Page 32 of Summer Ever After

They headed over to a bench under a few large oak trees, and Beth stopped, letting the soft sand sink under her feet. She looked out over the water, hands on her hips. “Is there anything you want to tell me about yesterday?” she asked, her tone curious, gentle, probing.

“I don’t want to worry you,” he replied, keeping his voice calm. “Besides, it’s handled. Everything’s being taken care of.”

Her gaze flicked back to him, lingering on the faint bruise again.

To his surprise, she turned away from him and marched over to sit down on the bench.

“I thought you were going to be different,” she said, avoiding his gaze.

He moved over and sat next to her.

“Tell me what I can do.” His shoulders slumped.

She turned to him. “Don’t protect me.” His eyebrows shot up. “Don’t protect me from the truth. I can handle it.” She reached up and touched his jaw. “Ian?”

He sighed and nodded.

“He was waiting at my place last night.” She opened her mouth, but he stopped her. “Like I said, it’s been handled. Restraining orders were signed first thing this morning by a judge. My lawyer is aware of the situation, and a security company is at my place installing cameras as we speak.”

She didn’t say anything, just gave a small nod, like she understood. She was quiet for a long time before saying something that surprised him.

“Your place sounds a lot safer than mine.” She turned to him with a slight frown. “Where do you live?”

He shifted slightly. “Outside of town about five miles.”

She tilted her head. “A house?”

“It’s… more of a ranch.”

“A ranch, like with cows?”

“No cows,” he answered with a chuckle. She seemed to deflate a little. “But I have horses, donkeys, chickens, geese, and a really bad-mouthed rooster.”

She perked up. “Seriously? I didn’t take you for the farm boy type.”

“Born and raised.” He glanced around. “Want to walk some more?”

“Sure.” She stood up, and they walked a little further down the beach. The silence stretched comfortably between them, filled only by the rhythmic crash of waves.

He caught himself stealing glances at her, letting the memory of their kiss sneak back into his chest. He wanted to hold her again, to make sure she knew she was safe, but he kept his distance, giving her space to breathe.

Finally, Beth broke the silence. “I’m glad you’re here, Aaron. Really.” Her voice softened, almost shy, and he felt something warm settle in his chest.

He gave a small, reassuring smile. “Me too.”

She nodded, eyes briefly meeting his before turning back to the horizon. Aaron knew the day ahead would be full of rounds, checks, and keeping the camp safe, but right now, with the sun on their faces and the ocean at their feet, it was enough just to be there with her.

“I’m…” He hesitated for a moment. “I’m working the bonfire tonight. Are you going to stick around too?”

“I will now.” She smiled.

“Maybe we could sit together for a while on our break?”

“I’d like that.”

For the first time, he felt the tight knot of anger and tension from the day before loosen. Ian would come again, probably sooner than later, but Aaron was ready. He had the restraining order, the cameras, the legal backing, and most importantly, Beth.

He glanced down at her again and, without a word, slipped his hand into hers. She gave his hand a small, almost imperceptible squeeze, and that was enough to steady him.