Marrying Chrissy (Brides of Clearwater Book 3) Read online

  “She’s taking seven medications now, and most will be for the rest of her life. They just may be adjusted a little over time as Emma’s needs change.” Chrissy took another bite of her pizza and chewed thoughtfully. “She found out today that she lost her job at the vet’s office.”

  Wyatt frowned with concern. “I’m sorry to hear that. Although it sounds like you weren’t surprised.”

  “I’m not. And honestly, Emma will probably be healthier no longer working there. But she’s stressed about not contributing to the household income. And her meds…” Chrissy shrugged. “We’ll figure everything out. Just when we think we’ve reached our limits, God has something planned to remind us we’re not completely on our own. But it is a little overwhelming in the meanwhile.”

  The worried look on Wyatt’s face was sweet. At the same time, the last thing Chrissy wanted was for him to feel sorry for her family. This was a rough situation; there was no doubt about it. But if they could get through waiting to see if Emma would get a transplant and wondering whether her body would reject the heart, they could make it through this.

  He’d set down his piece of sausage pizza and was watching her thoughtfully. It was time she changed the subject.

  “So, I’ve realized I’m a horrible conversationalist.”

  That got his attention. He raised an amused eyebrow at her. “Oh? What makes you say that?”

  “Because we’ve talked about your family, the reunion, and yet I’ve failed to ask you what it is you do for work. Obviously, you either drive by the coffee shop or work in the area.” She used a napkin to wipe the grease from her fingers. “You mentioned that you manage a place for your father. What business is it?”

  She hadn’t expected the hesitation and momentary flash of uncertainty in his eyes. Chrissy chuckled. “What? Is your father a mortician? Because I do find that a little creepy, though I guess someone has to do it, right?”

  She’d hoped her teasing might make him feel more at ease, but his expression hadn’t changed. What was it, then? Was his family part of the mob? Surely not. She hadn’t spoken to his parents much at the birthday party, but they seemed pretty normal. What was he so reluctant to tell her? Uncertainty hit her as she realized how little she knew about him. For every fact she’d learned over the last week or two, there had to be a hundred more that she had no clue about. Of course, the same was true for him and how little he knew about her as well. “Sorry, I thought it was just a normal question. You don’t have to tell me.”

  “No, you’re right. It is a normal question.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I do manage my father’s business.” He paused. “My family owns the country club, among other things.”

  Chrissy let that news sink in. She remembered reading an article in the newspaper about the country club and how the man who owned it was a multi-millionaire. Did that mean Wyatt was just as wealthy? Why hadn’t she paid attention to the names back then? She racked her brain trying to remember if there were details of the other businesses the Tabors owned and ran.

  “Your family owns the fancy country club where your grandmother’s party was held? That’s what you manage?” She’d thought it was a strange place for a birthday party. But to celebrate ninety years, she figured they’d gone all out by renting the clubhouse or something. She’d had no idea… Wow.

  No wonder he didn’t hesitate to pay her to go to Gran’s birthday party. His family probably dished that out for toilet paper at some fancy grocery store. And here she’d been talking about her financial woes. Her cheeks heated with embarrassment.

  Things may be difficult, but she, Mom, and Emma had it under control. They’d been handling things on their own for a long time, and they didn’t need charity.

  Wait, what if he thought she already knew and talking about their financial issues was a ploy to get money out of him? She used her fingers to rub her temples. “I had no idea. When I was talking about my sister’s medication, I promise I wasn’t trying to—”

  Wyatt stopped her mid-sentence. “I never thought you were.” He reached across the table and squeezed one of her hands. “I find people tend to judge me based on my family alone. I’d prefer people get to know me first before they make a connection between my father and me.”

  All Chrissy could think about was the way he was watching her so closely and the feel of her hand in his. It was crazy how such a simple gesture had her scrambling to put together one complete thought. Honestly, she couldn’t blame him for not throwing the details of his family’s money into the first conversation he had with everyone. It’d be easy for people to make assumptions. While their situations were very different, Chrissy certainly understood why he didn’t want to be judged based on his social status. The fact that Wyatt didn’t seem to throw money around to get what he wanted said a lot about him.

  She cleared her throat. He was still watching her, waiting for a response. Her gaze rested on their joined hands a moment before she shifted her attention to his face. “I get it. It’s easy for people to hear one or two things about someone else and think they know everything about them.” He visibly relaxed, and Chrissy had to make herself remove her hand from his and continue eating her meal. She instantly missed the connection. “That’s neat that you’re able to keep the country club in the family like that. I imagine it can be an interesting place to work.”

  “It has its moments.” He took a sip of his soft drink. “Honestly, it’s a big juggling act. Keeping customers happy, hiring the right people. There are a lot more politics involved than I care for. I’d much rather stay in the background and work behind the scenes.”

  Chrissy hadn’t paid that much attention when she’d gone there for the party. She knew very little about the place. “So what kind of amenities are offered?”

  “Everything from a large golf course and tennis courts to a day spa. And you saw the clubhouse.” Wyatt shrugged. “We’ve added to the place several times over the last ten years.”

