Chapter 11
The drive to Peak Point with Wade was the opposite of what Claire expected after their brief kiss. Rather than awkward tension, lighthearted stories and laughter resounded as she inquired about his life in Hollywood.
“Even when you’re surrounded by people, you still feel lonely. My closest friends there are my manager, chef—gotta connect with anyone who cooks your food—and of course, my driver slash bodyguard.”
Claire relaxed in the truck seat, watching him through the dashboard lights. His eyes gleamed as he talked about juggling different aspects of his businesses. Acting seemed fascinating, as did the bizarre requests he’d received from fans and the strange things that happened on set.
He flexed his grip on the steering wheel. “Surely you have more fascinating stories about your life.”
“Hmm. Nothing exciting. I’m always in town.
” She peered through the window to the shadowy trees.
“I guess the Fall Fest since it’s coming up.
It hosts one of my favorite activities, the pumpkin-painting contest. Oh, last year, I signed up accidentally for the town’s chili cook-off and lost, of course.
Just sharing in case you need evidence to confirm my cooking skills are a factor needing improvement. ”
“I don’t remember you being the finest chef.” His deep laugh warmed her. “Albert once said you nearly started a fire when you forgot to turn off the coffeepot.”
“I so did not!” She slapped his leg playfully.
“I figured you’d have a more interesting story than mine.”
“You’d think I’m an expert at crafting jewelry.
” She shifted, giddy and matching Wade’s laugh.
“So I did a jewelry workshop at the community center two years ago. Apparently, the teens hated it. I only did it because Mrs. Hensley insisted—I don’t know if your mom talks about her, but no one, not even Regina says no to Mrs. H. ”
“Mom says she volunteers all the time.” Wade drove onto a private and secluded road. Still, headlights flashed behind them.
He parked atop the hill, then jogged around to the passenger side, and swung the door open with a grin. “We’re here.”
Cold seeped through her dress.
Lanterns surrounded the unpaved parking lot. This must be part of his family’s property, even though she couldn’t spot their house nearby. The Stones owned the largest piece of land near their town.
Wade held out a jacket he’d retrieved from the back bench seat, and she slid her arms into it, enveloped by the faint scent of him and the comforting warmth of his nearness.
“Thought Albert should be a part of our night.” He tugged the collar closer to her chin. His fingers grazed her neck, and goose bumps skittered over her skin.
A shutter clicked, and they turned toward the source. Claire squinted as a flash, brighter than the lanterns, lit up the night.
“Toby.” Wade shook a finger at the photographer. “You’re supposed to be undercover.”
Toby chuckled and stepped further from his car, camera in hand. “You’ll have to give me a daytime tour of your property first.”
Wade clasped Claire’s hand. “I want to show you something.” He led her closer to the edge and stopped at the railing.
The metal chilled her fingers as she gripped it. A bittersweet ache struck her at the beauty in the twinkling town below.
“I fell in love with this town.” Wade’s gaze swept over the valley and mountains beyond. “But more than that, I found a family. Pleasant View… it’s like breathing easy for the first time after holding it all in.”
His voice stalled, and his emotional gaze drew her in. Once again, she saw him not as the Hollywood actor but as the boy given a second chance at a family.
“Bella deserves a family, and Albert trusted us to be the right parents.” He drew her to his side and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Do you know why I brought you here?”
She shook her head.
“To honor Albert.”
The camera clicked away, Toby shifting for different angles, and she waved toward him, trying for a light response. “So, this is what it’s like to take photos without an audience?”
Wade laughed, and the warm, rich sound carried through the cool night air.
“Something like this.” Stepping behind her, he turned her toward the steep forest and gestured to the rugged shadow above the trees.
His breath fogged over her ear. “Do you see it? Albert and I used to bike there. It was one of our favorite spots.”
Her breath hitched. “That steep mini-mountain?” She’d assumed the stunts in Peak Protectors were camera tricks. But hearing him admit otherwise, she pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle a gasp. “You don’t still bike there, do you?”
“Not anymore.” He lifted her hand to his lips and planted a kiss. “Those daring days are behind me.”
“Did your siblings know? Your parents?” No way would Regina have been okay with that.
“That’s the beauty of having our property back up to the national forest. You can’t imagine all the daring adventures my brothers and Albert and I got into.
” His words chilled her, but his warm arm around her kept her from shivering.
“Even my family assumed the stunts in Peak Protectors were camera tricks—at least, in Season 1. Then Albert convinced me we could tackle the rugged mountains ourselves.”
“That’s scary.”
