Page 20 of Fake Spring Fling

Christine shrugs. “Of course we can. It can’t be offensive to point out that Madison is probably after the perfect husband, and Wyatt is good looking, wealthy, and stable. We just want to know if she’s after him for the man he is, or as a token good husband.”

I look into each set of eyes locked on me. I can’t quite guess their motive. Are they being intrusive? Nosy? Genuinely concerned?

No matter what they’re thinking, it feels like they can see right through me. See that I’m a fraud.

“Look, for now, I’m interested in Wyatt because he’s an amazing guy. He makes me laugh, we both enjoy nature hikes. Beyond that…” I hold out my hands, palms up. “Ask me again in a few months. I don’t have a life schedule. I’m just making it up as I go along.”

Christine and Andrea both glance at Tanya pointedly.

“No making fun of my timeline,” Tanya snaps, waving a finger at them. Then she turns to me. “Sorry, Madison. Wyatt is just such a perfect catch, and these two are completely overprotective.”

Someone announces that brunch desserts are being served, so the sisters say goodbye and leave.

Turning back to the window, I give the half empty mug of coffee my full attention. I would never want anyone to think that I’m a gold digger. An opportunist. Using Wyatt for any reason, come to think of it.

Is that what people are assuming, because he’s quite a bit older than I am? Established, and apparently wealthy, while I’m just getting started in life?

They did have a point, though. Wyatt is a catch. And he deserves the perfect “how we met” story to tell his children someday. Heather deserves a perfect story to tell her grandkids. His family’s not stupid. They’re going to find out about our little ruse eventually.

Would they ever truly accept me as part of the family if they knew I lied to them at the beginning?

I doubt it.

Crap. I knew this was too good to be true.

12

WYATT

Ididn’t mean to get lost in conversation with Aunt Lisa for so long, but I’m glad to see that my sisters are keeping Madison company. After they leave, I excuse myself, get two more coffees, and return to our table.

Madison doesn’t have the dreamy, slightly tired expression she wore when I left. Now my beautiful girl looks…almost melancholy.

Not good.

“Thank you,” she whispers as I slide a fresh mug toward her.

“Everything okay?”

I don’t like the way she instantly straightens up and forces a smile, as if she needs to put on a show for me. I want us to be honest with each other all the time. Which I guess is kind of tricky right now, stuck between three worlds as we are – her friends and career…my family…whatever we are becoming together. Maybe that’s why she’s suddenly looking so uncomfortable.

“Yes. It’s just a lot to take in, this whole weekend. And we still have an afternoon barbecue, apparently.”

“Oh, that’s not mandatory. A few people are skipping it. We could go for another hike, or take a walk along the beach. Chill out before the drive back. Have some vacation time.”

“Whatever you want.”

Okay, Madison is definitely forcing herself not to sound sad. It makes a rock appear in the pit of my stomach. I don’t know how to fix this.

Reaching under the table, I give her knee a squeeze. “I just saw a trolley of fruity desserts go by. How about a bit of sugar for some energy?”

Her eyes brighten. “Sure, thank you.”

Enroute to the buffet, I’m interrupted by Christine grabbing my elbow and spinning me to face her and Andrea. “We need to talk.”

The rock in my stomach grows larger. “About…?”

Andrea’s eyes narrow. “Just how long have you been dating Madison?”

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