  “That’s great.” She smiled at him, unsure of what to say next. She tried to picture herself going to the country club with her mom and sister and couldn’t quite do it.

  Wyatt must have sensed her train of thought. “It’s okay if it’s not something you’re interested in. It’s not really my scene, either. But it’s a good job, and trust me, my dad doesn’t let my work slide.”

  “Do your sisters work there as well?”

  “No, I’m the only one who runs it with my dad. For better or worse.” He laughed. “How about you? What brought you to the coffee shop?”

  Chrissy willed herself not to blush. Again. Compared to his job at the country club, managing a coffee shop and making beverages for other people seemed pretty lame. “It’s a stable job that has always been able to accommodate my needs for random days off to help Emma.” She shrugged. “Now that she’s more stable, I’ve considered a change in employment. Or possibly a second job. But, unlike my sister, I never really went to college. I like where I work and the people I work with, so I’m content for now while I look at my options.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with working there. Having a job that’s stable and fits your needs is worth a great deal. I went to college, but I firmly believe that it’s not for everyone. It doesn’t make what you do any less important.” He flashed her a grin that had her heart working overtime. “Goodness knows you feed my coffee addiction. Not to mention seeing that smile of yours always starts my day off on the right foot.”

  She ducked her head, unable to keep the heat from her face. He had no idea how his presence every morning helped her, too. Instead of dreading her job or feeling as though the coffee shop were some form of the movie Groundhog Day, she woke up every morning and looked forward to seeing him again.

  Was that pathetic? She wasn’t even sure.

  Chrissy had to remind herself that this wasn’t a date. Wyatt had stressed that this was supposed to be a meal to thank her for going to Gran’s birthday party. Just because he’d been by the coffee shop every
day this last week didn’t mean he’d continue to do so. In fact, if it weren’t for seeing him there, she’d likely never run into him again. They were in very different places in their lives.

  She’d enjoy visiting with him tonight and then move forward.

  Chrissy struggled to ignore the sadness that seeped into her heart.

  Chapter Eight

  Wyatt listened as Pastor Donovan said the final prayer of Sunday morning and wished everyone a wonderful week. Wyatt spent several moments shaking the hands of people he’d known most of his life. He’d been coming here with Gran, Bonnie, and Lucy since he was young. It wasn’t that their parents didn’t believe in God, they just didn’t talk about Him much. Church certainly wasn’t on their list of priorities.

  That’s when Gran stepped in. She took the siblings to church, taught them about the ways God touched their every day lives, and was the example of faith and consistency they needed. Violet used to go as well, but eventually chose to walk away from it.

  Sundays were still one of Wyatt’s favorite days of the week. He got to see Bonnie, Lucy and her family, and his grandmother. He and Gran usually went out to lunch together afterward.

  Speaking of Gran, he found her near the front of the church visiting with one of her friends. As soon as she saw him, she smiled and excused herself. “There you are. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

  “Me, too. Where are we going this week?”

  Half an hour later, they were seated at a little café working on their soup and sandwiches. This was the place Gran preferred most weeks, though occasionally she surprised him. Wyatt didn’t mind, as this place made the best French dip sandwiches.

  “So what does this coming week look like for you, Gran?”

  She dabbed at her mouth with a napkin and then laid it across her lap. “Well, that all depends on you.”

  Wyatt blinked, completely taken by surprise. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  Gran made a “tsk-tsk” sound and shook her head sadly. “I spoke with your mother, and it would seem there’s no room reservation for Chrissy at the resort. I thought for sure you would invite her. We’d all love the opportunity to get to know her better.” She sat up a little straighter. “Unless she’s sharing your room. You know how I feel about that, young man. But if it means she’ll be joining us, I suppose I can turn a blind eye.”

  Heat climbed the back of his neck, and Wyatt held up a hand to stop her. “No, we aren’t staying in the same room, Gran. I’m pretty sure she has plans with her mom and sister this weekend.”

  “Surely she could make an exception.”

  Wyatt studied Gran, but there was no playful glint in her eye like he’d expected. How could he explain that Chrissy wasn’t really his girlfriend? Sure, they’d gone out on one date, but that had ended awkwardly. He wasn’t sure what had shifted during the close of dinner, and he didn’t know where they stood now. There was no way he was going into all of that with Gran, though.

  “I just don’t think it’s going to work out this time, Gran.”

  Gran sighed, and her shoulders sagged a little. “I understand, Wyatt. I was really hoping she could be there. You know, when I blew out my candle at my birthday party, that was my one wish—that we would see you and Chrissy attend the reunion together.”

  Wyatt knew very well that Gran was being dramatic, yet he still felt guilty for not bringing his nonexistent girlfriend with him. Wow, Gran was good. What was he supposed to say? There was no way he could ask Chrissy to go with him, especially not after Violet’s less-than-subtle attempts to stick her nose into everything. “I’d bring her if I could.” He got up and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

  “That’s okay, Wyatt.” She patted him on the shoulder. “As my only grandson, you’ve always made me proud. I know that, if you can at all, you’ll find a way to convince that girl of yours to join us. I haven’t given up hope yet.” Gran gave him a sweet smile. “So what do you have going on this coming week?”

