Page 9 of Marrying Chrissy

“I don’t keep secrets from my family.”

Her tone was even, but the implication was there. Clearly, he did keep secrets from his, or he wouldn’t have to hire someone to go as his date in the first place. He wasn’t sure which bothered him the most: that he was lying to Gran or that Chrissy might assume this was customary for him.

“I promise I’m not in the habit of hiring women to go to family functions.” He swallowed. He wasn’t in the habit of going out with women in general. “Gran and I have always been incredibly close. She’s ninety. If the one thing she wants from me is to bring a date, and it buys peace at her party on top of it, then it was well worth the five hundred dollars.” The light turned red, and Wyatt pulled to a stop. He looked at Chrissy, relieved to see there was no sign of judgment on her face, only understanding.

“Trust me. I get doing something a little outrageous for someone you’re close to.” She said it with her gaze fixed on something on the other side of the windshield. She was silent for several moments before she shook herself and sat up straighter. “Okay, so tell me about your family.”

“I’ll warn you, we have quite a bit of family in the area, but the main people I’ll be introducing you to are my Gran, my parents, and my three sisters. Violet is the oldest, then Lucy, I came next, and then Bonnie is the youngest. Or the baby, as we like to tease her.” The light turned green, and Wyatt continued their drive to the country club. “Lucy and Violet are married, so there will be their husbands and a combination of four kids running around.” He smiled. “Just stick with me, and everything will be fine. Are you allergic to any foods or anything like that?”

She seemed surprised by his question. “No. Thanks for checking.”

“Sure.” He turned onto the paved drive that led down a winding road to the Clearwater Country Club. Wrought iron fencing protected the club and its grounds when the place was closed and added personality to the property. The drive led through dense trees to a large parking lot. There was a covered area as well as valet parking available. Wyatt chose a spot as close to the clubhouse as he could without taking up employee parking. As manager of the place, he usually claimed one during the week. Tonight, though, he really didn’t want to explain to Chrissy how his family was connected to the country club.

He parked and caught Chrissy brushing at the jeans she wore and then pulling at the lace on her short-sleeved shirt. Wyatt laid a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t even think twice. What you are wearing is great, and you look beautiful.”

He wasn’t sure which of them was more surprised by his words. He meant it, though. The purple shirt went nicely with the purple streaks in her hair and her matching nails. While it was still a bit different compared to what his family would expect, this wasn’t anywhere near as bright of a look as he’d seen Chrissy wear in the past. Even with the black hair that sported rainbow streaks, and neon fingernail polish, she’d snagged his attention. Not that he ever let her know. Noticing a woman and doing something about it were two entirely different things.

“Thank you,” Chrissy said just above a whisper. “Please clue me in on things I need to know as we go, okay? And remember, I’m out of here by nine.”

Wyatt stifled a smile. “Yes, I remember. Shall we?”

She nodded slightly. He got out of the car and went around to open Chrissy’s door for her and then retrieved a wrapped gift from the back seat.

Chrissy gasped. “I didn’t even think about that. Should I have gotten her something, too?”

Her genuine concern was sweet. He smiled. “I’ve got you covered. I signed both of our names to the card.”

She flashed him a look of relief. “What did we get her?”

“An assortment of chocolate truffles. Trust me, she’ll love them.” With one hand resting lightly on Chrissy’s back, he escorted her past the numerous rosebushes to the main door of the clubhouse. He felt her spine stiffen slightly as Violet greeted them before they even reached the door. “Hey, you two. You’re almost late. I think everyone else is already here. Come on inside, we’re on the back patio.”

Violet eyed Chrissy curiously before holding out a hand. “I’m Wyatt’s oldest sister, Violet. It’s nice to meet you.”

To Chrissy’s credit, any nervousness she’d exhibited before seemed to melt away. She shook hands with a smile. “Chrissy. It’s great to meet you, too.”

They followed Violet through the ornately decorated clubhouse and out the double doors to the back patio. There they found Gran surrounded by Wyatt’s large family. He wondered if Chrissy was feeling overwhelmed. He knew all these people, and it was almost too much for him. He again put a protective hand on her back.

He introduced her to a variety of people as they made their way to Gran. She smiled up at him as though he were the one person she’d been waiting to see. That was Gran. She had a way of making everyone feel special and treasured. “Oh, Wyatt, I’m so glad you made it.”

He ducked down, gave her a long hug, and breathed in the scent of lavender and peppermint that he’d associated with her for as long as he could remember. “As if I would miss it. Happy birthday, Gran.” He placed the wrapped gift in her lap before stepping to the side so Chrissy could get closer. “This is my date, Chrissy. And this young lady here is Evelyn Tabor, my grandmother.”

Gran reached for Chrissy’s hand and tugged her down for a hug. She then put a hand on Chrissy’s cheek. “It’s wonderful to meet you, honey.”

“You, too, Mrs. Tabor.”

Gran chuckled. “You just call me Gran like everyone else.” She smiled sweetly. “Besides, if you’re dating my grandson, you’re practically family.”

Wyatt couldn’t see Chrissy’s face at that moment and wished he knew how she was reacting. But instead of Chrissy stepping away or acting flustered, she simply said, “That’s so kind of you, Gran. Happy birthday.”

Those few words took Wyatt’s respect for Chrissy and drove it up a few notches. In that moment, he knew Chrissy would handle the evening just fine.

Gran shook the boxed gift they’d given her. “Is it okay if I open this now?”

Wyatt motioned to it. “Of course. A woman who is ninety years young should be able to open her gifts whenever she wants.”

“Good answer.” Gran winked at Chrissy. “Now you know why he’s my favorite grandson.”

“I’m your only grandson.” Wyatt chuckled.

Chrissy surprised him by moving to his side, her arm brushing his, as they watched Gran open the gift. The moment she saw the large variety of chocolate truffles, she reached for one, unwrapped it, and took a bite. Her eyes closed with bliss as she let it melt in her mouth.

“My favorite.” She finished the truffle before speaking again. “You know I’ve been fortunate enough to have two true loves in my life: my Earl, may he rest in peace…” She paused for dramatic effect. “…and chocolate truffles.”

Everyone within hearing distance erupted in laughter. Amid it all, the sweet sound of Chrissy’s laugh snagged his attention.

Gran obviously approved of Chrissy, something that warmed him more than it should have. Now Violet, on the other hand, was staring at them with that suspicious look in her eyes. His hope that she’d meet Chrissy and let it go evaporated.

Wyatt had to fight the instinct to put an arm around Chrissy and draw her closer. After her question about public displays of affection, he doubted she’d welcome it.

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