“So what have you put off for yourself that you might have focused on otherwise?”
Wyatt’s question was a normal one, but it made Chrissy pause. It wasn’t necessarily her job. She was never one of those women who felt like she needed a high-paying career. Honestly, she’d always thought she’d work until she got married and had a family, then she’d stay home with the kids.
When she was a teenager, she’d thought she’d have her own family by now. She never imagined she’d be in her early thirties and her only date in ages was as a guy’s fake girlfriend. Wow, how had so much time passed?
~*~
Chrissy seemed to struggle to answer Wyatt’s question. He watched her face as she stared out at the waves. A moment later, a look of sadness flashed in her eyes. She turned her head and focused on him. “I guess there are a lot of things I didn’t realize I’d been putting off until now.” She shrugged, apparently unwilling to divulge more information than that.
He totally understood why she was hesitating. It wasn’t like he’d revealed a whole lot of personal things to her, either. Ashley came to mind. He should probably tell Chrissy about her, although every time he thought to do so, he was able to rationalize the fact that they weren’t really in a relationship, and so it didn’t matter anyway.
But his goals for the future…
“Our situations are completely different, but I know what you mean about putting things off.” Wyatt was thankful that there weren’t a lot of people milling about their area of the beach. The last thing he needed was for any of what he was about to say to go through the mixed-up chain of mouths and wind up being told to his parents.
Even still, he lowered his voice a little as he continued. “I started working for my dad as soon as I graduated college. I never intended to work for him this long.” He paused, trying to figure out where he should begin. “We have a small stable at the country club. Our members can ride the horses at their leisure. It’s always been a popular amenity. More than that, though, I’ve seen what interacting with the horses can do for people. When my grandfather passed some years ago, Gran was depressed and sad. Going out to the stables and riding the horses helped her through that period in her life. I see that with others, too, no matter what their ages.”
Chrissy was watching him intently and nodded for him to continue.
“After understanding what interacting with horses could do for people, I decided I wanted to open my own place. I want to make Joyful Hope Stables something everyone can afford. I want to have riding lessons available, a program to help seniors, and trained therapists to provide hippotherapy for children with disabilities.” He started to tell her about some of his more detailed hopes and plans for the place he could clearly see in his mind’s eye.
“It truly sounds amazing, Wyatt. You could help so many people that way.” Chrissy’s voice sounded wistful. “So what’s stopped you from doing it?”
How did he explain his situation without diving into all the inheritance mess? For someone like Chrissy, who fought for the money she needed for everyday expenses, he doubted she wanted to hear about the poor timing of money being passed down to him. “Two reasons, I guess. First, I was young and dumb. I had some money coming in some years ago that I was counting on. That didn’t work out. Instead of taking initiative and starting to set aside money at that point, I kept assuming the situation would work itself out, and I would have funds the easy way.”
To his surprise, there was no look of pity or disgust on her face, just one of acceptance as she listened intently.
“The second problem is that my parents very much disapprove of the plan. My father sees no way that I can make a good income with a place like that and feels it’s foolhardy to even try. My mother agrees with him. Honestly, I completely get where they’re coming from. But they are completely focused on how I won’t make a fortune from this endeavor, when I just want to keep the business running and help people.”
Wyatt shifted his position on the blanket. “I know I don’t need their blessing, but when I’ve been working in the family business for so long, things get tricky. I want this to succeed. I need it to, so I’ve had to wait until I’ve saved up enough money to do this completely on my own financially. I refuse to set myself up for needing any assistance or for my business failing and my parents having the final laugh.” He groaned. “That probably all sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?”
“No, it doesn’t. Maybe there were things you could’ve done differently years ago, but that’s in the past.” Chrissy looked thoughtful. “It sounds like you’re approaching it all with a lot of common sense and a real plan going forward. Is your dad reacting this way because he feels threatened? I can’t see how your place would take away from the sales your dad gets through the country club.”
“Exactly! No, it won’t affect it at all. The stables are such a small part of the country club anyway. It’s not about that for my parents, though…”
“…it’s all about the bottom line. It’s clear your parents have put a lot of effort into building their finances—and they’re quite good at it…”
“…but life isn’t all about money,” Wyatt finished, thankful she understood where he was coming from. “My entire job is making sure the country club runs smoothly and that we continue to improve our profit margins. I know there will be other stresses with Joyful Hope, but they’ll be worth it.” He shrugged. “So yeah, I guess I wish I hadn’t put off saving money or moving forward with my plans years ago. But it is what it is, and I’d like to think I’ve learned things along the way that’ll set me up for success.”
“Do you have any kind of time frame in mind?”
Wyatt again made sure to lower his voice before responding. “I’m narrowing down a location now and hope to open next summer. If everything goes smoothly.”
“That’s amazing. I don’t know your family all that well, but it seems like your parents ought to be proud of what you’re doing, not criticizing it. Just my opinion.”
Her words caused a warmth to spread through his chest. Bonnie and Lucy had always thought his plan was a good one, but it was different to have Chrissy’s approval. Something about it made him feel like he could accomplish anything, and that bolstered his determination to pull things together.
