She sighed. “I may have insinuated that the only reason you were marrying Ashley was because you wanted our parents to hand over your inheritance.” At least she had the good sense to look a little embarrassed.
“What is wrong with you? Seriously, Violet, what have I ever done to you that would make you think I deserve this kind of treatment?” She looked more shocked by his words than he’d seen her look in years. “What difference does it make to you if I fall in love with a woman who serves coffee to make a living? What is it to you if I want to help other people by opening Joyful Hope?”
Violet opened and closed her mouth several times, but no sounds came out.
Wyatt wasn’t nearly done yet. “You think having money is all that’s important. I’ll tell you what, big sister. You got your inheritance, remember? And I don’t see that it did you a lot of good.” He pushed his chair back and stood, placing his hands on the table so he could lean closer to Violet. “If I so much as catch you talking to Chrissy without my being there again, this conversation will be a party in comparison to the one we’re going to have.”
He turned and started to walk away when Violet’s voice caught up with him.
“Wyatt?”
He took a steadying breath then pivoted to face her again.
“Are you really falling in love with her?”
“I never got the chance to find out, did I?” The initial adrenaline rush at hearing what Violet told Chrissy faded and was replaced by a sadness that penetrated his heart.
He normally would’ve scoffed at the idea of falling for a woman after only knowing her in passing for six months and then spending only a few days together. But there was something about Chrissy that drew him to her. All he’d wanted to do since dropping her off at her house on Sunday was hear her voice and be near her.
The possibility that she might be feeling even half as miserable as he was made him want to go and cheer her up.
Maybe their connection had been all him, but he didn’t think so. She felt something for him, too. He could feel it in her touch and the way she kissed him back. More than anything, he knew the more time he spent with her, the more he realized it would never be enough.
One way or another, he’d get her to talk to him. To listen to his side of the story. At least then, if she walked away, she’d be doing it with all the right information.
~*~
Chrissy’s heart skipped a beat every time she heard the bell ring above the coffee shop door. Her head would lift, and her eyes would immediately go to the customer coming inside. She tried to tell herself she was just doing her job, making sure she helped people in a timely manner.
In reality, when she saw the customer wasn’t Wyatt, it felt like an invisible vice tightened around her heart just a little bit more. It’d been a ridiculously long week, and it was only Tuesday.
He’d sent her a text. She hadn’t responded. What made her think he would just waltz into the coffee shop now? It didn’t matter how much she rationalized it all in her head, there was a little part of her that clung to hope. Hope that took a hard hit every time it wasn’t Wyatt who walked through that door.
She managed to make it through another day at work and didn’t relax until she got home. The moment she stepped into the living room, she found Emma with her hands clasped in front of her and a pleased look on her face.
“Guess what?”
“You won a lifetime supply of chocolate.” Chrissy wanted to stay grumpy, but there was no keeping back the smile when her sister looked so happy.
“No. Though that would be something to celebrate.” She paused for effect. “I got a job!”
Chrissy had tried to convince her to go ahead and interview for the positions open at the country club. Just because Wyatt worked there didn’t mean Emma couldn’t work there as well. Besides, clearly there was no longer a connection between him and Chrissy, which ought to make things easier.
Emma must have been able to sense what Chrissy was feeling. She shook her head. “It’s not at the country club. There’s a new gym opening in town. Remember when we used to watch America Ninja Warrior?” Chrissy nodded. “Well, this place has a bunch of those obstacles. They teach classes, have open gym, things like that. Anyway, they were hiring people to work the front desk, keep track of sign-ups for classes, and to help with billing. They hired me almost immediately!”
“That’s great, Emma.” Chrissy never would’ve pegged her sister to work for a gym. Then again, there was a lot about the last year that reminded her to expect the unexpected. “And they are okay with you having a flexible schedule?”
“Yes, they are very supportive. I was assured it would be no big deal if I had to take a day off here and there for health reasons.” Emma clasped her hands together and bit her lower lip like she did when she got nervous. “I think this is going to be a good move for me. Don’t you?”
“Of course I do.” Chrissy smiled. “Congratulations! Mom is going to be so excited when you tell her. We should do something to celebrate.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Go see a movie in the theater? Order dinner and have it delivered?”
They talked about several options and finally decided to wait and see what Mom thought once she was home from work. The sisters settled onto the couch where Chrissy propped her feet up on the coffee table and stared at the clock on the wall.
“I take it you haven’t seen Wyatt.”
Chrissy sighed and shook her head. “It was silly of me to think that he’d keep coming by the shop and that things would go back to normal again. I’m not even sure I’d want normal.” She gasped as memory after memory flooded her mind. “I miss him, Emma.” Fresh tears spilled onto her cheeks. “And I’m going to put this horrible damper on our celebration tonight if I can’t get myself under control.”
Emma chuckled as she gave her a hug. “I’m just sorry you’re so sad. I wish I could make things better. Maybe if I had won a lifetime supply of chocolate…”
Chrissy hiccuped. “Just tell me it’s going to be okay, and that this will get better.”
