‘Because you’ve put him on a pedestal,’ she said darkly.
‘He earned his way onto that pedestal,’ he retorted. ‘You know how much your father has done for me.’
‘But he’s human, Wyatt,’ she said, stepping out of his embrace. ‘Just make sure you have some steps for him to reach the ground. So he doesn’t fall and hurt you both.’
‘He won’t,’ Wyatt said stubbornly.
She snorted. Shook her head. ‘One of the reasons I love you is because of your generosity. Your willingness to do things for people who don’t deserve them. But this? This is—What?’ she asked, interrupting herself. ‘Why are you looking at me like that?’
He wasn’t sure how he was looking at her, but it must have been some kind of combination between surprise and the warmth spreading through his veins.
‘I—’ He cleared his throat. ‘You... Er...you said you love me.’
She frowned. ‘No, I said—’ She broke off, and all the colour drained from her skin. She shook her head slightly, then more vigorously as she took a step back.
‘I obviously meant loved. Part of the reason I loved you is because of—’ She waved a hand. ‘It doesn’t mean—I didn’t mean—’ She sucked in a breath. ‘Look, tonight was a mistake. A mistake,’ she repeated, ‘not a regret. And I’m going to—I just need to—’
She turned away before she could form a coherent sentence. He stared after her as she walked, wondering if he should follow her and force them to talk about what had happened.
Except he could barely think it through. The uncertainty of it weighed down his legs, rooting him to the spot. So he kept watching, trying to figure out what the hell was going on between him and his ex-wife.
CHAPTER TWELVE
SUMMER COULD NOT fall asleep for the life of her. Which turned out to be handy, because when Autumn snuck in early Sunday morning, Summer was already awake.
‘I told him I love him,’ she said when the door to their cabin shut behind Autumn.
Her sister gave a shriek before a bump sounded. A few more joined that one before the lights went on.
‘What the hell, Summer? Were you waiting up so you could scare me?’
‘No,’ she said defensively. ‘I wasn’t waiting up for you...per se. I couldn’t sleep.’
‘It’s five in the morning!’ Autumn interrupted in exclamation. ‘The sun’s coming up.’
As if hearing Autumn’s words, the purple-blue sky began to turn orange.
‘Is there a reason you’re telling me these things?’ Summer asked.
‘You’ve been up all night?’
‘Yes. Because last night I told Wyatt I love him.’
Autumn’s eyes widened. She took off her jersey, kicked off her shoes, and curled up on the bed in front of Summer. She took Summer’s hands in her own.
‘What happened?’
‘I don’t know.’ Summer tightened her grip. ‘One moment we were dancing on the beach, the next I was saying “one of the reasons I love you”. Not loved, Wind, love. Like, in the present or something.’
Autumn’s face was carefully blank. ‘Did you...? Did you just say you were dancing on the beach with your ex-husband?’
Summer pulled one of her hands out from Autumn’s grip and put it on her forehead. ‘Yes, but it was Mom and Dad’s disco. Really, that’s not the important part of what I told you.’
‘It sounds important to me.’
‘More important than the fact that I told him I love him?’ Summer’s voice was incredulous.
‘Of equal importance,’ Autumn replied, unfazed. ‘The person I spoke to on Friday—or Saturday, for that matter—would not have danced with her ex-husband, let alone tell him she loved him. Love, sorry,’ Autumn said when Summer opened her mouth. ‘What happened to that Summer?’
‘I don’t know.’ Now Summer stood and began pacing. ‘I’d like to know, too. I’m freaking out.’
‘Yeah, I can see that.’
Then Autumn stood, too, and took Summer’s hands in hers again. Summer allowed it because that was their thing, holding hands. Something inside her eased.
‘We’ll figure it out, Sun,’ Autumn said. ‘But first, we’re going to have a cup of tea because some of us got no sleep for normal, practical reasons. Like the fact that I’ve been driving for six hours through the night to get here in time for Mom and Dad’s ceremony.’
