Marrying Chrissy (Brides of Clearwater Book 3)

by Melanie D. Snitker

  “It depends on which day you ask me.” Raven laughed. “Anyway, I’ve been driving out that way several mornings a week, which means I haven’t had enough time to stop by here before getting to work.” Raven was a physical therapist at Clearwater Rehabilitation Center. That’s where she and Heath reconnected when he came in for therapy after a football injury. The couple got married this past New Year’s Eve.

  “I totally understand, it’s okay. I just miss seeing you.” Chrissy put the lid on her cup of coffee. “We should meet for lunch or something next week.” The bell chimed over the door, and she held up a finger when she saw it was Wyatt. “Hold on just one sec.”

  She hadn’t known what to expect the next time she saw him and worried it might be awkward. But Wyatt greeted her with a smile and a wave.

  “Good morning, Chrissy.”

  “Good morning.” She’d always thought he was attractive, but now that she knew she was going to a party with him, she found herself studying his appearance even more. His smile immediately brought out one of her own. Oh, and the way his hair fell just past his ears made her want to reach up and push it back a little. Ridiculous, right? “Your usual?” Chrissy tried to ignore the way Raven was watching them curiously. While Raven was one of her best friends, Chrissy wasn’t quite ready to explain everything between her and Wyatt. Especially when not even her own mom and sister knew about this weird arrangement yet.

  “That would be great. Thank you.” Wyatt handed her a bill for his order and instructed her to keep the change.

  She accepted the tip with a smile. He went to sit at one of the small tables while Chrissy got to work making his coffee.

  Raven walked over to the counter next to her and whispered, “So, who’s that?”

  Chrissy shrugged. “He’s a regular customer.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” Raven took a sip of her coffee. “And the way your cheeks are turning pink tells me there’s a lot more to it than that.”

  Chrissy cast a furtive glance in Wyatt’s direction, hoping he couldn’t hear any of their conversation. “It’s a long story.”

  “One you’ll have to tell me over lunch. I have to run, but I’ll call so we can set something up.”

  “That sounds good. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “You, too.” Raven said goodbye and left the shop.

  Chrissy smiled as she thought about her friend. Raven was one of the most outspoken people she knew. If Chrissy wanted an honest opinion about anything, she could count on Raven to give her one. But the coffee shop was not the place for such a conversation, especially with Wyatt sitting right over there. In fact, she’d planned on stopping him and asking him about the public displays of affection at the birthday party. Now that he was here, though, and looking at her with those striking green eyes, the last thing she wanted to bring up was the topic of displaying affection of any kind.

  Maybe she could text him later. That would work, right?

  She finished preparing his coffee and handed it to him. Was it just her, or did he let his fingers linger over hers a little longer than necessary when he accepted the cup? Lovely, now she was becoming neurotic.

  He smiled again and waved on his way out.

  Chrissy wouldn’t have admitted it to anybody, but she thought about that smile frequently throughout the eternally long day. It was a relief when she finally got off work and headed for her car. Once inside, she started the engine and cranked up the air conditioner. She pulled her phone out and started her text to Wyatt before she lost her nerve.

  “Okay, so about Sunday. Is your family expecting any PDA?”

  The response was almost immediate. “PDA?”

  Chrissy sighed and responded, “Public displays of affection.”

  Seconds later, her phone rang, and Wyatt’s name and number appeared. Chrissy swiped the screen with a finger. “Hello?”

  “Hey. Don’t worry about it. My family is large and crazy. No one’s going to really notice whether we’re demonstrating public displays of affection or not.” There was a bit of humor in his voice. “Tell you what, if worse comes to worst and someone in my family starts to wonder, we’ll limit the contact to holding hands. Does that sound agreeable?”

  Not particularly. It wasn’t that big of a deal, though, right? She shook people’s hands all the time. Chrissy would think of it as a prolonged handshake. And at least they’d have their boundaries set before the party so there weren’t any surprises. “Yes. But only if necessary.”

  “You got it.”

