Chapter 31
31
CARLEE
W eston drives us back to Mawmaw’s in the side-by-side, and we take turns passing the bottle of booze even though he mostly denies it. As we park on the side of the house, I grab the bottle, taking it with me. My head swims, and we’re both giggly as he hooks his pinkie with mine. The gesture feels more intimate than before.
Our eyes meet, and electricity swarms through me. His gaze drops to my lips. Just one look—that’s all it’s ever taken for him to make my heart beat a little faster.
I swallow hard, aware of Weston’s intense gaze. The booze buzzes through my veins, lowering my inhibitions. We move onto the porch, and I take a step closer to him, our pinkies still hooked together. The air is full of hope and excitement.
“You make me so fucking happy,” he says.
Weston’s gaze darkens with an intensity that makes my breath catch.
I bite my lip, my heart pounding as I close the distance between us.
“I was so jealous of Easton and Lexi because I wanted that to be us,” I admit.
He reaches out with his free hand, his fingertips grazing my cheek. The simple touch sends shivers down my spine.
“Yeah? And look at us now,” he whispers.
“Are you happy?” I lace my fingers behind Weston’s neck, my eyes drifting shut as I tilt my face expectantly toward his.
“So fucking happy.”
When he captures my lips, the world instantly falls away. Our tongues twist together hungrily. One hand is in my hair while the other grips my hip, pulling me against him.
A needy moan escapes me as his body presses against mine. I’ve wanted him like this, without any barriers or unscalable walls, for so damn long that I can hardly believe it’s happening.
“We should go inside,” I whisper.
He freezes, then crashes his lips back to mine in a sort of frenzy. We kiss like we’re drowning and this is the only way to breathe. He walks me backward until my back presses against the front door.
“I can’t wait to be alone with you again,” he whispers against my neck.
I’m breathless as the door opens from behind me, and we topple over onto one another. We land on the floor, both of us looking up at my grandmother, who’s very confused.
“Oh, you startled me!” She places her hand over her heart. “I was just gettin’ ready to run some errands.”
Weston laughs into my hair before he pushes himself from the ground and holds his hand out for me. With too much strength, he pulls me upward, and I crash against him with an oof .
It’s official. I’m drunk.
I pick up the bottle of alcohol from the floor and step inside.
Mawmaw tears the bottle from my hand.
“Hey! That my Fireball!”
“No, honey. This is Jake’s homemade cinnamon moonshine. His giggle juice! It will give you the shits!” She looks at us with wide eyes .
“Oh no.” I burst into laughter, knowing the two of us nearly finished the bottle.
I glance at Weston, whose eyes are as wide as saucers.
“Please tell me you’re joking.” His voice is low. “I’m physically prepared.”
A big grin touches her lips. “I’m jokin’. But seriously, that’s the worst moonshine on this side of the Mississippi. I’ve got the good stuff in the cabinet.”
Mawmaw moves to the kitchen while we stay in the living room.
Weston’s mouth brushes against mine. “You’re so fucking pretty.”
“I want you again,” I whisper, breaking away from him when my grandma returns with a bottle full of liquid the color of honey.
“After a while, the cinnamon burns your throat until you can’t taste a thing,” I tell her with a hiccup.
She hands me a fresh bottle of booze. “If you’re gonna drink, drink the good stuff. Life is too short to consume nasty alcohol and sleep on cheap pillows.” She glances between us, green eyes sparkling. “Okay, what’s going on with you two? Something’s different.”
I meet Weston’s eyes. Things are different.
“I’ve stopped being in denial,” I admit. “No more fighting my feelings.”
She smiles. “Wait, you were fighting feelings?”
Weston chuckles and then happily announces, “We’ve decided to get married tomorrow.”
It feels right, like an adventure.
She glances between us. “You gotta get your marriage certificate, and then you have to wait for seventy-two hours, sweeties. Unless you already filed your paperwork down at the courthouse and I didn’t know about it.”
My smile fades. “Three days? That’s ridiculous .”
“That’s the law, honey,” Mawmaw says .
