Page 40 of Unforgiven

Figuring there was nothing wrong with starting a fire there—they could sit a spell after Seth went on his way—Lott started gathering wood.

“Want some help?” she asked.

“Sure.”

Bethanne walked to the edge of the woods opposite him and started picking up sticks, then carried them over and added them to the pile he’d started.

Lott had just gotten a spark out of two pieces of flint when he heard twigs snap in the distance. “Sounds like he’s here.”

Bethanne swallowed, suddenly looking a little sick. “Jah.”

“Listen, if things get too hard, all you have to do is let me know. I’ll intervene and get you out of here.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Or if Seth says something rude—”

“He won’t, Lott. You know that.”

“Jah.” Seth Zimmerman wasn’t perfect, but he wasn’t going to intentionally hurt Bethanne.

More twigs snapped in the distance, and his sister jumped but stayed silent. He did too. She had enough to worry about without him asking her yet again if she was okay. Instead, he fussed with his project, blowing on the sparks and nursing them with oxygen until they grew into a decent fire.

Seth grinned when he appeared out of the woods. “I should’ve known you’d be making yourself useful, Lott. This fire was a good idea.”

“Danke.” Lott was just about to make a joke when he looked up and realized Seth hadn’t come alone. Melonie was with him. He sprung to his feet. “Hiya, Melonie.”

“Hello, Lott. I hope you don’t mind, but I thought I’d come along.” Her voice warmed as she got closer. “I figured Bethanne might appreciate not being the only girl here.” Looking at his sister, Melonie added, “It’s good to see you. It’s been too long.”

“It’s good to see you too.” Visibly bracing herself, Bethanne walked to where Seth was standing. “Thank you for meeting with me.”

“You’re welcome,” he said softly. “It wasn’t a problem. Whatever I can do to help, I will.”

Bethanne’s cheeks reddened. “I didn’t want a meeting so I could ask for more help.”

“Understood.” Seth clasped his hands behind his back.

“All I wanted was a few minutes of your time.”

He nodded. “You have it.”

Melonie glanced from Seth to Bethanne to Lott. “Hey, Lott. Maybe you and I could stay here by the fire while my brother and your sister talk?”

“Sure.” Turning to his sister, he said, “Is that what you want, Bethy?”

She fisted her hands at her sides but then released them. “Jah.”

Seth stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Let’s go for a walk, then.”

Bethanne nodded, looking apprehensive but determined, and they started toward a worn path alongside the creek. Seth’s posture was relaxed and easy, as if he was perfectly used to escorting Amish girls in the woods. In contrast, Bethanne looked far more contained and tense. Neither was speaking, but they did stay in sight.

Lott continued to watch them, part of him wanting to join them, if for no other reason than to provide a shield for Bethanne. It would be terrible if Seth inadvertently made her cry. Then he reminded himself that she didn’t need his protection. She was stronger than she looked.

“Are you all right?” Melonie asked.

“Jah.” He forced himself to sit down on a log. “It’s funny, Bethanne keeps to herself so much, it’s hard to see her out like this.”

“Out? Or walking beside my brother?”

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