No Ordinary Summer

by Linda Barrett

  “Here,” said Josh, handing Daniel the blue shirt he’d thrown off earlier. “I found it for you.”

  “Thanks a lot. I can use it. The wind’s kicking up again.” Dan put the shirt back on while Josh watched. “We had a lot of excitement here today, didn’t we?”

  “Yeah.” Josh hung his head and looked aside. “Are you mad at me?”

  “Mad? Are you kidding? You did everything right, everything I asked you to do. Your mom, the doctor, the blanket. You did a great job.” Still, the boy wouldn’t look at him, stared at the ground instead.

  “But I was supposed to watch her. I’m older.” His voice cracked, and his shoulders heaved.

  “You may be older, son, but you’re not a grown-up,” said Dan. “And only grown-ups can be responsible for children at the beach.”

  Josh peeked quickly at him. “Only grown-ups?”

  “Absolutely,” said Daniel. “That’s the rule.”

  With a relieved expression, Josh looked up at Dan. “You’re sure?” he asked, his mouth forming a tentative smile.

  Dan nodded. “Positively.”

  In an instant, Josh wrapped his arms around Dan’s waist and rested against him, just as his sister had.

  Dan’s fingers ruffled the boy’s hair, and his hands rubbed his back. He leaned down and whispered, “You’re one heck of a great kid. And Emily’s lucky to have you as a brother.”

  Josh shrugged. “Well, I’m glad you saved her. Even if she is a pest sometimes.”

  Dan stifled a laugh. Josh was back to normal.

  SHELLEY COULDN’T SETTLE down for the rest of the day. She cleaned; she cooked; she played with the kids. When Emily took a nap midafternoon, Shelley stood over her bed, checking for a spiked temperature as Doc Rosen had advised. And every time her eyes rested on her daughter, they filled with tears. Lucky. They were so lucky that Daniel and Jess had acted quickly. But what if they hadn’t noticed? She shivered and consciously put her mind on dinner. A big Italian meat sauce with pasta. The perfect comfort food. Garlic bread wouldn’t hurt, either.

  Daniel would join them that evening. And Jess. But Shelley’s mind shifted right back to Daniel. There really was no way to thank him for saving Emily’s life, but she’d given him a standing invitation to dinner for the rest of the summer. Such a small payment for such a huge debt.

  She stood at the stove now, browning sausages and meatballs, while Josh sat at the kitchen table playing with a deck of cards. “Are we going to leave Pilgrim Cove now?” asked Josh.

  “Leave? Do you think we should?” replied Shelley, shifting her gaze from the stove to her son.

  Josh shook his head hard from side to side. “Nope. I like it here, but…the professor says we need new rules.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah. And I made up a rule for sisters. No collecting seashells without a mother.”

  “Excellent rule, Josh.” Shelley stepped to the table and kissed him. “In fact, it’s perfect. Kids shouldn’t be on the beach without a parent.”

  “That’s what Daniel said, only…uh…I think he meant little kids. Not me.”

  Shelley hid a grin. “Daniel seems to have said a lot to you.”

  “He’s cool, Mom.” Josh’s enthusiasm caught Shelley by surprise. “You know something?” the boy continued. “He’s a hero. A superhero. He saved Emily. Him and Jess.” He nodded with satisfaction. “They’re a superteam. I bet he has superpowers.”

  She rolled her eyes at him. “Josh. You and your grandparents are too much.” Philip and Ellen also thought the man could do anything, even walk on water, rather than swim in it! In fact, they were at the supermarket now buying pistachio ice cream for Dan—her mom had found out his favorite flavor—and the fanciest dog treats they could find for Jess.

  “But, Mom. Daniel can swim! Like a shark. Or a dolphin. And he’s saved people before. Not just Emily. He’s like Aquaman.”

  “You are just full of information today.” She glanced at her son. “How would you like to swim like a dolphin? Here’s Mommy’s new rule. Swimming lessons for both you and your sister. And when you’re bigger, lifesaving lessons.”

  Josh nodded. “Good idea. Then soon, I can join the superteam.”

  She was saved from replying when her parents walked through the door, their arms loaded with shopping bags.

  “Wow!” said Shelley. “I didn’t need so much.”