‘Which might not even be happening,’ Summer said with a groan. She turned the armchair next to the bed so that it faced her sister before sinking down on it. And found Autumn staring at her.
‘I’m sorry,’ Autumn said. ‘Did you say the ceremony might not happen?’
‘Oh.’ Damn. ‘No. I’m sure it will.’
‘Explain.’
‘Mom and Dad had an argument yesterday,’ Summer said, knowing Autumn wouldn’t let it go if she didn’t have some form of an answer. Summer would have preferred not to lie, but she’d been so caught up in her own drama that she’d forgotten herself.
‘About what?’
‘You know they don’t tell me things like that.’
Autumn’s eyes narrowed, but she began the motions of making tea. ‘I take it there hasn’t been a big reconciliation this weekend, then?’
‘Sorry.’
Autumn didn’t say anything, only finished making the tea. After she handed Summer a cup, she sat down on the bed and curled her feet under her again.
‘It wouldn’t be the end of the world if you put this behind you,’ Autumn said softly.
‘Except that I can’t,’ Summer replied sadly. ‘Things are...different for me.’
‘Why?’
She sighed. ‘They just are.’
Autumn sighed now, too. ‘Sun, you’ve let it affect so much of your life.’
Summer didn’t reply.
‘You were so afraid of being hurt that you divorced the man you love—’
‘Excuse me?’
Autumn sipped her tea, eyes sharp on Summer’s. ‘Oh, I’ve forgotten what you said ended it? Your work?’
‘I didn’t want to hurt him by telling him about Dad,’ Summer said tightly.
‘You didn’t want to be hurt by telling him about Dad.’
‘You don’t understand.’
Autumn studied her. ‘I know I don’t.’ She paused. ‘But Wyatt did, when you first got together. He understood you. Maybe you should trust that he will again.’
Summer’s heart ached. She should have known that Autumn had seen through her. Especially after that conversation with her mother, when Lynette had admitted to knowing something was wrong with Summer, too. If Lynette knew, Autumn did, too.
It was worse that Autumn was right. Wyatt had understood her once. And she desperately wanted him to again. But...
‘He’ll hate me.’
‘He won’t.’
She looked down. ‘Dad will.’
‘Dad’s an adult,’ Autumn said softly. ‘He can take responsibility for himself.’
She closed her eyes.
‘Wyatt’s an adult, too, Sun,’ Autumn reminded her gently. ‘Whatever his reaction is, he has to deal with it. Or you can do it together. But at least if you’re honest with him, you won’t have to keep wondering what would have happened if you’d told him. Maybe you’ll finally be able to move past what happened with Dad, too.’
Summer didn’t have the heart to tell her sister that that wouldn’t happen. Not unless she could go back to eight years ago and change how everything had transpired.
But Summer smiled, and said, ‘I’ll think about it.’
‘Okay.’
They sat in silence, drinking their tea. Eventually Autumn said, ‘If you do still love him, and there’s a chance you two can be together...’ She trailed off, her face going sad. ‘It’s worth taking that chance.’
* * *
Wyatt didn’t consider himself a fan of weddings. In fact, besides his own, he hadn’t actually attended one. Which made sense. He hadn’t made enough connections in life to be invited to weddings. No, invitations required friendships. Wyatt Montgomery had no friends.
Not even Summer, he thought, gritting his teeth. He’d thought they’d developed a truce of sorts. Then he realised that that didn’t quite make sense, considering they hadn’t been in a fight. She’d left, as he’d known she would. He’d accepted it, because he hadn’t had a choice.
Except that didn’t ring true any more, and he was too annoyed with himself—with her—to try and figure out why that was.
Instead, he made his way to Trevor’s room, where his boss had asked to see him the night before when he’d said his goodbyes.
‘Wyatt,’ Trevor said when he opened the door. ‘Come in.’
