by Leah Atwood
“What is it with women always going to the bathroom in groups?” Sean attempted to break the ice with a joke.
“I’m not sure, but it’s true. Whenever we’re out with her family, Madison and her sister always have to go together.”
“Hate to break it to you, but that’s never going to change.” Sean grinned. “Madison and Anna have always been like that.”
Archer started to scowl but stopped. “It’s strange to me that you know my wife in ways I don’t.”
Sensing a pivotal moment, Sean chose his words wisely. “Madison and I shared a long friendship, that’s true, but you know her in the most important way. You know her heart.”
“That’s true.”
After an awkward pause, Sean spoke again. “Look, I want to apologize again for what happened last time we met, and for the way I treated you the times before that.”
“It’s in the past.” Archer shrugged. “We’ve all moved forward, and all happily married now. No sense rehashing it all.”
“Thanks.” For forgiveness? Letting it go? He wasn’t sure, but it seemed the right word to say.
“Madison misses your friendship, you know.”
Archer’s announcement blew him away. How was he supposed to respond? “You can’t be friends with someone that long and not miss them when the relationship suddenly ends. Life is fluid, though, and with that reality comes a change in friendship dynamics. Even if I hadn’t been an idiot, our friendship would have changed, as it should have. You’re the man in her life now, just as Sunny’s the woman in mine. Those relationships need to be respected above all, save a relationship with Christ.”
Archer lifted a brow. “Who are you?”
“Not that man I was a year ago, that’s for sure.”
“I’d say.” Archer chuckled. “I’ve done a bit of thinking. Our wives like each other, and maybe you’re not such a bad guy after all.”
“Hey now.” From anyone else, he’d have resented the comment, but Archer had his utmost respect, plus there was a teasing tone behind the jab.
“You’re right. Friendships will change, but do they have to end?” Archer’s gaze went to the bathroom door where the women just exited. “If you find yourself back in Maryville, give us a call. We can pull another double date.”
“I’ll take you up on that.” He tilted his head toward their approaching wives. “If I were a betting man, I’d wager they’ve already made plans.”
Archer’s laugh resonated through the waiting patrons. “That, my friend, is a bet I wouldn’t be willing to take.”
“What’s so funny?” Madison stood in front of them, darting a glance back and forth.
“Nothing.” Archer held her hand. “We were passing the time telling jokes, right, Sean?”
“Yes.”
Sunny narrowed her eyes. “Why do I get the feeling Madison and I are the punchlines.”
Sean kissed her cheek. “Never.”
“While we’re waiting for our table, Sunny and I came up with an idea we want to share.” Pep kicked up the speed of Madison’s words.
Archer caught his eye, and they exchanged an amused look that said, Here it comes.
Oblivious, Madison continued. “I’m sure your parents want you to visit them soon in Maryville.” She waved a finger in a circle. “When you do, the four of us should do another double date.”
“Sounds fine to me. What do you think, Archer?” Proud of himself for not laughing, he passed the proverbial baton to Archer.
“Good idea,” he echoed.
“And I know just the thing.” Madison beamed and grinned like the Cheshire cat. “How come I never knew you were a bowling aficionado. You think you know someone…”
“We’re all allowed our secrets.” He shot Sunny a fake glare. “That is until our wives spill them.”
Sunny threw up her hands. “Hey, I only answered when she asked what would be fun for all of us to do.” She battered her lashes. “Forgive me?”
“Hmm. That’s a tough one, but you are awfully cute. I guess you’re forgiven.”
Chapter Fifteen
“That was fun.” Sunny leaned over the center console to nudge Sean. “Admit it, you enjoyed yourself.”
“I did.” He glanced over briefly and smiled before turning his eyes back to the road. “I never thought it possible, but Archer’s fun to hang out with.”
“Madison too.” She rubbed a hand on her arm. She had an apology to make and those never sat well with her. “I’m sorry I went a little crazy about Madison at first. I had no reason to be jealous, but I was. I should have believed you.”
“Can’t say that I blame you, but I’m glad you finally believe that I’m not in love with her.”
“I could see that today.” She’d watched their interactions closely. “You have a unique friendship with her. I’m glad you’ll get that back.”
“It won’t be the same, and I’m okay with the new dynamic.”
She leaned against the seat, more content than she ever remembered. Her life was leading her on paths she hadn’t expected but provided the fulfillment she’d craved. She loved her work at Crosswinds. Most days, she even found the housekeeping aspects tolerable.
Then there was Sean. Their developing relationship filled a void she hadn’t realized existed. She’d always wanted to get married, but hadn’t thought about the love involved. Her dreams had always been the more fanciful type of romance and flowers. In reality, she loved married life. She loved the companionship, the sharing of duties, learning the intricacies of another person. There’d been compromise, a few arguments along the way, and small instances of butting heads, but she thoroughly enjoyed her marriage.
She knew it would be even better if they had a real marriage. Like the one she’d planned to have with Kristopher, but there would be love in one with Sean. Was it fair to ask him to change plans? Keep their marriage at the end of the year, make it permanent? Sean had intimated as such, but never directly said so. He said they were falling in love, but never said he loved her. They’d known each other less than two months, so could she take that to mean anything? Why couldn’t she ask him?