“It is, and it really will.”
Chrissy took a deep breath and nodded slowly. Whoever said that a clean break was best should’ve warned people how much it hurt.
Emma sat up quickly and reached for a small package on the side table. “I almost forgot. This came for you today.” She gave her a small smile before getting up and giving Chrissy some space.
There was no name in the upper left-hand corner, and the address wasn’t familiar. Curious, she tore open one end and pulled out a CD in a paper sleeve with a folded note that read:
Chrissy,
I wanted to make sure you got a copy of the pictures from the reunion. I hope you like them and look forward to seeing you again.
Blessings,
Lucy
Chrissy stared at the disc for several moments. She was tempted to stuff it back in the padded envelope, but curiosity got the better of her. She carried it to the computer they shared and slid the CD into the drive.
The computer loaded the CD. Chrissy highlighted the folder and told the computer to display them as a slideshow.
Many of the photos were of people she either didn’t know or barely recognized. Then there were pictures of the volleyball games and scavenger hunt. An image of Wyatt hitting the ball made Chrissy smile a little. Moments later, there was another picture of them with the four kids during the scavenger hunt. She hadn’t even realized Lucy had been nearby at the time.
Chrissy was caught up in watching the computer flip through images until one of her and Wyatt made her pause the slideshow. They were holding hands on the beach. Chrissy was laughing at something he’d said, but it was the way he was looking at her that made her heart skip a beat.
If she were looking at an image of another couple, and the man had that same expression, she’d swear he was in love. But there’s no way that was true, right?
Her heart twisted as she studied h
er own expression in the picture. That time on the beach with Wyatt had been incredible. It was like a fairy tale that was too good to be true, except she couldn’t stop thinking about the handsome prince and the way it’d felt to be held in his arms.
Chapter Eighteen
Wyatt tied up a few loose ends Thursday afternoon. He’d already let everyone else know he was leaving early to take care of some personal things. He’d just stood from his chair when the door to his office opened and his father walked in. Wyatt suppressed a sigh.
“Hey, Dad. I was just on my way out.” They shook hands. “What brings you by today?” Whatever it was, hopefully it wouldn’t take long.
Dad pulled a chair out and sat down. Wyatt had no choice but to return to his own seat as well and do his best to look interested.
“I’m concerned, son. Concerned that you’re not taking your position here seriously. Concerned that you’re going to throw it all away for that charity you keep talking about.” Dad clenched his jaw as he studied Wyatt. “And what were you thinking bringing that coffee barista to the family reunion? I’ve tried to stress how important it is to set your priorities and then keep them in check. I don’t understand where things went wrong.”
Wyatt exhaled slowly to curb his annoyance. “Nothing went wrong, Dad. You and I have different priorities, that’s all.” His father looked like he was going to object, but Wyatt didn’t have time for this to turn into a big production. “Joyful Hope Stables is going to happen. Period. It may take me longer than I’d like to get there, but I’m planning on officially opening next summer. When I do, I’m going to have to step away from my position with your company. I’d really like to stay on through the new year and then help train the person who will be taking over my job, but it’s up to you how you want to handle that situation.”
Dad’s eyebrows raised, and Wyatt could practically hear the sound of his teeth cracking as Dad’s jaw moved from one side to the other.
Before Dad had a chance to say anything, Wyatt continued. “As far as Chrissy goes, I originally brought her to Gran’s birthday party so that, for once, you and Mom would quit hounding me about my personal life and Gran could celebrate in peace.”
“And the reunion?”
“I brought her as my guest because I enjoy her company. She makes me happy, and I hope I do the same for her. As a woman I’m interested in, she had every right to be at that family reunion. You and Mom should’ve taken the time to get to know her instead of criticizing what she does for a living.”
That seemed to surprise Dad more than the announcement about the stables. “You aren’t telling me you’re serious about this girl.” It wasn’t a question but a statement. Typical.
Wyatt didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I am.” The moment he said those words, he knew it was true. There was something about Chrissy that made his life better, that made him happier. It was something he had no intention of letting go of if he had anything to do about it. He rested his arms on the desk and gave his dad a look that he hoped conveyed how serious he was. “I’m heading over to speak with her this afternoon. I’m praying that, despite all you, Mom, and Violet have done to convince her otherwise, she’ll give me a chance.” He pushed away from his desk and stood. He didn’t want to miss catching Chrissy at the coffee shop when she got off work.
Dad followed suit and pulled on his dress shirt to straighten out the wrinkles. “I hope you know that if you choose to open those stables, and pursue this woman, you’ll never see a dime of your inheritance.”
“You know what, Dad? I love you and Mom, and I respect you both, but I don’t want your money.” Wyatt walked around the desk until he was toe-to-toe with his father. “I don’t need it. I’m financially stable with a strong, long-term plan for Joyful Hope. I don’t know whether Chrissy’s going to give me the time of day or not, but if she does, I’m a lucky guy to have someone that incredible even look my way.” The more he spoke, the more a weight felt as though it were being lifted from his shoulders. “I don’t need your criticism, and I don’t need your doubt. What I could really use is your support.”
