Southern Charm (Southern Desires Series Book 5)

by Jeannette Winters

  Wyatt saw Watson’s chopper still sitting there, probably waiting to take Watson home. Sorry buddy, but that might be delayed a bit longer.

  “Good. I have someplace I want to show you.” They walked to the chopper, and he called the pilot out. He told Randi to have a seat, and he’d join her in a minute.

  The pilot wasn’t happy with his request. He blurted out concerns about his job and flight plans.

  “I’ll handle Watson. I just need you to get this bird in the air.”

  The pilot finally agreed, and they flew south.

  “Wyatt, where are we going?”

  “For a walk on the beach.”

  “Don’t you think I’ve had enough mystery for one day?” Randi asked.

  He took her hand in his and replied, “There’s no mystery here, Randi. What I’m about to tell you will eliminate that.”

  “Then tell me.”

  This isn’t how he’d envisioned any of it. He wasn’t romantic, but he’d pictured candles, flowers, soft music and neither of them in Marine uniforms. Right now he didn’t care about any of that. He was focused on her response.

  “Let me start by apologizing about Sissie and the Wild Sass.”

  “As you should. I can’t believe you put her up to that.” Randi’s voice was filled with hurt. Misplaced, but it still was there.

  “I didn’t. The first I heard of it was when the two of you came back into the bar. She’s very good at arranging things she believes should happen.”

  Randi stared at him as though she wasn’t sure he was telling the truth. Then she nodded. “Oh, she’s not just good, she’s the best. So why didn’t you just call her out on it?”

  “Because it didn’t matter how it came about. The offer to watch the saloon with you for six weeks appealed to me. I pretty much gave her the okay, but changed my mind.”

  She peered at him. “Why?”

  Wyatt reached out and touched her cheek. It was still swollen from Cindy’s fist. She was right, it had been one hell of a day. He wasn’t going to make it any worse for her. All he could do was offer the truth. She hadn’t received much of that in a long time. I’m not going to be another person lying to her.

  “I want to be with you, Randi. Whether it’s working in the bar or on some crazy ass mission Collins sends you on. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll do it with you. If that’s the bar, I’m game.”

  “What are you saying?”

  He’d told himself that no matter what, he’d tell her the truth. “That you’ve opened my eyes. There’s more to life than work.”

  “All I have in my life right now is what you see, and this isn’t even real. I’m not a Marine. I’m not Maggie. I’m not sure I’m even Randi any longer. So much has happened that you’re not aware of. If you knew the things I’ve done or said over the past few years, you might not like what you see either. My entire life feels like a lie.”

  Wyatt knew how that had come to be. They were both molded by war, and sometimes finding who you really are again isn’t easy. “We did what we had to do, not just for survival but to protect others. At times it doesn’t feel right, even though it was the right thing to do.”

  “How do I know the difference?”

  “You’re a good person, Randi. That’s the difference. What drives you is the search for justice and truth. Don’t ever let that go. It’s one of the things I lo—admire about you.” He held his breath as the word love had nearly slipped out of his mouth. He’d thought about it several times over the past few days. What did he know of love? He had nothing to compare it to, yet he was pretty damn sure that’s how he felt about her.

  She wasn’t ready to hear his words right now. He knew that. She’d told him she trusted him; now it was time for him to trust her. The way she spoke to him and let him into her private life said she trusted him. He needed to give her the time she required to process everything she’d been through. He’d served too many years in the Army not to know what it’s like. This wasn’t the time to open up about deep feelings or the future. But maybe we could talk about it during the six weeks in a bar.

  “I really like what I do, and I’m not looking to walk away from all that. But these last few days with you have shown me I want more than that. I want you in my life.”

  Her eyes welled with tears and she blinked, causing them to roll down her cheek and onto his hand that still held her. “Wyatt. There’s so much I don’t know right now. The only thing I am sure of is I don’t want to lose you.” Her words were choppy between sobs. “If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that this world needs people to care. We are needed. Cindy, JT, Floyd, they are just a few of so many people who don’t care. You can’t turn away from someone in need any more than I can. It’s who we are. What we do.”

  “Randi what we do is stressful and dangerous. I don’t want to think about you risking your life every day.”

  She reached up and cupped his face this time. “I feel like I’ve died several times over. I can’t be Mirranda Graham. I buried her six years ago to become my sister. No one can ever find out about that lie. It would destroy too many lives and undo all the good we have done. I can’t live my life as Maggie any longer. Every time someone calls me by that name my heart breaks into pieces, and I mourn her all over again. It’s killing me on the inside. So if you think I’m afraid of dying, then you’re wrong. It’s living that scares the hell out of me.”