  Wyatt sat down again and told her about the work waiting for him at the country club. With several new people to hire, he’d had a lot of applications and resumes to go through.

  Gran ate the last spoonful of soup and observed him with a serious look on her face. “Don’t work too hard, Wyatt. It’s not good for anyone.” She paused. “I’ve watched your father work his life away. I want better for you.”

  Wyatt recalled many times where Dad hadn’t been present due to one work commitment or another. Wyatt grew up determined not to be that way if he ever had a family of his own. “Don’t worry, Gran. I know there are a lot of things that are more important than work and making money.”

  “Good.” Gran seemed happy with his answer. “I’m serious about Chrissy, though. It’s not every day you meet a girl as sweet as she is. Do what you can to convince her to come to the reunion.”

  “I can’t promise anything.”

  She seemed content with his answer and went on to talk about the next church social. He admired her ability to speak her mind and not worry what anyone else thought. Gran once told him it was a perk when she reached her eighties, and she’d certainly taken full advantage of it over the years.

  Gran had a habit of making things a bigger deal than they needed to be, but that whole bit about wishing for Chrissy to join them for the reunion only echoed his own thoughts. It didn’t help that the idea of spending an entire weekend with Chrissy wasn’t exactly the worst one he’d ever heard.

  ~*~

  Chrissy slid a finger beneath the flap of the elegant envelope and gently opened it. The only mail she ever got was either bills or junk. This paper looked like something someone would choose for a fancy wedding invitation. That, in combination with the first-class stamp in the upper right corner, told her this was something more.

  Curious, she slid a card out, only then aware of Emma watching over her shoulder. Chrissy didn’t realize it until it was too late to keep Emma from reading the note as well.

  My Dear Chrissy,

  It was so kind of you to accompany Wyatt to my birthday party. Thank you for the chocolate truffles. They were delicious. I think, however, the best gift of all was the opportunity to meet the girl that has turned my grandson’s head.

  I’m still holding out hope that you’ll be joining us for the family reunion. Consider it this old woman’s true birthday wish. I’d love the opportunity to get to know you better.

  Have a delightful week,

  Gran

  Emma’s mouth transformed into a big grin as she turned her head to look at Chrissy. “You turned his head, huh? Why didn’t I hear about this?”

  “Because Gran’s impression of things was a lot different than mine.” Chrissy folded the card and put it back into the envelope again. Next time she got a piece of fancy correspondence, she’d be sure she was alone when she read it.

  “I love that you’re calling her ‘Gran’ as though it’s nothing.” Emma put a hand on her hip and raised an eyebrow.

  “Everyone there called her Gran. I have no doubt the mailman calls her that, too. I couldn’t hurt her feelings—it was her birthday.” Chrissy tossed her sister a look of annoyance. “You’re making this into way more than it ought to be.”

  “Then the date last night didn’t go well? I was hoping you’d volunteer some information without me having to ask first, but…” Emma’s voice trailed off as she feigned a look of disappointment.

  Chrissy might have given her a good-natured shove except that she was still worried about Emma’s health. Instead, she turned and headed to her bedroom, eager to put the note in her dresser drawer. If she was lucky at all, Emma would forget all about it.

  Instead, Emma followed her. “It was that bad, huh?”

  Chrissy groaned and allowed herself to fall backward onto her bed. She stared at the ceiling. “No, it wasn’t that bad. It was just… Well, I found out his family owns the country club along with a dozen other businesses, and they probably
have a finger in just about everything that goes on in town.”

  Emma’s eyes widened appropriately. She eased herself onto the bed beside her sister. “Wow. I didn’t see that one coming.”

  “At least I’m not the only one.” She shrugged. “You know why I went to that birthday party. While we were there, Wyatt’s grandmother invited me to join them at a family vacation. Or reunion. Something like that. Anyway, it’s this weekend. Apparently I played the role of his date too convincingly.”

  “Oh, really?” Emma turned her head and waggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Just what did you do to convince Gran that you two were really a couple?”

  Chrissy closed her eyes and tried to push the memory of holding hands from her mind. Instead, it only intensified. “He held my hand. Once. Seriously, that was it.”

  “You two must have some major chemistry.”

  “Emma.” Chrissy’s note of warning went unnoticed.

  “Come on, let me live vicariously through you.” Emma turned on her side and propped her head up on her hand. “So you like Wyatt, or at least I’m assuming you do or you wouldn’t have gone out with him last night. And there’s at least enough chemistry between the two of you to convince his family that you were really together at the party. What would be so bad about going to the family reunion? Let’s face it, you could use a vacation.”

  Chrissy copied her sister’s movements and was soon staring at her. “And leave you and Mom? Not a chance.”

  “You’re my sister, Chrissy, not my nurse. You need to live a little. Do something for you. Mom would agree with me, you know.”

  That was true, but it didn’t mean she should traipse off halfway across Texas and leave them behind. If something happened to Emma while she was gone, Chrissy would never forgive herself. Besides, there was no way she was going to crash Wyatt’s family reunion. How crazy would that be?