Accidental Love (Fake Marriage Romance 1)

My jaw dropped.

Alyssa’s mouth gaped open. “Really?”

He nodded. “I just bought her from Jasper Long. I’m told she was Julie’s best teaching pony and I only buy the best for my gals.”

Alyssa looked at Wyatt like he was a God. “I’m one of your gals?”

He nodded. “Absolutely. I’ve got three of them now.”

I was once again overwhelmed with emotion; both good and bad. Gratitude and guilt. Love and self-loathing.

“But you’ll need to take care of her,” he said.

“I will. I promise.” She looked at me. “Mama, I’ve got a pony.”

“You do.” As Wyatt’s gift sunk in, I felt a little blindsided. This was something we should have talked about. What was going to happen when this marriage ended and I took Alyssa back to my parents or wherever we ended up? She’d hate me for taking her away from her pony.

“We should put her in her new home. Hold on and I’ll walk you over to the barn.”

“Oh my gosh,” she squealed as the pony followed Wyatt as he led it to the barn.

“She’s a lovely girl,” Peggy said as we watched them.

“Yes.”

“Wyatt means well.”

I looked at her, wondering what she meant.

“I’m a mother. I know the look when your partner does something that should be a joint decision. He just wants her to feel comfortable and be happy.”

“I know, it’s just…this is temporary.”

Sadness passed through Peggy’s eyes. She turned to look at Wyatt and Alyssa. “Even so, there’s no reason not to make the most of it.”

I supposed she was right.

A few minutes later, Alyssa came running full speed from the barn to me. “There’s a saddle for me too, Mama. And the bridle. And…” Her mouth was working faster than her brain.

“It sounds like you’re all set.”

Wyatt strode up to us.

“Thank you, Wyatt.” Alyssa threw her arms around him.

He jerked in surprise but then hugged her back. “You’re welcome, Alyssa.”

“How about some lemonade?” Peggy said.

“Yes please,” Alyssa said.

“You two can enjoy the porch while Wyatt and I get the drinks,” Peggy said, heading into the house. I wondered if she wanted Wyatt alone to tell her what I said about this being temporary.

Alyssa charged up the steps and sat in the porch swing. “Come on, Mama.”

So much for being concerned about her adjusting to change. I took a seat with her, while Wyatt and his mother went inside.

“Wyatt is so nice. Kara Lister has a step-dad and he’s mean to her. I’m glad Wyatt isn’t like that.”