Sisters of Summer’s End

by Lori Foster

  “Royce,” Joy whispered, holding his face in both her hands. “Can’t you see that your mother was trying to show you her love?”

  Joy’s tone arrested him, making him still. “What do you mean?”

  “Your mother sounds very unique, but she noticed the same things about you that I see in Jack. His favorite toys mean more to me, because I know what they mean to him. When he’s sleeping, he’s so peaceful and sweet, my heart melts. And you in your favorite tree? The forbidden place you so often snuck off to?” Joy sniffed, her eyes glassy with emotion. “That’s how she pictured you, happy and free, following your heart, doing what you enjoyed most.”

  The truth started to sink in. “Since I couldn’t do what she enjoyed?”

  Smile trembling, she nodded. “Yes.”

  Jesus. Suddenly he knew Joy was right. How the hell had he missed it?

  His heart seemed to fill his chest and he ran a hand through his hair, giving it a slight tug. “That painting of me in the tree was one of the last she completed. Hell, I was a grown man when she did it, but it was still crazy accurate...”

  “Right down to the dirty feet?”

  Emotion squeezed a laugh from his constricted throat. “Yes. Being barefoot gave me better traction to climb.”

  Even ill and struggling, his mother had painted him when he was happiest. Why hadn’t he realized it before?

  No, she might not have shown her love in conventional ways, but she’d shared it in the way that was best known to her.

  Through her art.

  “You know,” Royce said, ready to unearth the work, “I think I’ll get out some of her smaller pieces to show Jack. Do you think he’d like that?”

  “I know he would.” Joy sat up and this time there was no hiding the tears in her eyes.

  It sent emotion welling in him, too. He teased his fingers lightly up her arm, enjoying the warmth and silk of her skin. “Don’t cry, babe.”

  Swallowing heavily, Joy dashed a hand over her eyes. “I’m not.”

  He sat up beside her. Voice a little too gruff, he said, “Thank you for listening.” He kissed her shoulder. “And for seeing things I didn’t.”

  “Sometimes when we’re too close to a situation, the obvious is out of reach.” She leaned into him, but only for a second, and then she stood, beautifully bare.

  Too bad they were out of time.

  As she reached for her panties, she shared a wobbly smile. “Dinner is at six.”

  * * *

  A week passed as quickly as a single day when you enjoyed every moment as much as Royce did.

  With Chaos repeatedly tugging on his boot laces, pulling them loose as he growled and shook his head, Royce looked around at the park. After closing out the drive-in late last night, he should have been tired. Yet here he stood, just outside the supply building with Coop and Baxter, his shoulder braced against the metal wall.

  He couldn’t seem to stay away.

  Being closer to Joy for any reason was worth less sleep. And besides, he enjoyed helping out the guys.

  Over the past several days, the weather had decided to cooperate, warming up for the Halloween weekend. The temps had gradually climbed each day so that now, by late afternoon, they reached the lower sixties. The mornings were still cold, but with all the sunshine it wasn’t too uncomfortable. No rain or sleet in the forecast.

  Perfect, beautiful fall weather, at a perfect, beautiful location.

  “The cover you made for the stairs looks great.” Coop stacked a few more things on a wagon, then bent to scratch at Chaos’s ear.

  The dog reared back, wiggling butt in the air, and pounced on Coop’s hand, grabbing his sleeve and tugging. Laughing, Coop freed his coat and stood again.

  “I should have it finished up soon,” Royce said. He’d worked on it nearly every day, and with Daron’s help, they’d completed the majority of the project. Joy wouldn’t have to worry about the elements causing problems on the steps this winter. A slanted roof protected the stairs from precipitation, and partially enclosed sides kept snow or sleet from blowing in.

  “Speaking of Daron,” Baxter said, “is he with Maris again?”

  “That’s where he’s spent every free minute for the past week,” Coop said with a grin. “Looks like he’s finally worn her down.”

  “I’m happy for him,” Baxter said. “But am I the only one to notice she’s offering fewer cookies these days?”

