was if they didn’t want to waste a single minute more. Soon, Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler were introduced to those witnessing their union. The smiles on both their faces were infectious. Maisie was so happy for her friend.
Colt steered Harper over to talk to them. After they exchanged hugs, Harper asked Maisie, “Did Wombles get to see?”
“He peeked out to watch,” Maisie assured her and patted the tote bag.
“Oh, good. I’ll take him now.” Harper hugged the bag when Maisie surrendered it and kissed the soft head poking out.
Colt zeroed in on Beau and Maisie. “So, you’re the last ones left.”
“Not everyone gets a fairytale ending,” Maisie answered bluntly. She was terrified of meeting Beau’s parents the next day.
“They do if they’re good,” Beau corrected.
“Right,” she agreed sarcastically. Her mouth had already gotten her in trouble several times this week.
“It appears your brilliant mind has one more lesson to learn. But don’t mind us, Colt and Harper. We’re so happy for you both,” Beau congratulated the happy couple.
“Hold on a minute.” Colt ran over to retrieve a large packet. “This needs to spend time with you now. I’ll ask to borrow it again.”
Maisie peered in to see the tattered pages of the book they’d all shared. It reminded her instantly of all her teenage hopes and dreams. The hole in her life she tried to ignore gaped a bit wider. To cover her thoughts, she said, “Wow, that seems so long ago.”
“Thank you, Colt. I’d love to reread it,” Beau said, accepting the package.
“It’s probably safer if I hold on to it,” Maisie pointed out, wanting to keep it close.
“I’m sure we can come to a diplomatic solution. Especially since I’m staying with you while I’m in DC,” Beau replied.
“That’s great news,” Harper enthused as Rio and Amber joined them.
“What’s good news?” Amber asked quickly.
“Maisie and Beau are moving in together,” Harper shared.
The others shook their heads. Harper never could keep a secret. Well, not for long.
Maisie extended her hand and turned the gorgeous engagement ring back around to share their news with everyone.
“Oh, my, God.” Harper chanted each word separately as she held Maisie’s hand in hers. “You guys aren’t just moving in together. You’re already together.”
“Beau’s already been staying with me. Or we’re here at his house. It’s back where make-out central was in high school,” Maisie said to distract the group huddled over her sparkling diamond.
Colt looked up and shook his head. “Now, it’s my turn to say Oh, my, God.”
“Isn’t that where your land is, Rio?” Amber asked.
“And where we’re building my daycare?” Harper chimed in.
“Yes. I’d wondered if you’d drive to the end of that road to see who else lived there,” Beau shared and laughed when the two men shook their heads ruefully. “I bought the parcel of land with an idea in mind. You two were nice enough to buy into it.”
“We’re all going to live next to each other?” Harper said, tears welling into her eyes.
“No crying on your wedding day, Angel,” Colt said, producing a handkerchief for her.
“Thank you for thinking so far in advance,” he said to Beau and reached out his hand.
Harper, of course, hugged him. “This is the best wedding present ever.”
Amber and Rio chimed in, expressing their excitement at being close to the people who’d always meant the most to them.
“Are your parents okay with this, Beau?” Amber probed. She knew what it felt like to love someone her parents forbid her to see.
“They will be or they won’t,” he said with a shrug. “If they can’t see we’re meant to be together, then we’ll spend time with them only if they can be civil.”
“Beau, we better go,” Maisie reminded him. “Have a wonderful honeymoon. We’ll send the date for our wedding when everything is set.”
“Congratulations, Colt and Harper. We’ll see you all soon,” Beau said, placing a hand on the small of Maisie’s back to guide her out of the courthouse.