Intent(69)

“You’re so good to me.”

“You’re my barn owl.”

He says it so seriously that I can’t help but laugh out loud at the visual. “I’m your what?”

His smile spreads across his handsome face, lighting his eyes with mischief and an obvious glint that says he knows something I don’t. “I said, you are my barn owl. They pick one partner and are completely monogamous until they die. You’re mine.”

“I never knew owls were so romantic. I’m thrilled to be your barn owl. You are definitely mine, too.”



Waking to soft kisses down my spine has to be one of the best feelings in the world. “Mmm…I love that.”

“Time to wake up, my love. I have big plans for you today,” Ace murmurs from behind me.

“Isn’t it supposed to be bad luck for us to see each other before the wedding?”

“It’d be bad luck if I had to wake up without you. Other than that, I’m not superstitious.”

“I think you just make up your own rules as you go along.”

“My secret is out,” he chuckles. “Now get your fine ass up and get ready. You’re changing your last name today.”

“What if I want to live in this century and keep my current last name?” I’m totally kidding, but I’m curious to see what his reaction will be.

“If you feel strongly about it, I’d live with it. But I’d honestly rather you take my name so the world knows you’re mine. My mom kept her maiden name during a time when it was virtually unheard of for a woman to do. As a kid, I always hated explaining why my parents didn’t have the same last name. I think Mom regretted her decision after Dad died. She’s the one who told us about the barn owls and how my dad was hers.”

I turn over to face him, to look in his eyes when I reply. “I feel strongly about my last name—” I pause for half of a heartbeat “—becoming yours.”

His hand cups my cheek and his love for me shines in his eyes. “I’m so glad you said that. You make me feel invincible. Now go, before I ravage your body before we even leave the house. I’d planned to save that until after the ceremony.”

When we both finally emerge from the bedroom, we join Zoe at the kitchen table. She’s having breakfast while Ace pours two cups of coffee for us. Her eyes drift over my outfit before turning around to get a better look at Ace’s.

We’re clearly not dressed for a day around the house. I’m wearing a white, mid-thigh summer dress. With a halter-style top that secures around my neck, an open back, and a flowing skirt, it’s perfect for a summer wedding. Ace has a white ribbed tank top under a navy blue blazer and a pair of jeans. The look is classic, casual Ace with a palpable air of raw sex appeal.

“Where are you two going?” Zoe asks.

“We’re getting married this morning,” Ace replies nonchalantly.

“What?” Zoe nearly chokes on her food. “You’re getting married? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I just convinced her to marry me last night,” Ace replies. “So we’re going to do it this morning before she changes her mind.”

“Don’t listen to him, Zoe. I’m not changing my mind.” I playfully swat his arm.

“You two are so cute together. It’s like you were made just for each other,” Zoe replies wistfully.

“We’re barn owls,” Ace answers without elaborating. “Let’s go, woman. Your caveman has spoken.”

The word “caveman” holds a new meaning to me now, and I consciously have to push that memory out of my mind. My heated cheeks must give me away because Ace smirks knowingly at me. With a quick kiss to Zoe’s cheek, I tell her that we’ll be back in time to meet with the social worker for the home study.

Ace laces his fingers with mine and pulls me toward the door. Once we’re outside, he slips on his sunglasses and the sex-appeal factor promptly goes off the charts. “I need a picture.” He releases my hand and looks at me quizzically. Using my phone, I snap a few pictures of him to memorialize this cleaned-up version of Ace Sharp.

Happy doesn’t begin to describe how I feel this morning. Ecstatic. Delighted. Overjoyed. Thrilled. We arrive at the courthouse just as the doors are opened to the public, and we’re the only ones in line to get a marriage license. Within a few minutes, we’re finished at the courthouse and on our way to the chapel. We have our fingers crossed that they’re not booked or closed today.

The wedding chapel is several miles outside of town, hidden in the mountains on a back country road. When we reach it, an older lady is sweeping the front porch of the chapel, obviously getting ready for the day ahead of her. There’s a larger house sitting off to the side with its own driveway. I assume that’s where the owners live. Turning my gaze back to her, something in her mannerisms is familiar. When I take a closer look, I realize she is none other than Martha, the Realtor who met me when I first arrived in Oak Grove.

“Ace! So good to see you, my boy!” Martha hugs him and kisses him affectionately on the cheek. “What brings you way out here?”

“Layne and I want to get married this morning. Is Ralph available to officiate?”

Martha is stunned silent for a moment. “You two are getting married today? That’s wonderful! You know Ralph, he’s still nibbling on his breakfast. Come on in and pick out the package you want while I get him. I need to get the video camera out of the house, too. Do you have the marriage license?”