Wyatt walked past Trevor, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the large room. It was double the size of his own, with glass walls that offered a view of both the ocean and the steeps hills and mountains at the edge of the island. The interior was modern, with a touch of classic, its wooden floor panelling covered in parts with plush red carpeting, the walls decorated with antique African art and bright colourful paintings.
‘It must have been a hardship for you to stay here,’ Wyatt noted with a smile.
Trevor’s mouth curved. ‘Indeed. It almost made me regret picking this place to renew our vows at.’
Before Wyatt could ask why they’d chosen the place, Trevor’s face fell. The older man walked to the decanter, put ice into two glasses. In one he poured sparkling water; the other whiskey. He handed Wyatt the water.
‘I called you here for a reason, Wyatt,’ Trevor said quietly. ‘But I’m afraid that reason might no longer be relevant.’
‘I’m not following?’
‘I wanted you to be my best man.’
Wyatt wasn’t sure how to reply. It was as if his brain had packed a suitcase, hitched a ride to the airport and was flying away. Far from where Wyatt could reach it to demand it give him something to say, apparently.
Anything to say, he thought, his skin growing clammy. His heart was thudding as the time went by and, still, he couldn’t think of anything.
He opened and closed his mouth multiple times. A part of him was certain Trevor would retract his offer as he tried to figure out what was happening. Finally, his ability to speak returned.
‘You said “wanted”?’
‘Yes.’ Trevor drained his drink, setting the empty glass on the table. ‘The ceremony might not happen.’
‘Why not?’
Trevor heaved a sighed. ‘It’s a long story.’ His eyes narrowed as he looked at Wyatt. ‘Summer hasn’t told you?’
‘Told me what?’
‘She didn’t, then,’ Trevor said after a moment. ‘I’m not sure if I should be content with that, or frustrated.’
‘I... I don’t know what you’re talking about.’
‘I’m sorry,’ Trevor said. ‘I thought—’ He lowered himself into a nearby chair, looking older than Wyatt had ever seen him. ‘Not sure why I thought it,’ Trevor continued, almost as if to himself. ‘She hasn’t told anyone anything. Which is why things are such a mess.’ He rubbed a hand over his face. ‘No, things are a mess because I did what I did. I can’t blame her for it. I shouldn’t have asked her to do it in the first place.’
Wyatt wasn’t sure what he should do. Trevor was clearly not speaking to him. And the things he was saying... They had nothing to do with Wyatt. They did have something to do with Summer though, which was why his feet were rooted to the spot. His curiosity, his concern didn’t allow him to leave.
‘I’m sorry,’ Trevor said again. ‘You shouldn’t have to listen to my ramblings.’
Wyatt’s spine straightened. ‘Would you like me to leave?’
‘No,’ Trevor said immediately. ‘No, I...’ He let out a humourless laugh. ‘Son, I don’t know what I want.’
Wyatt’s stomach curled into itself, then dropped to the bottom of his body. He swallowed. Breathed. But his head was swirling and his stomach was still in the vicinity of his shoes and he couldn’t figure out what was happening.
‘Lynette and I aren’t on speaking terms right now,’ Trevor said slowly. ‘I’m not sure we will be by the time the ceremony rolls around.’ He looked at his watch, laughed that sharp laugh again. ‘In ninety minutes.’ He paused. ‘But I can’t regret asking you, Wyatt. If there is a ceremony, I’d want you to be my best man.’
‘I would be honoured.’
Trevor brightened for a beat, his face shining with approval. ‘That means more than you could possibly know.’
‘I could say the same thing,’ Wyatt replied, though he wasn’t sure he could. But he should have been able to.
Why did this interaction feel so...strange?
‘You should go, Wyatt,’ Trevor said, looking tired again. ‘I’m not the best company at the moment.’ He tried to muster what Wyatt assumed was a smile; he failed miserably. ‘I’ll let you know if things change.’
Wyatt nodded, leaving the room more confused than anything else. The one thing he was certain of was that he needed another shower. Sweat cleaved to his skin, making the one he’d had that morning feel as if it had been months ago.