  Her dad’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, it’s not all for us.” Phil Duffy reached into a bag and started pulling out a silver bowl, dog toys, a box of kibble and a gigantic box of treats. “And an extra pound of chopped meat—for you know who.”

  “I guess I do,” said Shelley, shaking her head.

  “Now, Shelley,” said her mom, “we need to simmer this meat, drain the fat and mix it with the dry food. Then Dan won’t argue about feeding Jess table food. And Jess will have a great meal.”

  “You guys are really something. Did you buy Dan a silver crown or a solid-gold bathing suit?” she asked with a grin.

  “If he wants one, we’ll buy it,” replied her dad. “Anything at all.”

  Shelley put her hand up. “Not only won’t he want anything like that, he’ll be embarrassed if we try to shower him with gifts. He’s very kind and giving. And quiet. He won’t like a fuss.”

  The phone rang, and she picked it up. Lou Goodman, the retired librarian, had heard about Emily and was checking up. She’d barely hung up the phone when it rang again. Big Ralph, retired electrician and coach of the senior boys, was on the line checking up on Emily.

  Shelley turned to her father. “You get the next few. Looks like the ROMEOs have all heard about the adventure.”

  Her dad nodded. “This whole summer is turning into an adventure. And I thought Mom and I were just here to keep you company with the kids.”

  “I agree with Dad,” said Ellen. “This is a nice place. Nice people. And those old men are still kicking up their heels. I like that.” And Ellen reached up and kissed her husband on the cheek. “Just like my old man right here.”

  Phil’s arm came around her, and he kissed her back before looking at Shelley. “You know I robbed the cradle, don’t you? Just look at my bride.”

  Shelley looked. Her mom’s eyes shone, and her cheeks were tinged rosy. Her dad stared adoringly at his wife, and Shelley’s heart lurched. She hadn’t seen this open affection in too long. The playfulness and teasing had been lost under the stress of Shelley’s situation.

  “You’re both looking wonderful. And that’s the way it’s going to be from now on!”

  “I’ll drink to that,” said Phil, glancing around the room, “in about thirty minutes. Let’s get this stuff put away.”

  DAN BATHED Jess with plain water to get rid of the salt and sand, toweled her dry and brushed her thick coat for half an hour. Then he took a hot shower himself. He looked forward to a quiet dinner with Shelley and her family, and truly hoped no one would make a fuss over the morning’s events.

  When he opened Shelley’s kitchen door an hour later, he almost ran back upstairs despite the delicious garlicky aroma that made his stomach growl in anticipation. Shelley was at the counter tossing a salad in the biggest bowl he’d ever seen, but the house was full of people, full of noisy chatter.

  Beyond Shelley, in the dining room and in the hall, he could see Bart talking to Rick and Dee O’Brien. And Sam Parker was there, and Doc and Marsha Rosen. He heard children’s voices in the background. Brian and Casey Parker must have come with Sam and were probably with Emily and Josh at the moment. Without a doubt, everyone had come calling just to check up on Shelley’s family after the close call they’d had that morning.

  “A quiet evening would be better for her,” he whispered to Shelley. And for him.

  She patted his arm. “Shh. Not necessarily. They came to see Emily and you—and they’re staying for dinner. I think my folks must have run into them in town.”

  Her voice was happy. Her face was happy. She was in her element. “You look radi
ant,” he said, and chuckled when she blushed.

  Then he looked around the room. “Your kitchen is like Nikki’s studio. Color everywhere. Creation everywhere. Shapes. Textures. Oils, watercolors and clay. But different aromas—that’s for sure. No turpentine here.” He smiled at her and felt peaceful.

  “Tell me about Nikki,” said Shelley in a quiet tone of voice.

  A month ago, he would have told her to mind her own business. A month ago, he couldn’t have spoken about Nikki without a shard of pain rubbing against his vocal cords. Somehow, now, it was easier.

  “Well, she couldn’t cook. Not even a nickel’s worth. But she had a passion for her work. She was damn good, too.” He waved his arm at Shelley’s preparations. “Like you.”

  The warmth of her smile almost melted him. “A few years ago,” he continued, suddenly having the urge to share, “I pulled her out of the water, too. She was an excellent swimmer, but we were on a boat, and the weather changed quickly. Somehow she slipped, fell and hit her head.” He saw Shelley’s compassion. “It always happens so damn fast. One minute, she’s there. The next…I almost couldn’t find her….” He blinked hard.