Weston interlocks his fingers with mine. “We can wait seventy-two hours. Gives us a little time to prepare.”
“Or we can fly to New York and get married in the morning,” I suggest.
Mawmaw shakes her head. “Absolutely not.”
I stare at her.
“What’s the hurry? Are you pregnant?” she blurts out.
“ Absolutely not ,” I state matter-of-factly. “And it wouldn’t matter if I were.”
“Okay, don’t get worked up. Three days is hardly enough time for me to plan to go grocery shopping. And you’re gonna get together a whole wedding? Out of the question.”
“Mawmaw, a courthouse thing would be fine. I don’t need a production.”
She sighs. “Location won’t matter if you don’t get your butts down there today and fill out the paperwork. Y’all aren’t in any position to drive.” Mawmaw shakes her head. “I’ll take ya. I was just gettin’ ready to return some books. You’re gonna need your birth certificate, Social Security card, and driver’s license. We leave in ten minutes.”
Weston smiles. “Luckily, I have everything I need.”
“You do? You were prepared for this?”
He shoots me a wink. “Always prepared, gorgeous.”
Mawmaw turns to me. “What about you?”
“Mom has my originals in the safe. I’ll text her so she can get it together,” I explain, pulling out my phone and doing it right then. I can’t believe any of this is happening.
Weston steals a kiss, causing my emotions to swirl.
“You two are … wow .” Mawmaw glances between us, smiling wide, before walking down the hallway. “I need to change shoes. Meet you in the car.”
“You make me feel like a teenager again,” I say to Weston, taking several big gulps of the moonshine in my hand.
The world shifts on its axis, and Mawmaw wasn’t joking about hers being great. It’s sweet like honey, and it slides down like water.
Weston steadies me, and we’re lost in the haze together as we dance in my grandma’s living room. The lamplight casts shadows across the walls, and the glass bottle becomes a prop in our dance as we pass it back and forth.
“Three days,” he whispers against my ear. “After last night, it feels too far away.”
Our mouths are inches apart.
“I’m impatient too.”
“You always have been,” he says, gently sucking on my earlobe. Weston brushes my hair over my shoulders, meeting my eyes. “I thought it would take us longer to get here.”
“I’m glad it didn’t,” I admit. “Just be patient with me. I don’t know how to be in a healthy relationship, Weston. Especially not a marriage.”
“Uh, based on my track record, I don’t either.” He laughs, holding me tight in his arms. “We’ll figure it out together.”
Before I can respond, Mawmaw meets us in the living room.
“Good news,” she says, grinning wide. “I called in a favor from Judge Robinson. He’ll sign a waiver for you to get married tomorrow.”
“What?” I ask, shocked.
My arms swing around Weston’s neck, and he lifts me up. His hands hold under my ass as my legs wrap around him.
“Okay, okay,” Mawmaw says modestly. “We still gotta make it to the courthouse, and you know how the traffic gets around this time. We gotta get goin’. Chop-chop.” She pushes open the front door and steps outside.
The screen door snaps closed, and Weston sets me down.
“I can’t believe this,” I mutter. “Tomorrow.”
“Meant to be,” he says, kissing me. “We should get going.”
“You’re right. Grab your stuff. I’ll see you in the car,” I say, stepping out .
I climb into the back seat and buckle, making sure to text my mom. The moonshine has made my head woozy. The smile on my numb face right now might be permanent.
Mawmaw’s eyes meet mine in the rearview. “I can tell you two really care about each other.”
“We do. He’s incredible, kind, and compassionate. He has a good heart. Weston is the man of my dreams,” I admit, leaning my arm on the back of the seat so we can chat easier. I hiccup, and Mawmaw knows I’m three sheets to the wind, but she likes to drink as much as everyone else. “How did you know Pawpaw was the one for you?”
She smiles fondly, like she’s replaying old memories.
My grandfather passed away years ago, and Mawmaw never moved on. I don’t think she ever will.
