Page 12 of The Best Friend's Billionaire Brother
“No.”
Gabby’s mom smiled. “I certainly would love for you to stay for a while. It’s been a long time since you’ve been home.”
“Me too. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to really hang out with my little sister,” Stephanie added.
Pulling free from Carrie Anne, Gabby looked at her mom and sister. “You’ve visited me in Charleston.”
“It’s not the same thing, honey,” her mom replied.
Mrs. West nodded. “Absolutely not the same. Having your babies home gives mommas peace of mind. It doesn’t matter how old you are; we worry.”
Carrie Anne rolled her eyes. “Mom, you’re so dramatic.”
“I am not.” She chuckled. “Anyway, everyone is waiting on us to start eating.”
Hooking her arm in Gabby’s, Carrie Anne grinned. “This is going to be awesome. We can talk colors after dinner. I told the wedding planner we’d have a decision by tomorrow. She said we’ll need to make them quickly if we plan to pull this wedding off by New Year’s Eve.”
They followed their moms out of the room, still linked together and Carrie Anne talking a mile a minute. Once they reached the formal dining room, Gabby looked around in awe. It was open and bright and warm.
Whoever Bear had hired had done an incredible job here. The walls were painted warm hues of blue-gray, with pictures hung that complimented the rustic farmhouse table running the middle of the room. It wasn’t some cavernous space, but it did have more room than their families’ homes in Caprock Canyon.
Based on the plates of meat, cheeses, and various condiments, they were doing sandwiches. It made sense because they’d be eating such a heavy Thanksgiving meal the next day, and she suspected that Bandit was already getting ready for the feast.
The moment everyone realized she’d arrived, it was a hug-fest. Gabby loved it. It had been so long since they’d all been in one room together, and she’d missed how warm it made her feel.
As much as she loved being in Charleston, she loved being home even more. Five years away, and she’d forgotten how much she treasured her little hometown. Being in Caprock Canyon, surrounded by the people she loved, weakened her resolve to return to Charleston.
She glanced around the room and found Wyatt leaning against the far wall, talking to his dad, King. His face was lit up, and even from where she stood, she could see the twinkle in his eyes. Whatever they were discussing had him excited.
That was one of the things she’d loved about him. The way he’d pour all of himself into something. It was always all or nothing with him. The moment he made his choice, he was whole-hog into it. Same as her. Another trait they shared. Not that they spent time talking a lot about it. It was just something she’d noticed.
Wyatt must have sensed her staring and pulled his attention from his dad to her. He shot her a half-smile and straightened, and the next thing Gabby knew, he was weaving through people, walking toward her.
“I’m not wrong,” whispered Carrie Anne.
“Hush. You are too,” Gabby whispered back.
Wyatt stopped in front of her, a huge grin on his face. “Hey, no nap?”
Chuckling, Gabby shook her head. “Like she’d let me.” She tipped her head in Carrie Anne’s direction.
“True.” He stepped closer. “You gonna sit by me?”
Sit by him? “After you tossed me over your shoulder?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “No.”
His mouth dropped open, and his posture wilted. “I said I was sorry.”
Gabby shook her head, hiding her smile as she looked away. “I was thinking I’d sit between my mom and Carrie Anne. I suspect she has wedding stuff to tell me about.” She shrugged one shoulder, nonchalant.
His lips turned down. “Oh.”
“Oh, no. Wedding details are for later. I’m sitting with Israel and Daddy. You’re free to sit with Wyatt if you want to, Gabby.” Carrie Anne grinned a smidge too brightly.
Gabby pinched her lips together, wishing she could push pause and scream so loud it hurt. What could she do, though? Tell Wyatt she couldn’t sit by him? He’d ask why, and Gabby had no good reason. Well, other than her feelings for him, and she was certainly not divulging that information. “Then I guess I’m free.”
His smile returned, wider than ever. “Great. I’m sitting at the end.” He placed the palm of his hand on the small of her back, making her nearly jump as the tingles spread from his fingertips to the rest of her body. “I think it’s quieter down on the end. We can talk and catch up.”
The whole world was out to get her. She didn’t want to catch up with Wyatt. She didn’t want to be sitting next to him looking all gorgeous and smelling so good that it took effort not to lean in and take a big whiff.