  Chrissy imagined him giving her a salute. “Okay. Well, I’ll let you go. I’m sure you have things to do and coffee to drink.” Ugh, she sounded lame. Just because he drank coffee every time she saw him didn’t mean that’s all he drank when he got home.

  His deep chuckle filtered through the phone and washed over Chrissy. Her heart did a little flip, which she chose to ignore.

  “I’ll see you at five on Sunday. Bye, Chrissy.”

  “Goodbye.”

  The conversation only helped Chrissy feel a little better as she drove home. Emma looked up from her spot at the kitchen counter when Chrissy walked in.

  “Oh, good. Help me chop some veggies, will you?” She slid a cutting board in Chrissy’s direction and then handed her a knife. “Mom’s taking a shower before dinner. She has to be at work early tomorrow for a meeting or something.”

  Chrissy took the knife and started chopping carrots and celery. “What are we making here?”

  “Stir fry with noodles. It just sounded good.” Emma added salt and pepper to the pork she was cooking. When she reached for a high-sodium seasoning, Chrissy cleared her throat which only earned her a sharp look from her sister. “Don’t start with me. I need some flavor in my food tonight.”

  Chrissy frowned. Emma had been great with her strict diet since her heart transplant. In fact, Chrissy admired her for it. If Emma was willing to throw it all away on a random Wednesday, something must have happened. She stayed silent, though, and waited for Emma to say something first. Chrissy knew full well that pushing her sister never made a difference.

  The sounds of her knife working collided with the sizzling of the meat in the skillet. It was only after they’d added the vegetables that Emma released a heavy sigh and leaned against the counter. “I didn’t get the job.”

  “What?” Chrissy joined her, their elbows touching. “I thought they weren’t going to let you know until Monday.”

  “Either they found the perfect employee right off, or they knew immediately I wasn’t right for the position.” Sarcasm dripped from her voice. “I needed that job, Chris.”

  “I know.”

  “And you’re glad I didn’t get it.” There was no accusation there, just finality.

  “I am. But only for your health, Emma. Your life is more important than how much money you’re bringing in.” Chrissy nudged her. “I’m serious.”

  “I know you are. But I hate that you and Mom are working like crazy to pay for my medical issues. It’s not fair to either of you.”

  Shuffling noises brought their attention to Mom standing in the doorway. “I don’t hear either of us complaining,” she said.

  Emma sniffed. “Maybe not, but it’s still really messed up.” When both Chrissy and Mom stuck their tongues out at her, Emma finally chuckled softly. “You two are something else, you know that?”

  Mom came into the room and pulled her daughters into a hug. “Things aren’t easy right now, but we’ve got each other’s back. The important thing is we’re together. We’re all here and alive and healthy. Everything else is gravy.”

  Chrissy hadn’t known when to tell them about her weird date with Wyatt, but this seemed like an opportune time. “I’ve got your medication covered for the month.” When they both looked at her in surprise, she elaborated. “I’m being paid five hundred dollars to go on a date with a guy who frequents the coffee shop.”

  They stared at her as though waiting for her to start laughing. Emma’s mouth opened sligh
tly and closed again. “You’re joking.”

  “I’m not, I promise.” As they finished dinner, Chrissy told them all about the weird arrangement. Mom thought it was hilarious, while Emma teased Chrissy mercilessly.

  “You just watch, Chris. You’re going to go and fall in love with him. And one day, he’ll tell your kids that he had to pay you to go on your first date together.”

  ~*~

  Wyatt glanced at Chrissy out of the corner of his eye. She was sitting in the passenger seat of his Jeep, her hands clasped together in her lap. He took in her jeans, scoop-neck shirt, and the way she had a bit of her hair pinned back and smiled.

  She’d barely said a word since he’d picked her up from the address she’d texted to him. At the time, he couldn’t help but notice the two other women watching from one of the small windows in the front of the house. A house that was not only tiny, but also in desperate need of some repairs. The paint was faded, and the minuscule yard required some care as well.

  “So, our audience. Were they related to you or just friends?”

