Page 82 of I'll Keep Her Safe

“Of course. I think it’s so generous you’re doing this for Wyatt.”

I nod, keeping my gaze fixed ahead as we walk. She doesn’t know that things are different between me and him now.

And by different, I mean so freaking wonderful I actually still can’t believe it. Can’t believe I get to be with him, to kiss him every morning, fall asleep beside him every night. I never could have dreamed I’d be this lucky.

“Sogenerous,” Daisy repeats with emphasis, and I slide her a glance. She’s studying me through slightly narrowed eyes, as if she suspects there’s more to the story than I’m letting on.

Would it be the worst thing in the world to tell Daisy? Falling in love with Wyatt is the most exciting thing to happen to me since I don’t know when, and usually Bailey is the first person I’d share any news with, but in this case, obviously, I can’t. And while I definitely feel guilty about that, the guilt is eclipsed at the prospect of telling Daisy. I’m sure she would keep it to herself, and besides, she’s got an older man of her own. She’d probably understand better than anyone.

So, I decide, as we reach the garden and enter through the creaking gate, that’s where I’ll start.

I motion to Wyatt’s veggie patch, explaining that I want her to take a variety of shots to capture what he’s growing. There are huge, bulbous cauliflower that look great, and beautiful sweet peas climbing a metal frame, their flowers blooming in a riot of color. All this will look amazing on his website and social media.

Daisy sets about shooting her pictures, explaining that she’s using a digital camera instead of her usual film camera, because it will allow her to upload them quickly and play with the colors and filters. She says something about the light being perfect too, as it slants between the buildings and brightens the garden. I nod along, half listening, half thinking about the best way to launch into what I want to ask.

“So, Wes is nice,” I say blandly, picking at a clump of rosemary and holding it up to my nose. “How did you two meet?”

Daisy pauses in her work, glancing up at me with a cringe. “It’s… kind of a long story.”

I shrug. “I’m happy to listen, if you want to tell me.”

She contemplates this for a beat, then lifts the camera to her eye, focusing on a patch of cabbages. “Well, the short version is that he was a customer at Joe’s for a year, then I dated his son without realizing, then…” She stops to adjust something on the camera, as if buying for time, and adds, “Then… we got together.”

I blink. She dated his son? So, he’s her ex-boyfriend’s dad? I can’t stop the surprised laugh that issues from me.

Daisy lowers her camera with a frown. “I know it sounds bad, but I’d known Wes a lot longer, and we—”

“No, sorry.” I reach out to touch her arm, feeling bad. “I’m not judging you, trust me. It’s just… I’m in a similar situation, and it’s good to know I’m not alone.”

Daisy’s eyes sparkle. “You and… Wyatt?”

I nod, chewing my lip. “He’s not my ex’s dad, but he’s my best friend’s dad.”

She chuckles. “Seriously, Ihaveto introduce you to Violet. She got together with her dad’s best friend, Kyle.”

My head spins. “For real?”

Daisy nods, then shrugs. “Honestly, I think we know what we want. And it’s not some twenty-something guy who’s going to behave like a child.”

“Amen,” I murmur, and she laughs. I join her, adding, “Wow, I feel so much better.”

“Let me guess.” Daisy sighs. “You feel guilty about lying to your friend, right? And I bet Wyatt feels bad keeping it from his daughter?”

I give a humorless laugh. “Got it in one.”

“Yeah.” She glances at her camera, fiddling with it for a moment, then looks back at me. “I’m sorry to say, but you need to tell her. Especially if you want any kind of future with Wyatt.”

“I know.” I swallow, my stomach flipping nervously.

“And it’s best she hears it directly from you or him, rather than discovering it on her own.” Daisy winces. “Trust me.”

I blow my breath out slowly. God, I’d hate for Bailey to find out somehow. She’d be horrified, and not only would I probably lose her as a friend, I’d lose Wyatt, too.

But am I getting too far ahead of myself, thinking about a future with Wyatt? Has he thought about a future with me? Has he considered telling her?

Daisy turns back to her camera, crouching to shoot the rainbow chard. “You’ll know when the time is right,” she murmurs quietly, as if reading my thoughts.

I can only hope that’s true.

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