  “But you did,” said Shelley, pressing his hand. “And you did it again today. That’s who you are, Daniel. One of the good guys.” Her big brown eyes shimmered with satisfaction; her mouth curved with gentle humor. “And I’ll bet you loved Nikki the way every woman wants to be loved. Completely. With all your heart, and with loyalty and respect?”

  “Of course I did. Since junior high. I think she knew it.” Amazing how relaxed he was talking to this woman who wasn’t Nikki.

  “I needed to hear that, Daniel. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” he replied automatically. Then he looked at her and understood what she meant.

  “Your ex is an idiot, Shelley. Only a colossal idiot would let you go. Like I said before, a real jerk.”

  Now she laughed out loud. “You are so good for my ego!” She reached up and kissed him quickly on the mouth. His blood surged with the power of a roaring ocean storm. “Grab a beer from the fridge,” she said, “and go say hello to everyone. You’ve been hiding out with me long enough….”

  “Not nearly long enough.” He stepped closer, wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. She was a potpourri of flavors, just like her meals. Sweet, yet tangy. Tender, but strong. Smooth and shivery. And lips…revealing her passionate side, meeting his mouth with equal fervor, definitely hot, hot, hot.

  CHAPTER TEN

  “WOW.” One whispered syllable was all she could manage when Daniel finally ended the kiss to take a breath. She met his gaze. His brown eyes looked black, his lids half-closed, and he stood still as though in shock. “I think you’re right,” she continued, gulping down a deep breath to keep her voice steady. “I’m not cut out for a summer fling. Emotions could get in the way.”

  He didn’t reply, and Shelley tried to stem a frisson of disappointment. For a moment, for one crazy moment, she’d envisioned possibilities beyond the present.

  “It’s all right, Dan,” she said, squeezing his arm. “You don’t have to jump off the fence. Not yet. And, at least, not for me.”

  He grunted. “The fence is getting awfully uncomfortable.”

  “Good.”

  Surprise crossed his face, and then his expression cleared. “A cook who’s also a psychologist.”

  But he didn’t look angry, or even annoyed. Merely thoughtful. “No,” she said. “I’m not a shrink. I’m simply a woman who cares.”

  “Cares? Now there’s a word which is never simple—for a man or a woman. In fact, it’s damn complicated and…scary.”

  “Yup,” she replied. “But it’s what makes life worth living. And you might as well face it, or you’ll end up being the loneliest guy on the planet.” She handed him a pile of dinner plates. “Would you mind putting this on the dining-room table, please?”

  Dan took the plates and left the kitchen, only to be immediately surrounded by what seemed like the entire town of Pilgrim Cove.

  “Here’s the hero,” said Ellen Duffy.

  “The man of the hour,” added Max Rosen. “Sure knew what to do before I got there this morning.”

  Dan carefully placed the dishes down and held up his hands. “One more word, folks, and I’m out of here. If you want to applaud someone, give the credit to Jess. She’s the one who spotted Emily.” He looked around. “Speaking of…where is the hound?”

  “In the bedroom with the kids,” said Ellen. “Emily’s got them all doing an ‘arts and crats’ project.” Her chin started to quiver. “When I think…”

  “Then don’t,” said her husband, patting her hand. “It’s all over.”

  “Just smell that sauce,” boomed Bart. “I think my daughters have competition in the kitchen.” He wiggled his brows. “Maybe Shelley wants a summer job at the Lobster Pot?”

  Ellen Duffy laughed, and the conversation turned general. Dan walked past Bart and clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks,” he whispered, and wondered how many more times that day Bart would need to create a diversion. Dan found himself glancing at the door, ready to escape—and he would have if there was a way not to insult his grateful hostess.

  Then Shelley walked into the room, greeting everyone, her face alight with welcome as she urged the small crowd to the table. Dan found himself watching her. A little dimple appeared near the corner of her mouth every time she smiled, which was often. She touched people. On the arm, on the shoulder. A brief hug. She made the room brighter just by being in it.

