Page 44 of Valiant

“You’re welcome to join us,” I tell him. He might be one of Carter’s suspects, but my gut tells me he has nothing to do with what’s happening. I won’t deny that he might need to work through some underlying issues, but he’s just a guy who’s lost and wants to be loved.

Joe clears his throat. “Thank you.” His eyes keep gravitating to where Melissa and Carter are talking, and he forces a smile when he catches me watching him.

“Joe, can I ask you a question? You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.”

“Sure, Leanna. Ask away.”

“Are you interested in Melissa? I get the feeling that something is brewing between the two of you.”

He takes a moment to formulate his answer, but when he does, I know my instincts are correct. “Yes. I like Melissa and would like to see where things can lead. I’m sure I seem fickle to you with how quickly my interest was diverted from you to her. You’re beautiful, sweet, and kind, Leanna. Carter is lucky to have you. But you are the poster girl for white picket fences and two-point-five kids, for which I’m not even remotely ready for. I hope you know that I mean no offense by that.

“Melissa is a spontaneous and free-spirited woman more attuned to my current lifestyle. We get along great and have so much in common that this could go somewhere if she gave it a chance. Only she’s set her eyes on Carter and is determined to win him back.”

“Maybe when she finally gives up on Carter, she’ll see what a good thing she has in you,” I tell him.

“You might be right, but I would feel like a consolation prize she’s settling for instead of who she really wants.” Joe’s shoulders slump in defeat, and I can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the guy.

“Do you think of Melissa as a consolation prize? You were interested in me last week, and now you’re interested in her? Would it be any different if she finally realizes that Carter isn’t what she needs or wants, but you are? It’s easy for anyone to get fixated on a person they think they’re meant to be with instead of seeing the one who God placed right in front of them,” I tell him, hoping my words will give him some hope.

“Then how do I get her to see who’s right in front of her—to seeme?”

“Whatever you do, don’t start by sending her flowers anonymously.” He laughs and promises not to.

“You can start with one of the most important ingredients in a relationship—communication. Carter and I kept our true feelings from one another, letting fear of rejection hold us back from sharing something wonderful. Because of that, we almost missed out. Tell Melissa how you feel, and then give her the time to digest and process what you tell her. She will either come around or she won’t, but at least you won’t waste two years wondering.”

“Thanks, Leanna. It’s good advice, and I’ll take some time to figure out what to say. For now, I’ll start by grabbing us some coffee. When Melissa returns, will you point her in my direction?” he asks.

“Absolutely. I’ll see you around, and good luck.” Joe walks away with his head held a little higher and a bit more bounce in his step. It’s nice to see what a little hope can do for a person. Once he’s gone, all eyes focus on me, except for Izzy and Marcus, who have fallen asleep sitting up while leaning against Grandma and Grandpa.

“That’s some sage advice you gave that man, Leanna. Are you planning on taking it yourself and telling Carter how you feel about him? Or did you and Carter already admit your feelings and declare you’re undying love for one another?” Callie asks.

“Yeah, Leanna. That speech sounded like it came from the heart and not your head,” Brody adds.

“Shh. No one is supposed to know this was all fake,” I whisper.

“Yeah, but it’s not anymore, is it?” asks Ansel, grinning from ear to ear. He nudges Sebastian, “See! Our plan worked!”

“What are you talking about?” I nearly shout. After drawing the attention of everyone within a 50-foot radius, I lower my voice and point at my brothers, “We’ll be talking about this later.”

“Fine, Lee, but the stink eye you’re giving me should be directed at Callie and Callum. It was their idea.” Ansel says, deflecting the blame. When I direct my questioning gaze toward the happy couple and Bella Rae’s chubby face, Callie shrugs.

“Callum and I figured that if a fake relationship worked for us, it would work for you and Carter. And it did, so there!” She sticks out her tongue at me like when we were little.

“Here comes Carter, and he does not look happy,” Sebastian mumbles.

Carter is storming in our direction, his body tense and his face grim. I immediately get up and go to him, wrapping my arms around his waist to provide comfort. The last time I saw Carter this upset was when his father passed away nearly a year ago from a heart attack. I don’t say anything to him; I just tighten my arms to let him know I’m there for him when he’s ready to talk.

Carter wraps his arms around me and leans his head on top of mine. We stand like that for half a minute before he steps back and says, “Thanks. I needed that.”

“There is something to be said about the healing power of a hug. But you can always talk to me, too. Whatever you need, Carter. I’m here for you.”

“Another hug and a run on the slopes should make things right as rain. As far as talking about things, the conversation with Melissa went much like you would expect. She wants to reconcile and win back my affection. I told her that what we had was in the past and that you are my future. Not much more to it.” There is definitely more to it, but it’s either not important, or this isn’t the right place to discuss it. He kisses my cheek, then turns to everyone else, “Anyone ready to conquer the mountain?”

There are plenty of whoops and hollers, but my mom quickly interjects. “Lunch first, then you children can go out to play,” she says, only half joking. There are four restaurants on the resort property, including one all-you-can-eat buffet. We choose the latter option since our dining party contains five burly firefighters and a bodyguard, all with voracious appetites.

As we finish our meal, Carter gets another text update from Savannah that Mark Jenkins and his family have left the premises and returned to their cabin. She also informs us that Melissa and Joe were last seen heading toward the resort’s pool and spa area. With the coast clear, we seize the opportunity to grab our gear and go for a few more runs before it gets too dark.

Sebastian and Callum offer to stay with Mom and Dad to watch the kids so their wives can get in on the action. Callie jumps at the opportunity, but Marybeth declines, stating that she doesn’t feel very well. Sebastian opts to stay with her, giving Callie and Callum some time together.

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