"NowthatI can get on board with," Howie says, beaming, even though he's probably wolfed down a huge breakfastalready. I have never seen anyone put away food like he does. If he hadn't shared a womb with Buzz, I'd have my doubts about him being human.
Buzz threads his arm through mine and pulls me away from the others as we head out. "Thanks for being cool with the hug."
"Of course," I say, loving how his body feels against mine. I'm not going to let a measly hug from Zane ruin our day. "You feeling okay?"
"I am. You?"
"Yeah. I think so."
He pulls me in even tighter. "Congratulations, Court. The Clovelly Inn is now officially yours."
"I still have to stay in town for six months, remember?"
"Oh, I do." He glances over at me and chuckles deeply. "Now we're married, I'm going to lock you down. No way in hell I'm letting you get away."
13
Buzz
"You sure you're not mad at me?" Courtland asks Howie fifteen minutes later.
The four of us are sitting in a booth at the diner, digging into our respective pancake stacks.
Howie stops shoveling food into his mouth. It takes a while for him to finish chewing, and when he does, he says, "Nah. It's fine." His eyes drift to me. "'Bout time for me to move on anyway. Didn't want to overstay my welcome."
"What on earth gave you that idea?" I answer with a smirk.
"In my defense, I had no idea Buzz would be so heartless and throw you out onto the street," Court quips. "I told him I was perfectly happy staying at the inn."
Howie chuckles. "You guys should live together. You're married."
"Where are you going to live though?" Court asks.
"Gonna crash at a buddy's house while I look into buying a place."
"Here in town?"
"Yeah."
"Cool."
Court then asks how his rehab is going right as Zane asks me if we're still on for our chocolate-making class next week.
"Of course we are," I say. "Just because I'm married doesn't mean I'm not allowed to leave the house."
"Wouldn't be so sure about that," Court mutters, eavesdropping with zero chill.
Zane's eyes flick between me and Court, and it looks like he's about to say something when the waitress comes over and refills our coffees. By the time she leaves, Zane is talking to Howieabout where my bro wants to live—downtown or a bit farther out.
"Cheers, husband," Court says, raising his mug.
I clink mine against it and smile. "Cheers, husband."
"You know, it's not too late for an annulment if you've changed your mind."
"I'm fine. Unless I hear you snoring through the wall. So…ask me again tomorrow morning."
He grins. "I will."
