Page 36 of Close to My Heart

Sutton smiled tremulously. “There’s that at least.”

“Sutton, you’re here early,” Dad crossed the room and enveloped her in a hug.

“We have news,” I said a little louder so I could catch everyone’s attention.

“What’s going on?” Teddy asked, looking from me to Sutton.

“We’re getting married.” I held up my hands. “So Sutton can secure her inheritance.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Teddy asked, ever the one who was the voice of reason.

“It’s the only way for her to get what she wants and not be married to someone unsavory.”

“And you’re not unsavory?” Jameson quipped as he popped a chip covered in salsa into his mouth.

I just shook my head at him, used to his antics.

“How long will you have to be married?” Fiona asked.

“We’re not sure. At least a few months, I would think, maybe longer.”

“What if it’s a ruse to control Sutton? You’ll have to stay married longer,” Teddy said.

The thought didn’t upset me. I liked the idea of having more time with Sutton. “We’ll do whatever it takes.”

“What if one of you meets someone?” Fiona asked.

“We already discussed it. We’ll get a divorce,” I said.

Dad hadn’t said anything yet, and I was worried about his opinion. “Are you okay with this?”

Dad cleared his throat. “It’s a bit unorthodox, but I understand why you’re doing it. Is this really what you want, Sutton?”

I loved that my dad was worried about her and not me.

“I’ve always wanted to host tours at the estate, to preserve it as a museum. It will also prevent anyone else from using it as a residence or tearing it down to build on the land. I’m going to research the process of having it named an historical building. Then maybe set up a nonprofit so it’s a working museum.”

“That’s a worthy goal,” Dad said as he moved closer to Sutton. “At some point, you’re going to have to decide if it’s worth all this, someone else controlling the trajectory of your life.”

9

SUTTON

Ihoped the Calloways would be okay with Wes helping me, but I knew they were worried about him being collateral damage in this situation. “I understand your concern. But I don’t want to hurt Wes.”

Al inclined his head. “That might not be your intention, but it could still happen.”

“I give you my word that I won’t let Wes get hurt. If it comes to that, I’ll walk away.”

Al raised a brow. “You’ll walk away from your family’s legacy?”

“I won’t let my family hurt Wes.” I might let my family push me around, but I wouldn’t let them do anything to Wes. He was too good. He was everything they weren’t.

“I don’t think marrying someone you don’t love is the answer,” Al said.

“A wedding is legally binding,” Teddy added.

“When I brought this up at Fiona’s wedding, everyone seemed on board with the idea. What’s changed?” Wes asked.

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