Chapter 37
CHAPTER 37
T he generator’s hum couldn’t drown out Wyatt’s thoughts as he attacked its maintenance with more force than necessary. Through the shed’s dusty window, he could see Sophie in the kitchen with Whitney, still holding her phone with that TV offer that could take her away.
“That generator must have done something terrible to deserve such treatment.”
Wyatt didn’t turn at Darrow’s voice. “Just routine maintenance.”
“Aye, and I’m just a simple Highlander.” Darrow’s boots scraped on the shed floor. “Want to talk about what’s really bothering you?”
“She got offered a TV show.”
“Ah.” Darrow was quiet for a moment. “And this is terrible news because...?”
“Because it means she’s leaving.” The wrench slipped, clanging against metal. “Traveling the country, doing what she loves.”
“The way you’re acting reminds me of when I first saw Whitney.” Darrow’s voice softened with memory. “My father always told me I’d know the moment I met her—said it would hit like lightning. And it did.”
Wyatt looked up, surprised. “You never told me that.”
“Some things are private, meant to be held close to the heart.”
“You? Private?” Wyatt snorted. “You tell everyone everything.”
“Not about this.” Darrow’s eyes were serious. “Love is precious, lad. It doesn’t spring up just anywhere. When I saw Whitney that first time...even with her child, even knowing she might not be available...I knew. Never faltered, not once.”
The simple conviction in his voice made Wyatt pause. “Just like that?”
“Just like that.” Darrow smiled. “Did you feel anything like that with Sophie?”
Wyatt started to say no, then stopped, really thinking about it. He remembered that first day—her enthusiasm that had annoyed him, her genuine appreciation for Alaska that had surprised him, the way something in his chest had tightened when she smiled...
“I didn’t know,” he said slowly. “Not like you did. But looking back...maybe it was there all along. I just wasn’t paying attention.”
“And now?”
“Now...” Wyatt set down his wrench, finally admitting what he’d been fighting. “Now I can’t imagine her leaving.”
“Then maybe you should tell her that.”
“How can I?” Frustration colored his voice. “This is her chance, her dream. I can’t ask her to give that up.”
“Are you sure it’s her dream?” Darrow raised an eyebrow. “Or are you just afraid to find out what she really wants?”
The question hit home. Wyatt thought about Sophie’s joy in exploring Alaska, her growing connection to the lodge community, the way she fit so naturally into his life despite all their differences.
“I wish I’d known,” he said quietly. “Like you did with Whitney. Wish I hadn’t wasted so much time fighting it.”
“Ah, but that’s your way, isn’t it? Thinking everything through, making sure it’s safe before you step forward.” Darrow’s eyes crinkled. “While some of us just know when lightning strikes.”
“Some of us are also apparently secret romantics.”
“Don’t tell anyone.” Darrow winked. “I have a reputation to maintain.”
But as Wyatt watched Sophie through the window, something settled in his chest. Because maybe he hadn’t known instantly like Darrow had. Maybe it had taken him longer to recognize what was right in front of him.
But he knew now.
“Go talk to her,” Darrow said softly. “Before you let fear make the choice for you.”
Wyatt nodded, already moving toward the door. Because maybe some things were worth the risk of change.
Even if you didn’t realize it at first.
Even if it took you a while to recognize lightning when it struck.
Especially then.