“That’s what made it fun.” He kissed her forehead. “I wanted you to know he didn’t die because of some simple trail. Albert tackled massive trails that could’ve ended his life so many times.”
A lump rose in her throat. She nodded, unable to speak.
Wade’s voice softened, his words anchoring her. “Your brother loved life. Let’s hold on to all the good Albert brought into ours.”
It was a small comfort. Knowing Albert had been more adventurous than she’d realized shattered the fear that one casual bike ride ended his life.
Wade’s gaze held hers. “Albert saw what we didn’t and, somehow, brought us together through Bella.”
A camera flash lit up again, followed by the rapid click of the shutter as Toby finished capturing his shots. But Claire kept her gaze on Wade, afraid the tenderness in his gaze would vanish should she get distracted. The crisp breeze carried his cologne, mingling with the earthy scent of pine.
From his coat pocket, he removed something small and unmistakably significant. He popped open the box, the diamonds glittering like tiny constellations. She hadn’t thought much about the ring images Novi sent her, but this one was different—breathtakingly so.
Wade exhaled, his gaze steady on hers. Then he dropped to one knee. “When I learned emeralds symbolize love, hope, and growth, I knew this had to be your ring. You give so much. You encourage and inspire everyone around you, including me, Claire.”
“Oh, Wade…” Her chest tightened at his thoughtfulness. The conviction in his voice was the reality she needed now. Her toes curled in her shoes, and tears welled in her eyes.
“Claire Khumalo.” His voice dropped but still silenced the world around them. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
The camera flashed again, bright enough to reveal his trembling hand. Was he nervous about the marriage or excited?
“Are you sure about this?” This was a man who never wanted marriage.
His lips curved. “No matter what happens, there’s no backing out. Divorce isn’t an option.” His gleaming eyes held a promise as steady as the mountains around them.
“Yes… yes, Wade.” Hope surged through her as he slipped the ring onto her finger, the cool metal making the moment realistic, as it should be. He stood, then cupped her cheek. His thumb skimming her skin sparked every nerve to life.
“A kiss would be perfect right about now.” Toby cleared his throat. “Remember why we’re here.”
Right. They were here to convince the world they were a couple. Nothing about all this felt fake, not with Wade looking at her like that. Like she was the last woman on earth? Albert had written something like that in his letter.
His lips brushed against hers in a featherlight touch.
She gripped his coat collar and elevated herself on tiptoes.
This was her only chance to fulfill her fantasy of him, to kiss him like she’d wanted to do in the restaurant earlier.
His mouth was soft, and as she kissed him unapologetically, he kissed her back without hesitation.
Tender, lingering, and sweet. She must’ve shoved all her weight into him as she needed support with her knees so weak.
The crickets were distant. The camera shutter faded.
Now, it was just her and him under the stars.
“Sorry about that,” he murmured, pulling back. His face inches from hers, his breath warmed her skin.
“No need to apologize.” If this was what it felt like to be Wade’s fake fiancée, how was she going to handle it when she married him and wanted so much more than he could give?
When they returned home, Bella was asleep, and Regina was working on a puzzle with Dad.
“Did you have fun?” Regina’s brown eyes shone in the lamplight.
“Yes, we did.” Wade placed a steadying hand on Claire’s lower back.
“I got engaged.” Claire lifted her hand, and Regina stood, reached out, and tilted her finger. Beneath the light, Claire got a better look. The yellow gold band enhanced the vibrant emerald centerpiece. The two brilliant-cut diamonds flanking it showed off prisms of delight.
“Congratulations, my darling.” Regina embraced her, and Claire savored the scent of jasmine, overwhelmed by the genuine affection. Even if Regina knew about their fake relationship, Claire was grateful to have the woman’s approval.
“And to you too, my boy.” Regina hugged Wade, who hugged her back.
Claire inched forward to show Dad the ring.
A glint of recognition crossed his eyes. “You always said you’d marry Wade.”
“Did she now?” Wade’s voice floated from behind her. She didn’t dare look at him, not when his kiss still lingered on her lips.
“Oh yes—”
“Dad!” Heat seared her neck. Would he mention her daydreaming of Wade? She’d said a lot of things in middle school before she learned to keep things to herself in high school.
“She watched your mountain show whenever she was sad.” Dad rambled fondly about her early teen years until she had to cover her face, now remembering the movie stack on the shelf she didn’t want Wade to see.
“Some dreams take a while, but they’re worth the wait.” Regina touched both Wade’s shoulders, and he winked at Claire.
Unfortunately, Dad had no idea this marriage was just a part of an agreement. But was it completely? Dare she hold onto the tiny spark that maybe they could fall in love for real?