“I knew he was the one when I couldn’t imagine my life without him. Marrying him was a risk because we were so young—barely twenty—but he was all I wanted. Back in my day, I could’ve married rich, but I chose to marry for love. God’s favorite gets both,” she says, winking.
I smile wide. “Thanks, Mawmaw.”
“You’re real good together. Sometimes, couples have it, and sometimes, they don’t. The two of you are actual fireworks on the Fourth of July,” she says as Weston walks out of the house.
His hair is messy, his lips are swollen, and his eyes are sparkling.
“And he’s good-lookin’,” she confirms.
“Yes, he is,” I say.
A minute later, he joins me in the back seat. The cab fills with the faint scent of his cologne and sweat. We rolled around at the creek and in the loft, and the sun hasn’t even set. It’s been a day of us just spending time and being with each other. It’s not something we’ve ever had. I’ll cherish today for the rest of my life.
Weston buckles and opens his arms for me to fall into. “You have hay in your hair. ”
“So, Weston, do you want kids?” Mawmaw asks.
“That’s a loaded question,” I warn him.
“Lots,” Weston tells her as we approach my childhood home. “I’m letting Carlee decide.”
Her brows rise. “Really?”
“I used to tell Mawmaw I wanted ten kids,” I say.
Mawmaw is giddy with excitement. “Yes, you did. I want all the great-grandbabies. However, I think that means you need to move back to Texas so I can give them Mawmaw’s special kisses.”
I smile. “Weston was discussing buying property.”
“Honey, no. We’ve got a slice of heaven for you on the farm. You can build here. Be close to family.”
“Really?” I ask.
“Every Jolly has ten acres reserved for them if they want it,” she explains. “I’ll sign off.”
I grow emotional. “I didn’t realize … since Dad left …”
“Oh, honey. Just ’cause he was cut out a long time ago doesn’t mean you were. Hudson has the farm maps with the land divided. Just choose a plot.”
Weston’s fingers interlock with mine, and he kisses my knuckles. “See, proof it always works out.”
I grow a bit overwhelmed, and a few tears stream down my face. “Sorry. I’ve had too much to drink,” I tell them.
“Don’t apologize for happy tears,” Mawmaw says, parking outside of my childhood home.
The two-story log cabin is the same layout as the others on the property. The green shutters look freshly painted, and I can see how hard Mom has worked to keep up with the place. My brothers help a lot too. I haven’t been home in years, but nothing has changed.
“I’ll be right back,” I say.
My mother steps out onto the porch with a folder in her hand, and I meet her halfway .
“You’re getting married?” She’s excited and happy—I can see it on her face.
Mom pulls me into a tight hug.
“Yes. Tomorrow, hopefully. Mawmaw is pulling strings.”
I flip open the folder, seeing my birth certificate and Social Security card. “I’ll text you all the details once I find out what’s going on.”
“You’d better,” she warns, pulling me back into a hug. “So happy for you, Carlee. If your father had looked at me the way Weston looks at you, we’d still be married. Cherish that, honey. Love like that only happens once in a lifetime.”
“Thank you, Mama. I’m so in love with him,” I whisper, voicing my thoughts.
“I know. I could tell the first time I saw you together,” she says.
Everyone has always been able to see the chemistry we share.
Mawmaw honks, growing impatient, and Mom laughs.
“Tell her to call me,” she says when I break away.
“I will.” I return to the car.
“Ready?” Weston interlocks his fingers with mine, kissing my knuckles.
“Yep. Let’s get a marriage license,” I say.
Mawmaw turns on some country music and hums along as she backs out of the driveway.
“I wonder what Dolly Parton is doing these days,” Mawmaw says, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel as we get on the county road. It’s an endless highway that leads straight to downtown Merryville. There is only one through road, and we’re on it.
Weston unlocks his cell phone and opens his text messages to his sister.
He tilts his screen so I can see what he’s typing.
Weston
Be in Texas tomorrow for my wedding .
He chuckles as Billie’s text bubble immediately pops up.
Billie
What if I told you I was already here? So are Easton, Lexi, and Harper.
