by Rachel Magee
She was digging through the box marked shoes in her closet trying to find the dressy flip-flops that went with her outfit when the doorbell rang.
“Coming,” she called, fully aware there was no way anyone at the front door could hear her. There was a good chance anyone standing in her room would have a tough time hearing her voice muffled by all the things in this closet. She really needed to clean it out, go through Aunt Mildred’s old clothes and shoes, and finish unpacking her things. But that was low on her priority list at the moment.
What was high on her priority list was finding a match to the sandal in her hand.
In desperation, she dumped the box on the floor. She’d probably regret this decision later when she was cleaning it up, but it did help. The lost flip-flop turned up on the top of the pile. She grabbed it and hopped down the hall as she slid them on her feet.
She paused at the front door to take a calming breath. Jittery excitement pulsed through her, mostly because she was looking forward to the festival, and it had nothing to do with the man standing on her porch. While she was now willing to admit her initial snap judgments of him might have been slightly off base, today’s outing was simply her neighbor showing her around to ease his guilty conscience. Plus, they were helping with the parking congestion problem, which only made sense.
Still, she didn’t want to look a mess. She ran her hand through her hair before she swung the heavy front door open.
“Who’s ready for a festival?” she asked in a singsong voice.
“I feel fairly confident Alice has no idea what a festival is, but she’s been claiming she’s ready all morning.”
The little girl, dressed in a pink and white seersucker sundress, beamed. “We go fess-ee-val!”
“I’m with Alice on this one. I have no idea what to expect, but I’m hoping it includes some really sinful food and live music.” She turned all her focus to Alice. “And maybe even some dancing.” She wiggled her hips in a sort of exaggerated attempt at a dance move. Alice giggled and squatted slightly, doing the toddler version of the twist.
Braxton shook his head. “I can guarantee both food and music. As for me dancing?” He gave her an apologetic shrug. “I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”
Millie shook her head in mock disbelief and addressed the adorable little girl still wiggling on the porch. “If there’s music, there’s dancing. Right, Alice? Don’t let the wallflowers tell you any different.”
“And on that note, shall we?” Braxton held his arm out toward the car. “Your chariot awaits.”
The car parked on the drive was not the expensive, flashy sports car Braxton usually drove. Instead, there was a nondescript silver minivan.
Not bothering to hide the shock on her face, Millie turned to Braxton. “You drive a minivan? Like a legit family-style dadmobile. What happened to the fast car?”
Braxton chuckled, grabbing Alice’s hand to help her down the concrete steps. “Not a dadmobile. This is a luxury family transportation unit playing only the finest selection of cartoon theme songs in a never-ending loop. Which, by the way, I happen to know every single lyric to.”
There was something adorable about the proud way he shared this detail. “Impressive.”
“I know.” He waggled his eyebrows at her as Alice stepped off the last step. “And watch this action.” He hit the button on his key fob and the automatic back doors to the car slid open.
Millie couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face. “Be still my beating heart.”
“What can I say? I’ve got it going on.” He bent down to pick up Alice and hoisted her into her car seat.
Millie locked her front door, trying to calm the stray butterfly that had unexpectedly taken flight in her stomach. When she finished, she tossed her keys in her purse and turned to the waiting minivan. Braxton, who’d finished buckling Alice in, stood next to the vehicle with his eyes fixed on her, and instead of leaving, that darn butterfly invited a few friends to the party.
“You look nice, by the way.”
“Thanks.” Feeling off balance, Millie glanced down at her bright sundress, hoping the heat in her cheeks wasn’t causing a visible flush. “I appreciate the excuse to wear something other than clothes covered in paint stains and sawdust.”
She jogged down the steps, and as soon as she reached the driveway, he opened the passenger side door for her. The gesture caught her off guard. Had a man ever opened the door for her, even on a real date? Not that this was any sort of a date at all. In fact, it was the opposite of a date. It was a non-date, which maybe made the door-opening thing more normal. Chauffeurs opened doors all the time, didn’t they?
She slid into the seat, pushing the internal debate aside. “Thanks.”
“Here at Channing Transportation, we aim to please.” He shut the door for her and walked around to the driver’s side.
Millie quickly closed her eyes to regroup. The excitement pulsing through her was because of the festival. She’d already determined that. It had nothing to do with Braxton, or his lovely daughter, or the way it all felt like a family outing.
But all her denials didn’t change the fact that he continued to surprise her.
Braxton climbed into the seat next to her and pressed the ignition button. “All right, ladies. Next stop, Summer Island’s Beach Front Festival.”
They drove the short distance past the state park to the main street area. Once parked, Braxton took a stroller out of the trunk and threw a small sequined unicorn backpack and a blanket in the basket on the bottom. He buckled Alice into the seat and they started off.
Beach Front was a wide street that ran from the river side of the island all the way to where it dead-ended in a public beach access parking lot on the ocean side. Both sides of the streets were lined with boutiques, shops, and restaurants that charmed visitors and defined Summer Island.
But today it looked different.
