Page 87 of Close to My Heart

“You’re doing good work. I’ve seen your videos, and I can see why people love you. You’re passionate about this place in a way your father isn’t. Evelyn just wants money. I’m delighted to give it to you.”

“Even though I didn’t meet the stipulation?” I asked as she stood and made her way to the front door.

Grandmother turned slightly to see my face. “Haven’t you? You might have thought it was fake, but it wasn’t.”

I was married to Wes, and I couldn’t just give up without a fight. If we were married for real, I wouldn’t walk away without working through our issues. My hope increased. This would be one fight we had, one of many. We needed to learn how to traverse these issues together. Granted, most couples didn’t air their grievances online. Our situation was unique. But our feelings weren’t.

“I think you’re right.”

“You’re going to be okay, Sutton. I want you to be happy. Like I was with your grandfather.”

I felt lighter than I had. “I wish I could have seen you two together.”

She grinned. “It just so happens that I have letters we wrote to each other when he was drafted.”

“I would be honored to read them.”

“It will give you a little dose of history and romance. I know your viewers love that.”

“Thank you.” My voice was thick with emotion. There had been so many surprises today. I could take care of myself. I could pivot when necessary. And my grandmother saw me in a way my mother didn’t. No matter what happened with Wes, I’d be okay.

Grandma got up to leave. “And just so you know, I’ve promised your parents a sizable monetary award so that they won’t contest your inheritance. I think that will be the end of their meddling.”

I wasn’t so sure about that, but I had other things to worry about, like how I was going to get Wes back.

21

WES

I’d never been happier my job kept me outdoors. I was on the boat today, isolated from everyone, and my cell phone signal was spotty. I didn’t want to see or talk to anyone.

I stayed out on the water, going through our entire relationship in my head from the moment we met under the slide, the moment I realized I was physically attracted to my best friend, my decision to keep it to myself, and finally to my proposal. Our wedding, the marriage, and everything in between.

I loved Sutton, and I had no idea how she felt about me. At breakfast, she was consumed with the comments on social media and how the truth got out. But I was relieved that someone had outed us. I hoped she’d take it as an opportunity to talk about how we felt. But instead, she was more worried about how it got out than what it meant for us.

I didn’t really care, and I was positive it wasn’t anyone in my family. They wouldn’t hurt me like that. But I wouldn’t put it past her mother. She was the one who read the comments out loud in front of Mrs. Rosesmith. She could have waited until she had Sutton to herself. She didn’t have to make it a spectacle. But I had a feeling that’s what the Rosesmiths did. They liked to hurt each other. I’d happily protect Sutton for the rest of my life from her parents’ toxicity, but I didn’t think she wanted me to.

At the end of my shift, I made my way to shore where a lone figure stood on the dock. I didn’t want to talk to anyone in my family.

My dad helped me secure the line to the piling. I shut off everything on the boat, stored the life jackets, then joined him on the dock. I raised a brow. “Is there a particular reason why you’re here?”

“I heard what happened. Daphne called and explained.”

“It will blow over.” I wasn’t worried about everyone knowing. I was more concerned that Sutton didn’t return my love.

Dad’s brow furrowed. “That’s not what I’m concerned about.”

“And what’s that?” I asked as I followed him to a nearby bench and sat next to him. I could appreciate the beauty of the water, but everything was clouded by uncertainty. Was Sutton done with me and our marriage now that everyone knew it was fake? Would she lose the estate?

“I’m worried about you.”

I shrugged despite the pain. “It was fake, remember? And now we don’t have to pretend anymore.”

Dad huffed out a breath. “I don’t believe that for one second.”

I was a little taken back by his vehemence. “Why not?”

“You’ve been in love with that girl forever.”

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