“Asshole.” I take a longer sip of beer.
He exhales a laugh, leaning forward. “You know, most couples expect the same thing. It doesn’t make you a fool. How were you supposed to know your family had a history to rival the Montagues and Capulets?”
Shaking my head, that reminds me. “How’s it going with the title search?”
“No dice.” He polishes off his beer. “Deeds that old aren’t stored electronically. But, lucky for you, I know how to search the county archives.”
“I can help—”
“You’ll just get in the way.” He rubs a hand through his messy blond hair. “Plus I’m interested now. This is fucking fascinating. You think your grandfather cheated hers out of Fate?”
“It’s what they think.” I don’t mention the baby, my grandmother, or the murder allegation.
“I want to know who’s right.” He grins at me, blue eyes crinkling in his tanned face.
The sound of tires on gravel below draws our attention. My chest tightens, and I’m pretty sure it’s her.
“Nice ride.” Rich stands.
She steps out of the driver’s side, and the wind pushes thick, golden-brown curls over her shoulders. Her dress swirls around her slim body, and using one hand to shade her eyes, she looks up at me.
She’s so fucking gorgeous. My breath stills in my lungs. “Angel…”
“Go.” A grin is in his voice.
I barely hear it.
I’m jogging down the massive wood staircase, through the open foyer, and out the front door as the words hang in the air.
I hesitate on the porch.
Our eyes meet, and a tear traces down her cheek. “Deacon…” It’s a mixture of longing and exhaustion, and my uncertainty is gone.
Closing the space between us, I pull her into my arms, tucking her sweet head against my chest and inhaling deeply… jasmine. Relief hits me like a rush of life in my veins, and the fist in my chest unfurls.
“I thought you’d given up on us.”
Lifting her chin, she gives me a teasing smile. “I’m very determined.”
Leaning down, I press my lips to hers, ready to push them apart and claim that sassy mouth.
A throat clearing pulls us up short. “Sorry to interrupt this beautiful reunion scene.” Rich twirls a set of keys in his hand. “I’ve got to head on back to Dallas now.”
My brow furrows, and I check the time. “You can’t drive to Dallas. It’s late—”
“Dude. BP has a private jet.” A car slowly makes its way up the long driveway, and he tosses the keys to me. “Uncle Skeeter won’t be home until Monday. You two stay and do something you’ve never done.”
Lifting my chin, I squint one eye at him. “Like what?”
“Spend the weekend together as a couple. Have fun. Go skinny dipping in the lake. Take selfies.” He jogs out to the waiting vehicle. “Lock up before you leave.”
Angel drops her forehead against my chest, and I call after my friend. “Thanks, man.”
He waves out the window, disappearing down the two-lane road leading away from the secluded compound. I slide my hands down Angel’s smooth arms, threading our fingers, palm against palm.
“I’m so glad to see you.”
She makes a humming noise, arching her back and rising on her toes to kiss my lips. “I’ve missed you so much.”