Erin growls.
“You know who’s looking for a brilliant accounting manager?” Ava says.
“Who?” I ask in surprise. She knows I’ve been looking for another job for a couple of months.
“Everett Whitman. He’s holding things together with thehelp of all the kids, but they’re all so busy. He needs someone to take that over, especially now that the resort is open.”
“We want to keep that man as healthy as possible,” Erin adds. “He does not need the stress of the finances.”
“Like that would ever go over with Dad,” I say. “Or Everett would ever trust a Granger with his finances!”
Ava lifts her shoulder. “Maybe it’s time to rip off the Band-Aid. We’ve all got your back. Bruce tried to prevent Windhaven from happening, and so did I…and tonight is the grand opening…and I’m part of the family! The Whitmans are loving and forgiving, and there’s strength in numbers.”
I want to believe she’s right, but I’m just not sure.
I know what my dad is capable of.
Dylan is quiet when he gets back.
“How did it go?”
“It was great. Everyone loves the place so much. We’re booked through the rest of the year.”
“Dylan! That’s amazing!”
He nods.
“Why do you not seem excited?”
“It’s just hard. I feel like I’m living two separate lives. I’m not good at this, Dahlia. I feel like such a liar.”
I bite the inside of my mouth, and my eyes fill with tears. “I talked about it with Ava and Erin today. I feel awful about what I’m asking of you, Dylan. My mom says it’s asking too much?—”
I stop when he turns on me, his eyes wide. “Your mom knows?”
My mouth drops open. Shit. “Yes, but?—”
“How long has she known?”
“I-I don’t know. A while. I knew she wouldn’t tell anyone and?—”
“Dahlia,” he says, looking up at the ceiling. “I can’t keep pretending the best part of my life doesn’t exist when I’m sitting at the family table. You’re everything to me, and they are too. I feel like you’re making me choose, and it’s just not…right.”
Tears stream down my face. “I would never ask you to choose. I’m scared of what my dad will do,” I admit. “Terrified, actually.”
He frowns. “What do I not know, Dahlia? Do you feel like you’re in danger?”
“No, but I feel like you could be if he finds out.”
He comes over and puts his arms around me, hugging me tight.
“This feels bigger than us, Doll. This secret will catch up with us eventually.” He pulls back and tilts my chin up to meet his eyes. There’s so much love there, it makes me cry again. “Because I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you that much. Do you love me that much?”
I nod, blinking as a new onslaught of tears falls. “I do.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
IT’S TIME
