Chapter 30
CHAPTER THIRTY
WYATT
“I’m falling in love with Rachel,” I announce to my brother as we head over to the dock where I keep my boat.
Nate almost chokes on the iced tea he’s sipping from, erupting into a coughing fit that lasts way too long and leaves me annoyed. “Are you freaking serious?” he finally gasps out.
I keep my gaze fixed on the road ahead of us, regretting my outburst. But damn it, I want to share my feelings with someone, and I don’t know how Rachel might receive it, so I haven’t told her. Yet.
I’m falling in love with her. I am. I know it’s happening way too fast and I’m letting my heart—and my body—do all the talking here, but I mean it. I think I’m in love with Rachel Henderson.
“I’m dead serious.” I grip the steering wheel tighter, driving slow as fuck because everyone and their mother is currently around the lake, desperate to find a good spot to settle in and watch the fireworks.
They’re in cars, on bikes, and on foot, milling about everywhere, and the chaos is only going to get worse.
“Don’t you think this is all happening kind of fast?” I can feel Nate watching me, but I refuse to look at him. “It’s only been a month since you met her.”
“Sometimes when you know . . . you know.” I swallow hard, remembering the last time I said that. Or thought it. Can’t remember if I said it out loud or not, but it was about Cheryl, and look where that got me?
A sweet little girl, who is currently riding with her aunt and uncle over to the boat dock so she can be with her cousins and doesn’t have to witness this conversation, but still. I can’t complain about that. I love Dottie more than life itself.
“Don’t talk that shit to me, Wyatt. You’re just thinking with your dick.” Nate’s disgusted tone fills me with irritation, and I heave out a ragged exhale. “What? Now you’re mad? Someone’s gotta keep it real with you.”
“I don’t need you to keep it real with me.”
“Well, who else is going to remind you that she’s leaving by October, huh?
Maybe sooner, even. What are you going to do when she’s gone?
Pine away and wait for her return? News flash—she won’t come back.
Oh, she’s having fun right now working her stupid little job and playing like she’s a part of our community, but she’s not, man.
She’s some rich bitch who hangs out with celebrities and fucks British finance dudes. She is way out of your league.”
“Don’t call her a bitch.” My teeth feel like they might crumble, I’m clenching them so bad. I’m tempted to fucking tear into him, but we’re about to see all of our family, and the last thing I want to do is create unnecessary drama. And he knows this. Nate is purposely poking the bear, which is me.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just—I worry about you. You shut yourself off from women for years, and now the first one who actually sparks your interest, you’re head over heels in love? Give me a break.”
“Better that I believe I can still fall in love—at least I’m an optimist.” I used to not be, but I don’t bring that up. “I’d hate to be you, all bitter and negative when it comes to relationships.”
“Bitter and negative? More like realistic.” He huffs out an irritated breath.
“And stubborn to your detriment. You are fucking up an amazing opportunity with a gorgeous woman, and it’s like you don’t even see what you’re doing.”
“Don’t bring Paige into this.”
“That I didn’t even say her name tells me you know exactly what you’re doing. What I want to know is why? What’s the problem?” I can’t believe we’re getting into all of this right now. My problems. His. I thought my brother would support me. Guess that was wishful thinking on my part.
“I’ll only hurt her. I’m selfish.”
Same old line, different day.
“You’re being selfish right now, stringing her along with all that ‘we can only be friends’ talk when you know she wants more. Though I hear she’s not as interested in you as she used to be.” Oh shit. I probably wasn’t supposed to say that.
Nate jerks his head in my direction. “What are you talking about?”
I shrug. “I heard a rumor.”
I can feel him stare at me for what feels like an eternity before he finally speaks. “From Rachel.”
“No.” Of course it was Rachel.
“Yes.” I glance over at him to find that now it’s Nate’s turn to stare straight ahead. “Go on. Tell me what she said.”
“Paige is tired of your bullshit. She’s ready to move on.”
Nate’s expression turns to stone. “She should. I’m wasting her time.”
“You are.” I feel sort of bad, saying all of this. Especially when I’m pretty sure Rachel is bringing Paige with her tonight. My entire family loves Paige. My sister. My nieces. Mom and Dad. They think she’s great. The only person who doesn’t seem to agree with them is my brother.
I don’t get it.
We drive the rest of the way to the boat dock in uneasy silence. While I am, of course, occupied by driving, Nate won’t even look at his phone. He’s too busy staring out the window with that eerily frozen expression. He looks . . . angry.
Great. He pissed me off too, so I guess we’re even.
By the time I pull into the parking lot, I spot our parents getting out of their car, Mom waving at us with more enthusiasm than usual.
Her T-shirt is printed to look like a giant watercolor-painted American flag across her chest, and it’s obnoxious as hell, but everyone around here tends to dress up big time, getting into the Independence Day spirit.
Since this is the first Fourth I haven’t had to work at the fire station in years, I’m looking forward to taking my boat out onto the water and watching the fireworks show.