Because she feared rejection—or worse—holding him back. His earlier comments made it clear he still wanted to work as a business consultant. Could he be happy living in the country after the life he’d had previously? She found it hard to believe, so even though she loved him, she approached the relationship with caution.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Stopped at a red light, Sean looked at her.
“You’d be overpaying.” She covered her lie with a laugh.
“Somehow I doubt that.”
Her phone vibrated in her purse. She’d forgotten to turn the volume up after they’d left the restaurant. She peeked at the screen—Mr. Marchland, her lawyer was calling her. He probably was following up from their meeting yesterday, and she’d call him back when they got to Crosswinds and Sean was out of earshot. She ignored the call and adjusted the volume level.
When he left a message, her curiosity got the better of her. She dialed into her voicemail before they reached the area where service would be lost.
“Good afternoon Sunshine. Stan Marchland calling with a bit of information that will please you regarding the marriage stipulation. Please come by the office at your earliest convenience. I’ll be here until five today.”
Her heart stopped for a length of a beat. What did his message mean? Her stomach gurgled with fear from assuming the worst. If she didn’t have to be married, would Sean want the marriage annulled? He’d said they were falling in love, but lots of people were in love without marrying. Would she lose him?
“Are you okay?” Sean pulled off the side of the road. “You’re pale as a ghost. You didn’t receive bad news about something, did you? Is your family okay?”
She shook her head, coming out of the surprised stupor. “It’s nothing like that. The lawyer has news for me. Would you mind heading back into town?”
He turned th
e car around and drove in the direction from where they’d just come. “Did he say what it was about?”
“Only something about the marriage clause.”
She had to know, wouldn’t rest until she found out. Her nerves wouldn’t leave her alone.
“Eventually we’ll have our date.”
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t even think.” She gulped, swallowing her anxiousness. “I’ll call him when we get home and find out what’s going on. We shouldn’t put off our date again.”
“It’s fine. A few hours won’t make a difference.”
Famous last words.
***
An hour later, she sat in Mr. Marchlands’ office, still stunned by his news. He’d found a loophole, and had checked with several of his colleagues to confirm, that made the one-year anniversary clause invalid. According to the terms set out in the will, Sunny now owned Crosswinds, free and clear, without any more obligations to satisfy other than living there and not changing the name.
Sean had been eerily quiet the entire time. She wished she could read his mind, but had no idea what he was thinking. Did he see a way out and was already planning to leave? They had a lot to discuss when they got home.
She wanted Crosswinds to be his home, but he would have to make that choice.
“Does this information affect what we discussed yesterday?” Mr. Marchland’s question drew her back to the present.
She appreciated the discretion of his inquiry. “No, sir. We’ll still move ahead with that.”
“With what?” Sean glanced at her, his face still unreadable.
“A small matter he’s taking care of for me. Not a big deal.” She had to be vague. She didn’t know how the situation would play out, but regardless, she was grateful for Sean’s help.
“Is there anything else I can help you with before you leave?” Mr. Marchland crossed his hands on his desk.
“No, thank you.” She wanted to get out of there, run and hide.
If Sean couldn’t find her, he couldn’t tell her he was leaving.
That’s a ridiculous thought. He’s sitting right beside me.
“I’ll have the paperwork drawn up tomorrow, and by the weekend, you’ll be the official owner of Crosswinds with full access to the trust.” Mr. Marchland stood and shook their hands. “Have a good day, and thanks for coming in so soon.”
They left the office and drove home without conversation.
Sean’s silence scared her. Why didn’t he say anything? He hadn’t even mentioned celebrating their one-month anniversary. Actually, he’d never admitted that’s what the date was for, but he’d hinted enough—she knew for certain he wanted to celebrate. His lack of speech confirmed her worst fears. He didn’t want to stay. Why else was he so quiet?
If you love someone, let them go, and if they love you, they’ll come back.
She’d heard that all her life, but never realized it would one day apply to her.
Help me, Lord. Give me strength to do the right thing.
Back at Crosswinds, Sean got out of the driver’s side of the SUV and opened her door as he normally did. A tempest of emotions played on his face.
When he still hadn’t said anything by the time they reached the porch, she couldn’t take it anymore. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”
“I don’t know what to say.” He leaned against the column. “This was unexpected news.”
By far, it wasn’t the declaration of love she’d hoped for. Maybe she’d set her expectations too high, too soon.
She stood opposite of him, resting her back on the exterior stone wall. “You’re free to leave now. You’ve fulfilled your commitment.”
His head jerked, and jaw clenched. “What are you saying?”
“We both know this marriage only started so I could claim my inheritance. You’ve helped me do that, and I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.”
“And now you’re dismissing me, just like that?” He snapped his fingers. “You got what you wanted and don’t need me anymore?”
“That’s not how it is.” Her heart ached.