  Royce laughed. Either Maris was too busy to bake, or Daron ate her offerings before anyone else could get to them.

  “Speaking of new developments...” Baxter lifted his brows at Royce.

  Yeah, he’d spent some part of each day visiting Joy. It warmed him, remembering Jack’s excitement the first night he’d shared their dinner.

  Joy was a terrific cook, the atmosphere was relaxed and Jack had repeatedly beamed at him. Guests in the apartment, for any reason, rarely happened.

  “No denials from me,” Royce said. “You can probably expect to see me often.”

  “We appreciate you pitching in.” Coop looked around at the busy park. “Halloween weekend is always huge.”

  “My pleasure.” Literally. “Like Daron, I’m happy to have a reason to hang around.”

  “As if you need an excuse,” Coop said.

  Everyone knew Joy was enticement enough.

  “And to think,” Baxter said, “we all warned you off, saying she wouldn’t be interested.”

  “Whatever you did, I approve.” Coop stared out toward the lake. “She smiles more now.”

  Royce felt honored to be the first man Joy had shown interest in since having Jack. After that first dinner in her apartment, they’d just naturally fallen into a pattern.

  On the first sunny day they’d hung out at the playground after school with Royce pushing Jack on the swing or standing ready to catch him while he climbed on the jungle gym. Joy stayed bundled up on the bench, drinking hot chocolate and taking lots of pictures with her phone.

  Another day, he’d brought the food to them and they’d made use of the picnic table and the warmth of the sunshine down by the beach. They’d all worn coats and stocking hats, and they’d laughed a lot watching Chaos chase the water along the shoreline. After the meal, Jack had predictably used a stick to draw in the wet sand.

  An artist, Royce well knew, utilized every opportunity.

  When Chaos ruined it with his paw prints, Jack just laughed and had an impromptu game of chase with the dog.

  What really warmed Royce was the way Joy praised everything her son did, from how fast he ran, to questions he asked, to his gentleness with Chaos. She was just the most amazing mother, and though he’d never thought about that as an asset for a woman he dated, he had to admit he liked it a lot.

  Twice that week, he and Joy had slipped away in the afternoon for some horizontal alone time. Royce would have been happier with twice a day, but he understood and accepted the limitations.

  She’d already made numerous allowances for him, and based off what everyone had told him, that was an aberration of the best sort.

  It felt good to be accepted, not at all the burden he’d thought a relationship would be. Total opposite, in fact.

  “There’s Daron now.” Baxter nodded toward Maris’s store.

  From where they stood on a slight rise, they could just make out Daron’s progress. It looked like he planned to jog past the pond, the lodge, numerous campsites and the playground.

  If the trees were green instead of bare, they wouldn’t have had such a clear view. On this particular Saturday, the park was already packed with RVs and fifth-wheel campers ready to celebrate Halloween. Women and men went all out decorating their areas with Halloween lights, signs, animated characters and more. Joy was already in the lodge, setting up the kid-friendly haunted house.

  “Huh,” Royce sai
d, seeing Maris call out to Daron, which had him turning back. “Guess he forgot something.”

  They all grinned.

  When Daron reached Maris, she spoke to him, then he grabbed her up and twirled her in a circle before kissing her with enthusiasm.

  Baxter laughed. “He’s relentless.”

  Coop grinned. “I’d say he’s getting encouragement in that regard.”

  “Shame on you guys,” said a female voice. “Clucking like a bunch of hens.”

  Royce turned to see Coop’s wife, Phoenix, coming to them arm in arm with her pregnant sister, Ridley.

  The two women had similar blue eyes, but very different personalities. Even while obviously pregnant, Ridley came off as innately sensual whereas Phoenix was all understated sweetness.

  “Maybe they’re jealous,” Ridley said, giving Baxter a lazy smile. “Because they’re old married men now.”

  “Who are you calling old?” Baxter scooped her up, which made her squawk, and disappeared with her into the supply building.

  Phoenix rolled her eyes. “Every time she provokes him, he uses it as an excuse to act like a newlywed.”

  Royce had a feeling that’s why Ridley did it.

