Chapter 158: Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Eight - Choices To Make

***Wyatt***

Alyssa and I are on our way to my parent’s place for dinner. My father insisted because my mom kept complaining to him that she hasn’t seen us after our time away. We have been back for over a week. Everything is back to normal. I have been trying to avoid her, to be honest. She is going to be disappointed when she realises I didn’t do what I said I would. As long as she doesn’t let it slip. Mom is the only one who knows about it. 

“Wyatt, are you okay? You seem tense.” Alyssa asks and places her hand on my knee. 

I left her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles, “All is good, sweetheart.” I lie. 

I can’t exactly tell her the truth. It would lead to a conversation I am not ready to have. 

“Okay.”

She sounds like she believes me, but it may be pretend. I could do with a minute to get it together, but would make Alyssa ask questions. I get out first and take the time to take a few deep breaths before I head around to get her door. I smile, taking her hand to help her out. I rest my hand on the small of her back, guiding her inside. 

My parents soon appear to greet us. My mother rushes over to hug us both. When she parts from the hugs, I see her eyes divert down and then towards me. I can see the disappointment on her face. I give her a warning look so she doesn’t say anything. Alyssa and my father seem confused but don’t say anything. My father greets us both, too. The four of us head to the living room for drinks. 

“Water for me, please. I am the one driving home.” Alyssa says. 

I did offer to drive us back or to get a car to bring us, but she insisted she would drive. My father prepared our drinks before joining us. 

“Tell us about your trip.” Mom gushes. 

We had called and sent them photos along the way on our trip, but I knew she would want every detail. Some details we can’t share because that would be weird. Everything else we can.

We happily tell them. I let Alyssa do most of the talking. It was a first for her, so she will remember more details. She seems excited to tell them. I smile as I listen. I am glad she had the chance to experience it. We can do it again soon.

“And I think that is everything.” Alyssa laughs after about half an hour of talking.

“It sounds like you both had a great time.” Mom smiles. 

I nodded. “We did.” 

“I need to go start dinner. Wyatt, can you come slice the meat? You are always better at it.” 

She wanted to get me alone to ask questions. 

“Sure.”

I would rather not, but if I refused, it would cause suspicion. I follow her to the kitchen. 

“Wyatt, what happened? You were so certain and confident in your decision when we talked about it.” 

“It wasn’t the right time.” 

“It was the perfect time. Why did you change your mind? You better not be having second thoughts about Alyssa. She loves you. You love her.” She sighs. 

I close my eyes and run my fingers through my hair, “No, it isn’t anything like that.” 

“It is something. Did something happen on your trip?” 

“Everything with Alyssa and I are fine, mom. I promise. The timing wasn’t right. Please, drop it and don’t say anything to or in front of Alyssa, okay.” 

She sighs again. “Just make sure you don’t wait too long. I promise I won’t say a word.” 

“Thank you.” 

I can tell she is still disappointed and a little sad, but it is a choice I need to make. One, I need to be one hundred per cent ready. She doesn’t say anything else, thankfully. I prepare the meat to be cooked, and she tells me to head back through. My parents have private chefs, but if it is a meal with the family, Mom likes to cook it herself. It is something she has done for as long as I can remember. 

“I will go and see if your mom needs a hand. You two can have a scotch and talk about guy things.” Alyssa laughs. 

She kisses my cheek and exits the living room. Mom won’t let her help, but she’ll appreciate the company while she cooks. 

“Son, are you okay? Is everything still good between you and Alyssa?” he asks. 

“I am fine. Yes, things are great with us, more than great. Our trip brought us closer and made our bond stronger.” 

It is the truth. 

“Good, I am glad to hear it. How is life being back in reality?” 

“Honestly, I wish we were still away. I have been thinking about taking a step back and working more behind the scenes. Though. I don’t think the clients would be happy.” 

“Really? That surprises me. You were always a workaholic, worse than me.” 

“Yes, I know, but things have changed. I have Alyssa now. She comes first. I hope the day comes when we get married and eventually have kids. I want to be around more. I don’t want to be away for days at a time. I don’t enjoy it the way I used to.” I answer honestly. 

“You want a family one day? You were always so certain you didn’t.” 

“That was before Alyssa. I want all that with her. I want to live a normal life and stop letting my past get in the way. Alyssa has helped me heal. She has made me a better man—a better person. I want to give her everything. I want us to have everything.” 

“I am so very proud of you, Wyatt. Alyssa is good for you. I knew one day you would find the right woman who would help you heal and make you happy. You deserve to be happy, son and have everything you dream of after everything you have gone through in life.” He smiles. 

I return his smile. “Thanks, Dad.” 

“Do what you need, Wyatt. Do what makes you happy. Make the best choice for you and Alyssa. I will deal with the clients if I have to.” 

“Thank you, Dad, that is appreciated. It is something I have been thinking about, but nothing has been decided.” 

“Take your time. Have you discussed it with Alyssa?” he asks. 

I shake my head. “Not yet, but I will before I make my final choice.” 

“Yes, it is important you discuss it with her.” 

I don’t know how she will react. I hope she will respect my choice. I think she will. Maybe she and I can start a business, something we will both enjoy. It may be something to think about.

“I know.” I smile. 

Our conversation ends there because Alyssa appears, “First course is ready.” 

“Okay, sweetheart. We’ll be through in a second.” 

She nods and walks out. We finish our drinks and join them. I feel better after talking with my father. It is something that has been on my mind. I could have spoken to Alyssa about it, but I didn’t want to bore her until I know for sure. It is another thing I have to think about. I have a lot on my mind, but everything will work out as it is supposed to.