There was a mix of admiration and something else in her eyes as she watched him. “Isn’t it crazy how much family can influence what we do?” She sighed. “There are so many things that have limited Emma because of her health. She’s always sworn that she’s fine remaining single, but I think she’s afraid no guy will want her after all of her issues.” Her voice broke, and she cleared her throat. “Now she’s lost the job she loves.” Tears filled her eyes, and she blinked them away. “I don’t consciously put things off, but I guess I don’t think it’s fair to move forward in certain areas of my life if she can’t. Is that silly?” She let out a puff of air as though her confession had taken a lot out of her.
“No. It’s not silly.” Everything in Wyatt wanted to reach for her and pull her into a hug. He fought to maintain the distance between them. “Emma is lucky to have a sister who cares so much about her.” He searched for the right words. “I’ll bet she’d want you to move forward and live your life. I don’t know Emma all that well, but she doesn’t seem like the type of person who would want to hold anyone back.”
Chrissy nodded silently. This time, a tear escaped to slide down her cheek. It stopped at her jaw, suspended, until another tear joined it, and both fell onto the fabric of her sundress below.
Wyatt couldn’t just sit there. He slid over a little and then put an arm around her shoulders. When she let her head tilt to rest against his, he tightened his hold on her. The sigh she released tugged at his heart.
A breeze came through and shook the umbrella canopy just a little. He listened to the sound of the waves, and it was easy to imagine that they were the only two on a deserted island somewhere. A place where money didn’t matter, Chrissy’s sister didn’t
struggle with her health, Wyatt’s parents weren’t always on his back. A place where he would seriously consider dating the gorgeous woman who just placed her hand on his forearm. The warmth of her soft skin rivaled the summer sun.
Out of nowhere, a young child squealed and then began to laugh. The sound made both Chrissy and Wyatt jump. She chuckled and swiped at her cheeks before she moved away from him.
“It’d be nice to be a kid again, wouldn’t it?” Wyatt swept some of her hair away from her wet cheek and tucked it behind her ear.
“Yeah, it would. Being an adult isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
“No, it’s not.” He smiled at her. “What do you say we go for a walk along the beach and forget all of this stuff for now.”
“I think that sounds like a really good idea.”
Wyatt stood and offered her a hand to help her up. This wasn’t a deserted island, and there were a lot of reasons why he and Chrissy would probably never work. But for now, he chose to ignore them. For now, he’d enjoy pretending to be her boyfriend.
Chapter Fourteen
Being here this weekend was supposed to be a charade, so how come it didn’t feel that way? Chrissy stooped to pick up a small seashell and add it to the growing collection in a bag Wyatt carried. He’d suggested she gather them and take them home to share with Mom and Emma, which was super thoughtful of him. They’d been able to find quite a few of them so far.
They didn’t exactly have the beach to themselves, but everyone was so busy having fun and enjoying the water that conversations were usually short and in passing. Chrissy saw several family members she’d met before and was happy when they waved or spoke as though she’d been going to this reunion for years.
Most of her conversation with Wyatt over the last two hours had been fun and light, which was just fine after the heavier topics they’d covered earlier. Chrissy still couldn’t believe that his parents disapproved of his plans for Joyful Hope Stables. Good grief, if her kid had goals to put something together like that to benefit so many people, she’d not only be proud, but do what she could to help. She’d have to remember to put the smile on and act normal around them later, so she didn’t give a hint as to how she really felt about them.
She thought back to everything she’d told him as well. He hadn’t blamed her or made her feel silly. And he’d been right about Emma and what she would say if she knew how Chrissy felt. At this point, though, Chrissy wasn’t sure how to move forward or if that was even possible.
“Check this one out.” Wyatt held out a small shell with some purple on it.
“Wow, that’s really pretty.”
He smiled and added it to the collection before continuing their stroll down the beach.
Chrissy let her gaze linger on him. Maybe this was how she moved forward. Even if he was going to be Emma’s boss, it didn’t mean that Chrissy would be lingering around the country club. They’d already met each other’s family for the first time, and neither of them had run for the hills then, either.
Her heart started tripping over itself as she thought about the possibility.
Suddenly, a round of barking was followed by a small terrier racing across the sand to stop in front of Wyatt. It yapped several times more.
“Gizmo!” A man came running up behind the dog. From the way he was breathing, it was clear he’d been chasing it for a while. “Would you stop?”
Gizmo turned his back on his owner, walked up to Wyatt, lifted his leg, and proceeded to pee right on Wyatt’s left foot.
Wyatt’s jaw dropped, Gizmo’s owner’s face turned red, and Chrissy clamped her lips together to keep the laughter at bay.
The guy scooped the small dog into his arms with a reprimand. “Hey, man, I’m sorry about that.” The guy cringed and left with the dog.
Wyatt stared at Chrissy, a serious look on his face. His gaze shifted to his foot.
