Page 154 of Weight of Guilt

Wren laughed again, and the sound did something warm to his chest.

Then her expression softened. “Thank you.”

Nash knew immediately what she meant. “For today?”

“For all of it.” She looked toward the cabin door. “We might not have found Mason if you hadn’t been here.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“I do.” She held his gaze. “You showed up for us over and over. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to.”

Something changed in her expression.

Nash felt the shift also.

Wren slowly withdrew her hand. “So what happens now?”

“With what?”

“You.” She tucked one leg beneath her. “When your medical leave ends.”

Nash looked out across the yard. “I’m not sure yet.”

“You’re going back to Nashville, aren’t you?”

“Maybe not.” He paused. “I’ve been thinking about asking whether there’s an opening closer to Knoxville.”

Wren’s eyebrows lifted. “Knoxville?”

“I have more time to think on it.”

“You do.” Her smile grew. “It’s because of Bo, isn’t it? That’s why you want to stay closer.”

He laughed.

“But just so you know . . .” she continued. “I like that idea too.”

Nash looked at her. He really looked at her.

Moonlight caught in her hair. Her eyes were tired, but there was something peaceful in them now that hadn’t been there before.

His gaze dropped briefly to her mouth, then returned to her eyes.

Wren didn’t look away. Neither did he.

Nash lifted one hand and cupped her cheek. She leaned into his palm.

That was all the permission he needed.

He leaned closer.

The kiss was soft. Careful. Nothing rushed. Nothing demanding.

Just the quiet press of her lips against his and the unmistakable feeling that something between them had shifted.

When he pulled back, Wren stayed close.