With Rachel snuggled up at my side.
“Your sister is already here! I saw Dot with the girls,” Mom says to me when I climb out of my car. Nate comes to stand by my side, and Mom’s expression falters. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing,” Nate says between tight lips.
Mom sends me a questioning look, and all I can do is play dumb and shrug.
“No bad attitudes tonight,” Mom says. I’m surprised she’s not wagging her finger at us. “We’re supposed to have fun—and we’re going to. Whether you like it or not.”
A chuckle escapes me, and I send a quick glance in Nate’s direction, but there’s not a single crack in Nate’s stoic expression. Jesus. We’re in for it tonight. Can’t wait until Paige shows up.
Though I’m eager to see Rachel. I’m not worried about my family liking her. I’m confident they will.
Abandoning my brooding brother, I wander over to Serena and Jeff’s car, picking up Dot and swinging her around, making her squeal with delight. “Whose boat are you going out on tonight? Your aunt and uncle’s or mine?”
I set Dottie on her feet, and she casts a worried glance toward her cousins before meeting my gaze. “Um, yours?”
I arch my brow. “You so sure about that? I won’t be hurt if you want to go with them.”
I wave my hand toward her cousins.
Dottie grimaces. “I think I’d rather go out with them. Will you be okay, Daddy?”
That she checks on my feelings is sweet. “I might cry a little, but it’s fine.”
She breaks out into a smile. “You won’t cry.”
“I might.”
“You won’t.” She shakes her head. “You’re just teasing.”
“You’re right.” I smile, tugging on the end of her braid, which is neatly plaited. I guess my sister must’ve redone her hair. “You’re easy to tease.”
“Is Rachel coming?”
“She should be here soon with Paige.” I love that she asked. We’ve been easing Dottie into spending more time with us, and so far, Dottie is easily accepting her presence.
I spot Paige’s car pulling into the lot and keep my eyes on it while making easy conversation with my family, most of it about our parents leaving on their cruise tomorrow.
Nate won’t speak, but I catch the way he watches Paige’s vehicle too, his gaze never straying as the women get out of the car and make their approach toward us.
Fairly certain he curses under his breath, but I’m ignoring it.
“Hey, you made it,” I say as they come closer, and without hesitation, I go to Rachel, pulling her close and dropping a kiss on her lips. Taking her hand, I turn to face my family, not missing the shocked expressions on their faces. “Everyone, this is Rachel.”
“Hey.” She waves, looking awkward as hell, and I drop my arm around her shoulders, keeping her close. Trying to give her strength. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
I introduce her to my various family members, and they’re all friendly, especially my mother, who pulls her into a fierce hug, which obviously shocks Rachel.
That’s just my mom’s way, and she’s most likely beside herself at the idea that I’ve found someone I like enough to bring around them.
She’s been waiting for this moment for a long time.
All she wants is to see her children happy, and I get it.
“What’s your problem?” Mom asks Nate point-blank once the introductions are finished. “You’re in a mood.”
“Nothing,” Nate grumbles, shooting me a dirty look. “Should we head for the boats? The longer we stay in the parking lot, the less chance we have of finding a good spot out on the water.”
Nate’s right. We make our way to the dock, my parents and Paige choosing to ride with Rachel and me, while Nate goes with Serena and Jeff and the girls.
The hurt look on Paige’s face is painful to witness, and Rachel gives me a look before she goes to her friend.
The two women bend their heads close together, whispering furiously, and Mom approaches me with a cautious smile on her face.
“I like Rachel. She seems nice.” She casts a worried glance in their direction before returning her attention to me. “She and Paige seem close.”
“They are. Rachel lives with her, remember?”
“Right. That’s so kind of Paige to take her in.” A little furrow appears between Mom’s eyebrows. “What’s wrong with Nate? I can’t believe he chose to ride with Serena and Jeff instead of spending time with Paige.”
“He’s mad.” I pause and decide to tell her what’s up. “I told him Paige is losing interest, and that pissed him off.”
“Well, the poor dear has been crushing on my son for far too long, considering he won’t do anything about it.” I can’t hide my surprise, and Mom spots it. “You don’t think I’ve noticed? This has been going on for a while. I’d have to be blind not to see it.”
Poor freaking Paige. “She wants to move on, according to Rachel.”
“She should. I adore that girl, and she would be wonderful for Nate, but he’s fumbled the bag, as the kids say.”
I burst out laughing. “I don’t even say that. Where did you hear that saying?”
“I was at the high school a lot last spring when your brother took over the track team. I went to all of the home meets, and I’d hear the kids talking in the stands. I think the more proper saying for Nate is he fumbled a baddie,” Mom explains, her tone dead serious.
“You’re right.” I shake my head, my gaze returning to Rachel and Paige, who are still speaking in low tones. “He totally fumbled a baddie.”
Mom laughs. “You sound funny saying it, but, Wyatt? You definitely didn’t fumble a baddie.”
I grin. “Oh, trust me. I know.”