Corbin (The Theriot Family)

Travis nodded. Then he looked at Dax, and I saw some appreciation there. He quickly looked away again. “I guess that’s… okay.”

“I have real plumbing and everything,” Dax assured him. “I wouldn’t last more than a day with Ambrose.”

Travis smiled then, and I was glad that was settled. I focused on Remy again. “Did you tell Mama and Pop about Beau?”

“No, but I’m sure you want to introduce him, don’t you?” Why was he such an asshole? I did, but this wasn’t how I’d planned to do it.

“Beau?”

“Yes, baby?”

“I think you’re about to meet my parents.”

“I can think of better ways for that to happen, but if that’s what you want, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Remington huffed. “Whether you want that or not, they’re going to insist.”

I took Beau’s hand. “No one says no to my dad.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Thirty-One

Beau

On the way to the Theriot family home in Metairie, I called Sam and reassured her that, other than an aching head, I was fine and that we wouldn’t have to worry about problems around the shop anymore.

She wisely didn’t ask for any details. She also told me she didn’t expect to see me at work tomorrow, and if needed, she’d pull in some extra help. I trusted her. She would only assign the easy, legal jobs to anyone she brought in.

I would’ve dreaded meeting Bébé Theriot under any circumstances, but being introduced while swimmy-headed with blood still matted in my hair and covered in dirt and muck from a trek through the swamp, was far down on my list of preferences. At least I might win some sympathy points.

I tried not to gape as we stepped into the foyer of a home that looked like a palace to me. I supposed, in a way, Corbin’s family was royalty.

A woman who looked very much like Corbin came running toward us. She pulled Corbin into her arms and squeezed him tight. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, Mom. I’m fine. I’m not the one who got hurt.” He held himself tense for a moment, then he sank into her hug, pulling her against him. I liked that he wasn’t one to hold back affection.

A man who looked exactly like Remington would in a few more decades approached us at a more sedate pace. “Did everything go according to plan?”

“As closely as we needed it to,” was Remington’s answer.

“And Elandra?”

“Eliminated.”

“I steered you wrong on that one, son. We should have taken care of her before.” He turned to me then. “You must be Beau. My apologies for getting you mixed up in that woman’s vendetta against our family.”

I nodded, forcing myself not to wince as pain shot through my head. “Thank you, sir. Her associate had a grudge against me for years. This was an opportunity for him.”

“Beau’s the one who was hurt, Mama.” Corbin gestured toward me.

“I’m so sorry, dear. Should I call the doctor?”

“No, ma’am. It’s just a bump on the head. I’ll be fine.”

“If he’s not better in the morning, I’ll make him get medical attention,” Corbin said.

His mother frowned at him, and I could tell she realized there was something he wasn’t saying. I watched Corbin’s chest rise and fall with a deep breath. “Mom, Pop, this is Beau, and we’re together.” He reached for my hand and pulled me to his side. “I love him, and he’s crazy enough to love me back. I hope that’s okay with you because it’s what I want.”

Mrs. Theriot gave us a huge smile. “You must be a very special man to have captured Corbin’s heart.”

“Your son is the one who’s special. I just helped him see a little bit more about himself.”

Mr. Theriot shook his head. “I let her spoil him.”

His mother huffed. “As if you didn’t spoil him just as bad.”

Corbin’s father looked at me again. “If you ever hurt my son, I’ll see that you regret it for the rest of your life, what little there will be of it.”

Now I knew where Remington got his cold, scary tone from. “I wouldn’t expect any less, sir.”

“Good.”

Corbin’s mother shocked me by pulling me into a hug. “I knew Corbin was about to meet someone. I felt it. I have a way with these things. I can already tell that you’re perfect for him.”

She gave me a kiss on the cheek, then his father invited everyone to follow him to the sunroom for celebratory mimosas.

I hung back with Corbin, and we held hands as we slowly made our way behind the others.

“You impressed them,” Corbin said.

“I didn’t have a choice. I’m serious about you,” I said. “I wouldn’t have agreed to come meet your parents otherwise. You’re mine, and that’s not something that’s going to end.”

“That’s a good thing because I’m serious about you too. So serious I’m hoping you’ll make room for me at your place.”