Chapter Twenty-One
Jolene
" J oey girl, wake up."
"Ugh, go away, Beau. It's too damn early to get up. Especially since you kept me up half the damn night."
"I know, but I just got off the phone with the chief of police in Whispering Pines."
That's got me wide awake, shooting up in bed. It's been a couple of weeks since the incident at Tansy's house. For the most part, nobody questioned us about the events of that night, but we've been impatiently waiting for the all-clear for Calli.
We knew the chances of her being tried for killing Carter were slim, but the Rutherfords’ pockets are deep, and their lawyers tried everything they could to blame someone other than Carter for how things ended that night.
Fortunately for Calli, the evidence against Carter was insurmountable.
Not to mention the devastation he caused Tansy and his ex, April's, family.
As for the cop who had tipped off Carter, he lasted a week in prison before his accidental death. At least, that's how they ruled it until the official autopsy comes back from the coroner.
I'm just glad there's nobody left to bother Tansy during her recovery, other than the Rutherfords, who are more worried about their reputation than retaliation at this point. She's got a long road ahead of her, and many more months in the hospital, before she'll be able to come home.
The guilt from letting him slip past my defenses still eats at me, but Beau and Boomer help remind me it could've happened to anyone.
Even if I feel like my goading made matters worse, Carter was unhinged and already had the acid with him.
He planned on inflicting the most pain possible when he broke in that night.
Finding our way back to normal took longer than I would've liked.
I had to lean on Kenina and Rieka to help with the nightmares, but I finally feel like we're getting back to how things were before the whole ordeal.
I really hope whatever Beau tells me now doesn't send that spinning of the rails.
Although, with his smile fighting to break free, I have a feeling it's only good news.
"Well, don't hold out on me. What did he say?"
"Calli's been cleared of all charges, and the Rutherfords are no longer going to fight for further prosecution. They have also decided to transfer Carter's trust fund to Tansy so that she doesn't need to worry about hospital expenses."
"Holy shit. Has hell frozen over?"
"Not sure. Although, a little birdy told me they saw Calli at the diner in town with an older couple who looked remarkably like the Rutherfords the other day. Maybe she was able to talk some sense into them."
"What the hell was she thinking? That could've completely backfired on her."
"You're not wrong, but it looks like it's what needed to happen for everyone to move on. And I do mean everyone. Now, come on. We've got places to be today. Get that fine ass moving." Beau smacks my ass, which makes heat flood my pussy.
The man is off his damn rocker if he thinks I'm going anywhere without an orgasm or two after news that good.
Rolling to my back, I let the sheet fall down my chest, exposing my bare breast as it goes.
Beau's too busy digging through clothes in the dresser to notice what I'm doing, so I decide to turn things up a bit.
I suck my finger into my mouth and let it out with a loud pop.
I pay no mind to Beau, whose eyes are glued to my finger as I trail it over my stiff nipples then head down my stomach until I reach my clit.
I moan when I make contact and let my legs fall open to give Beau a better view.
Gliding my fingers through my center, I gather some of my wetness and work it over my bundle of nerves.
In a flash, Beau is on me. His hands pin my own to the bed as he buries his face in my cunt. If there's one thing I can say about Beau, it's that if he's going to go down on me, he devours me like I'm his last meal.
Every.
Damn.
Time.
In seconds, my hips are chasing his tongue, begging for just a little more so I can have my release. I'm almost tipping over the edge when Beau stops, making me growl in frustration.
"How many fucking times do I need to tell you this pussy is mine? You do not come unless I say it's okay, and I most definitely did not give you permission to get yourself off this morning, now did I?"
I bite my lip as I shake my head.
"Words, Joey girl. Give me your words."
"No, you didn't. But it's your fault. You know how hot I get when you smack my ass."
"I do. I didn't think about that when I slapped it a minute ago. I'm sorry, baby. But if you're aching, all you have to do is ask."
"I'm aching now, Beau. Please make me come."
"Fuck. I should make you wait, but you asked me so sweetly. On your hands and knees, Jolene."
Ooh, Beau's domineering side is coming out to play. This is working out better than I could have imagined.
I get on my hands and knees, and shake my ass in Beau's direction.
Smack!
Fuck, my right cheek stings as Beau's hand connects with it, but I absolutely love it.
"I think ten should be good enough punishment, don't you?"
"Yes, sir."
"Fuck me, Jolene. You know what it does to me when you call me ‘sir’. Make sure you count them."
I do. I hold still and count out loud as Beau alternates between slapping each side of my ass.
He doesn't follow a pattern, so it's always a surprise when his hand lands.
The last slap sends me careening over the edge.
Instead of slapping my stinging cheeks, Beau's last smack is to my dripping pussy.
The combination of pain and pleasure has me exploding. My orgasm is so strong I see stars.
Before I can catch my bearings, Beau's slamming into me from behind. His pace is unrelenting and only prolongs my orgasm. I'm a writhing mess as Beau gives us more pleasure than should be possible.
I'm lost to his movements as he builds me up until I'm sure I'll shatter.
Beau pulls my hair to guide my head to the side so I can look at him. With a smirk, he shoves his fingers in my mouth. I can taste myself on him, which makes me even hotter. He removes his fingers and rims my asshole before thrusting past my tight ring.
I explode like a bomb going off, my senses completely overwhelmed in the best possible way. The orgasm wracks my body, making it impossible to hold myself up any longer. I tumble to the bed, with Beau following close behind me to my side.
"Fucking hell, Joey girl. Somehow, it keeps getting better and better."
"Nghf." I grunt, not giving a fuck that it wasn't even a real word.
