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CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

A lyssa followed Caleb to the food tables, thankful to be past the bulk of the introductions.

This was harder than she’d imagined, and her imagination hadn’t been kind.

Passing off Callan as her boyfriend wasn’t the only problem. Like Brooklynn, Kenzie had been hurt that Alyssa hadn’t told her about him. Cici had hugged her and demanded more details. Delaney had seemed genuinely happy, though she wasn’t exactly exuberant.

Alyssa never had any idea what Delaney was thinking.

What struck her most was the obvious—none of them questioned it. None of them doubted that Alyssa had started dating a man—a man she must be serious about—and hadn’t told anyone.

They believed it.

That was the kind of sister Alyssa had become. So distant from her family that they accepted this giant lie without question.

No doubt they’d believe the even bigger one when she and Callan announced their fake engagement.

It was…unacceptable. She didn’t have the mental space to process what it meant right now, why she’d become so distant from them, why she’d avoided them. But she knew, whatever her reasons, they were not good enough.

Help me fix it, Lord. Please, don’t let what happens in the next hour destroy these relationships.

Her plate filled with prime rib, mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, and a roll, she sat beside Callan at the table where Dad and Peri were already eating. Well, Dad was eating. Peri was talking his ear off, though he didn’t seem to mind, listening intently, responding at the proper times.

She tamped down a sharp stab of jealousy. She would have given anything to have his undivided attention when she was eight.

It didn’t surprise Alyssa when other guests started filling their plates. Once Dad did something, others naturally followed. That was the kind of man he was, the kind who didn’t need to say a word to get people to fall in line.

Mom joined them, settling in next to Dad, and then Brooklynn, Kenzie, Cici, and Delaney. Normally, her sisters would sit with friends or cousins. It seemed everyone wanted a front-row seat to the Alyssa-Callan show.

Alyssa had worried most about Dad’s reaction. She’d dated a few guys here and there, but she’d never brought any of them home to meet her family, much less to a function like this. Dad wasn’t a person who put a high value on kindness. Truth, justice, and integrity, definitely. But kindness wasn’t his strong suit.

So she’d been worried, but Dad had taken Callan’s presence in stride, almost as if he were in on the secret. Which he couldn’t possibly be, but…

But Dad always knew more than he should, so maybe, somehow…

Mom was far too kind to grill a guest at dinner. She was probably curious, but she wouldn’t want to make Callan uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, Alyssa’s sisters had no such qualms, peppering him with questions about his life and his past. Even Delaney lobbed a few his way.

Callan had transformed into his Caleb Thompson alias easily and talked about a past life close to reality, but just different enough from the truth.

“How did you two meet?” Brooklynn asked.

“We met years ago at a tech exhibit in DC. The details are fuzzy.” He wore a self-deprecating smile. “That’s what happens when you’re dazzled by a beautiful woman and trying to work up the nerve to ask her out.”

Alyssa laughed. “He’s exaggerating. It wasn’t like that at all.”

“Not for her.” Callan grinned, bumping her shoulder, playing it up. “When I saw her again a few months ago, I decided I was not going to let the opportunity get away a second time. I asked her out. She must’ve been drunk because she said yes.”

Dad had been talking to Peri, but he was listening. He gave Alyssa a dark look—chin lowered, eyebrows hiked.

“He’s joking, Dad.”

She expected her father to press Callan on the details, but Dad focused on Peri again.

She’d finished her lunch and three cookies—like father, like daughter—so Dad had called over a waiter to bring them coloring books and crayons. Now, they were both coloring, exclaiming over each other’s designs.

Had Dad ever colored with Alyssa?

How pathetic was it that she felt jealous?

Callan continued spinning stories, and Alyssa jumped in when she needed to.

And then Eliza, Sam’s wife, approached the table. Her baby bump was obvious, but she wasn’t so big that she looked uncomfortable. She was followed by her son, Levi, with his adorable curly blond hair, and another young woman who must be the babysitter Brooklynn had mentioned.

Eliza stopped beside Peri’s chair. “That’s a beautiful picture you have there.”

Peri grinned. “Thanks. It’s a kitten.”

“It’s very good, even better than Mr. Wright’s.”

Gavin scowled at her.

Peri placed her tiny hand on his thick arm. “Yours is good, too, Mr. Wright.”

“Thank you. You’re very kind.” And then he stuck out his tongue at Eliza.

Dad.

Stuck out his tongue.

Had Alyssa been transported to another universe?

Or…or was this the kind of grandfather he’d be? Playful, lighthearted.

The question had her yearning for children. Not that she was going to have kids just to earn Dad’s approval. She’d done enough to know the futility of that.

