Page 34 of Close to My Heart

“Time is of the essence,” Mrs. Rosesmith said cryptically.

“You’re okay with this?” Evelyn asked her mother-in-law.

If I had less confidence, I probably would have been offended. But I didn’t care what Evelyn thought of me. I knew there was more to life than what people thought about my wedding.

“The only stipulation is that she marry, not that she chooses a particular person or have a grand ceremony. Those decisions are Sutton’s.”

As crazy as this entire situation was, I appreciated that Mrs. Rosesmith wasn’t completely unreasonable.

“I’ll be moving in with Wes. We don’t want to waste any more time when we could be together.”

“Why would you move in with him?” Evelyn asked as if it was the craziest idea she’d ever heard. “Don’t you want to live on the estate?”

“I love my house, but it makes sense for me to move in with Wes. He has more room and privacy.”

“Newlyweds need their privacy, dear,” Grandma said to Evelyn.

“I want a small wedding. I won’t budge on that.”

I had a feeling she’d need to repeat that sentiment a million times before Evelyn heard it.

If I had my way, I’d take her to the courthouse and do it tomorrow, but Sutton wanted something more personal, and I wouldn’t stand in the way of that. So much of her life was dictated from a young age. If she wanted a small wedding with friends and family, that’s what she’d get.

“Tell me more about yourself,” Grandma asked me.

I sipped my water. “I work as a Department of Natural Resources officer. I enjoy being outdoors. My family owns the Pine Valley Christmas Tree Farm.”

“How quaint,” Evelyn murmured.

“Do you want children?” Grandma asked.

Beside me, Sutton stilled because we hadn’t discussed our answers for this.

“I’d love kids. I come from a family of seven and enjoyed growing up with so many siblings. It was always a little crazy and loud. But I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

“Is that what you want?” Evelyn asked Sutton.

“I want a family. I don’t know about seven,” she said, lightening the mood.

“But a child with Sutton’s blue eyes and dirty blond hair would be perfect.”

Sutton’s breath hitched as her gaze flew to mine.

Now that Sutton was planning to move in with me and get married, my imagination was running wild. I wanted everything I’d only dared to dream of. Sharing my house with her, kids, and maybe even a happily-ever-after. It never seemed possible until now.

This was my chance to prove to her that we could be more than friends. That we were compatible together. I just hoped she was interested in more with me.

At the end of the meal, Grandma insisted on walking us outside. “I’m happy for you, dear. I know you think I’m cruel for forcing a marriage, but I want to see you settled.”

I held my tongue because it was insane to think she had that kind of control over people. But she did. Whatever she wanted, she orchestrated. I couldn’t complain because I was getting what I wanted too.

“Have a Merry Christmas, Mrs. Rosesmith.”

“Please give your regards to your family. What will you do for the rest of the day?” Grandma asked on the back porch that overlooked the pool and gardens.

“We’ll spend it with my family. For the first time, we’ll have my two nieces together for the holidays. I’m excited for it.”

“I am too.” Sutton grinned. She’d been part of my family’s celebration for years, but this was the first time I’d be taking her home as my fiancée, even if it was only fake and temporary. I couldn’t stop myself from latching onto the idea that this could be real. If only she’d open her mind to me.

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