Honeysuckle Summer (The Sweet Magnolias #7)(67)

“The same way you were pushing Rory Sue away?” she inquired, hoping to redirect the conversation. “For the same reason, I might add.”

“That’s entirely different,” he said, disagreeing with her. “For once in my life I’m trying not to rush into something for all the wrong reasons.”

“Maybe that’s what I’m doing, too,” she suggested. “After all, I could be afraid that I’m only attracted to Carter because he’s the first man to come along since my marriage who’s shown an interest in me.”

“Oh, I do believe you’re scared,” he said. “And who could blame you? It’s not as if your marriage to Paul was any kind of picnic. It’s natural for you to be skittish. But I think your fear runs a lot deeper than just thinking that the attraction is superficial. I don’t think you’re anywhere close to being ready for a real relationship, and you know it. But that’s what Carter wants, isn’t it? The real deal?”

She couldn’t deny that. “Look, I’m working through my issues, okay?” she told him. “I’m getting more comfortable with Carter every time I see him.” At least she hoped that was true. She wanted it to be, because the attraction ran deep. So did her respect for him. She didn’t want her problems standing in the way of a real relationship.

Walter obviously wasn’t satisfied with her response. “How comfortable?” he pressed. “Enough to have an honest-to-goodness, long-lasting relationship with him, because if that’s not where this is heading, then you shouldn’t get too involved with those girls.”

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “Why are you pushing this? What does it matter to you if I mess this up?”

“I’m worried about you getting hurt. I’m even worried about a couple of teens who’ve obviously lost too many people they cared about. Carter may know your history. He may have the patience of a saint, but if you send mixed signals long enough, he may get tired of it and walk away. Then where will you be? Especially if you’ve gone and fallen in love with him.”

“I’m a big girl. I can handle a broken heart.”

Walter looked skeptical. “Okay, let’s say I believe that. Can you handle breaking his heart? Or hurting his sisters? What if they’ve learned to count on you?”

“Are you saying I need to back off?” she asked, her heart sinking at the thought. That reaction, as much as anything, told her she needed to fight for the future she was just starting to envision.

“That pretty much goes against the popular wisdom around here,” she told Walter. “Everyone else thinks it’s time for me to start living again.”

“I’m all for you starting to live. Getting out of this house would be a fantastic start. Rushing into a relationship might be asking too much of yourself. I just want you to be sure you can handle all the consequences.”

Raylene knew deep inside that he had some valid points, but as she studied him intently, she realized something else. “You know something, Walter? I don’t think we’ve been talking about me at all. I think you’re scared spitless that you’re getting too involved with Rory Sue and that one of you is going to get hurt.”

To her surprise, he didn’t deny it.

“Guilty,” he admitted.

“What’s the problem? She seems very taken with you.”

“She’s nothing like Sarah. And contrary to what all of you probably think, she’s a lot more vulnerable than she lets on. There’s a good chance I’ll let her down. That’s what I do. I was a lousy husband to Sarah, and I’m just finally getting a grip on being a halfway-decent father. It’s probably way too soon for me to try to figure out how to have a mature relationship with another woman.”

“If you’re thinking that clearly, it obviously means you’re making progress,” Raylene told him. “Stop selling yourself short.” She waited, thinking about the situation. “Or are you really worried that Rory Sue’s just playing a game, and you don’t want to put your heart at risk?”

“Damned if I know,” he admitted. “It could go either way. It’s just too soon to tell, which is why I’ve been trying to put some space between us.” He shrugged. “Rory Sue’s not much interested in space. She wants what she wants when she wants it.”

“Just like her mama,” Raylene said, smiling at the thought of Walter trying to hold a determined Rory Sue at bay. “Mary Vaughn went after Ronnie Sullivan more than once despite all the odds against her. I suppose that kind of determination could be flattering.”

“No, it’s terrifying,” Walter said. “I’m a man. It would be very easy to give in. The woman is amazing. But I’m trying to use my brain here, not my…well, you know.”

Raylene laughed. “Yes, I do know, and I admire your restraint.” She met his gaze. “Not to change the subject too much, but how’s the hunt for a house going? Once you find something, you could stop seeing Rory Sue altogether if that’s what you really want.”

“I found one, as a matter of fact. Rory Sue said it was perfect, and she was right. I put in an offer. We should know something tonight.”

“Congratulations! The kids are going to be so excited.”