“I wouldn’t do that,” Barbara said indignantly.
“Yes, you would. Your curiosity will keep us here for another hour.” Diana leaned down and gave Charlie a hug. “Look after Barbara. I’ll see you when I get back.”
And before Ethan took another breath, Diana was leading him out of the house.
Two hours later, Diana gratefully lowered her backpack to the ground and took a deep breath. The trail they’d followed had meandered through the valley, then steeply climbed to a large plateau where they stopped. Below them, Flathead Lake spread out like a giant, glistening spaceship. Even the pine and spruce trees on the other side of the bay added drama to the incredible view.
“This is as gorgeous as I remember.”
“You’ve been here before?”
Diana nodded. “When I was younger, Granddad brought my sisters and me here for camping trips. We’d only stay for one night, but it felt like a big adventure.”
Ethan spread a blanket on the ground. “I’ve been here a few times since Zac told me about the trail. It makes me feel thankful for everything I’ve found in Sapphire Bay. It must have been amazing growing up here.”
Diana unpacked her water bottle. “I liked living in Sapphire Bay but, when my ex-husband was transferred to Cincinnati, I was excited. It wasn’t until I was living in a big city that I realized how special Sapphire Bay is.”
“Do you think you’ll go back to Cincinnati?”
“No. There’s nothing there for me.” She sat on the blanket and sighed. “After I divorced Derek, I trained as a teacher. I was applying for jobs when Dad told me Grandma was really sick.”
“What about leaving your friends?”
“I don’t have many. Some of the people I thought were my friends didn’t talk to me after Derek left. For a long time, I felt isolated and alone. I thought it was because I was upset about what Derek had done, but it was more than that. I think I was depressed and didn’t know it.”
“That happens to a lot of people, including myself.”
“But you’re a counselor. If anyone could recognize depression, I’d have thought it would be you.”
Ethan handed her a sandwich. “Sometimes it’s easier to see what’s happening in other people’s lives than in your own. I joined the military to serve my country. After I returned home, I couldn’t escape from what I’d seen. I didn’t sleep, I had huge mood swings, and I struggled with everyday life. It wasn’t until I saw a psychologist that I knew I needed help.”
“How are you now?”
“Better. Helping other people makes me feel more positive about myself. I’ll never be the person I was before I left for Afghanistan, but that’s not a bad thing.”
“What were you like before you were deployed?”
“Self-absorbed. I thought I was doing the world a favor by being alive. It wasn’t until I came home that I knew how wrong I was.”
“I know what you mean. After my marriage ended, I didn’t recognize the person I’d become. It took a long time for me to work out what I wanted in life. But, now that I have, I wouldn’t change anything.”
Ethan smiled. “I’m glad our lives brought us to Sapphire Bay.”
Diana’s breath caught at the warmth in his eyes. She knew he liked her and she liked him. But she didn’t know if she was ready for another serious relationship. “I need to tell you something.”
“If you’re allergic to flour, we’re in trouble. Apart from fruit, I only brought sandwiches and muffins to eat.”
“It doesn’t have anything to do with food.”
Ethan frowned. “I’m listening.”
“Trust is a big thing for me. When Derek was unfaithful, I became extremely cautious around other people. I like you. Really like you. But every time I think about us being in a relationship, I break out in a cold sweat.”
“Because you don’t trust me?”
Diana thought about her words carefully. “I trust the man you’ve shown me. I trust the man other people tell me about. And I trust Charlie’s judgment.”
Instead of looking upset, Ethan’s lips twitched. “I’ve been given the gold seal of approval.”
“Pretty much. Charlie was my rock after I left Derek. The thing is, I want to be part of a relationship that lasts. I want to have children one day, grow old with a man who makes me happy. I don’t want to be second-guessing everything I say in case I upset my partner, or worry that they’re seeing someone else.”
Ethan held her hand. “You aren’t the only person who wants those things.”
“I know, but I’ve seen the other side of what a relationship can be like and it isn’t nice.” Diana looked into his blue eyes. “If my sisters asked me to describe the person I’d most want to spend time with, it would be you. But I need to know that whatever happens, you’ll have my best interests at heart. That if you ever have doubts about our relationship, you’ll tell me.”
“I promise I’ll look after you and be honest about how I feel. But you have to promise me something, too.” Ethan’s hand tightened around hers. “I’m not perfect. I have flaws that could fill the Grand Canyon twenty times over, but I care deeply about you. I would never do anything to deliberately hurt or mislead you. If I ever say anything that is less than what you expect from me, I need you to tell me.”
Diana nodded. “I will. Does this mean we’re officially dating?”
Ethan’s slow smile dissolved her last, lingering doubts. “I hope so.”
And with a gentle kiss, he left her even more breathless than the first time they’d met.
Chapter 12
Diana thought she would be able to sneak into the inn without any of her sisters knowing she was home. She was wrong.
Barbara yawned as she walked out of her bedroom. “You’re later than you thought you’d be.”