  Chrissy looked at him with a puzzled expression before it melted to a small smile. “That was my sister and my mom. They find this entire situation very amusing.”

  “You told them that I’m paying you?” For some reason, Wyatt had just assumed he and Chrissy were the only two people who would know about it. Had he known her family was watching, he wouldn’t have just handed Chrissy half the money before opening the Jeep’s door for her. He could only imagine what they must think of him.

  “I don’t keep secrets from my family.”

  Her tone was even, but the implication was there. Clearly, he did keep secrets from his, or he wouldn’t have to hire someone to go as his date in the first place. He wasn’t sure which bothered him the most: that he was lying to Gran or that Chrissy might assume this was customary for him.

  “I promise I’m not in the habit of hiring women to go to family functions.” He swallowed. He wasn’t in the habit of going out with women in general. “Gran and I have always been incredibly close. She’s ninety. If the one thing she wants from me is to bring a date, and it buys peace at her party on top of it, then it was well worth the five hundred dollars.” The light turned red, and Wyatt pulled to a stop. He looked at Chrissy, relieved to see there was no sign of judgment on her face, only understanding.

  “Trust me. I get doing something a little outrageous for someone you’re close to.” She said it with her gaze fixed on something on the other side of the windshield. She was silent for several moments before she shook herself and sat up straighter. “Okay, so tell me about your family.”

  “I’ll warn you, we have quite a bit of family in the area, but the main people I’ll be introducing you to are my Gran, my parents, and my three sisters. Violet is the oldest, then Lucy, I came next, and then Bonnie is the youngest. Or the baby, as we like to tease her.” The light turned green, and Wyatt continued their drive to the country club. “Lucy and Violet are married, so there will be their husbands and a combination of four kids running around.” He smiled. “Just stick with me, and everything will be fine. Are you allergic to any foods or anything like that?”

  She seemed surprised by his question. “No. Thanks for checking.”

  “Sure.” He turned onto the paved drive that led down a winding road to the Clearwater Country Club. Wrought iron fencing protected the club and its grounds when the place was closed and added personality to the property. The drive led through dense trees to a large parking lot. There was a covered area as well as valet parking available. Wyatt chose a spot as close to the clubhouse as he could without taking up employee parking. As manager of the place, he usually claimed one during the week. Tonight, though, he really didn’t want to explain to Chrissy how his family was connected to the country club.

  He parked and caught Chrissy brushing at the jeans she wore and then pulling at the lace on her short-sleeved shirt. Wyatt laid a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t even think twice. What you are wearing is great, and you look beautiful.”

  He wasn’t sure which of them was more surprised by his words. He meant it, though. The purple shirt went nicely with the purple streaks in her hair and her matching nails. While it was still a bit different compared to what his family would expect, this wasn’t anywhere near as bright of a look as he’d seen Chrissy wear in the past. Even with the black hair that sported rainbow streaks, and neon fingernail polish, she’d snagged his attention. Not that he ever let her know. Noticing a woman and doing something about it were two entirely different things.

  “Thank you,” Chrissy said just above a whisper. “Please clue me in on things I need to know as we go, okay? And remember, I’m out of here by nine.”

  Wyatt stifled a smile. “Yes, I remember. Shall we?”

  She nodded slightly. He got out of the car and went around to open Chrissy’s door for her and then retrieved a wrapped gift from the back seat.

  Chrissy gasped. “I didn’t even think about that. Should I have gotten her something, too?”

  Her genuine concern was sweet. He smiled. “I’ve got you covered. I signed both of our names to the card.”

  She flashed him a look of relief. “What did we get her?”

  “An assortment of chocolate truffles. Trust me, she’ll love them.” With one hand resting lightly on Chrissy’s back, he escorted her past the numerous rosebushes to the main door of the clubhouse. He felt her spine stiffen slightly as Violet greeted them before they even reached the door. “Hey, you two. You’re almost late. I think everyone else is already here. Come on inside, we’re on the back patio.”

