“Uh, I guess.” She really didn’t know all the business stuff, just that Jade had moved to Clementine and was working with Flora. What Kalista had really noticed was how happy Mr. H. was around Jade. His portrait outside his door was always him smiling. The whole mood at the office was brighter.
“I made some calls, and I decided to buy some shares. Well, more than half actually.”
“You own half the newspaper now?”
“Yes. I like to diversify, you know.”
She frowned. “What does that mean?”
“I’ll explain it later. You might want to consider investing inTheTimesyourself, once you get your trust fund. I can help you figure that out.”
Wow, she hadn’t even thought about her trust fund lately. The news didn’t deter her from her college plans, though. She was determined to go.
“I need someone here to keep an eye on my investment,” he continued. “Someone on the inside.”
“You want me to stay here?”
He held up his hands. “Only if you want to. Honey, I do want you home, and I want us to grow closer. I promise I’ll make the effort to make that happen, whether you’re in LA or in Clementine. Most of all, I want you to be happy. You seem much happier here than back home. Is that true?”
Kalista didn’t think about it. “Yes, I am.” Not just because of Tyler either, although he was a big reason. But there was so much more. She didn’t see Viv simply as a stepmother anymore. She was Mom now, through and through, and she loved being with her and Bo on the farm. The piglets that had been born in June were growing like crazy, she had learned how to cook more meals, there were still more books to be read on the bookshelf, and who would give Pepé his treats on Monday and Thursday mornings?
“I’ll give you time to think about it,” he said, starting to get up.
She put her hand on his arm. “What about college?”
“You still want to go? You’re not going to need the money.”
His words made her think about Ryan, whom she hadn’t thought of hardly at all after they broke up. “I need a goal. A direction. I think college is where I’ll find it.”
Daddy took her hand. “Seems like you’ve already found it, kitten. How about we research some local colleges while I’m here? I’ll help you find the right one.”
“Thank you!”
They hugged and he left. She took another look in the mirror and squealed. “I’m staying in Clementine!” She picked up her bouquet and headed for the sanctuary. Mom is getting married!
* * *
Jade glanced at Sebastian and tried not to stare. She’d done enough of that at Viv’s wedding a few hours ago when he and Bo had taken their places at the altar. Kalista was lovely, and when Jade had glanced at Tyler, she saw him tug on the collar of his dress shirt. She doubted it was because he rarely wore one. Viv was stunning, Bo was nervous, and Sebastian was... hot.Realhot.
The reception had been fun—a small one in the church activity hall. There had been some square dancing at Bo’s request, and Eugenia Pickles was both caller and DJ. Jade didn’t know Bo could cut such a rug. Thankfully, Ms. Eugenia had played a couple of ballads, and she had danced both of them with Sebastian. Absolute bliss.
Now they were at his cabin enjoying the last few minutes of a gorgeous sunset. He sat casually in the patio chair, his jacket off and no tie but still wearing his dress shirt. Sleeves rolled up, top two buttons unfastened—
“What?” he said, glancing at her.
“Huh?” She quickly looked away.
“You’re staring at me.”
Busted. She was about to make an excuse or apologize but changed her mind and faced him. “Can you blame me?”
His brow arched and he gave her a sly grin. “It’s the shirt, right?”
“It’s the whole package, Sebastian Hudson.”
He sat up and motioned to her. “Get over here.”
She scrambled out of her chair and into his lap. After a long, lingering kiss, she sighed and put her head on his shoulder as he rubbed her back.