“We went to Zac and Willow’s house after our picnic. Ethan’s friends have an incredible house.”
“Is Diana home?” Katie stumbled onto the upstairs landing. “How was your date?”
“It was great.”
The front door clicked. Everyone looked over the rail to see Penny tiptoeing across the wooden floor. When she looked up, she let out a high-pitched squeal.
“You nearly gave me a heart attack. Why are you all standing there?”
“Diana just got home.” Katie rubbed her eyes. “How’s Wyatt?”
“Busy. He’s working on another painting for the Berlin exhibition.” She looked at Diana and smiled. “How was your date with Ethan?”
“Amazing.”
“Does this mean he’s officially your boyfriend?” Barbara asked.
“It does.”
Barbara gave her a hug. “That’s wonderful. He’s a good man.”
Katie rubbed Diana’s arm. “I’m really happy for you, but I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’m going to bed, too.” Diana checked her watch. She couldn’t believe it was nearly midnight. “Don’t forget to set your alarm clocks. We have a new set of guests arriving in the morning and I want the house to be perfect.”
“What time do we need to be ready?” Penny asked.
“Six o’clock. That will give you time to drive to Kalispell to collect our guests and for us to get everything else ready.”
Katie yawned. “Before I go to bed, has anyone heard from Mom and Dad?”
“Not yet,” Barbara told her. “They’re not too far from Hawaii, though. Mom said she’d text me when they land.”
“I hope they enjoy their vacation.”
Diana smiled. “I’m sure they will. Mom has a list of activities she wants to do and Dad has a list of restaurants he wants to visit.”
Barbara wrapped her arm around Diana’s. “It’s a match made in heaven.”
“Or the most stressful vacation you could imagine,” Katie said half-seriously. “Goodnight everyone.”
After a chorus of goodnights, Diana opened her bedroom door and sat on the end of her bed. She smiled as she heard Char
lie softly snoring from his crate.
Quietly, she slipped off her boots. She’d enjoyed every minute of her date with Ethan and couldn’t wait to see him again.
And after her first disastrous marriage, he might even be her match made in heaven.
Ethan walked into Sweet Treats and breathed in the sugary scent of hot fudge. As usual, a line of people stood in front of the counter, waiting patiently to buy candy.
“It’s addictive,” Theo said from behind him.
He turned around and smiled. “What are you doing here?”
“Do I have to have a reason for being anywhere?”
“You usually do.”
Theo grinned. “This time you’re right. Brooke won an international candy competition over the weekend. I’m interviewing her for the radio station. I heard you went out with Diana last night.”
Ethan’s eyebrows rose. It was frightening how fast everyone knew what you were doing. “Is there anything you don’t know?”
“Probably, but I try to minimize any gaps in my knowledge by talking to lots of people. So how was it?”
“Our date was great. We went for a hike, then had a picnic at the top of the trail behind Zac’s place.”
“That sounds romantic if you were a mountain goat or a sheep.”
Ethan took a step toward the front counter. “It was better than sitting in a restaurant or going to the movies.”
“Not for me. I’m more of a food and movie kind of guy. I saw Pastor John last week. He said the art therapy sessions you’re running are going well. I have an interview slot open on Saturday morning. Would you be interested in telling everyone about the program?”
Being interviewed wasn’t something Ethan would normally choose to do. But the program was going so well he’d do everything he could to fund other workshops. “If it helps find a sponsor, I’ll do it.”
“That’s awesome. How does nine-thirty sound?”
“I’ll be there.”
The person in front of them cleared his throat. Ethan hadn’t taken any notice of him until now but, even with his back to him, he knew who it was. His jaw tightened as he imagined the life Diana’s ex-husband had inflicted on her. He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like, but he knew for sure it wouldn’t happen again.
Kathleen, one of the sales assistants, smiled at Derek. “Welcome to Sweet Treats. How can I help you?”
“I’d like half a dozen bars of each flavor of fudge.”
Kathleen’s eyebrows rose.
Ethan knew what she was thinking. There must be at least ten different trays of fudge in the display cabinet. Either Diana’s ex-husband had a huge sweet tooth or he had an ulterior motive. As long as it didn’t involve Diana, Ethan didn’t care how much candy he bought.
“If you could gift wrap the fudge, I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course, I can. Would you like all the flavors together or in separate boxes?”
“Together will be fine.”
Ethan tightened his grip on his phone. If he was trying to convince Diana he was worth taking back, it would take more than a box of candy.
Theo nudged his arm. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” He glanced at Derek and wondered how the guy could show his face in Sapphire Bay. Diana didn’t want to see him and he doubted any of her family would welcome him back. If it were up to Ethan, he’d boot the guy out of town faster than he’d arrived.
“It’s not a weapon.”
Ethan looked at Theo and frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Your phone,” his friend explained. “If you grip it any tighter, you’ll crush it.”
He looked at his hand and released his stranglehold on the case.
Reaching for a specially designed box, Kathleen slid the first six bars into the container. “Are you staying in Sapphire Bay or passing through?” she asked Derek.