  His heart felt like it was ripped open. He thought he understood how she was feeling. Way off. Wyatt couldn’t change what she’d faced all these years. No more than he could change his past. All he could do is love and support her while she tried to heal. It wasn’t going to be easy for her. Even with him there, it was something he knew she had to face alone. He hated not being able to fix it, control any of it. For the first time in his life, he felt useless.

  “Then don’t be Maggie or Randi.”

  “Who should be I then?” Randi pleaded for an answer.

  He covered her hand, still resting on his face, with his. “How about the manager of a saloon for six weeks?”

  Her eyes widened in shock. “I don’t know anything about running a bar.”

  “Great, that makes two of us. Let’s face the challenge together.”

  Randi laughed. “Don’t you think the poor people of Honeywell deserve more than that?”

  Wyatt laughed. “I’ve had your cooking. They’ll be in good hands. I plan on playing pool and shooting darts the entire time.”

  “I was actually thinking more along the lines of you being the dishwasher.”

  It was good to see her smile again. “You remember how well that turned out last time.”

  Randi said, “I wonder how Sissie feels about using paper plates.”

  There was so much he wanted to say, but he would use the next six weeks to show her instead. Maybe one day they’d be ready. First he was going to enjoy getting to know her while she continued to find herself.

  He wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her. They had plenty of time for that. What she needed right now was to know he wasn’t leaving. “I’m not going anywhere. If it means dishes for six weeks or running a bubble bath for you, I’m all in.”

  Randi threw her arms around his neck. He scooped her off her seat and onto his lap. “You know I’m a strawberry and whipped cream type of girl.”

  He kissed her briefly and said, “Now let’s go to the beach.”

  She lifted her head and looked at him. “Really? You’re taking me to the beach?”

  “Yep. There’s a hammock that has our name on it.”

  She laughed. “Why not? A beach is the perfect place for two lost souls.”

  “Baby, we’re not lost. We just found each other.” Wyatt claimed her lips in a tender kiss. For the first time in his life, he didn’t have everything planned out. The only thing he knew for sure was that he was falling in love with her. The rest of the pieces would fall into place over time.

  Epilogue

  Randi cou
ldn’t believe how fast six weeks had gone by. The first one was a bit rough. Sissie made it look easy, but there was nothing easy about running a bar. If Wyatt hadn’t been there, she probably would’ve burst into tears and wound up with gray hair.

  Instead, she learned more about Wyatt’s character than she could have if they were still lazing around in Galveston. Not that the beach wasn’t wonderful, it just was so quiet. After a few days, she’d become antsy and needed more. She was used to the hustle and bustle.

  It did feel good right now to sit at the table and be waited on. Sissie had returned earlier in the day and insisted they come for dinner. It was nice since she wasn’t doing the cooking. As she took a bite of Sissie’s famous sweet potato pie, she knew the patrons must have missed Sissie greatly. I know I have.

  “It’s gonna take a week before I get this place smelling like steaks and barbecue again,” Sissie said as she joined them at the table.

  “I warned you. I’m not a southern girl.”

  “Oh, darlin, you are in spirit. Your fella over here is a different story.” She turned to Wyatt and asked, “When are you gonna get some real boots?”

  Randi knew he still wore his combat boots in town. Derrick had taken him shopping for cowboy boots, and from what she heard it was disastrous. The saleswoman burst into tears and said some people weren’t meant to wear them. Randi would’ve suggested they go back, but she didn’t want to scare the poor woman again.

  “I don’t see you hounding Collins about his attire,” Wyatt replied.

  Mark shot Wyatt a look. “Don’t sic her on me.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Sissie asked. She shook her head and said, “When did these guys get so sensitive?”

  I would call it wise. “Guess they know who’s in charge in here.”

  “Got that right girl. So what brings you to Honeywell, Mark?”

  “Business.”

  Sissie looked at Randi then said, “Guess that’s his way of telling me to shove off.” Getting up, she gave Randi a hug and said, “Thank you again for everything. I feel like a new woman. You should think about a vacation yourself. Maybe with your sweetheart over here.”

  Randi rolled her eyes. Sissie might have just returned, but she was still up to her old tricks. I hope she doesn’t change. I love her just the way she is.

  Once she was out of earshot, Randi turned her attention to Mark. “Like Sissie asked, what brings you here?”

  “Thought you would like an update.”

  She’d been waiting far too long. Since she no longer had her satphone, they no longer communicated about work on the phone. “What have you found?”

  “Cindy did some talking, but not much. What we learned is she pulled the strings for JT and Floyd.”

  “That’s good. So we have the head, and it’s over?” Randi asked.

  “Don’t know. She has more family living, and we’re looking into their backgrounds very closely. So far nothing unusual, but we’re not taking any chances.”

  It was smart not to assume. They’d had enough surprises over the years, and none were good. “You know how to find me if you need me.”

