Mo stepped forward and placed a kiss on Kenna's cheek. "I will leave you two to discuss this. Call me if you need me." He turned to Will. "Kenna's not alone anymore. Hurt her and you have many people to answer to. As for your other problems, let’s meet tomorrow at Kenna's office at noon to discuss them. And bring a picture of Whitney for my security staff. If she's that nuts over your money, I would hate to see what she would resort to if she saw the numbers in my bank account." He winked at Will and walked off to his car.
Will approached the swing as Kenna reached for her wine glass. She was getting tired of this reoccurring theme of Whitney invading their relationship. She watched as he slowly sat down next to her as if expecting her to make him leave. She closed her eyes and felt the night air skim over her face with just enough cold in it to make her happy she had on her Syracuse sweatshirt.
"Kenna, I swear. There's nothing going on with Whitney. It's just so frustrating. She didn't want me anymore. And, well, I didn't want her either. But she just won't let go of the fame. I don't care if she sees someone else. In fact, I'd shout for joy if she were to get remarried." Kenna opened her eyes and took another sip of wine. "I know that she's a lot to deal with," Will continued, "but I really want this relationship to work. Please tell me you do, too."
Kenna turned her head to look Will in the eye. His chocolate eyes were filled with worry. She knew he was under a lot of stress and apparently Whitney was adding to it. "I won't be made a fool, Will. Promise me that you have no more feelings for her."
Will turned toward her and took her hand in his. "I swear, the only feelings I have for her are anger right now. And pity. I feel pity for her. I can't imagine what it would be like to think everyone is after you and wanting nothing but more. I promise you, I'll do right this time around, Kenna. I just fear that with me comes the trouble of Whitney. Please say you're willing enough to try it, knowing you're the only one I have feelings for."
She gave a slight nod and hoped she wasn't making a mistake in trusting him again.
"We have a spring practice game tomorrow at the high school. Why don't you come by after work and watch? Then we can go out to dinner. How does that sound?"
"That would be nice. I'd like to see you coach."
"Thank you, Kenna."
"For what?"
"I know this isn't the ideal situation for me to try to date you. I must be making one hell of an impression between the accidents on the farm and a crazy ex-wife trying to keep us apart. But I just know it'll be worth it. I need to get back to the farm tonight. I'll see you for lunch and then tomorrow evening for the game. I know a great place in Lexington you'll just love." Will stood up and dropped a gentle kiss on her cheek. “I'll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Will.”
Kenna watched as he made his way to his truck and drove off. She was about to argue with her feelings when the screen door opened and Miss Lily tumbled out.
“Miss Lily! Were you listening to our conversation?”
“Oh, heavens no. I was straightening the public sitting room for the weekend visitors and well, with the door open, I couldn’t help but hear. But since you asked, I think you did the right thing.”
“I didn’t ask, but go ahead and tell me why you think so.” Kenna patted the seat and before Lily had started her explanation, a car with tires screeching turned into the drive.
“What did I miss? Tell me everything!” Paige screamed as she got out of her car and ran to the porch.
Turning to Miss Lily, she shook her finger as if scolding her. “Did you call everyone in town?”
“No, I'd never do that. I just called my sisters and Paige.”
“So, give it another ten minutes and everyone in town will know Will was over here trying to win me back.”
Paige couldn’t wait any longer. “Is that what he wanted? Then what was the deal with Whitney?”
With Miss Lily and Paige hovered around Kenna shooting off questions, she filled them in on the conversation with Will. Miss Lily brought out a tray for dinner and a pitcher of lemonade. The ladies discussed Whitney and what they thought of the situation.
"I just don't understand her. Why would she put on this charade? Does she really think it's a good way to win Will back?" Paige asked as she took another bite of apple pie.
"Only because she's demented." Miss Lily's raised voice, along with her arms waving in the air, was enough to bring another round of laughter to the group.
Some time around the apple pie being brought out, the ladies decided to turn their discussion into a comedic enactment. Miss Lily had the best impersonation of Whitney among them. Their laughter died when they saw the sheriff pull to a stop in front of the house.