He’d thought it a natural reaction to Trevor’s question at first. He’d been put on the spot in an unfamiliar situation. But his skin still felt sticky, and his heart was still beating rapidly. And he could still hear Trevor calling him son. The term echoed in his mind as if it were a drop of water in an empty chamber.
His throat had begun to tighten at some point, too, and he was eager to get to his room so he could down a bottle of water. It would help with the tightness, he was sure. It would also protect him from dehydration because of all the sweating.
As he crossed the wooden bridge separating the two sides of the lodge, he saw two figures walking towards him. They were identical in height, and from this far there weren’t many distinctions between them. Except his eyes immediately settled on the one on the left. His body’s reaction to Trevor’s question was timid compared to what it was doing now.
He swallowed. Did it again and again when that didn’t take the tight feeling in his throat away. He forced air into his body with a deep breath, exhaling slowly before he was close enough for them to notice.
‘Morning,’ he offered when they were metres away from one another.
His eyes were still on Summer. She nodded, the colour on her cheeks deepening before she looked away. He dragged his gaze to Autumn.
‘It’s nice to see you again,’ he told her, blinking when she walked up to him and brushed a kiss on his cheek.
‘It’s nice to see you, too, Wyatt,’ Autumn said pleasantly.
‘You were missed,’ he said, when the silence extended long enough for him to think about Summer not looking at him. For him to realise he desperately wanted her to.
‘You missed me?’
He smiled. ‘That’s not what I said.’
‘No,’ Autumn assured him, ‘it’s just what I heard.’ She gave him a bright smile. ‘I do enjoy hearing what I want to.’
‘Autumn,’ Summer said mutedly. ‘Mom’s waiting for us.’ When he looked at her, she nodded again. ‘Sorry, Wyatt. We have to go.’
‘Of course,’ he replied, embarrassingly grateful she’d said something to him. ‘I’ll see you there.’ Then he remembered his conversation with Trevor and felt like a fool for not bringing it up earlier. ‘Or you might not. I had a conversation with your dad that...’
He trailed off at the expressio
n on Summer’s face.
‘Wyatt?’ Autumn said in a tone that made him think it wasn’t the first time she’d called his name. ‘What happened with my father?’
‘Summer knows.’
Summer was shaking her head before he could finish. ‘I don’t know anything.’
‘Summer,’ he said softly. His next words came from a place he had no idea existed inside him, but his gut told him she needed to hear them. ‘It’s time to stop running.’
Her eyes widened, became glossy. He ignored the frown Autumn sent him, and the way she looked from Summer to him and back.
‘Be honest, Sun,’ he said. ‘Let them in. Let yourself belong.’
He nodded at her, then at Autumn, and walked back to his cabin. Once there, he stripped off his clothes and went straight to the shower, hoping the cool water would calm him. Or at least, help him think.
It had started with Trevor’s question about Wyatt being his best man. Wyatt wished he could blame it on not having been in a wedding before. But this wasn’t nerves. If it were, he’d feel calmer now. He’d only get nervous again when he was standing in front of the guests at the wedding. But he felt as if he was in some fresh new hell now. His skin felt as if it had been sunburnt—sensitive and prickly—and he still had to force his lungs to do their damn job.
But it had something to do with the wedding since that had started it all. It wasn’t because he didn’t want to be Trevor’s best man. He did. Not because he felt indebted, but because...he wanted to.
He saw now that it hadn’t been a lie when he’d said it meant something for Trevor to ask. It took him a moment, but he realised that admission changed his relationship with Trevor. He didn’t know what had changed; only that something had.
And that was what felt strange. The fact that Trevor had asked at all. That he had called Wyatt son. Wyatt had thought about weddings and connections before, but what did this mean? If attending a wedding simply meant having a connection, what did being in one mean? What was deeper than having a connection with someone?
Family.
Summer had told him her parents considered him family the night before. It had been unsettling hearing it then, but he only now figured out why.
Second Chance with Her Billionaire Page 13