Page 11 of Twist of Fate

The sad truth was, she didn’t have any relatives to turn to. Yes, she did have a handful of cousins scattered across the country, but she didn’t know them. Couldn’t turn to them for help. She couldn’t ask anyone for help because if Miles managed to track her down, they might get hurt. And she couldn’t bear to have that on her conscience. The only person Miles could ever hurt was her.

Picking up her wine glass, she took a sip and tried to focus on the man standing beside her, not the one she’d left behind.

Once the food was done, she helped Wyatt move it across to the island where they plated it up. Beth had noticed Wyatt cooking three steaks and couldn’t help but smile as he cut one up into small pieces and waited until it had cooled a little before placing it in Freya’s bowl. Clearly, they were all dining like royalty this evening.

Wyatt topped off their glasses with more wine, made sure his dog had enough water in her bowl, then joined Beth at the small, square dining table tucked along the back wall. It was placed directly under the window, which allowed a perfect view of the lake upon which the cabin sat.

The water was still in the evening light, the setting sun coloring the skies in pinks and purples and oranges. It was one of the most beautiful things Beth had seen in a long time, and she stopped eating for a few moments to enjoy it.

“We can go for a walk after dinner along the shore if you’d like.”

She turned her head and looked at Wyatt, who was sitting opposite her. “I’d like that.”

“Freya needs a walk before bed, so if it’s not too cold I take her on a lap around the lake.”

Beth’s eyes widened. “Around the whole lake?”

He let out a small laugh, no doubt at the look on her face. “Don’t worry, we don’t have to go all the way around. We’ll only go as far as you want to.”

She had to blink rapidly to stop the tears welling up. Why was this stranger being so nice to her? He’d only met her the previous day, and so far, he’d done more things for her than Miles had their whole relationship.

“You’re a good man, Wyatt. You’ve been so kind to me since I got here and I can never repay you.”

“There’s nothing to repay. I’m happy to help.”

They finished off their meal, then Beth helped him put everything into the dishwasher. He turned it on, then they headed out the front door for their walk.

It wasn’t quite summer yet, which meant the weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. Freya bounded ahead of them once they reached the edge of the lake and turned right. Wyatt walked what Beth suspected was slower than his usual gait so she could keep up with him, and Freya stayed within sight of them at all times.

“Dinner was delicious. Thank you so much.”

Wyatt gave her a smile that sent heat coursing through her body. “You’re welcome, ma’am.”

She groaned mockingly. “That makes me feel so old.”

His grin got wider. “What, calling you ma’am?”

Beth laughed, the sound foreign to her ears. “Yep. I feel like I’m eighty when you say that.”

“Okay. Beth it is.”

They kept moving, the sky still light enough to illuminate their path. “Can I ask you a personal question, Wyatt?” She kept her gaze ahead, not daring to peek at him.

“Of course you can.”

“Why did you leave the Navy?” When he didn’t answer straightaway, she looked up to find him staring at her and began to panic. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked, it’s none of my business.” Instinct had her taking a step away from him, and an emotion she couldn’t name flared in his eyes.

What she didn’t expect was for him to reach out and take her hand in his, weaving their fingers together. Pulling her closer to him. “I said you could ask.” They began walking again, and he waited a few moments before answering. “My team and I were ambushed. Some of us didn’t make it home. I was badly injured, so I was given an honorable discharge for medical reasons.”

Her heart ached. “Oh, Wyatt. I’m so sorry. Losing your teammates and getting hurt would have been so hard.” She squeezed his fingers sympathetically.

“It was. Still is. Freya is not just my dog, she’s an emotional support dog.” His fingers tightened a little on hers. “Sometimes during the night, I wake up.”

“You have nightmares?” She kept her voice soft.

“Yeah. Freya helps me get back to sleep. She likes to snuggle with me.”

That made Beth smile. “I bet she’s a good snuggler.”

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