Page 33 of Close to My Heart

“I only admitted my feelings for her recently, and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. But at the same time, we’ve known each other forever, so why wait?”

“Why indeed?” Mrs. Rosesmith said with a glint in her eye.

“Don’t you think this is interesting timing? Sutton has to get married, and her farmer friend proposes?” Then Evelyn asked Sutton, “Don’t you think he’s using you?”

“It’s Christmas. It’s not the time or place, Evelyn,” Sutton’s grandmother said as if she was already weary of this conversation or Evelyn herself. “Let’s eat.”

We sat across from Sutton’s parents, and Mrs. Rosesmith sat at the head of the table. Staff served plates of eggs, bacon, pancakes, and bowls of fruit. Everything looked delicious, but my stomach felt off. This entire spectacle wasn’t what I was used to. Although I shouldn’t have been surprised. I’d heard the stories over the years.

“What are your plans for a wedding?” her father, Deacon, asked.

“We haven’t discussed a date, but we’d like to get married soon.”

“Are you marrying because of the change in the will?” Evelyn asked shrewdly.

I waited a beat for Mrs. Rosesmith to put a stop to this conversation, but I had a feeling this was normal brunch conversation. Dissect anything going on in each other’s lives. Especially when they stood to lose a considerable amount of money.

When no one intervened, I said, “When Sutton was dating these guys, it made me realize that I’m in love with her. It forced my hand, so to speak. So yes, it has everything to do with the change in the will.”

“You want her money,” Evelyn said.

“Mother.”

I chuckled. “I bought property and built a beautiful house on it. It’s large enough for a family to grow into it. That’s what I want and need. I live a comfortable life. I don’t need this lifestyle.”

“But it’s what Sutton wants,” Evelyn said as if she cared about that.

“I want to preserve the estate, but I don’t need this lifestyle. I’d love to start a charity in the Rosesmith name,” Sutton said, and I’d never been prouder of her.

It was a miracle that someone so good had come from this family. I didn’t know Mrs. Rosesmith well, but the stipulation in the will told me everything I needed to know.

“The only stipulation was that she get married. There were no requirements about who she marries,” Mrs. Rosesmith said.

Evelyn sputtered. “But don’t you think it should be someone of a certain caliber?”

“I wasn’t impressed with any of the men I went out on dates with the last few weeks. They were shallow and boring. No one was interested in me or supported my dreams. I couldn’t see myself having a future with any of them.” Sutton was careful not to say even if it was temporary.

“But you can see yourself with a Calloway? Someone who grew up on a farm?” Deacon said.

“He’s so much more than that. His family is warm and loving. Yet full of life and laughter. He’s a good man, and he wants me to be safe and happy. Isn’t that what we’re all looking for?”

Evelyn merely pursed her lips but didn’t respond.

“I don’t like it,” Deacon said.

“This is my choice, and I want Wes.” Sutton carefully placed her fork down.

That felt good even if it wasn’t the truth. I wanted Sutton to want me. Not to fulfill some requirement for her inheritance, but as the man she loved and could see a future with. I’d support her dreams whether it was at the Rosesmith Estate or somewhere else.

“If you’re going to get married, we’ll need to discuss dates and wedding planners,” Evelyn said.

“I want to plan it myself.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened. “You can’t plan a Rosesmith wedding by yourself. There are standards we have to meet and certain impressions we’re required to make.”

Sutton pursed her lips. “I want a small wedding here at the estate with my closest friends and family.”

“That sounds good to me.” I didn’t think I could handle a Rosesmith affair. I didn’t want my picture in the paper or a local magazine.

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