  Violet eyed Chrissy curiously before holding out a hand. “I’m Wyatt’s oldest sister, Violet. It’s nice to meet you.”

  To Chrissy’s credit, any nervousness she’d exhibited before seemed to melt away. She shook hands with a smile. “Chrissy. It’s great to meet you, too.”

  They followed Violet through the ornately decorated clubhouse and out the double doors to the back patio. There they found Gran surrounded by Wyatt’s large family. He wondered if Chrissy was feeling overwhelmed. He knew all these people, and it was almost too much for him. He again put a protective hand on her back.

  He introduced her to a variety of people as they made their way to Gran. She smiled up at him as though he were the one person she’d been waiting to see. That was Gran. She had a way of making everyone feel special and treasured. “Oh, Wyatt, I’m so glad you made it.”

  He ducked down, gave her a long hug, and breathed in the scent of lavender and peppermint that he’d associated with her for as long as he could remember. “As if I would miss it. Happy birthday, Gran.” He placed the wrapped gift in her lap before stepping to the side so Chrissy could get closer. “This is my date, Chrissy. And this young lady here is Evelyn Tabor, my grandmother.”

  Gran reached for Chrissy’s hand and tugged her down for a hug. She then put a hand on Chrissy’s cheek. “It’s wonderful to meet you, honey.”

  “You, too, Mrs. Tabor.”

  Gran chuckled. “You just call me Gran like everyone else.” She smiled sweetly. “Besides, if you’re dating my grandson, you’re practically family.”

  Wyatt couldn’t see Chrissy’s face at that moment and wished he knew how she was reacting. But instead of Chrissy stepping away or acting flustered, she simply said, “That’s so kind of you, Gran. Happy birthday.”

  Those few words took Wyatt’s respect for Chrissy and drove it up a few notches. In that moment, he knew Chrissy would handle the evening just fine.

  Gran shook the boxed gift they’d given her. “Is it okay if I open this now?”

  Wyatt motioned to it. “Of course. A woman who is ninety years young should be able to open her gifts whenever she wants.”

  “Good answer.” Gran winked at Chrissy. “Now you know why he’s my favorite grandson.”

  “I’m your only grandson.” Wyatt chuckled.

  Chrissy surprised him by moving to his side, her arm bru
shing his, as they watched Gran open the gift. The moment she saw the large variety of chocolate truffles, she reached for one, unwrapped it, and took a bite. Her eyes closed with bliss as she let it melt in her mouth.

  “My favorite.” She finished the truffle before speaking again. “You know I’ve been fortunate enough to have two true loves in my life: my Earl, may he rest in peace…” She paused for dramatic effect. “…and chocolate truffles.”

  Everyone within hearing distance erupted in laughter. Amid it all, the sweet sound of Chrissy’s laugh snagged his attention.

  Gran obviously approved of Chrissy, something that warmed him more than it should have. Now Violet, on the other hand, was staring at them with that suspicious look in her eyes. His hope that she’d meet Chrissy and let it go evaporated.

  Wyatt had to fight the instinct to put an arm around Chrissy and draw her closer. After her question about public displays of affection, he doubted she’d welcome it.

  Chapter Four

  There was no way Chrissy was going to remember the names of everyone she’d met so far at Gran’s birthday party. Although she supposed she didn’t need to, since she wasn’t likely to see any of these people again after tonight.

  The thought should have made her feel better, but instead, she was almost disappointed. Which was silly, right? Not that her family wasn’t great; she loved her mom and sister. While they didn’t see their few extended family members very often, Chrissy always enjoyed the rare occasions. But this party, where so many people gathered out of love for the family’s matriarch, was touching.

  What could’ve been an awkward event was surprisingly enjoyable. A big part of that, though, had to do with Wyatt’s undivided attention. They’d gone to the party together, but she hadn’t expected him to stay nearby for the entire duration. He’d asked her if she needed something to drink before she realized she was thirsty, escorted her to the line where they chose what they wanted to eat for dinner, and then sat in the chair next to her at one of the tables.