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‘I’ve got her, but we’d better get a move on, the weather’s getting worse. I can’t see my feet, so can you lead the way?’
‘Of course, no problem. Can I message my mum and let her know Grandma’s safe?’
‘My phone’s in my pocket. You know the passcode,’ he said, ruefully, but his voice had softened, all traces of anger and annoyance gone. He was back to being Matt. Kind, helpful and no longer looking at her like he wanted to throttle her.
It was an odd sensation, sliding a hand into his trouser pocket, especially when the trousers fitted so snugly, stretched against his big thighs.
Having entered the passcode, she messaged her mum, and then slid the phone back into his pocket. ‘Thank you.’
‘No problem, anything to help.’ He offered her an almost smile and she felt some of the tension leave her. It was time to focus on getting back to the inn.
Beth lifted her dress so she could see the ground beneath her and began gingerly testing the terrain as she led the way. It was hard to see through the pelting rain and mist, but she knew Matt was relying on her. For all her bluster that she didn’t need a man to help her, she now had to prove her worth and help to keep her grandma safe. Matt, too. One misstep and they could all end up stuck down a crevice.
Behind her, Matt carried her sleeping grandma in his big arms, protecting her like she was an injured bird. ‘Did you really not know your sister was married?’ he said, his voice a hushed whisper so as not to disturb her grandma.
‘I honestly had no idea. It was something that happened eight years ago in Las Vegas. Drunk drama students misbehaving, a prank that got out of hand. She was so wasted, I think she almost forgot about it, too. She’s never even seen the bloke since.’
‘Is the marriage legal?’
‘I haven’t been able to get hold of any paperwork to find out. We managed to track down the man on Facebook. His name’s Freddie Wood, but he’s yet to reply to any of my messages, so I haven’t been able to apply for an annulment. Mind, this bit’s slippery.’ Beth waited until they’d safely negotiated the treacherous bog. ‘Believe me, I’m as mad about it as you are. It was bad enough being coerced into arranging this wedding in the first place, but knowing it’s illegal and shouldn’t be going ahead has been giving me sleepless nights. I’m a solicitor, for crying out loud. I could be disbarred if anyone found out I allowed the wedding to go ahead.’
Matt sighed. ‘No wonder you’ve been so stressed.’
‘I’ve tried reasoning with Megan, but she’s determined to marry Zac tomorrow. She convinced me that we’d be able to track down Freddie and get everything sorted before the big day, and Zac would never need to know.’
Matt slowed as the mud became slippery. ‘That’s a big secret to keep from someone.’
‘Tell me about it.’ Beth waited for him to catch up, before resuming walking. ‘I can only imagine how Zac’s going to feel when he finds out. And how can he not find out? Megan has no choice but to confess – time’s up, not that she sees it that way. She’s convinced the whole thing will just go away if she ignores it. I don’t know what to do.’
‘Not much you can do.’
She glanced back. ‘You don’t think I should tell Zac?’
‘It’s not your secret to tell. This isn’t your mess, Beth. Or your responsibility. You’ve done all you can, you’ve told her what the consequences will be. It’s up to her now.’
Whatever she’d imagined his response would be, it wasn’t that. ‘I feel bad for Zac.’
‘Me too, but what’s worse? Him finding out in a few weeks’ time, and dealing with it privately, or being humiliated in front of his whole family tomorrow?’
She paused. ‘I hadn’t thought of it like that.’
‘It’s a shitshow, either way.’
‘A great big shitshow.’ She stepped over an uneven mound. ‘Be careful, it’s softer than it looks here.’
Matt placed his feet carefully. ‘You haven’t done anything wrong, Beth.’
‘Then why do I feel so guilty?’
‘Because you’re an honest person. You’re not a rule breaker, you’d never behave like that yourself, and it doesn’t sit comfortably with your conscience.’
He was right. ‘I’m dull, you mean?’
‘You’re not dull. You’re honourable, reliable and trustworthy.’
She sighed. ‘Like a used car.’
He laughed. ‘Like a used car.’
