Page 103 of The Summer Escape

Finally, she looked up at Trystan. “I suppose that’s the last time I’ll do that. It feels weird.”

“I’ll bet,” Trystan said, though it hit him that he wasn’t particularly attached to the place. It felt like a part of his past. Which didn’t make a lot of sense, considering it was his current home.

“How are you?” he asked as they moved through the living room.

“Fine, thanks.”

“There’s your crockery.” He pointed to the box at the side of the room. “It weighs a ton. I spent most of the way from Bryher to here cursing you.”

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you to bring it.”

“It’s fine. I managed. Do you want a coffee?” He continued to the kitchen. “I bought you a chocolate eclair from the bakery on the corner.”

“You shouldn’t have.” She remained in the living room, looking slightly pained as she swept a hand through her blonde hair, changing the line of her parting.

“I thought you wanted to talk, but if you haven’t got time don’t worry about it.”

“You’re going to be really angry with me,” she said quietly. “But I need you to know that I’d never hurt you intentionally.”

“What are you talking about?” Leaning on the counter, he felt a jolt of nerves deep in his stomach.

She walked quickly to the other side of the island, a look of desperation in her features. “Please don’t think I’ve done this to spite you or anything.”

“What have you done?”

Slowly, she raised her left hand, the sunlight flashing on a large diamond.

Blinking a few times, Trystan managed to suppress a laugh. “You got engaged?”

“Yes. It all happened quickly and I know people will think it’s crazy, but it feels right. I’ve been dreading telling you.” She glanced at the box of stuff from Lowen. “I probably should have told you before you carted all that stuff back for me.”

He stared at her. “Did you purposely not tell me because you thought I wouldn’t bring it back for you?”

“No.” She grimaced. “I was nervous of telling you. And I wanted to do it in person.”

“Who are you marrying?” he asked as he moved to the coffee machine.

“Nathan Wadsworth.” She grimaced again.

“Nathan who you work with?”

“Yes. I know this will all sound terrible. I swear to you that nothing ever happened before you and I broke up, but I did have feelings for him, which was part of the reason I knew I had to end things with you.”

“Okay,” Trystan murmured.

“I’m sure lots of people will think I’m being spiteful, that you wouldn’t marry me so I found someone who would, but it’s not like that.” She spoke fast enough that Trystan didn’t even try to get a word in. “I think you were right about marriage not being the right thing for us. Our relationship was so easy and comfortable, but there was always something missing. The thing that makes you want to dive in and take chances and never let go of each other no matter what.” She took a breath. “I’m waffling, but the point is that with Nathan everything feels different. It feels one hundred percent right. I have no doubts.”

Trystan put a coffee in front of her then moved to sit beside her when she shifted onto a stool. “I understand,” he said flatly.

“You understand?” She eyed him incredulously.

“Yeah.”

“I thought you’d be furious.” Her shoulders sank as she sighed. “I’ve been panicking about telling you because I thought you’d be upset.”

“Would you rather I was upset?”

“No.” She gave his arm a gentle shove. “I’m surprised you’re so calm. I don’t know why – you always take everything in your stride.”