Chrissy tried to stop laughing but succeeded for only a moment before she snorted. She slapped a hand over her mouth. Normally, she might be embarrassed to have made such a sound, but this was just plain too funny, and giggles started to escape.
“Right. Because my leg looks like a fire hydrant.” He was still trying to maintain his composure, but one corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “I’ll be right back.”
She watched as he walked into the waves far enough to wash his foot off. By the time he returned, she’d managed to get her humor under control. Well, mostly. She squeezed her right hand into a fist as hard as she could to keep from laughing again.
“Well,” he began, “I can honestly say that’s the first time that’s ever happened.”
“Who was that guy?”
“I don’t even know.”
That was all it took. Chrissy was giggling again, and this time, Wyatt joined her. His deep laughter did funny things to her heart and warmth spread through her body. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be laughing at this memory for a long, long time.”
“I sure hope this isn’t the only thing you’re going to remember from your weekend here.” It was said as a joke, but there was a measure of seriousness in his expression.
“No, it’s not the only thing.”
A wave came in, but Chrissy barely noticed. Wyatt was watching her face with such intensity she held her breath. He took several steps until they were nearly toe-to-toe.
“Good, I’m glad.”
Her pulse picked up tempo as he leaned in and covered her lips with his. A soft sigh escaped her, and that was all Wyatt needed. His free arm went around her waist and pulled her closer as their kiss deepened.
Chrissy melted into him, only aware of the two of them and the rhythmic feel of the waves swirling around their feet.
Until something wrapped itself around her ankle.
Chrissy startled and let out a squeal followed by a little jig.
“What’s wrong?”
Chrissy gripped his arms and looked down at her feet. A strand of seaweed had wound its way around her right ankle.
Her shoulders shook with silent laughter. “I’m so sorry.” She allowed one arm to fall to her side. Heat burned her face, rivaled only by the lingering memory of their kiss.
Wyatt chuckled. He bent down and freed her foot before tossing the seaweed back into the ocean. His watch beeped. After a quick glance at it and the direction they’d come from, he sighed. “We’d probably better head back so we’re not late for dinner. Besides, between the peeing dog and attacking seaweed, we may need to quit while we’re ahead.”
They both laughed. She took the hand he offered, and he threaded their fingers together before giving her hand a squeeze. Chrissy knew he was right about returning to the resort, but the last thing she wanted to do was leave the beach. Besides, she knew all too well that the magical feel of the afternoon and that amazing, toe-curling kiss was going to be replaced with reality.
She took in his profile framed by a brilliant blue sky. What if this could be her new reality? Was that even something Wyatt wanted? Hope blossomed as they walked hand in hand.
~*~
Unlike lunch and breakfast, Chrissy and Wyatt ended up sitting at the same dinner table as his parents, Violet, and three other family members. Truthfully, Wyatt had hoped to avoid this situation for the duration of the trip but knew that it was highly unlikely.
While breakfast and lunch had been served buffet style, dinner was a much fancier occasion. They’d already been served soup and salad and were waiting for the main course to be brought to the tables.
Wyatt rested his left arm across the back of Chrissy’s chair and softly brushed her shoulder with his thumb. He didn’t do it just because he wanted to maintain a point of contact with her, although that was certainly the primary reason. He also hoped to remind the others at the table that she was with him, and as such, he expected them to behave themselves. So far, conversation had mainly centered around a trip an uncle took to Paris and how his mom intended to mirror that trip in the next year or two. Honestly, Wyatt had st
arted to tune the topic out.
Instead, he kept thinking back on his time on the beach with Chrissy. It’d been one of the best afternoons he’d ever had. Then to end it with that kiss…
At the time, he’d known he shouldn’t kiss her again. It didn’t matter how much his brain tried to remind him of that, nothing short of a tidal wave could’ve stopped him. He’d been pulled toward her with a force he couldn’t explain. That kiss was sweet, but when she sighed and kissed him back, it was even more amazing.
Wyatt could’ve gone on kissing her forever. He’d sure rather be doing that now instead of listening to details about Paris. This weekend was going by way too fast. They’d be headed back to Clearwater by nine tomorrow morning.
Was there even a possibility that some of the magic from their trip could follow them back? If he kissed Chrissy goodbye when he took her home and asked her out on a real date, would she object? It was a gamble, but the more he spent time with Chrissy, the more he thought it would be worth it to take the risk.
Something his father said broke through his thoughts and jerked Wyatt right back to the conversation at hand. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
Violet flashed him an annoyed look, the corner of Mom’s mouth pulled to the side like it did when she disapproved of something, and Dad only pierced him with that no-nonsense glare of his.
“I was saying that if I did take your mother to Paris next fall, I’m sure my son would have no trouble overseeing the family businesses while we were gone.”
Next fall? Wyatt had every intention of having Joyful Hope up and running by then. While he was sure he could look in on a few things for them, running all the many businesses was not something he’d be able to do. A new company—no matter what the goal—was like a campfire. It had to be tended to, protected, and constantly stoked to keep it going.
Marrying Chrissy (Brides of Clearwater Book 3) Page 12