  “That’s another reason I’m here.” Mark pulled out a manila envelope and handed it to her.

  She opened it and pulled out the paperwork. It was Form DD214, discharge paperwork. Master Sargent Margaret Graham was no longer in the service. “How did you get this?”

  “You’re not the only one who can falsify documents. I should’ve spoken to you first, but I figure this decision was best made for you,” Mark stated.

  She read the paper again. The uniform that was never really hers was retired. “Thank you, Mark.” Randi was glad he’d taken the initiative. She had no idea how she was going to get out of the Marines and could’ve spent the next four years trying to come up with an effective plan. That would’ve been a mistake.

  “Now you’re free to do what you want.”

  Randi had spent many hours thinking of what that might be since working at the Wild Sass. “I was thinking about joining the milit–”

  “No,” Wyatt and Mark said in unison.

  She burst out laughing. “Just joking. I think I’ve had enough with the formal regiment. I want to work in the private sector. So if you’re ever in need of my services, look me up.”

  Wyatt grabbed her hand. “I know someone who’s hiring. He’s looking for someone with your exact skill set.” Wyatt gave her a wink. “He’s a hard ass, and the interview will be tough, but I think you can handle him.”

  “Really? Who’s that?” Randi asked.

  Wyatt pulled out another envelope and slid it across the table to her. She opened it and pulled out more papers. This one had a birth certificate inside. It said Lilly Graham. The date of birth matched hers. Then she found papers that showed her high school diploma and college degree, all with the same name.

  “What’s this?”

  “Lilly was my grandmother’s name. She was the sweetest woman I’ve ever known, until you. I thought maybe you’d like to use it,” Wyatt said.

  She looked at the papers again and realized he was giving her the gift of a new identity. The fresh start she’d been looking for. It was like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

  “Don’t worry, your fingerprints are aligned to the name as well,” Mark added. Then he got up. “I’ll leave you to handle the rest yourself.” Bending over, Mark gave Randi a kiss on the forehead.

  He’d never done anything so personal before. She realized she was really part of his team now, not in title but through friendship. Her family was growing, not through blood but by choice. “You don’t have to leave.”

  He smiled at her. “Yes, I do.” Then Mark patted Wyatt on the back and said, “Good luck.”

  Randi looked at him puzzled. “Why would you need any luck?”

  Wyatt became serious and said, “There was one more paper in the back. I think you should review it and let me know what you think.”

  She flipped to the end, and her eyes widened. It was a marriage license for Lilly Graham and Wyatt McVeigh. Randi looked up at him. “What is this, Wyatt?”

  Reaching out, he took her hand in his. “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. My life hasn’t been the same since I met you. I never knew I needed anyone before, but I need you, Randi. Not for six weeks or for six months. I need you until the end of time.”

  Wyatt slipped out of his chair and dropped down to one knee. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a heart shaped diamond ring. Randi’s heart was pounding; she couldn’t believe this was happening. They’d grown so close over the past six weeks, but he’d never told her he loved her. Actually, he still hasn’t.

  “I know I haven’t told you, but I love you. I think I have since the moment I met you. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Would you do me the honor of becoming Lilly McVeigh?”

  Her head was spinning. She felt the same way but couldn’t bring herself to say the words. She was so used to things ending and was afraid this would too. Yet, here he was, telling her he wanted her. Not for today but for always.

  Wyatt had promised never to lie to her, and her heart said he was telling the truth now.

  Tears of joy welled up as she looked at him.

  “Answer the man for goodness’ sake,” Sissie shouted from behind the bar.

  Randi blushed as she realized Wyatt was proposing with a crowd watching. She wasn’t fond of public displays of affection like this, but right now she didn’t care. She would happily climb a mountain and shout her feelings.

  “I love you too, Wyatt. More than I can express.”

  “Is that yes?”

  She smiled and nodded. “Yes. It’s a yes.”

  He slipped the ring on her finger, and she leaped into his waiting arms.

  “I love you, Ra–”

  “Lilly.”

  Wyatt looked down at her and said, “I love you, Lilly.” Pulling her close, he kissed her gently.

 
The crowd began to hoot, holler, and whistle. Wyatt wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a tight hug. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mark standing by the door. He gave her a brief nod before leaving.

  Shutting out the rest of the room, she melted into Wyatt’s arms. Nothing else mattered. This was the happiest day of her life. She had everything she could ever dream of. The man she loved just asked her to marry him. Today she closed the door to the past and was opening herself to the future. One that was as bright as the sun. One with Wyatt. As he kissed her again, she felt at peace. No longer did she fear what tomorrow would bring. Because whatever challenges came her way, she wasn’t facing them alone. And she was going to face them as Lilly McVeigh. I like the sound of that.

  The End

  Don’t miss book 6, Southern Sass!

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