Page 96 of In a Word, Yes

“What?” I say, unable to decipher his expression.

“Oh, nothing. Well, not nothing. Permission to speak freely?”

“Always.”

“It’s just ... that’s the second time I’ve heard you refer to yourself as uncoordinated. You’re not uncoordinated.”

“Oh, I beg to differ. I think I would know if I’m clumsy. Are you sure this is a hill you’re willing to die on, Lieutenant, when you’ve only known me for a month or so?”

“I thought we established that we’ve known each other all our lives.”

I chuckle. “Fine, I’ll play along. So, tell me, then, what do you think you know about my level of grace, or lack thereof?”

He reaches to bend the tip of a branch out of my way. “I think it isn’t a grace thing at all. It’s a focus thing. I’m pretty sure your only trouble is that you’re trying to do two things at the same time. Like, for example, navigating a doorway while admiring the sunset.”

“Huh.” I’m so astounded by this notion that I have no choice but to let our witty repartee die in the dust. Could he be right?

Wyatt arches his brow. “Like turning around to make fun of me while jogging a trail. So, as I see it ... that makes younot a klutz.”

“So you said.”

Well, knock me over with a feather and sweep me into the gutter. All I can do is gape at this uniquely attractive purveyor of unexpected logic. This could be a game changer.

And to think Wyatt missed a perfect opening to mock me.

In fact, this might be the most un-Devin-like thing anyone’s ever said to me.

The ground is no longer ground. My feet slosh through marsh and mud as I’m drawn deeper and deeper into the beauty of this enchanted place. The eagle now presides atop a stump in the middle of the lake, and the water is perfectly clear yet somehow every conceivable shade of blue and green at once.

“This place is ... it’s...”

Forget it. Sometimes there are no words.

Admittedly, though, it’s cold. Soon Wyatt and I are settled close together on a large bare log just right for two. It’s warmest where our hips touch, and he has magically produced a camping blanket and is diligently tucking it around us.

I bring the puffy blanket all the way up to my chin as our conversation swings easily from topic to topic, interspersed with laughter that carries to the other side of the lake and folds back over us.

“So here we are,” he says.

“So here we are.”

“And I’m really tempted to spell out what I’m feeling for you, Lucy. But I’m afraid it might chase you away.”

“Well, youarepretty good at spelling.”

“Hmm. Here’s a word for you. How do you spell ...beguiling?That’s what you are, Lucy. I’m crazy about you. You’re amazing on so many levels. I admire the way you prioritize your son. You’ve somehow reconnected me to parts of myself I didn’t even realize I’d shelved.” His eyes rove my face. “And of course, you’re incredibly beautiful. To quote Chase,obviously.”

I laugh softly, letting his words inch through the narrow gaps in the fence that’s protected my heart for so long. I like hearing my son’s name roll so naturally off this man’s tongue. I hear dignity. I hear safety.

Beneath the blanket, Wyatt’s hand finds mine. He turns to face me. “Lucy, you have every reason to guard your heart, and every reason to guard Chase’s. But if you ever decide to open your hearts to me, I make you this promise. I will handle both of your hearts with tender care. I’m willing to take this—us—at whatever pace you’re comfortable with.”

Are we anus? Oh, how I want us to be. Is wanting it enough?

“Thank you for that.” Slowly I raise my gaze, etching his features into my mind, knowing I’ll want to replay this moment over and over. The thick bob of his Adam’s apple. The solidnessof his jawline, with its slight scruff. The fine scar above his lip. And finally, the warmth in his eyes, assuring me this man is not playing me.

“But, Lucy Montgomery, make no mistake. Iampursuing you.”

“Well, Lieutenant Hayes,” I say after a moment, “I can’t believe I’m saying this. But for the first time in a long time, I am willing to be pursued.”