“I wanted to introduce you to Levi.” Eliza ushered the boy forward. “Levi, this is Peri.”

He was practically bouncing. “We’re gonna go look for crabs and sharks. You wanna come?”

Peri’s eyes widened, and she looked at Callan. “Sharks?”

“I’m sure he’s joking.” He turned to the boy. “You are joking, right?”

“Huh-uh. They might be out there, so we’re gonna stay on the rocks where they can’t get us.”

“Very smart. That way you’ll be safe.” His gaze rose to Eliza, “Where exactly?”

The younger woman who’d followed them answered, “I’m just going to walk them down the jetty.” She pointed at the rocky structure he’d noticed on his drive in. “I’m Laine Webb, by the way.”

He rose and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Laine’s family owns Webb’s Harborside,” Dad said. “Their family goes back generations in Shadow Cove.” Dad gestured to someone out of Alyssa’s line of sight.

One of his guards came around the table. Alyssa had gotten so used to them at public events over the years that she’d neglected to mention them to Callan.

He must’ve figured out who they were.

This one was named Jock. He’d been with Dad for years. Bald head, small gray eyes, meaty muscles, and wrinkles proving that he’d lived his share of life. “Sir?”

“Accompany our guests, please.” He winked at Peri. “Make sure you protect them from sharks.”

The guard lifted his lips in a smile, but from the intensity in his eyes, he caught the double-meaning.

Not all sharks kept to the water.

To Callan, Gavin said, “Does that suit you?”

By the way his lips pressed together, it didn’t suit him at all. But he said, “Stay with Laine,” giving his daughter a do as you’re told look. “And be careful on those rocks. They might be slippery, and those aren’t the best shoes for climbing.”

“Okay, Daddy!”

Alyssa watched their progress out the wrought iron gate circling the patio, down a short set of stairs, and along the sand toward the jetty.

The babysitter, Laine, held both children’s hands, and the guard followed about ten feet back.

Peri should be safe. And now that she was gone, it was time.

Beneath the table, she gripped Callan’s hand and squeezed.

He took a deep breath, quickly scanning the crowd. Would he get everyone’s attention?

She leaned in and whispered, “Just announce it to this table. We don’t need to make it a huge deal.”

His nod was brisk.

Most of the guests were still eating. Uncle Roger’s family was much larger than hers, especially with all the new brides and fiancées they’d collected in the past year. They, along with Gram and Pops, filled most of the three tables closest to them.

Every member of the Wright family was about to be lied to.

Her stomach twisted. How could she do this to the people she loved most in the whole world?

But the waiters and waitresses would overhear, along with the bartender she’d never seen before, who looked like he was ready for a fight. Robert, the club manager, was on the patio now. If Ghazi had men here, they’d know what was going on. And that was the point.

Callan cleared his throat. “We have an announcement to make.”

Mom and Alyssa’s sisters homed in on him instantly.

Dad’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits.

And somehow the other Wrights must’ve heard, because amid a chorus of shhhs and quiets, they turned, some actually shifting their chairs to get a better view.

At the nearest table, Summer, Grant’s wife, watched with a combination of curiosity and concern. Michael had called Grant for a favor and had probably shared at least the short version of what was going on. No doubt, Grant had told Summer.

Grant had slipped Alyssa a package right after she’d introduced Callan to him, whispering in her ear, “We’re here if you need us.”

Fortunately, the package was small enough to fit into the tiny lavender purse Brooklynn had insisted she carry.

Callan stood and pulled Alyssa to her feet, though she’d have preferred to remain sitting. Or to escape to the bathroom.

“First, what I’m about to tell you is a secret. I haven’t told”—he faltered, swallowed—“Peri, which is a long story, but I’d like it to remain a secret from her, for now.”

A few nodded, some tilted their heads in curiosity.

Beyond the Wright family, others were cluing in on the fact that something was going on. People stood to get better views.

Kenzie, Cici, and Delaney leaned in.

Brooklynn took out her camera.

But Dad angled back and crossed his arms. “Go on.” The words sounded like a dare.

“I know it’s brand new,” Callan said, focusing on the women, “and I know you all probably think it’s too soon. But when you know, you know.”

Mom gasped, her gaze flicking between them.

Dad looked murderous.

Callan lifted their joined hands and kissed her knuckles. “I asked this beautiful, amazing woman to be my bride. And she said yes.”

The table exploded in shouts and exclamations.

Mom and all her sisters jumped from their seats, along with most of the Wrights.

Within seconds, Alyssa and Callan were surrounded.

He was receiving hugs and slaps on the back.

Alyssa was passed from family member to family member, their surprise and congratulations coming too fast for her to process.

