Oh, this might be a very bad idea. But he just smiled back.
“So, Nimue.” Libby leaned forward, blonde hair gleaming in the firelight. “That’s a unique name. Where’s it come from?”
“My father was a literature professor and a big fan of Arthurian legend.” Her face bloomed with a genuine smile. “Nimue is the Lady of the Lake.”
“You here with family?” Hannah’s question seemed casual, but Liam tensed, his attention snapping to Nimue.
“Just me and my trailer.” She had some hurt lingering in that answer. She set down her marshmallow stick, expression neutral. “Needed a change. The canyon’s good for clearing your head.”
A dodge. He didn’t expect more, not really, but when she looked away, her expression had gone hooded.
“It’s beautiful here.” Libby nodded, not pushing, but Liam didn’t miss the look she exchanged with Hannah. They weren’t buying the vague response, but they wouldn’t pry. His family was nosy but knew when to back off.
“Liam’s always been drawn to wild places.” His mom’s voice carried warm pride. “Ever since he was little—climbing trees, jumping off things he shouldn’t. I think that’s why I first memorized our family verse—Isaiah 43:2. ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.’ Every time Liam took a leap off something, every time I imagined us ending up in theER”—she gave him a pointed look—“or worse, I said that verse.” She sighed. “Still calms me.”
Maybe, but his shoulders went rigid, snagged on her words.I imagined us ending up in the ER, or worse.Like the day when Logan had broken his leg. Sheesh, he didn’t know why that story—ages old—seemed to be thrumming through his brain these days.
His gaze found Nimue, and she was watching him, her expression clearly communicating:Don’t go there. It wasn’t your fault. They don’t blame you.
Funny that she’d been a stranger a week ago and now could read him better than anyone in the circle. His attention flicked to Logan, who was also watching him. Okay, almost anyone.
“Actually,” Nimue began, drawing everyone’s attention, “the first time I saw Liam, he was rappelling down a cliff rescuing a little girl who’d fallen.”
“Oh my.” His mom’s hand touched her chest. “Was she okay?”
“Broken leg, but healing fine.” Liam met his mom’s eyes. So he was right—Nimuehadwitnessed more than just him discovering her camera.Interesting.
An hour later, after plenty of sugar and way too many family stories, he caught Nimue’s yawn and stood. “Ready?”
She hesitated, then nodded. They said goodbyes, Liam making plans to see everyone tomorrow before they slipped away from the fire, noise fading as they walked toward his Bronco.
The sky stretched deep velvet overhead, studded with stars that seemed to pulse with life. Liam stopped at the parking lot’s edge, hands in his pockets, glancing at Nimue. Her face tilted upward, eyes wide, and for the first time since he’d met her, she looked unguarded. Almost peaceful.
“Wow.” Her voice barely rose above a whisper. “It’s so clear tonight. I feel like I could touch the stars.”
Liam nodded, taking in the sweep of the Milky Way. “Makes you feel small, but in a good way.”
She stepped toward his Bronco. “Thanks for inviting me tonight. Your family’s…”
“A lot.”
She released a soft laugh. “They are a lot, but they’re wonderful. Makes me miss my sister.”
“What did you say her name was?”
“Emberly. She’s in Florida. Sometimes being here feels lonely.”
“Why don’t you go back?”
Her steps faltered. For a fraction of a moment, Liam thought she might open up.Spill the secrets, Nimue.You can trust me.
But she shook her head. “I need to stay here.”
He stepped closer, shoulder brushing hers. “Even here, you don’t have to be alone, Nimue. Not if you don’t want to.”
Her breath hitched. He feared she might retreat, but she didn’t. She leaned into him—just slightly, but enough to kindle hope.
“Careful, ranger. You’re starting to sound like you want us to be friends.”