Respect flashed in Dad’s eyes before he drew himself up to his full height and pierced him with a firm look. “And you’re sure about all of that?”
“Absolutely.”
Dad held his hand out for Wyatt to shake. “We’ll see you Saturday at dinner?”
“I’ll be there.”
With a single nod, Dad turned and left the office.
Wyatt released the breath he had been holding and allowed himself to sit on the surface of his desk. That was about as close to an approval as he’d ever gotten from Dad. He’d be shocked if he didn’t have to deal with more repercussions from Mom and Violet, but that was probably the last he’d hear of it from his father.
Still stunned by the conversation, Wyatt rushed downstairs to his vehicle hoping he could catch Chrissy before she left for the evening. By the time he got there, she’d already exited the coffee shop and was walking down the street. He jumped out of his Jeep and jogged to meet her on the sidewalk.
The moment she spotted him, her eyes widened, and she came to a stop. “Wyatt? What are you doing here?”
“We need to talk.” When she started to shake her head, he reached for her hand to stop her. “Please, hear me out. Then I won’t bother you again if you want to leave.”
She didn’t object or pull her hand from his. Taking that as a good sign, he led her to the fountain where they’d first talked and sat facing her.
“I should have told you about Ashley.” It was difficult to not react to the hurt on her face at the mention of his ex’s name. “We were engaged to be married. It was years ago, and we didn’t know each other all that well. She was constantly telling me how much she loved me. I thought I loved her, too. The rest of what Violet told you, however, wasn’t true. I was not marrying her to get my inheritance money. At that time, my parents were still unhappy with my decision to one day open Joyful Hope Stables. Ashley agreed that it was a waste of time. My parents approved of her, but when she heard that they wouldn’t give me my inheritance if I kept going forward with the stables, she became angry.”
Chrissy’s eyes were wide as she listened. She still hadn’t pulled her hand away, and Wyatt held onto it like a lifeline as he continued.
“Ashley told me that we needed the money and that I was being selfish. That’s when I realized she didn’t love me. She loved the idea that I might gain an inheritance and, as my wife, so would she. It was me who broke off our engagement at that point. Ashley, my parents, and Violet were all furious and have never fully forgiven me for the decision. I doubted myself for a long time because of it. How could I have not known who Ashley really was?”
“It sounds like she was a master manipulator. Sometimes people like that are so good at what they do, even they believe it for a time.” Chrissy’s voice was quiet as she spoke. “Why did Violet invite her to the bonfire?”
“Because Violet thought it would be entertaining to invite her and mess with us. I’m not sure if she was hoping it would make me mad, break us up, or if she thought Ashley still had a chance.” He shrugged. “I’ve never been able to understand her motivations.” He looked at their joined hands and softly caressed the top of her thumb with his.
“This whole thing between us may have started off with you going as my fake girlfriend,” he lifted his gaze to examine her face, “but that’s not the way it ended. I miss you, Chrissy.”
~*~
If everything he said was true, Chrissy couldn’t blame him for calling off the engagement and walking far away from Ashley. In fact, after what she knew and had seen of Violet, the very fact that she and Ashley were best friends was enough to put a black mark on Ashley as it was.
He misses me. Those words were like a balm on her bruised and aching heart. She’d missed him too. Desperately. The conversation she heard between his parents filled her head and prevented her from telling him she missed him, too. It didn’t matter how sh
e felt. They could take Ashley out of the equation, and it still didn’t change the fact that his parents would refuse to give him his inheritance money if he pursued a relationship with her. The last thing she wanted to do was cause more trouble for him.
“Chrissy?”
It took everything in her to remove her hand from his. “It can’t work.” She tried to focus on the water in the fountain and keep her tears at bay. She was so sick of crying.
Wyatt leaned down to look at her. “Why not?” When she only shrugged in response, he put a hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. “I know it’s crazy, but I’ve fallen in love with you, Chrissy. It happened so fast, and so unexpectedly, that it’s scary. There’s something here between us, and I refuse to walk away from it. Can you look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t feel it too?”
Chrissy’s heart slammed into her ribs and stole her breath. Of course she felt it. That’s what made all of this even harder. She jumped to her feet and took several steps away before turning to face him again. He’d followed her, concern etched into his features. “I overheard your parents talking. If you and I end up together, they will never give you your inheritance. Your dreams—everything you’ve been working toward—will be out of reach.” She swallowed hard. “I can’t be a part of that.”
He shook his head, a tiny smile pulling at the corners of his lips. “My father confronted me earlier today, and I told him I would no longer work for him after the new year. I also made it clear that I didn’t want his money. I’ve got a plan in place for the stables, and I’m financially capable of doing that on my own. I refuse to owe my parents anything. If they give me that inheritance, they’ll hold it over my head for the rest of their lives.” Wyatt approached her and took both of her hands in his. “Most importantly, I will not allow my parents, or anyone else, to dictate who I can and can’t love.”
Marrying Chrissy (Brides of Clearwater Book 3) Page 15