Wyatt looked at Chrissy and gave her a little shrug. “I don’t know, Violet. After having to deal with this crazy crowd, I wouldn’t blame her if she never attended another Tabor event again.”
Chrissy smiled at him. “I have to admit these large gatherings overwhelm me. But it’s been wonderful being welcomed by your family.”
Violet didn’t seem happy with Chrissy’s response. Her brows drew together, and she opened her mouth to say something else when Mrs. Tabor clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention.
“Thank you all for coming.” She put a hand on Gran’s shoulder. “Now it’s time to bring out the birthday cake.”
Violet glanced at Chrissy again, gave her a tight smile, and got up from the table. So far, she was the only person Chrissy had met tonight that hadn’t seemed happy to see her there. There were a lot of curious looks, but that was it.
Mrs. Tabor nodded toward the clubhouse, and someone wheeled out the largest birthday cake Chrissy had ever seen. The base itself was as large as a giant pizza box, and it extended upward into three tiers. Roses made of frosting covered the cake, turning it into a mini edible garden. Even this crowd couldn’t come close to eating the whole thing. The arrival of the cake was accompanied by appreciative clapping.
Mr. Tabor kissed his mother’s cheek. “We opted for one rose-shaped candle on the top.”
Gran patted his hand. “That’ll be fine, dear. But I’ll have you know I was looking forward to the challenge of blowing out ninety candles.” She gave him a stern look that quickly dissolved into a playful smile.
Chrissy thoroughly enjoyed watching Gran as she interacted with her family members. When she turned ninety, she hoped she’d continue to live her life with such grace.
Wyatt’s hand brushed against Chrissy’s shoulder sending goosebumps traveling down her arm. He leaned in close. “Sorry about my sister. She’s naturally the suspicious type. About everything.” He was so close to her ear that his breath brushed across her skin like a feather. Chrissy suppressed a sigh as he squeezed her shoulder and let his hand drop.
This whole thing was a charade. So why was his nearness turning her brain into mush?
~*~
Wyatt really didn’t know what he expected from Chrissy at the birthday party. She was good at her job at the coffee shop, and she was well spoken, so he assumed she’d at least be professional about their arrangement. What he hadn’t banked on was how easily she inserted herself into his family. By the time Gran had cake and opened the rest of her gifts, Chrissy had visited with all his siblings and even some of the cousins. From what he could tell, she handled each of the conversations with ease.
Not only that, but he could visualize her as a member of his family. That wasn’t a good thing.
“Wyatt?”
Gran’s voice shook him from his thoughts. He smiled at her, aware of Chrissy to his right. “Hey, Gran. I hope you’re having a great party.”
“I am, dear, thank you.” Gran reached for Chrissy’s hand. When she placed it in Wyatt’s hand, the warmth of Chrissy’s skin practically burned into his. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. She covered her surprise and then laced her fingers with his.
That’s when Wyatt had to hide his own shock. He gently squeezed her hand and forced his attention back to Gran.
She fingered the necklace that one of her great-great-grandchildren made her. “It’s wonderful to see you with someone, Wyatt. It’s about time. And it’s been a treat to meet you, Chrissy.” She looked thoughtful. “You know, Wyatt, you should bring Chrissy on the family vacation.”
Wyatt started to shake his head, but Gran would have none of it. “I insist.” She looked at Chrissy imploringly. “Humor an old woman. I’d like to get to know you better, dear. Please do come. Normally, it’s our reunion, but I think many of us are already here today.” She chuckled. “Ask Wyatt, he can tell you all about it.”
“Oh, I don’t know…” Chrissy looked lost as she glanced at Wyatt, hoping for a hint on how to respond.
“I’m pretty sure Chrissy has to work that weekend, Gran.”
Chrissy nodded.
Gran only looked more serious. “Nonsense. What could be better for a young couple in love than a weekend at the coast? I expect to see you both there.” She gently patted Chrissy’s cheek and turned to talk to Wyatt’s uncle.
Chrissy’s hand was still nestled in his as he led her away from Gran and toward the clubhouse. “I guess I should be getting you back home.” Wyatt paused once inside and glanced at the watch on his other wrist. “And look at that, it’s not quite eight. See, I’m getting you out of here early.”
She smiled at him and glanced down at their joined hands. Reluctantly, he released hers and slid both of his into the pockets of his pants. “If you’ll follow me, miss, I’ll get you through this maze of a country club and escort you home.”
Chrissy offered a mock curtsy. “Thank you, kind sir.”
Wyatt ridiculously wished he still held her hand as he led the way through the clubhouse and back out to the large circular driveway out front. Once they were seated in his car again, he reached across and withdrew an envelope from the glove compartment. He handed it to Chrissy.
“There you go—the last of the money we agreed on.” Unwilling to dawdle in the parking lot and risk someone coming out to talk to them, Wyatt turned the ignition and began to drive them back to her place.
Chrissy slipped the envelope into her purse.
