An Unexpected Path by Megan McSpadden

Sometimes unexpected paths lead to the best destinations.

Highly sought after conflict photographer, relationship-averse Marley Cunningham thrives on adrenaline and the chaos of her nomadic life. But when the passion for her career starts to wane, she decides a hike far from the noise of life is the best way to shake the doubts from her mind and focus on what she wants. Spraining her ankle and being rescued by a handsome stranger and his pack of dogs is not part of the plan.
Big-hearted, reclusive Bennett Morgan has spent his life with two main goals, play professional football for a few years and then pursue medicine. Shortly after his football career begins, a catastrophic diagnosis shatters both goals in one fell swoop. Feeling lost for the first time, he packs up his life and two dogs and returns to the home he couldn’t wait to leave. It’s in the shadow of his past that he finds joy in starting a dog sanctuary.
After a rainstorm washes away the road to Bennett’s home, he is shocked to find Marley injured and alone on the secluded trail he walks the dogs on daily. From the moment she is hoisted onto his back, Marley is drawn in by Bennett’s kindness, strength and calm nature. Bennett quickly realizes that a bit more human connection in his life might not be such a bad thing, especially when that human is beautiful, courageous, complicated, Marley.

Through the patience and care of Bennett, Marley begins to explore her feelings for not just her career but to her shock, the man who rescued her. Bennett, on the other hand, must decide if embracing the present with Marley is worth it, even if the future is uncertain.