The street had been closed to traffic. Tents occupied by local vendors selling everything from delicious-smelling food to art ran all the way down the middle of the street and outdoor displays were set up on the sidewalk outside every shop. A main stage was in the beach parking lot at the end where a group of little girls in sparkly costumes were doing their dance routine while proud parents recorded it with their phones. A couple of bouncy houses and other large inflatables had been set up in the surrounding areas, with lines of kids waiting to get in.
Millie glanced to her left and right, trying to get her bearings. “It’s a little overwhelming. I don’t even know where to start.”
Braxton nodded his head at the west end of the street. “I like to start at one end and work my way down. That way we won’t miss out on the best food.”
Millie scanned the many food booths set up along the street. “Which one has the best food?”
Braxton shrugged as he turned to walk to where the barricades marked the beginning of the festival area. “I’m not sure. But if we don’t try them all, there’s a chance we’ll miss it.”
“I like the way you festival.”
Braxton steered the stroller to the first food stand. “It’s taken years of practice, but I think I’ve finally perfected it.” He gestured to the busy street in front of them. “Every restaurant in a thirty-mile radius is offering a tasting menu today. Some of the best food you’ll ever eat is here.”
Millie’s stomach growled, reminding her she’d skipped breakfast. Perhaps her mismanagement of time was going to work out in her favor. “And you plan on hitting up every one of them?”
“Absolutely. But this challenge is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of strategy and pacing to make it to the end. Not everyone can do it.”
Millie chuckled, getting in line behind him. “Good thing I came with a pro.”
“Right? You’re welcome.” Laughter danced in his eyes as they got to the front of the lin
e. The server handed each of them a plate with three small cups containing a bite-sized sample of what they claimed were their most popular dishes. There was a seafood paella with a succulent pink Lowcountry shrimp on top, a tiny pane de tomato, and a small ham croquette.
They strolled over to the shade of a giant oak tree to eat. Mouthwatering scents drifted up from the offerings in Millie’s hand. She picked up the paella first, admiring how artful even their samples looked.
“This looks delicious, but I don’t think I’ve ever had paella at ten thirty in the morning.”
Braxton picked up his own cup. “Rule number one, festival days forgo traditional meal-time conventions.” He dropped the sample size spoon back in his paper tray. “Bottoms up.” He clinked his sample cup with Millie’s then tossed it back in one big mouthful.
“Apparently, it forgoes traditional utensil use as well,” Millie joked.
“The only utensil required around here is a stick.” He winked, sending a round of tingles dancing through her which she promptly dismissed.
After they finished their first plate, they grabbed a sample of gelato from the next booth, then strolled past a tent selling photographs of local nature and wildlife. Millie stopped to admire one of the pictures with a bright white seagull flying against a bright blue sky and then the one next to it of a grand oak tree with Spanish moss hanging down from it. Fog swirled around it, creating interesting shadows.
Braxton stopped next to her. “Did you hear about the photographer who had to quit her job?”
Millie turned to him, concerned. “No. Why?”
“She kept losing focus.” He spooned a bite of ice cream into his mouth.
Millie chuckled. “Did you just make a joke?”
Braxton shrugged. “I think I did.”
His nonchalant attitude made her laugh harder. “I mean, it was a total dad joke, but still. Look who’s turning into a funny man.”
He flashed her a charming smile. “Stick around. I might have a few more up my sleeve.” He took another bite of his ice cream, his eyes meeting hers in a way that made the flock of butterflies return.
Before he could bust out any more cringeworthy one-liners, he waved to an older gentleman Millie remembered from the HOA meeting. “Will you excuse me a minute?”
Braxton steered the stroller over to talk to the man, and Millie continued wandering around the tent, admiring the art.
“Millie!” She looked up, searching for the source of her name, to find Bonnie waving to her from the sidewalk. She’d been so consumed by the crowds and the booths in the middle of the street she hadn’t realized they were standing almost right in front of Daybreak Café.
Millie wove through the crowd on the street to the sidewalk.
“Hello, dear!” Bonnie said, pulling Millie in for her typical greeting hug. “How are you enjoying yourself?”
“This is amazing.” Millie’s gaze swept the area, taking in the smiling faces, laughter, and comradery that surrounded her. It was the kind of crowd where people called one another by name and asked “how are you” with a genuine interest in knowing the authentic answer. While this sort of open-book life took a little getting used to, there was no doubt in her mind that this was where she was meant to be and continuing her aunt’s legacy of offering a home away from home as friendly and caring as the town itself was what she was meant to do.
Bonnie nodded, surveying the crowd. “It’s a good turnout this year. Did you come by yourself?”
Millie tossed a glance over her shoulder to where Braxton was still talking with the other man. “No. I came with Braxton Channing.”
A look of surprise flashed across Bonnie’s face before the corner of her mouth pulled into a knowing smirk.
Millie waved her hands in the air as if erasing Bonnie’s thought before it could even be voiced. “No, it’s nothing like that. Since I’m new in town, he wanted to make sure I saw the best of what Summer Island had to offer.”