His brows furrow, and so do mine. He continues to type.
Weston
Excuse the fuck out of me?
“That’s what I was thinking,” I whisper.
She sends a photo of them, including Brody, Emma, and someone I don’t recognize. They’re all flipping us off. “Who is that?” I ask.
“That’s Claire Manchester, Emma’s sister. I think she’s married to your cousin Jake,” he explains.
Carlee’s eyes widen. “I’m so out of the loop.”
Billie
Mom and Dad and their “baggage” are on the way.
Weston
Right now?!
Billie
Yep! Thank you for inviting me first. I love you, Wessy. So happy for you and Carlee. We’re at Jake’s place, hanging out with Claire and Emma.
She sends another picture of them sitting out by a gigantic firepit, drinking.
Billie
We’re partying without you.
My heart races. “How did they know before us?”
Before he can answer, a text from Easton pops up.
Easton
We flew here as soon as I left court. When and where is the wedding?
Weston laughs. “I can’t believe this.”
Easton
I know you. And I know what I’d do. So, Lexi and I rounded everyone up to be here. We’ve been waiting for an announcement.
I smile wide. “Easton really does have you figured out.”
“Apparently,” he says.
Weston
Speaking of, how did everything go today?
Easton
No issues. Glad she didn’t try to fucking murder me afterward. For about an hour, I was concerned and paranoid. Lena is a PSYCHO! She wanted to talk to me. I refused.
Weston
Let’s get together tonight.
Easton
That was already the plan.
My cheeks heat. “I’m suddenly super nervous.”
“It’s excitement. I feel it too,” he whispers, leaning his head back.
Our faces are close. The late afternoon sunshine leaks through the back window of Mawmaw’s Cadillac.
“I love seeing you smile like this,” I say just loud enough for him to hear.
“I’m smiling because you chose me,” he mutters against my ear.
His confession has goose bumps trailing over my body.
The past year, I told myself we would never work. I was convinced neither of us would ever be happy in a relationship. That’s partly true. I don’t think we’d be happy in a relationship without the other.
“I don’t deserve you,” I say.
“But you do,” he tells me, kissing my forehead.
My eyes close, and I feel safe and free. An overwhelming amount of joy takes over.
I’m living in a reality that I wasn’t sure could be possible for us. But it is.
When the large courthouse building with its turn-of-the-century architecture comes into view, Mawmaw slows. Carefully, she pulls over to allow us out by the front entrance.
“I’ll meet you here in twenty minutes.”
I immediately feel twelve again as we give her a wave goodbye.
We find the clerk’s office and fill out the proper paperwork. Once Weston pays the sixty dollars, we’re sent on our way. I can’t stop grinning, and neither can he as I hold the certificate that will make us official.
We pass by a few court officers, and before we exit from the side door of the building, Weston pulls me into a closet. An empty bucket and mop are inside, but I barely notice because his lips quickly devour mine.
“Mmm,” I moan against him. “Are you trying to break my daily record?”
“What’s your number?” he asks, his fingers sliding down my body, teasing and taunting me.
When he adds pressure between my thighs, I can’t help but bite my bottom lip. I’m so needy as he slides one hand inside my panties.
“How many, gorgeous?”
“Six,” I breathlessly say when his fingers brush against my swollen clit.
A moan escapes me, and my body arches toward him. My pussy throbs for him, begging for more, but he wastes zero time.
“Solo?” His eyes almost darken.
“Yes. And I was thinking about you,” I gasp out. “No man has been able to bring me there except you.”
“I had no idea it was like that,” he growls out. “I love making you come. Those little whimpers that release from your throat? So goddamn sexy. Like right now.”
My eyes roll into the back of my head as he teases me.
“Shh. Don’t want anyone to hear.” He covers my mouth with his other hand.
He slides two fingers down me, spreading my wetness along my slit before pushing two digits back inside. Weston moves at a tortuous pace as my cunt clenches around his big fingers. My legs nearly go weak, and he catches me, chuckling.
“You work me up so fast,” I sigh, knowing I’ll spill over at any second.
