Free C&A Novella (Marked Heart #2.5) by M. Sembera

his love for Penny then took a knee and proposed to her.
    In awe of their moment, Charlotte was thrilled for them.
      Just as Seth stood, waiting for her answer, Auggie cleared his throat and said, "You know, when I said you had my blessing, this isn't what I meant."
    Turning her focus to Auggie, Charlotte took his hand and kissed him on the cheek. Silently thanking him for this moment.
    As Auggie smiled at her, Reverend Gary finally lost it.
    Slamming his hand down on the altar, he shouted, "This is supposed to be a solemn occasion!"
    Charlotte instantly burst into laughter, causing the Reverend's face to turn bright red.
    "That's it! This is the last family wedding I'm doing!" He swore before snapping, "Auggie, you gonna marry her?"
      Glaring at him, he replied, "Yes."
      "Charlotte, you really want to marry into this?"
      Smiling wider than she had thought possible, she answered, "Yes."
      "Then kiss her, your married." He griped before stomping off saying, "I need a damn drink."
      "I think we broke Reverend Gary." Braden blurted, causing everyone to start laughing.
    Auggie wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close as their laughter faded. Sliding her hands to the sides of his face, Charlotte brushed her thumbs against his beard.
      "Kiss me."
    She could feel Auggie's jaw tighten and his body tense as he held himself in reserve, placing one small soft kiss against her lips.
      "Mrs. Caffrey." He stated, letting go of her and taking a slight step back.
    "Yes?"
      Caught off guard, Charlotte yelped as he swiftly picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder, assuring, "You're comin' with me."
    Everyone stood and cheered their congratulations to them as he carried her. Doing her best to smile and wave as they made their way down the aisle, when they passed Liv she reached her hand out. Charlotte high-fived her, thinking 'Hell yeah!'.
    Auggie set her down when they reached his truck.
      "Are we going somewhere?"
      "About a mile that way." He replied, pointing behind them before opening the passenger side door for her.
      Surprised, Charlotte laughed, "You can't be serious."
    "Oh, I'm serious." He stated before lifting her into the passenger seat of his truck.
    "Augustus, we can't just leave." She shared, finding it difficult to be stern with him.
      "This is our day. We can do whatever we want."

 
    24
    Stopping his truck when they reached the old barn, Auggie could feel Charlotte staring at him. Without an explanation, he opened his door and got out. He tried his best to be serious and hold back a smile, finding it impossible as thoughts of her reaction to his surprise entered his mind.
    After making his way around the front of his truck, Auggie opened the passenger door. He leaned in, sliding his hands around Charlotte hips as she turned to him.
      "Are we going to see the peacocks?" She questioned as he lifted her out.
      Shaking his head, he tugged her close, whispering, "Close your eyes."
    A soft smile formed as she obeyed.
    Auggie scooped Charlotte up off of her feet and carried her to the doors. Shifting her in his arms to open the door, he held her tight as he dragged it open.
      "Keep 'em closed." He encouraged, kissing her on the cheek while stepping in and setting her back on her feet.
      With eyes closed Charlotte asked, "What are you doing?"
      Stepping back to look at her, he replied, "Making up for every time I let my pride get in the way."
      Tilting her head down, Charlotte shared, "I have a surprise for you too."
      "Mine first." He said, stepping up to the work bench.
    Auggie struck a match and lit a lantern before carrying it with him as he closed the barn door.
    Taking her hand in his, he carried the lantern, leading her to the back left corner of the old barn.
      "Don't open yet." He warned, letting go of her hand and setting the lantern on a small table.
    Proud of the way his surprise for her turned out, Auggie took a minute to make sure the queen size bed with a high