Pretenders (Firsts and Forever 3)

“By paying for stuff? That doesn’t matter to me at all. This relationship is about how we make each other feel, not about what one of us can do for the other.”

It wasn’t like the imbalance I felt was resolved with a single conversation, but he did say exactly what I needed to hear, and that helped. I wrapped my arms around him and said, “That’s a good way to look at it.”

“Did I overdo it with the hotel? If you’re not comfortable here, we can find someplace else.”

“This is perfect. Thank you for bringing me here.”

He kissed my forehead. “Thanks for letting me spoil you.”

We continued on to the restaurant, which was open to the beach and lagoon on two sides. Once we were seated on the deck and finally sipping coffee, I glanced at Wes and said, “There’s something I need to say to you.”

“Okay. I’m listening.”

I studied the tabletop as I told him, “You’re a brilliant man, and you’re doing great things with your life. If you really were interested in that position in D.C., or if another opportunity came up, I’d never forgive myself for standing in your way.”

He took my hand, which had been fidgeting with the silverware. “I didn’t want that job, Ash. Like I told my mother, I’m happy where I am, and I love what I’m doing. If another opportunity were to come up at some point in the future, that’d be something you and I would decide together, as a couple. But just so you know, I don’t plan on going anywhere without you.”

I grinned at him and murmured, “Okay, good.”

After breakfast, Wes and I took our rented motorboat for a spin. It was a sleek, vintage number, open-topped and made of dark, polished wood with burgundy leather seats. While he piloted the boat, I tilted my head back and enjoyed the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. It was another absolutely glorious day, with blue skies and bluer waters. How could anyplace be this beautiful?

A little before noon, we picked up Millie, Camille, and Beau, who brought a picnic basket. While we slowly puttered around the clear, tranquil lagoon, we had a contest to see who could spot the most sea turtles and other marine life. Millie won hands-down.

Eventually, we stopped at a pristine beach with soft, white sand and swam for a while. Since our swim trunks were packed in our bags, Wes and I ended up in soggy shorts for the afternoon. It was worth it though, because the day was warm and the water felt fantastic.

Millie fell asleep after we ate our picnic lunch. As we slowly made our way back to the villa with Wes behind the wheel, he asked his sister, “So, how mad is Mother?”

“Livid, of course, but you did the right thing.”

“Who told you the story of what went on?”

“Warren. He actually sounded impressed. He told me you were very calm and cool, and that you defended Ash when she was rude to him. Now that you’ve stood up to her, I hope this means you’re not going to let her run your life anymore.”

“I’ve never let her run my life, Cami,” he said. “If that was the case, I’d currently be a surgeon living in New England. She’s always voiced her opinions and criticisms, but that’s never stopped me from doing what I want.”

“I never really thought about it like that, but you know, you’re right,” Camille said, as she rubbed sunscreen onto her freckling shoulders, then tried to wipe a dollop off the strap of her white sundress. “You’ve always been quiet about it, but you’ve also always charted your own path. In fact, you’re the only one in the family who has. I don’t think any of us ever gave you enough credit for that.”

“I don’t need credit,” Wes said with a shrug, as he turned the wheel and guided the boat closer to shore.

His sister studied his profile. “No, you don’t, do you? You’ve never needed validation, either. Ever since you were a little kid, you just did your own thing, no matter what anyone thought about it.” She flashed him a smile and said lightly, “I never realized it until now because you’re so quiet and unassuming, but you’ve always been a rebel.”

I chuckled quietly, trying not to wake the little girl who was passed out on my lap and drooling on my yellow T-shirt. “That’s my man,” I said, “I always knew I’d fall for a rebel. I just didn’t know he’d show up in my life wearing a bowtie.”

Beau was sitting beside me on the back seat, and he moved his sunglasses to the top of his blond head as he said, “I’m glad someone finally stood up to Eloise. She’s gotten away with being a bully for far too long. If she ends up holding a grudge, you’re both more than welcome to join us for the holidays. And yes, I realize it’s only June, but I want to make sure you two know you have options.”