"I know you're completely wrecked right now, but what do you say we take a shower and then finally get hitched?”
I gasp, my eyes flying open, as cool metal slips over my finger. Beau's smile could brighten the darkest day as he looks at his ring on my hand. Tears fill my eyes and spill over.
"Are those happy tears or sad tears?" Beau gently wipes them away.
"Happy. Definitely happy, pretty boy."
"Good. Let's get ready. We don't have much time until we have to meet the judge."
I hop out of bed to take a quick shower, but it’s hindered by Beau’s need to take care of me after spanking me to completion. He has me standing with my hands on the sink as he gently rubs one of Rieka and Kenina’s lotions onto my sore backside.
Looking into the mirror, I can’t help but sigh at the state of my hair. It’s a complete mess, which means Beau's gonna have to suck it up if we're a little late. It's his fault for using it as a handle.
I spritz some sea salt spray in my hair, which I then wind up in a microfiber towel. Thank fuck Beau likes my wild auburn waves, otherwise we'd never make it to our appointment if I had to tame it.
Letting my hair do its thing, I head into my room to figure out what to wear to my wedding. I probably should've bought something after Beau and I decided to get married, but I just never had the time.
When I open my closet door, the tears are back. Inside is a gorgeous knee-length, white lace dress with long sleeves. Below it is a pair of brand-new boots with a bouquet of wildflowers from the field sitting in them.
When the hell did Beau have time to do all of this?
I waste no time getting in the dress and marvel at how perfect it looks, especially with my new boots. I do a quick spin and smile when I see everything fits like a glove.
Back in the bathroom, I'm disappointed to find Beau covered up already. He's got pomade on his fingers that he's working through his hair. I've never liked the long mohawk look, but on Beau’s wavy hair, it's sexy as fuck.
"Behave.” He smirks my way, which makes his dimples pop and my center pulse. “Quit looking at me like that until we've said our vows, ya hear?"
"I can't make any promises. You're just too damn hot, Beau Calhoun.”
“Right back at you, Jo Calhoun."
I wince at hearing Beau's last name instead of my own, and of course he picks up on it.
"Sorry, I—"
"You don't want to take my last name. I get it, babe. Hell, I expected that. I was just in the heat of the moment."
"DuVall just means so much to me. I was actually wondering if you'd be okay with me hyphenating it—"
"That sounds pretty damn good to me."
"Good. Thanks for understanding."
"I've got you, Jolene, just like you've got me. Now, you 'bout ready to marry me?"
"Hell yeah. Just give me two minutes."
"Sounds good. I'll meet you in the truck."
I add mascara and brows, then head out the door.
I've been dying to marry Beau since the day we talked about it. It's almost surreal that we're here.
The drive to Whispering Pines, where the courthouse is, feels like it takes forever, but Beau does his best to distract me. At first, he tells me about the people he's met over the years of being a police officer. Some of his stories are so outlandish I find them hard to believe.
At long last, we make it to the courthouse. It isn't until we reach the stairs that I realize I don't have a ring for Beau.
“Fuck,” I mutter as panic floods my veins.
“What’s the matter?”
“I don’t have a ring for you.”
Beau pulls a box out of his pocket. It has a band that matches the one he got me. I should've known he'd come prepared.
“I’ve got you covered. Now, come on. We’re late.” Beau tugs my hand, pulling me up the stairs into the courthouse.
Our wedding is short and sweet. We're in and out in under ten minutes, which is definitely my type of wedding.
"What do you say about grabbin' Coop and then heading home?"
"That sounds like heaven."
I hold Beau's hand the entire way back to Aspen Hollow. I thought I'd be ready to jump his bones, but there's something to be said about being content with your partner. Time like this with him fills my cup just as much as any sexual interactions we have, and I wouldn't trade this for the world.
Once we snag Cooper, Beau guides his truck towards the barn. I'm snuggle into his side, kissing on his neck, when he slams on the breaks and curses under his breath. Lifting my gaze, I find a very pissed-off Mama and Nana sitting on my front porch steps.
"How the hell did they find out already?" I muse.
"I swear your nana is better than the head of any cartel or mafia boss around. It's actually cute you thought she wouldn't know by the time we got home."
"If you thought this would happen, why didn't you give me a heads-up?"
"I didn't want to be the one to wipe that blissed-out look off your face. Let's get this over with so we can consummate our marriage." Beau wiggles his eyebrows suggestively as he parks his truck by my front porch.
"Jolene DuVall. How dare you get married without telling us? How could you steal that pleasure from me and your mama?" Nana pushes from her rocking chair as she makes her way to the top of the porch steps.
"I'm sorry, Nana. We weren't tryin' to steal nothin' from you. I just wanted our marriage to be about us and not what everyone else wanted to see happen. I love Beau and wanted to tie myself to him for the rest of my life, so I did. Please say you'll forgive."
"I will, on one condition." Nana has a gleam in her eye that has me nervous as hell as she stands off with me and my husband.
I try not to show my fear, but Lord knows what’s about to come out of her mouth.
"What's that?" Beau speaks up, obviously braver than me.
"You and Jolene let me, her mama, and your mama throw y'all a proper wedding."
"I think we can manage that, but we get at least one year of wedded bliss before the big to-do, okay?" Beau looks at me for confirmation.
"That sounds good to me. Now, will y'all scoot so I can spend the rest of the day tangled up with my husband?"
"Sure thing, baby girl. I'm so damn proud and happy for you." Mama wraps me in a warm hug.
"Thanks, Mama."
Once they leave, Beau scoops me up and heads towards the front door. We still have shit to figure out and a lot to learn about each other, but as long as we're together, I'm down for whatever crazy ride life has to throw at us.