  His thoughts were distracted by a loud commotion as the four children and the dog stampeded into the room. Dan blinked in disbelief when he saw Jessie. The golden was wearing a cardboard crown, painted gold, and tied under her neck with yellow ribbon. A round gold medal, festooned with painted Popsicle sticks like rays of the sun, hung from her collar. On the medal was the misspelled word Cur-age.

  “Like in The Wizard of Oz,” said Emily, with a big grin.

  “Like the Cowardly Lion, who was really brave,” Josh explained further.

  “The—the Wizard gives him courage!” offered Casey Parker.

  “Emily made us do it,” sighed Brian, with unusual patience. But he grinned at his brother.

  Dan glanced at Shelley. Her mouth formed a perfect O, matching her wide-open eyes. He wanted to kiss that beautiful mouth closed and actually stepped toward her before stopping himself.

  “Where’s my Daniel p’fessor?” asked Emily, looking around the crowd. Her grin broadened when she spotted her quarry, and Dan reached to catch her after she launched herself at him.

  He scooped her up, a tiny flower, fragrant with clean aromas of talc and shampoo. He kissed her cheek, marveling at the baby-soft skin. And at the energy she displayed. No one would believe she’d been under water that morning.

  “Look what I made for you, my Daniel.” She held up a golden medal that matched Jessie’s, with a long ribbon attached. “We got two words on yours,” she said. “’Cause we made yours bigger.”

  He looked. Cur-age on one side. Hero on the reverse.

  “Do you like it?” she asked, her eyes shining with hope and happiness.

  He nuzzled her little neck. “I love it. It’s the best present I ever got.” He stole a glance at Shelley, then wished he hadn’t. Her eyes also shone as she gave him a thumbs-up, and he turned away. But he wore the medal throughout dinner because Emily watched his every move.

  An hour later, Bart approached him. “Now that we’ve cleared the table, the women are having a gabfest in the kitchen while they straighten up.” He patted his stomach. “Let’s walk off some of this dinner, Danny-boy. Got to make room for dessert.”

  Dan whistled for Jess. “Had the same thought myself. And Jessie needs to go outside.”

  The night air smelled of the sea but held the leftover chill of the damp, drizzly day. Dan led Bart to the beach at a slow, measured pace. The older man reached into his pocket, took out a pipe and put it
in his mouth. Empty.

  “Out of tobacco?” asked Daniel.

  “Nope. Never touch the stuff. Not anymore. Promised my girls after their mother died.” He took the pipe in his hand and looked at it. “But I like the feel of the bowl in my palm, the stem in my mouth. My Rosemary made me smoke it outside. Had to take a walk after dinner, just like this. Imagine! Couldn’t smoke in my own house.” But he smiled. “Ahh. My Rosemary.”

  His warm voice revealed all, and Dan nodded. “Yeah, I know the feeling.”

  “I almost lost her one other time, years before she died. When we were young. In 1959, it was—when the accident happened. A car accident, too, just like your wife. It was touch and go for a while. The broken legs were bad, but those internal injuries…” He shook his head in remembrance. “They were the worst part. And she was out of it for a while. But, sometimes, her mind was clear. Very clear. She understood what had happened. And that’s when she made me promise not to live with only a memory if she didn’t make it.”

  Dan glanced at the Irishman, starting to feel annoyed. He didn’t have to be a genius to know where this story was going. And he would have told the old man to mind his own business, but, well, he liked him. Bart was one of those people who genuinely cared about others. So, instead, Daniel said, “I’m working on it, Bartholomew.” Using the man’s full name was the best he could do to create a distance.

  “I know you are, son. You had hungry eyes tonight. Couldn’t help yourself from watching Shelley all evening. She’s in your craw, boyo, whether you want her there or not.”

  Damn! Everyone probably noticed.

  “I’m sure,” said Bart, “that if your wife had lived long enough in the hospital, she would have told you the same thing my Rosemary told me. Living with a memory is just not enough.”

  “You didn’t know Nikki, Bartholomew. What makes you so sure?”

  “But I know you and that your grieving is from the heart. But just for a moment, change places with Nikki. I want you to think about something.” The Realtor looked at him from beneath shaggy brows, and quickly continued. “If you had been the one in the accident, and were looking down from Heaven right now, would you want your Nikki to walk alone for the rest of her natural life?”