“Sure it is. I’m a business man remember. I’ve done countless deals where an employee is used then loses his job afterward. I know how this works.” He stepped away from the column and headed toward the door. Stopped in front of her. “Only problem is, I guess I thought this had become more than business. The joke’s on me.”
She watched him storm inside, heard his feet stomp up the stairs. Go after him. She couldn’t. He was angry now, but he wouldn’t leave. Not if he cared. Clinging to her belief that she had to set him free, she hugged herself and sunk to the porch. If it was the right thing to do, why did it hurt so much?
Twenty minutes had passed before she convinced herself she’d made a mistake. She wiped her eyes free of tears and went inside to find Sean, explain to him she didn’t want him to go.
He walked down the stairs, suitcase in hand.
Her heart dropped to the floor. Deep down, she hadn’t really believed he’d leave. Feared it, but not believed it. The suitcase provided a conclusive answer, and she couldn’t breathe. “You don’t have to leave right now.”
“It’s better this way.” He no longer seemed angry, but sad and resigned.
No, it’s not. “Where will you go?”
“Not sure yet.” He closed the gap between them and kissed her forehead.
It was the saddest kiss she’d ever experienced. “Let me know, please.”
“I will. We’ll still have to take care of the legal aspects of this.”
His words stabbed her in the heart. That’s why he thought I wanted to know where he’d be? “Be safe.”
He simply nodded and walked out of the door. Out of her life.
How could a day have gone so wrong? She ran her hands through her hair, tempted to run to the door and shout for him to stop. But if he didn’t? How much rejection could she take in one day? She was confused. By her reactions, and by his. He’d acted like he hadn’t wanted to leave, but he did.
This couldn’t be the end. They’d had a misunderstanding, and he’d be back. He had to be—or the shattering pieces of her heart would never be the same.
Overcome with exhaustion, she went upstairs to her bedroom. She’d sleep the afternoon away, and when she awoke, this would all be a nightmare. And if it wasn’t, she’d call Sean and straighten this mess out.
She found a gift-wrapped package lying on her bed and a card. She sucked in a deep breath, and the tears began all over again. Her hand gently outlined the present, knowing Sean’s hands had just touched it as well. It hadn’t been there when they’d left for lunch, which meant he had to have put it there before he left. She hadn’t had the opportunity to present him with his. Would it have made a difference?
Her hand trembled when she slid a finger under the crease of the paper and tore away the paper. Once she fully unwrapped it, she saw a beautiful pewter picture frame with “LOVE” etched below the glass. He’d added a picture of them, one from their wedding when the sun shone directly behind them.
She’d loved that picture Raina had sent. Hugging the frame to her chest, she remembered her wedding day with bittersweet joy. Sean had done everything possible to make it memorable.
Did she dare read the card? She didn’t think her emotions could handle his words, but she craved a connection to him. The uncertainty of his return stung deep, made his absence more pronounced.
Closing her eyes, she opened the card. Still undecided on looking at the inside, her eyes glossed over the front. Two embossed rings were on the cover and “Happy Anniversary” was written at the top in a delicate scroll font. I need to know what he wrote. Folding back the front, her gaze skimmed the printed text, and she focused on the handwriting.
Dear Sunny,
Happy one-month anniversary. When I got lost trying to find my grandfather’s cabin, I never dreamed I’d find my way home in more ways than one. You’ve given my life new purpose, and reason to think beyond my
self. May this be the first of many more month anniversaries to come over the years.
Love,
Sean
Regret pushed down on her shoulders. He hadn’t wanted to leave. He’d counted on forever. May this be the first of many more month anniversaries to come over the years. Years. Not year. Plural, not singular.
She wiped her nose and blinked back more tears. Once again, she hadn’t trusted him and in the process, had made a huge mistake.
Chapter Sixteen
Sean grabbed the presentation folder from the passenger seat. He’d spent the past week poring over all the information and files Mr. Lyons had passed on to him. Throwing himself into work kept his mind off Sunny. In theory at least—in reality, not so much.
He missed her.
Only pride kept him from running back to her, begging her not to give up on them. He’d thought back to that day last week, and still couldn’t pinpoint where things had taken a nosedive. She’d been reticent to advance their relationship, but she cared for him.
She had to. Why else would she have fought the jealousy toward Madison? Not to mention the chemistry between them.
The only answer he could deduce was that she didn’t care enough, but would she have, given time? Man, he wished the lawyer had never made that discovery. If he hadn’t, he’d still be happily living at Crosswinds, wooing his wife.
Sunny had called him a few times, left a message twice. He couldn’t bring himself to call her back. Eventually, he’d have to gather the rest of his belongings from the house, and they’d have to get the annulment, but he couldn’t deal with that right now. He didn’t want their marriage to end and have it wiped off the books like it had never existed.
It did exist, and it had happened. He had fallen in love with Sunny and fixing that wasn’t as simple as paying a lawyer to file a few forms. When he’d said his vows, he’d promised to stay with her until death separated them. No matter the reason why they married, he would keep his promise. He was very much alive, and so was she—if their marriage ended, he wouldn’t initiate the termination.