couch. She looked up when I approached and smiled.
“You look beautiful,” Matty said.
“Thank you, I have to admit it’s fun to get dressed up. I haven’t even done my makeup in so long.”
“I noticed! You haven’t gone out in a pair of heels the whole time I’ve known you. It’s nice to see you getting excited about something, though.”
“I keep trying to tell myself it’s just dinner for Harrison’s sake, but I really am excited. Walker seems like the real thing. I don’t feel like he’s going to play me.”
“Neither do I. You deserve to find someone that makes you happy.”
“I don’t know if that’s what I deserve, but things do seem to be coming up in my favor. I only wish…”
Matty gave me a concerned look. She wasn’t the type of woman to get worked up over nothing. I didn’t want to give her a reason to worry, but it felt like she needed to know what was going on. Walker had been fantastic, but he wasn’t the Wheeler I was worried about. The fear of losing my parenting rights in any capacity was firmly laid at the feet of the Wheeler matriarch.
“I just wish I could know if I was doing the right thing. I think this is the first time I’ve ever wanted a crystal ball to see the future.”
“You are trusting your heart, that’s a pretty close second when it’s never led you astray before. You have a connection with Walker, why not let everything else come second for a change?”
“That feels pretty selfish,” I muttered.
“It’s not selfish; you’re a great mother who’s dedicated every second of her life to her son. You deserve to be happy. Now stop arguing with me, or you’re going to be late.”
I smiled at her before heading out the door. My truck was parked in the back of the gallery. It was already growing dim as the summer changed to fall. I’d always loved the time of year when things started to change. We lacked some of the colors you’d see in the lush northern states, but it was made up for in the dry heat.
From the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar car parked across the narrow alley. A figure inside was barely visible as he slumped low in the driver’s seat. My heart started to race, my pace quickening as I climbed into my truck and locked the doors behind me. Neil might have been parked outside for another reason, but deep in the pit of my stomach, I knew he was watching me.
Before pulling out, I sent Matty a text to lock the doors and let her know he was there. She wouldn’t let him in, and the sheriff’s office was just a few blocks away if he tried anything. He’d never posed a real threat before, and I found it hard to believe he would make a move now. Otherwise, I would have stayed behind or approached him. He was a snake of a man. With a final text to Matty for her to check in frequently, I set off for Calumet.
***
“Wow,” Walker whispered. “You look stunning.”
I blushed, “Thank you. Sorry, I’m late.”
“You’re fine, Jackson and Hailey just got here anyways. Is everything okay? You look a little frazzled.”
“Just what every woman wants to hear.” I laughed. “I’m fine. It’s just been a long few weeks for me.”
“Well, come on in and let’s get you a drink. You don’t have to do anything tonight but relax and kick back with friends.”
“A friend. I barely know you and Jackson.” I reminded him. “But I’m excited to get to know you both.”
Walker smiled and took my hand, leading me into the living room where Hailey jumped up and pulled me into a hug. Jackson shook my hand before sitting back down and asking about the gallery. There was a heaviness in the room like we were all skating around a larger subject.
“I can't do this anymore.” Hailey blurted out. “Stacy, we know Harrison is Walker's son, and let me just say, I think it’s the greatest news ever!”
My mouth fell open. “How did you –
“Don’t get mad at Walker! Honestly, as much time as we’ve been spending together, I would have pieced it together soon anyways. Jackson probably wouldn’t have figured it out, but he’s a man, so that’s to be expected.”
“Hey!” Jackson interjected. “I might have surprised everyone and figured it out! It’s not like I know Stacy all that well.”