Technically speaking, Millie could see how someone would think there was a possibility for something to be there. Braxton had more than a few good qualities. He was a good father, a loyal friend, and he even cracked the occasional joke that was so bad she couldn’t help but laugh. Someone might be interested in a guy like that. But she wasn’t up for romance of any kind.
And even if she was, Braxton Channing had far too many complications in his life. He would not be interested in adding one more to his pile, especially not one trying to DIY an inn by herself while fighting the very HOA he led.
“He’s just… He’s being a good neighbor,” she finished, not sounding as sure as she’d like.
“Of course he is.” Bonnie’s smile was more teasing than anything as she handed Millie three colorful paper cupcake wrappers, each holding a small square of her famous iced brownie. “Any new discoveries about the love letters?”
Millie balanced them in her palms, careful to not let the icing touch the sides of the paper cups. “Nothing yet, but I still have a couple more to read. Were you able to find out anything about who the author might be?”
Bonnie shook her head. “Unfortunately, no. I chatted with Camilla yesterday, and she is just as stumped. She can’t find any link to Mildred and anyone with a C in their name.”
Millie let out a sigh. She’d been hoping the ladies might uncover the mystery. “I keep thinking there has to be a clue somewhere that will reveal his identity.”
Bonnie patted her hand. “Something will surface.” Her gaze flickered for a second to something behind her before she looked at Millie. “Love is one of those things that shows up in the most unexpected places.”
They were still talking about Aunt Mildred’s letters, weren’t they?
“Right.” She held up the treats in her hands. “Well, I better deliver these before I’m tempted to eat them all myself.”
“Enjoy your day, dear,” Bonnie called as Millie crossed the street to where Braxton was waiting for her. As a neighbor. And perhaps a friend.
But absolutely nothing more.
…
Braxton couldn’t remember the last time he’d had such a good day. It had been the kind of day where everyone was happy and enjoying themselves and the worries of life seemed to be miles away. It was a nice break from the stress he’d been dealing with lately.
“One more, Daddy. Pweese.” Alice’s face was still red from her last stint in the sea-castle bounce house, which was her sixth inflatable in a row, not to mention the pony rides and petting zoo.
“Not now, sweetheart,” he said, not bothering to hide a groan. “It’s time for a rest.”
“Slide, Daddy, pweese.” She pushed her lips out into a pucker and stared at him with those baby blues that made it almost impossible to say no.
He looked up at the line to the inflatable slide in front of them. It was the shortest he’d seen it all day. Plus, Alice did love the slides.
He sighed in defeat, which made Millie smile beside him. “Okay. Last one. Then we rest.”
Alice giggled and darted over to get in line. Only, she didn’t go to the small five-foot-high slide with giant cartoon zoo animals on it. She ran for the tall slide next to it and got in line behind a kid who had to be three times her age.
“She’s very adventurous. That’s a tall slide for such a little girl,” Millie said as they followed her. “I like that about her.”
Fear twisted in Braxton’s gut as he studied the slide. It was much too big. He couldn’t even reach all the way up the steep ladder side to make sure she didn’t fall off.
“Me, too, but I think she overshot this time.” He squatted down to get eye to eye with his fearless daughter. “Not this one, Little Foot. That one.” He pointed to the smaller toddler-sized slide.
Alice shook her little head. “No, Daddy. Big swide. I go fast.”
She squinted her eyes, scrunched her
face up, and pulled in her arms in what he could only assume was Alice’s interpretation of what she thought she looked like when she went fast. But the sight of it, with her forehead furrowed and her feet widely planted but knees pulled in together, was adorable.
Yes, he wanted her to have adventures and be bold, but within reason. It was his job to keep her safe and giant slides that were out of his reach seemed like a big risk. He couldn’t let her put herself into situations where she could get hurt.
“It’s too tall, Little Foot. I can’t help you get to the top and be there to catch you.”
“I can catch her,” Millie said, catching him off guard. “That dad followed his kid up the ladder side and someone else is going to catch him.”
Anxiety pulsed through him at the mere thought of his daughter at the top of that thing. And leaving her landing in another person’s hands? “The risk is too high.”
“She’s a great climber.” Millie gave Braxton a sly look. “And I happen to know from experience that you’re pretty good at helping people on ladders.”
There was no way he was letting his daughter do something that could go wrong in so many different ways. “She could fall.” Among other things, but he didn’t feel like rattling through the entire list.
“She won’t.” There was confidence in her voice, but unless she had some talent involving a crystal ball he didn’t know about, there was no way she could know that.
Millie turned her attention to the slide in question. “I’ve been watching it for a while now, and it seems totally safe. I haven’t seen one close call yet.” A little boy not much bigger than Alice slid down to the waiting arms of the woman below. “I think Little Speed Racer’s got this.”
Of course she’d think this. She was one of the most fearless people Braxton had ever encountered. It allowed her to do amazing things like move to a town where she didn’t know anyone and learn how to renovate a house. But it also made her reckless at times, like the whole roofing incident.
Braxton stared at the steep ramp ladder again. The main problem was he wasn’t sure he had this. For Alice to do it, he’d have to let go of her at some point. He physically couldn’t protect her the entire way.