“I’m here for a few days.”
That surprised Ethan. Obviously, the guy had as much common sense as a snail. Diana didn’t want him here. Anyone with half a brain would have left and never returned.
“I don’t know where you’re staying but, if it isn’t The Lakeside Inn, you should go and see it,” Kathleen said with a warm smile. “The Terry sisters have done such a good job of the remodeling the house.”
“Thanks, but I’ve already seen it.”
“You’ll know how special it is, then.” Kathleen made her way along the cabinet, carefully laying bars of fudge on top of each other. “You’ll have a wonderful time in Sapphire Bay. If you run out of things to do, visit the general store. Mabel and Allan know everything that’s happening.”
Ethan almost snorted. Diana’s parents wouldn’t want Derek anywhere near them.
“Thanks for the advice.” When the candy was ready, Derek paid for everything, then turned around and bumped into Ethan. “Sorry.”
Their eyes locked and another surge of anger rushed through Ethan. People like Diana’s ex-husband preyed on the vulnerable, making them believe they were responsible for all the negative things that happened in their lives.
Derek frowned. “You were at the opening of the inn.”
“That’s right. I thought Diana told you to leave.”
“It’s none of your business what she said.” Using his shoulder, Derek pushed past him and walked out of the front door.
Theo studied Ethan’s face. “I wasn’t expecting that. What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Well, you’d better think fast. If that fudge is for Diana, he might be heading straight to the inn.” His friend looked through the window and scribbled something on a piece of paper. “Here’s his license plate number. If you’re really worried, go and see Alastair at the police station.”
He read what Theo had written and frowned. There wouldn’t be a lot Alastair could do, but it was worth talking to him. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
Ethan slipped the piece of paper into his pocket. After he’d finished at Sweet Treats, he’d drive to the inn and make sure everything was all right. After that, he’d visit the police station.
He was probably being paranoid, but his gut instinct was telling him Derek was here for all the wrong reasons. And after half a lifetime of relying on his intuition to keep him alive, he wasn’t stopping now.
Diana looked around the suite on the top floor of the inn with a critical eye. The couple who would be staying here were on their honeymoon. She wanted everything to be perfect for them, right down to the smallest detail.
After fluffing the pillows, she placed a gift basket of specialty items on the old, rustic coffee table.
So far, everything about the inn was going better than any of her sisters had imagined. The reservation system they’d added to their website was making their lives a lot easier, especially after all the media coverage about the letter they’d found.
All they needed was another nine months of solid bookings and they would have covered a large portion of their renovating costs.
Katie hurried into the room. “You’re not going to believe who’s arrived.”
Apart from their guests, Diana had no idea who her sister could be talking about. “Unless George Clooney has checked in under a false name, I have no idea.”
“Derek,” Katie hissed. “Of all the low-life, miserable people on the planet, he had to come here.”
Diana’s heart pounded. He’d warned her that he was coming to see her again, but she didn’t think he’d actually do it.
“What I want to know is why he’s here,” Katie said. “You’re divorced. There’s no reason for him to come to Sapphire Bay.”
She wished it were that simple. “There might be.”
“What do you mean?”
Diana sat on the edge of the bed. “Derek told me he owes the bank a lot of money.”
“Why is that relevant to you? You divorced him three years ago.”
“He wants me to lend him some money.”
“That’s what I told him. He must have run out of options.”
Katie raised an eyebrow. “That’s not your worry. He needs to figure that out—not you.”
Diana knew that, but it didn’t make it any easier seeing him again.
“Do you want to know something?”
She looked at her sister. “Please tell me you have a magic spell that can make him disappear?”
“If I had that, I would have banished him from your life years ago. No, this has to do with you. After your divorce you were really sad and stressed. When I asked you how you were feeling, you’d tell me everything was okay. But, even though I was hundreds of miles away, I knew you were upset. Derek took advantage of your big heart. You trusted him and he let you down.”
“I should have known better.”
“That’s what everyone says. It’s not until after the damage has been done that you look back and see the red flags. Derek isn’t worth all the stress and worry he’s caused. And, whatever you do, don’t give him any money. Otherwise, he’ll never leave you alone. You are strong and brave. Don’t let him drag you down.”
Her sister’s confidence gave Diana courage. “Where is he now?”
Katie frowned. “I told him to wait on the back veranda. If I had the choice, I would have sent him straight back to Cincinnati.”
So would Diana, but that wouldn’t happen in a hurry. She stood and took a deep breath. “I’d better see what he wants in case I’m completely wrong. Can you tell Barbara and Penny that all the rooms are ready for our guests?”
“I’ll let them know. Do you want me to come with you?”
Diana shook her head. She needed to do this on her own. “I’ll be okay.” And with a heavy heart, she walked downstairs with her sister.
For better or worse, that’s what the pastor said when she’d married Derek. Little did she know that the worst part would come sooner and harder than anyone could have imagined. And, three years later, it was still happening.
Summer At Lakeside Page 11