Page 64 of Between Two Shores

Mom clicked the dishwasher door closed and pressed start. Then she grabbed the lemon spray and wiped the counters. “I like her, Lachlan.”

“What’s that?” His hand slipped, and a splash of soapy water hit his arm.

“Beth is a lovely girl.”

“I know. She comes from a good family. Her father runs a charity. Beth was very involved too.” He placed a Pyrex dish on the rack. “Surprised her dad encouraged Beth to marry a guy after no more than a few weeks of being acquainted.”

“He likely got caught up in the grandeur as well.”

He glanced over his shoulder. Mom wiped with circular strokes, causing the marble to shine.

“Must have. I remember him seeming a tad suspicious of me when I visited their charity. He was very protective of his daughter.” How would he act around Lachlan now, knowing he’d also come from the Navy?

Mom placed her cloth next to the sink. “I can tell you have feelings for Beth.”

“What?” He scrubbed harder. “I’m just helping her out. Couldn’t leave her abandoned in a country she’s never been to before, not knowing a soul—except for me.”

She crossed her arms and cocked one eyebrow. “True. But the way you look at her and how she responds is adorable.” She chuckled.

“I’m glad you’re amused by it all.” He gave a wry grin. “I’ll keep my distance from Beth in the future, so you don’t get any ridiculous ideas.”

She touched his arm. “Lachlan, look at me, son.”

He frowned. “What, Mom?”

“Beth will get over Nick and this drama as quickly as it started. She’ll be ready in good time.” She tilted her head. “Do you remember telling me about Beth two years ago?”

“I told you about her?”

“Yes. You said you’d met a sweet girl with a heart of gold. One who looked out for others.” She hesitated and dipped her chin to the floor, then cleared her throat. “All I can say is . . .” She met his eyes. “Don’t miss the opportunity again. She’s worth waiting for. You’re what she needs, Lachlan. Faithful. Dependable.”

Footsteps echoed from the hallway, the sound bouncing off the high ceilings. Mom pulled away and got busy in the kitchen.

He turned to Beth. “I’m nearly done.”

She walked over and straddled a bar stool behind the counter.

Mom touched her forehead. “Oooh. I’m feeling fatigued after all that cooking and cleaning. You can finish up, can’t you Lachlan? I need to lie down for a while.” A curl to the corner of Mom’s lips started to form as she left the room. Beth didn’t seem to notice.

Lachlan pulled the plug and let the water swirl down the drain. He gave the sink a quick wipe and put the dishtowel aside.

“So, how’d your family take the news?”

“As you might expect.” She shrugged her rounded shoulders.

“Shall we go in the living room and talk?”

She gave a solemn nod and followed him to the front room, barely lit. Saxophone music played on repeat. Not the atmosphere he was going for. He turned the light up a notch and changed the track to one of Mom’s classical piano albums.

Beth sank onto the white three-seater sofa. Her voice held a tinge of sadness as she described her father's response, a combination of anger and disbelief.

“No surprise, then.” He slumped into a single-armchair and squared a leg over one knee. “It’s only natural for him to be angry at himself for not seeing through Nick’s grandiosity.”

“Dad said to thank you and your parents for looking out for me. He’s relieved that I have people to support me until I return home.”

“It’s the least we can do. Who else did you call?”

“Amy, my sister. She liked Nick too.” Beth shook her head. “She can’t believe it.” Her voice cracked on the last words, causing his own heart to splinter.

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