“You know how to build beds?” she inquired with a giggle.
Wyatt laughed, “You sound surprised. I’ll have you know that I happen to be a man of many talents, and I shall build you a bed.”
“Promise?” Nev asked, sounding playful.
“Promise,” Wyatt replied sincerely.
Chapter 34
Nev and Wyatt had barely gotten out of bed all day. They seemed quite content to spend the day whispering, snuggling, and napping. Addi had passed the time reviewing their route, cleaning her crossbow, and taking stock of their supplies. After checking their inventory, she had realized their food was running low. If they failed to reach Nellis soon or he wasn’t willing or able to help, then Nev would have to go hunting. Even with her shoulder not fully recovered. She was, after all, the only one with the skill enough to be successful.
With all of them seeming to sense they would need their strength in the coming days, no one had complained about spending a lazy day sheltered from the rain. Instead, it had been a welcomed lull in their routine. As evening approached, the clouds and rain cleared. The full moon began to bathe the entire barn in bright, serene light. “We have enough food for tonight and tomorrow, then we will need to improvise,” Addi announced.
Wyatt led Nev over to the campfire Addi had started. “By improvise, you mean send Nev hunting,” he said unenthusiastically. He’d liked Nev being able to give her should a chance to heal and wasn’t thrilled about her risking reinjury to it.
Nev intervened in their discussion. “I like the idea. I think I would like to go out and hunt tonight. Also, I’m going to take your brother with me. Addi, you should just stay here and relax,” Nev suggested, before looking at Wyatt.
“My brother… hunting?” Addi asked incredulously.
“Look. I always like spending time with you, but you don’t actually expect me to hunt… do you? I mean, if this is code to get me alone, then I totally approve. I just want the expectations to be clear first,” Wyatt said, chuckling and staring at Nev.
“Not that I want to discuss this in too much detail, but my brother has a point. You don’t actually imagine him being helpful with hunting, do you?” Addi prodded.
Nev smiled at Addi, “We will do our best. Either way, we won’t be too long.”
“Fine. Just try not to get yourselves into trouble. Okay?” Addi asked, grumbling softly and gesturing for the two of them to get out of there. She’d thought about arguing more, but something told her they really needed some time to themselves. She was no Tink, but even she could sense there was something heavy hanging on both of them.
Nev nodded and grabbed Wyatt’s hand before he had time to protest. She led him swiftly through the woods. Then for the first time, in a long time, Nev felt almost truly at home. Wyatt’s presence had been her foundation since she met him, but the woods were the familiar walls of her childhood and the sky her beloved roof. To be alone with all three on a calm and clear night was a balm her spirit desperately needed.
Wyatt could sense a lightness within her. Happily, he found himself being escorted through the woods by the carefree woman he had only caught brief glimpses of before. She was captivating.
Nev heard a small creek and excitedly urged Wyatt to follow, her hand still around his. The creek’s banks were lined with soft, bright green grass that swayed gently in the night breeze. Nev stood with Wyatt and stared down at it for a minute before quickly taking off her shoes.
Wyatt needed no directing from Nev to follow suit. He removed his boots and stood barefoot, staring in awe of her.
Feeling the grass between her toes, Nev sighed deeply as the sensation soothed the wounds she carried. She smiled at Wyatt and extended her hand towards him.
He had not walked barefoot in the grass, willingly, since he was a young boy. Watching Nev relax as she stood before him, he found himself rediscovering how wonderful a sensation it was. He grasped the grass with his toes and then wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “You are so amazing,” he proclaimed, gazing into her eyes.
Nev smiled at him and kissed him lightly. “When we find a way through everything and things are calm, I want to live in a place like this… with you,” she said softly.
When we find a way, he repeated to himself. Smiling and nodding at her, he knew at that moment they had made a promise to each other. They would find a way.
“So, you want to live with me… instead of other options?” Wyatt inquired gently. He had been growing increasingly curious about what Nev wanted from her fate. He’d held to the hope that no matter what she chose, it would include him. It was all he’d wanted to hear her say. That they would get through this together and then remain at each other’s side. He could live in a castle, share her with the world, or retire to a cozy cabin or cave. The only thing that mattered was spending his life with her.
Nev smiled warmly at him. Before meeting Wyatt, Nev had dreaded the future. The only promise it held was more time being hunted and alone. Now, things were finally different. Suddenly, she was looking forward to tomorrow. Still, whenever Nev contemplated her future, she didn’t yearn for thrones or crowns. She had only one desire. Wyatt. “Yes. You’re the only thing I know I wouldn’t want to live without,” she replied tenderly.
Wyatt, feeling so in love with her, starting swaying with her gently in his arms.
“What are you doing?” she asked, moving with him and smiling.
“Dancing with the woman I love, under the light of the moon,” he replied honestly.
Nev bit her