Callan stayed close, proving much more capable of handling the mass of questions being hurled at them, answering with quickness and kindness.

And then, her sisters and cousins shifted out of the way, and Dad pushed through the throng.

He stopped in front of Callan, a little too close. “Why haven’t you told your daughter?”

Callan stiffened, glaring—actually glaring— at Dad.

Nobody stood up to him like that.

She jumped in. “His father had a heart attack, so?—”

“That’s my business, sir.” Callan squeezed her hand but didn’t look away from Dad.

Who stepped closer—far too close for a social situation. “Too cheap to buy her a ring?”

“Dad, we’re waiting until?—”

“Of course not.” Callan slipped his hand into his sports coat and pulled out a box.

What in the world?

He turned his back on Dad—another thing most people didn’t dare to do—and faced Alyssa.

What was happening?

He opened the box and…

Her hand flew to her mouth, covering her gasp.

Three diamonds. She didn’t know carats from carrots, but the center stone was big, and the two at its side were only marginally smaller. Baguettes adorned the band. The silver-colored metal was probably platinum.

It was the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen.

“When did you…?”

“It was my great-grandmother’s. If you don’t like it, we can get you a new one, but?—”

“No, it’s perfect.” Tears stung her eyes, as if this were real. As if it could ever be.

He slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly, which wasn’t a sign. Of course it wasn’t.

But in that moment, the smallest hint of truth slipped past her defenses.

She wished it were a sign. Wished it were real.

Mom and her sisters bent closer to look.

“It’s dazzling.” Mom’s eyes were swimming when she lifted her gaze to Alyssa. “Just like you.” She squeezed Alyssa’s arm, then pulled Callan into a hug, whispering something into his ear.

Meanwhile, Brooklynn was snapping pictures, capturing their lies for all eternity.

“Come on,” her cousin Derrick yelled. “That deserves a kiss.”

Alyssa’s cheeks pinked, and she looked up at Callan, unsure what to do.

His quick peck on her lips was met with boos.

“You can do better than that!” That came from the second-youngest cousin, Bryan. Weren’t they supposed to be grown men now? Derrick had a kid, for crying out loud.

Callan’s eyebrows hiked.

In for a penny, in for a pound, as they said.

He slid his hands along her hips and around to her back, pulling her against his chest.

Her heart nearly exploded with anticipation and desire and all the things she should definitely not be feeling.

But that reminder flitted away when he dove in.

This kiss shouldn’t have meant anything. Unlike their kiss in his kitchen the night before, this one was all for show.

But it did mean something. To her, it meant something.

Callan dipped her low, putting on a believable display for her family, earning catcalls and applause.

But the ruckus was drowned out by the feelings, all the conflicting feelings, scrolling across her heart.

All for show. It’s all for show.

But did it have to be?

Why couldn’t it be real?

Never, never in her life had she wanted someone the way she wanted this man. It wasn’t just physical desire, it was a heart-deep yearning for what he offered. Intelligence, kindness, gentleness. Connection.

Did he feel it? Or was it all one-sided?

He raised her to her feet again, then held her just far enough away to see her face. For the briefest moment, he looked tortured as he leaned in and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

The same words he’d said to her after their last kiss, moments before he’d rejected her.

The wound was sharp and deep and would certainly leave a scar.

Alyssa backed away, took off the ring, and handed it back. “I’ll wear it after we tell Peri.”

He nodded, returning it to the box, and then the box to his pocket.

Dad clamped a hand on Callan’s upper arm. “Come with me. Now.”

“Dad.” Worry had Alyssa’s volume rising. “What are you doing?”

Callan didn’t move except to step closer to her father. He leaned in, lowering his voice, but she was near enough to hear. “Take your hand off me, sir, or we’re going to have a problem.”

Whoa.

She’d never seen anybody talk to Dad like that.

They stared at each other.

Alyssa wanted to do something to lessen the tension, but Callan wouldn’t thank her, and her father didn’t need her help.

The people close enough to witness the interaction quieted, watching. Fortunately, most of the guests were oblivious.

Finally, Dad loosened his grip. He swiveled and marched away, expecting Callan to follow.

Callan moved in as if to kiss Alyssa’s cheek, whispering, “Keep an eye on Peri, please.”

“I’ll go join them.”

“No, you need to?—”

“I’ll take my sisters. It’ll be fine.”

His expression looked…tortured. “Please, take care of yourself too.”

At her nod, he followed the route her father had taken through the throng of guests and into the building.

She wanted to follow, to know what was going on, but Callan trusted her to make sure Peri was safe. She wasn’t going to let him down.