  Sliding an arm around his wife, Coop asked, “Now who’s jealous?”

  Phoenix’s cheeks warmed and her smile bloomed. “I have you, Cooper, so I have no reason, ever, to be jealous of anyone.”

  So in love, Royce thought, seeing the way Coop and Phoenix looked at each other, how openly they shared their affection.

  Damn it, he might be the jealous one.

  Then Phoenix said to him, “Ridley and I are going down to help Joy decorate.”

  “Looks like a big job. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

  “Maris wanted to help, too, but she can barely keep the coffeepots full, plus she’s trying to stock up on cookies.”

  “Maris and Joy are close now,” Royce said. “Almost like you and Ridley.”

  “They do act very sisterly,” Phoenix agreed. “Except they get along better than Ridley and I do.” She raised her voice. “Since my sister is always sneaking off to dark places with her husband.”

  “Mind your own business,” Ridley shouted back.

  They all heard Baxter laughing.

  Wearing a grin, Phoenix shook her head. “I might as well head on down. See you guys later.”

  Coop gave her a quick kiss and hug, and seconds later Ridley came scurrying out, her hair a little mussed, one hand pressed to the small of her back, grouching as she hustled toward her sister, “Wait up, already. Pregnant lady waddling through.”

  Baxter reemerged, a smug smile in place. He yelled to his wife, “You don’t waddle.”

  “Bite me!” she called back, making Baxter’s smile widen.

  Just then Daron joined them. He was more windblown than usual, his hat on crooked, his grin stretched from ear to ear. Whatever Maris had told him, Daron liked it. “Did I miss anything?”

  Royce laughed. The three men were really nothing alike, except that they were each so obviously in love. Pretty sure he was headed in the same direction.

  Kneeling, Royce wrestled his leather lace from the dog and noticed it was considerably shorter now. Apparently Chaos had won that particular battle.

  He handed the dog a small rawhide chew from his pocket, and tied the laces the best he could.

  Glad that he’d come by to help with the Halloween setup, Royce said, “There’s never a dull moment here at the park.” He lifted Chaos. “I like it.”

  “We know what you like,” Baxter drawled. “And it isn’t the fine scenery.”

  “True enough.” Royce shrugged. “But the scenery is nice, too.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Joy was surprised when shortly before the haunted house would open Maris burst in. All around her, black lights blinked and gray gauze hung in atmospheric tatters.

  As Maris made a beeline for Joy, darting around the yarn-web obstacle course, the hanging pool noodle maze and the tableful of creepy cupcakes, she did her best to hold a smile at bay.

  The second their gazes met, Maris gave up. Grinning hugely, she grabbed Joy and pulled her toward the kitchen. “I need two minutes.”

  “I’ll give you twenty.” Which was exactly how long she had before she’d need to open the doors and welcome in the kids. Luckily, she had everything ready to go. “What’s up? Why are you smiling like that?”

  Furtive, Maris glanced around to ensure they were alone.

  “No one’s here,” Joy assured her. “Ridley and Phoenix left a few minutes ago to get dressed in their costumes.” The two women would help hand out snacks and supervise activities. “Jack is busy making a glow-in-the-dark ghoul.” Joy had warned him not to make it too scary, but given the gleam in his eyes, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

  Maris sucked in a big breath, then blurted, “I’ve decided it’s time for me to hold up my end of the bargain.”

  Joy didn’t follow. “Your bargain for...?”

  Flagging a hand between them, Maris reminded, “I will, if you will? Do you recall that promise? Well, you and Royce have been living it up all week—and don’t deny it!”

  “I wouldn’t,” Joy said, allowing her own smile. Normally she’d have given Maris a daily update, but with them both now in relationships, and all the activity at the park, they’d barely had time for chatting. “It’s been wonderful. He’s wonderful.”

  “I’m glad for you. And see? You’ve inspired me.” Nodding to emphasize that, Maris said, “Tonight’s the night. For Daron and me, I mean. Oh God, did I just say that out loud?” Bouncing on the balls of her feet, she shook her hands, her nervousness palpable. “Joy, I’m so anxious I’m about to go nuts.”

