The Country Guesthouse (Sullivan's Crossing #5)(68)

“I can’t imagine,” she said.

“You’re not going to use it. I might never see you again after today. I think you’ve found your place and your people. Maybe you’re just a little reluctant to cut all ties with the nine-to-five world—”

She burst out laughing. “Who are you kidding with that nine to five? We worked late every night and traveled all the time! But I love this company. This company gave me so many opportunities.”

“And you will be greatly missed, I promise you. You were always one of our shining stars. But, Hannah, success in business isn’t everything. It’s one thing, that’s all. Finding that thing you love to do is the first thing, but finding the right person to share it with—that’s everything.”

“I honestly had begun to think I never would.”

“I remember—you had that lousy fiancé,” he said. “Good thing you found out before he morphed into a lousy husband.” Then he laughed. “Listen, you ever want a job, call me. No matter where I am, just call me. You were one of the best employees I had. And if you ever want a letter of recommendation, I guarantee you a good one.”

“Thank you, ” she said, standing and stretching her hand toward him. “I’m very grateful.”

“You earned it. Now, enjoy motherhood—your little guy sounds amazing. Your older guy sounds pretty interesting, too.”

“I’ll send you one of his books,” she said. “You’ll be enchanted.”

  Hannah dropped by the offices of people she had worked with, saying proper goodbyes. She told them she’d be away from the company for an indefinite period of time, thanks to becoming a mother and relocating to Colorado.

Then she sat in the parking lot in the rented car she and Owen were sharing. Owen was at her house with Noah and it was time to take a last look at her old office building, knowing in her heart she wouldn’t be back. Her phone twittered in her purse and she grabbed it.

It was a hang-up after two rings. The number was Wyatt’s.

This was amusing and also it was getting a little old. If it was an accident he should have deleted her number after the first couple of misfires. She decided to return the call.

“If you want to talk to me, you should leave a message,” she said when he answered.

“I didn’t think you’d call back,” he said. “I’ve wanted to talk to you for months.”

“And yet you hung up every time? You used to be so bold.”

“I used to be so stupid.”

“What did you want to talk to me about, Wyatt? Hurry up now. I don’t have much time.”

“I wanted to apologize, though I don’t expect it to do much good. I treated you badly, Hannah, and I know it. Of course I heard about Erin’s death, about you taking on her little boy. I sent flowers...”

“Yes,” she said. “I saw. Thank you.”

“I wanted to call then but I also didn’t want to make things worse for you.”

She sighed. “I miss Erin more than you can imagine. But I’ve never been happier than since Noah came to live with me. He’s a gift and a joy. And I think we’re going to be happy.”

“I heard from one of the guys in your sales department—you moved to Colorado...”

“I’m actually in Minneapolis right now, closing up the house. Noah and I like Colorado. I registered him for school and he has new doctors. And new friends. It’s a big change, but a positive one.”

“You sound...good. You sound good. Listen, I have to say something—I made the biggest mistake of my life. I cheated on you and I lost you.”

“Apology accepted, but there’s no going back. I’m in the right place now. I met someone and I realize, you and me, that was my mistake, too. We obviously weren’t right for each other.”

“Hannah, you didn’t do anything wrong. It was me—impatient and maybe a little bored and completely immature.”

“I can’t argue with that,” she said, but she added a little laugh. “You and Stephanie?”

“That didn’t last. Of course. Is there any chance I can...see you?”

She was shaking her head at the phone. “No, Wyatt. That part of my life is over. I’m not looking back. I’m certainly not going back.”

“I don’t blame you,” he said. “But I wanted you to know, I regret my actions. I’m really sorry.”

“Forgiven,” she said. “I think this is where we say a friendly goodbye and you stop calling me. I’m committed. I don’t want calls from old boyfriends.”

“Committed so soon?” he asked. “It’s only been a few months. We were together over a year before—”

“Like I said, this time is different for me. Plus, I’m a mother now. Noah is my first priority.”

“Okay, then,” he said. “I want you to know, if I could get a do-over, I’d take it in a heartbeat.”

“There’s no do-over, Wyatt. Just so I’m clear, I hold no grudge, but it’s all behind me. I wish you well. The right woman will come along. Here’s a tip. The next time you make a promise to a woman, just keep it and see if your boredom or whatever it is doesn’t just pass.”