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“My mom uses her garden in her art,” Carly said.
“Oh?” Susan turned her bright gaze upon Anita.
“I do, in fact.” She explained her artwork and process, and Susan seemed fascinated.
“I’d love to see your work,” she said, then her brow furrowed. “Or maybe you can send me a photo?”
“I could do that,” Anita said. “Can you travel at all?”
“Not for a long time now...” Susan’s voice trailed off, and her attention redirected to where Sam stood with Lila. They seemed to be in deep conversation about something.
Wyatt came out of the house, where he’d insisted on doing all the cleanup so the others could visit. His gaze held Anita’s for a second as if to silently ask her if things were going all right. She nodded. She’d guessed he needed some time alone to process all that his grandpa had said about his mother not being biologically related to him.
Wyatt moved past the table and walked into the yard on the opposite side of where Sam and Lila stood.
Since Carly seemed perfectly content to chat with Susan, Anita rose and followed Wyatt. She stopped near him where he stood by a fruit tree.
“Are you all right?” she asked in a soft voice. “Your grandpa’s news was a lot to take in.”
Wyatt nodded, then sighed. “I don’t know why it was kept secret. Maybe in their era that was how things were done, but waiting this long? How do I tell my sister?”
“Do you think she’ll be upset?”
“No idea. Shocked, of course.”
It might be a bold move, but Anita wrapped her arms about his waist. Wyatt didn’t hesitate, pulling her into a tight hug.
“I’m sorry for all the hard things going on,” she said.
He rested his chin atop her head. “Thanks for commiserating. I think it’s good to get everything out. To get the truth spoken. I can tell Susan has suffered because of the misunderstandings.”
Anita drew away and dropped her arms. “Maybe this trip will give them both the peace they’re looking for.”
Wyatt’s eyes were steady on hers. “I believe it will.” He glanced over at his grandpa. “I don’t know where everything will go from here—if they’ll stay in touch—but I’m glad we came this weekend.” His gaze returned to Anita. “And I’m glad you came with me.”
She lifted a shoulder. “It’s been great for Carly. She’s made a new best friend.”
Wyatt chuckled. “Looks like it.” He reached for her hand and rubbed his thumb over her skin.
Anita could stay in this spot all day, among the fragrant trees, holding Wyatt’s hand. She could also kiss this man, but now wasn’t the time or the place. Every argument she thought up about dating him quickly died. Carly enjoyed him, and well, Anita enjoyed him too. He’d received a hard blow today, but was handling it with grace. He was attentive and interested in her life. He wasn’t put off by a teenager and seemed to genuinely like Carly. And he wanted what was best for his grandpa.
“Looks like Gramps is taking his spot again next to Susan,” Wyatt said.
She looked over at the patio. Sam settled into the chair next to her and they leaned toward each other. “I can almost imagine them as teenagers.”
Carly laughed at something Lila said.
“Maybe we’re missing out on all the fun,” Wyatt said.
She nudged him. “I’m kind of having fun right here.”
He squeezed her hand. “Me too.”
They spent another hour at Susan’s home, and by the time they headed back to the hotel, Anita could tell Sam was exhausted.
Wyatt aided him out of the car and into the hotel lobby, and they all shuffled along the hall to their rooms.
“What are you going to do now, Sam?” Carly asked. “Visit each other once a month?”
