Page 95 of The Bodyguard's Fall

Will: Answer your phone.

Tate: No.

Will: When I said take care of her, I didn’t mean marry her.

Tate: I’ve always been thorough.

Will: I told you not to touch her.

Tate: Why? She’s not MY sister.

Will: What happened?

Tate: It was our only viable option.

Will: Marrying my sister was the only option?

Tate: Yup.

Will: What happens now?

Tate: The wedding night? You want me to break it down for you?

Will: WALKER

Tate: We’re supposed to get it annulled.

Will: Supposed to?

Tate: Supposed to.

The old Once Upon an Inn Bed and Breakfast had been a Main Street staple in Autumn Ridge since before I was born. From what I remember, the rooms were all princess themed, which honestly made me a little nervous about the ambiance of our up-and-coming night to remember. I had passed by it a million times, even been in the lobby a few times, but I’d never stayed there. I never imagined I would have reason to stay at the inn in my hometown.

“The Ednas are going to have a hay day,” I said as Tate opened my door.

“Good,” he replied, holding my hand as I slid out. “The quicker your guy knows you’re married, the faster we might see something happen.”

A lump rose in my throat at his meaning, but I pushed it down. I didn’t want to think about Leroy right now. I didn’t want to think about anyone being in harm’s way.

“But the whole town will know too,” I stated softly as we walked toward the inn.

Tate reached over and pulled our shared duffel off my shoulder and onto his, but he didn’t say anything. His arm brushed lightly into mine as we strode toward the entrance.

Rosie, the owner of the inn, greeted us with flushed cheeks and a smile when we walked inside.

“Hi, guys!”

Tate seemed to know her best, smiling at her before dropping our bags on the floor next to the check-in desk.

“Hey, Rosie. How are you? The place looks great.”

She blew out a breath, looking a bit pale before she smiled, “Oh, thank you.”

And then she began asking us questions and wishing us congratulations.

“I didn’t even know you two were dating.” She tucked a piece of blonde hair behind her ear as she peered up at us before clicking something on her computer.

Tate and I glanced at each other, his eyes searching my face, before he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “Yeah. We kept it a little quiet, so this might shock the town, but we’re pretty happy. Feel free to spread the word.”