Chapter 12
12
WYATT
I didn’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?”
“A…while?” I have to give them something, or they won’t leave me alone. “Can we just say maybe not quite as long as I implied to Mom?”
“If she’s not a serious girlfriend, why did you bring her this weekend?” Christine snaps.
“So that I would have someone to go hiking with?” I glance over to see Madison staring dreamily out at the lake, and the truth bubbles out. “To have a romantic getaway with a beautiful girl so I can make her fall for me completely?”
My sisters shoot each other a look that I’ve seen far too many times. They always know when I’m trying to fudge details.
“She’s not the right girl for you,” Christine says quietly. “You know that, right?”
My jaw tightens. “I don’t recall ever asking for your opinion regarding who I date.”
“Look, I know you’re the older brother, but we’re both married and you’re not. You’ve never even had a serious relationship before. You need to listen to us,” Andrea says.
“I really don’t.” Although I keep my voice low, I hope they hear my tone. “Madison means the world to me. No, it hasn’t been that long. But she and I will be the ones deciding whether we are right for each other. Not you two. Back off.” A smile suddenly slides across my face. “You wouldn’t want me to tell Tanya you two are trying to create drama on her special weekend, would you?”
Another shared look. “Okay, fair,” Christine murmurs. “But we’re going to talk about this again in a few weeks, if you two are even still together.”
They walk away, and although I do want to bring some treats to Madison, I need a moment to collect myself. I head out of the lounge toward the front lobby but only make it halfway to the door before Lauren and Sarah step in front of me.
“Good morning, ladies. How are?—”
Sarah’s finger lands in the center of my chest. “Look, buddy. We’ve been talking about this…fling or whatever. You need to understand that Madison isn’t really a fling girl.”
“Yeah,” Lauren chimes in. “We’ve seen the way she looks at you. Especially after you were coming back from that hike. If you really care about her, you need to man up and turn this into a real relationship immediately.”
“That is my plan. I swear.”
“Oh.” Sarah steps back, blinking in surprise. “Okay then. Please don’t tell Madison we said anything. We really admire her, and don’t want to tick her off. But she deserves the best, so we need to make sure you step up.”
“ Huge steps.” Lauren tosses her hair. “Gigantic. Impress her.”
I look back and forth between them. “Ladies, I assure you, I plan to put on my biggest shoes and take the biggest steps with her. Things have just been very quick, that’s all. But my honest intention is to make Madison happy for a very long time.”
They share a glance, then grin. “Good.” They flounce away toward the back of the lodge, finally giving me a moment to step outside for some well-needed deep breaths.
That’s the problem. Everything is going so fast that Madison and I haven’t had a chance to breathe. To talk about any kind of future. Everything has been centered on this weekend, and our respective goals.
Have I actually told her flat out that I want this relationship to continue? My poor sweet girl is probably wondering what’s going to happen tomorrow.
I need to talk to her about us. How I am positive we belong together. How I would do anything for her.
How I want to step up and be her man. Forever.