Weston pumps his fingers in and out of me so damn good. I can hear how wet I am for him, and it only turns me on more.
He curls his fingers inside me, finding my G-spot, causing me to see stars. He finger-fucks me harder and faster, adding his thumb to the mix against my clit.
“You know what I love?” I mutter against his lips.
“Fuck yes,” he mutters. “You love my fingers buried deep inside of you, filling you up.”
My heart races when I hear a voice coming closer. Footsteps click against the marble floor, but Weston doesn’t give a fuck as he continues to give me what I want. I’m so close. My body tenses and my breathing grows ragged. The orgasm builds like a storm in the distance, but I miscalculate.
My eyes slam shut. “Wes. ”
My pussy clenches around his fingers, and I come so hard that my legs tremble. I cover my mouth, not allowing a single moan to escape. He doesn’t stop, knowing how horny I am for him, and he continues to rub my clit. His fingers stay buried inside me as I fully ride it out. When he tries to remove his hand from my panties, I shake my head, holding him there.
“I want another one. Make me come again,” I demand, barely down from my current high.
His presence looms over me like a dark cloud on the horizon.
“Your greedy cunt can’t get enough.” His voice is low and gravelly.
“Never,” I say, barely able to speak and form words.
His fingers return, circling my sensitive nub, and I grind against him.
“Such a good fucking girl,” he purrs, and I know he’s smirking.
My body hums with anticipation as he pushes my jeans and panties down to my knees.
“Spread your legs wider for me.”
Without hesitation, I obey his command.
Weston removes his jeans, pushing them down to his thighs. He slides his cock up and down my slick pussy.
“You’re dripping, gorgeous,” he mutters. “Look at you covering me.”
His tip brushes against my clit. Carefully, he bends his knees and holds my thigh, slamming into me in one hard thrust. He stretches me so wide that I nearly scream out with satisfaction. I adjust to him as he fucks me up against the cool brick wall at a relentless pace.
“This is what I wanted. What I craved,” I hiss.
“Taking every fucking inch of me,” he says into my ear.
I feel him everywhere, in all the places he was earlier. His cock hits my sweet spot as he claims me.
I’m his, and he’s mine .
I’m pinned to the wall, completely at his mercy, as he fucks me so good that I nearly lose my balance again.
“You belong to me, Weston,” I say as I cling to him like he will disappear.
“I’m yours,” he confesses.
His thrusts grow erratic. His breath is hot on my skin, and I feel the pressure building. Without hesitation, his thumb returns to my clit, giving me everything I need.
I come hard; my pussy clenches around him. He groans against me, pumping deep inside me. Warmth spreads through me as pleasure takes over.
We’re breathless and sticky with sweat. He possessively kisses me.
“I lose control with you,” I admit breathlessly when our eyes open.
“Because it’s easy,” he says.
Weston helps me clean up with a few paper towels in the closet. Just as we button and zip our jeans, the door swings open. It’s a security guard.
Weston takes my hand, and we run down the hallway, laughing, guilty as fuck. We turn the corner, and Weston pushes me up against the wall, kissing me.
“I love you,” he says, taking the extra few seconds to meet my eyes.
“I love you,” I repeat, meaning it with every fiber of my being.
I hear footsteps moving closer, and I grab his hand, pulling him away.
“Hey! Y’all come back here,” the guard hollers.
We bolt out a side exit door and move around the side of the building, and he kisses me again.
As he laughs against my mouth, he says, “I can’t fucking wait to make you my wife.”
“Tomorrow,” I say, seeing my grandmother’s car in the distance. “You’re absolutely sure you want to marry me? ”
“Never been surer about anything in my entire fucking life,” Weston says, kissing my nose.
I smile, but then my brows furrow. “Did you hear that?”
Weston turns around, and that’s when I spot a pap across the way with a lens.
“Fuck,” he hisses, taking my hand and leading me away.
“It’s okay,” I say, interlocking our fingers, hoping to ground him. “We have nothing to hide.”
He smiles. “No, we don’t.”