  Laughing, Joy said, “What? Why?”

  “Daron is a terrible tease. He’s had me on pins and needles all week. The man is diabolical with the way he kisses me, knowing it’ll obliterate my concentration. How could I keep holding him off?”

  “I’m surprised you’ve managed this long.” Joy shook her head. She hadn’t understood Maris’s restraint, so how could Daron? “It’s going to be wonderful, you’ll see.”

  “But what if I suck?” Maris went still, her eyes widening. “Wait. Let me rephrase that. What if I’m lousy at this? I’m...” She threw up her hands. “I’m worse than a virgin, because I’m thirty-one.”

  “Let’s put that on T-shirts,” Joy said, holding up her fingers to make a square, as if to frame the saying. “‘Worse Than a Virgin.’ I like it. It’s catchy.”

  Maris shoved her shoulder. “Be serious, will you?”

  Laughing, Joy said, “Okay, okay. Here I am, dead serious.” She tempered her smile, but only a little. “You, Maris Kennedy, are one of the strongest, most capable people I know. I admire that about you. So you aren’t superexperienced? So what?”

  “Daron is superexperienced.”

  “That doesn’t mean he won’t be nervous. Know what he’s probably worried about? Disappointing you. After he’s spent all this time winning you over, the stakes are higher than ever for him.” Joy halted Maris’s automatic denial with a raised palm. “I know what you’re doing, Maris. You’re used to attacking problems, but, hon, Daron isn’t a problem.”

  “God,” she groaned, covering her eyes. “He’s the worst problem ever.”

  “Only because you care so much about him.” When Maris lowered her hands, Joy cocked a brow. “You do, right?”

  “I don’t want to,” Maris grumbled.

  “But you do, anyway. Be brave and admit it.”

  “Only to you.” Dropping back against the wall, eyes closed, Maris deliberately clunked her head. Twice.

  Joy waited.

  Peeking one eye open, Maris asked, “Any advice?” Her mouth twisted. “I mean, since you appear to be happily burning up
the sheets with Royce and all that.”

  “As a matter of fact...” Joy leaned into the doorway to make sure Jack was still in his seat.

  He wasn’t, and her heart almost stopped, especially when she saw the open door. “Jack!” Already striding out of the kitchen, she called his name again. “Jack.”

  He stepped into the doorway. “Mr. Nakirk is here, Mom.”

  Joy strode over to him, each step echoed by the hammering of her heart. “Jack Lee, you know better than to open that door without me.”

  Royce stepped in. “My fault. I poked my head in, saw you were, um—” he glanced at Maris, who had stepped up to her side “—busy talking and decided to wait a few minutes more. But Jack saw me.”

  That didn’t matter. “Under no circumstances,” Joy stressed, “is he to open that door without asking me first.” Strangers filled the park. That was bad enough, but add in the visits from her mother and her worry was totally legit.

  Embarrassed, Jack cast a glance at Royce, then at Maris, before ducking his face in shame. Voice small, he whispered, “Sorry, Mom.”

  Damn it, now she’d hurt her son’s feelings. Hand to her forehead, she turned to Maris. “I need—”

  “Totally get it. I need to head back to the diner, anyway.”

  “No!” She didn’t want to let Maris down. “I only need one minute. Wait. Please.”

  As if to console her, Maris patted her shoulder. “Okay, sure.”

  With a hundred awful scenarios winging through her head, Joy knelt down. “Jack, honey. I need you to know how dangerous it could be to—”

  “I saw Mr. Nakirk, Mom,” he said, his voice subdued but stubborn. “I knew it was him.”

  “I know. And I understand why that seemed perfectly fine to you. Can you also understand why I would worry? I didn’t see you, so I didn’t know you were with him. All I knew was that my son wasn’t where he should be.” Her heart continued to gallop.

  “I answered soon as you called me.”

  Mouth firming, Joy drew back. “We’ve talked about this before, Jack. With so many people coming and going, I need to know where you are. Always. No exceptions. No excuses.”