Page 143 of Playing for Keeps
“You’ve got to stop apologizing. This isn’t your fault.”
“It feels like it is.”
“I know it does. But you did everything you could to keep this contained.”
“Yeah, and it still blew up in your face.” I tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear.
“Come inside. Mom’s making bacon and eggs.”
She takes my hand, but I hesitate at the doorway. I’m a grown man. I shouldn’t be this nervous, but these people matter. If I have my way, they’ll be family someday, and I want them to like me. I think they did before all this blew up, but even though Ivy insists they understand, I wouldn’t blame them if they saw me differently now.
Still nervous, I let her lead me in through the back. The kitchen smells incredible, and Helen’s at the stove while Tom sits at the table reading something on his phone. Helen turns when she hears us.
“Wyatt, hi,” she says warmly. She sets the spatula down and walks over, surprising me by pulling me into a hug. I let go of Ivy’s hand and hug her back, trying to hide how much that simple gesture means.
When she steps away, I glance toward Tom, expecting a colder reception.
“Wyatt,” he says with a curt nod. It’s not exactly friendly, but at least he acknowledged me, which is more than I probably deserve.
Ivy quickly takes my hand again, her fingers threading through mine.
“Mr. and Mrs. James,” I start, but Helen immediately cuts me a look. I correct myself quickly. “Sorry, Helen and Tom, I’m truly sorry about everything. I love Ivy more than anything, and I hate that she, and now you, are being dragged into this mess.”
Helen offers a soft smile as she returns to the stove. “We know you love her, Wyatt. That’s obvious to anyone watching. And this mess is not on you. It’s on that woman making these ridiculous claims.”
I let out a small breath of relief. “You’re right. Still… I do feel like I owe you both an apology.”
Before anyone can reply, a sharp knock echoes from the front door.
“They never stop, do they?” Tom mutters with a groan, clearly fed up.
“I’m calling Nash,” I say, pulling my phone from my pocket. “Maybe he can get them moved along.”
I scroll through my contacts and tap on Nash’s name. He answers on the second ring.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Nash, it’s Wyatt. I’m at Ivy’s parents’ place, and there are reporters swarming the front yard. It’s getting out of hand. Can you come over and help clear them out?”
“Damn. Yeah, I’ll head over now. I need to talk to you anyway. I think I’ve found something on this woman.”
My eyes snap wide. “Seriously?”
“I’m still verifying a few things, but if I’m right, it’s huge. I’ll explain everything when I get there. What’s the address?”
I rattle it off and end the call, hope flaring in my chest.
“Nash is on his way,” I say, turning to Ivy. “And he thinks he’s got something big on the woman who caused all this.”
Her eyes light up. “Really? So, this might be ending soon?”
“God, I hope so,” I murmur, pulling her tightly into my arms.
“I hope so too,” Tom mutters. “I’d like my front lawn back.”
“Oh, ignore him,” Helen says with a roll of her eyes. “He’s just worried about the grass.”
Tom shakes his head. “I’m worried about my daughter, Helen,” he says sharply. Then he turns his gaze to me, his tone softening a fraction. “I like you, Wyatt. But Ivy’s my only daughter, and I want her to have the best. And right now,” he gestures toward the chaos outside, “this doesn’t look like the best.”
