Rocky Point Promise

by Barbara McMahon

  “Umm. It would have been easier without the boat that rammed into you.” She liked that he gave credit to the Lord. Another Christian. And one comfortable talking about the Lord. She still felt shy about that sometimes.

  “There is that,” he concurred.

  Faith studied him for a moment. Thick, dark lashes brushed his cheeks. His brows were nicely shaped. The dark hair and tanned skin contrasted with the white bandage now covering the stitches. His face was a little thin, not quite gaunt. When standing he was at least six feet tall. And well built. She hadn’t felt an ounce of fat when helping him into the exam room. In top physical shape, and gorgeous to boot, he looked out of place lying on the examining table. He was clearly a man of action.

  She glanced at his left hand. Not wearing a ring. She sighed. Not that it should matter to her. She’d moved here to start a new life and that did not include getting involved with anyone for quite a while. The pain of Allen’s betrayal had shaken her hope for a normal family life. She was working on forgiveness. His timing had been lousy, but she could understand his fear and flight. Understanding didn’t make it easier, but at least she knew the reason he’d let her down.

  The sheriff’s dark hair was drying every which way. The few times she’d seen him around town, he’d worn a hat. Had he lost it when he dove into the water? Joe Kincaid had brought jeans and a T-shirt and socks. Tate’s shoes were near the wall, obviously still wet. His feet dangled over the edge of the examining table, emphasizing his height. His eyes remained closed, but she knew they were a warm chocolate-brown. She watched as he breathed slowly and steadily. His shoulders were broad and his chest muscular, nicely defined by the soft cotton T-shirt. She expected his size gave the people in town a feeling of safety. She’d feel safe around such a man.

  She’d also felt a frisson of awareness. In looks, he had it all. Was he also a good man—one a person could depend on?

  “How’s the pain?” she asked softly.

  “Manageable. Doc gave me something. I’m glad the little boy’s okay.”

  “You’re a hero,” she murmured, echoing what others had said.

  “Naw, just where the Lord had me.” He opened one eye and looked at her. “What brought you to Rocky Point? We don’t get too many single people moving in. Most seem to leave for the big city. Family here?”

  “No family. I wanted a change from Portland. A new start. The town really appealed to me.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, when I was a kid, one of my families brought me here for vacation. I loved it. So when I was looking to relocate away from the city, I thought about Rocky Point first. And as an extra blessing, they needed a new nurse here at the clinic.” She sighed with contentment. “So I got the job, found a perfect apartment the same day…and here I am.”

  He closed his eye and smiled. “A God thing,” he murmured.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “When things like that fall into place without much effort on our part, I figure it’s a God thing. He’s directing your path and sweeps away any impediments.”

  “A God thing,” she repeated. She had never thought about it in those terms. Mostly, she considered herself lucky. But if the Lord was directing her life now, it made sense. He’d sweep away any barriers in placing her exactly where He wanted her.

  “How many families do you have?” he asked a moment later.

  “What?”

  “You said one of your families brought you here for vacation, how many do you have?”

  “Oh, they were foster parents,” she explained. “I had three. My mom died when I was about four, my dad before that. No other relatives.”

  She’d been on her own since she’d turned eighteen. As a lonely child she’d excelled in school, which enabled her to go on to college through all the scholarships she’d qualified for. She was used to not having family. She’d really missed the support a family would offer when she’d been sick. Her last foster parents had visited her in the hospital, but they hadn’t seen each other in a while, so the visit was more awkward than comforting. Visits from her colleagues had been more supportive, though she appreciated the efforts of her foster family.

  “Three families? Still in contact with them?”

  “With the last one. Even after I aged out of the system, they let me come to their home during college breaks. It’s been a few years now since we’ve had much contact. I didn’t stay in touch with the other two. The first family moved out of state when I was ten. I was only in the second one for a year, and not a happy time.” No matter what, foster care could never replace a real family.

  “No other relatives?” he mumbled.

  She shook her head. “No—none the state of Maine could locate.” She’d been too young to remember her own parents much, just some hazy memories and a couple of pictures that had traveled with her.

  “So you’ll probably want a huge family with a dozen kids,” he murmured.

  Like that would ever happen, she thought sadly. Once upon a time she had hoped for just such a future, but after her hysterectomy, she knew that was not going to happen. She hoped the Lord had something wonderful in store for her. But, all things considered, she was grateful to have found a niche in Rocky Point. And to be alive.

  The silence allowed the soft hum of the fluorescent lights to be heard. Dr. Mallory had asked her to watch Tate for any signs that the slight concussion was worsening. The clinic was quiet now that the emergency was past. The doctor and Marjorie could handle the patients who had appointments—he wanted her with Tate. She sat patiently, watching, waiting. She offered a prayer for his speedy recovery and thanks for his rescue of the little boy.

  Tate opened his eyes slightly to see if Faith was still in the room. She was so quiet he couldn’t hear her. She smiled gently and he closed his eyes, fighting the pounding pain. The medicine had taken the edge off, but his head throbbed steadily in rhythm with his heartbeat.

  Lord, thank You for letting me be there when the little boy fell into the water. And for the help of those who were nearby. Bless that child and his parents. And please send me wherever there’s a need that I can help with. And if You could ease this headache, I’d really appreciate it.

  He dozed a little, waking when he moved his head and the pounding spiked.

  “Are you comfortable?” Faith asked.

  He liked her voice. It was low and soft; feminine and sweet. And it suited her. Her hair was blond, short and curly, framing her pretty complexion. Her blue eyes were the color of a morning sky in spring. The smile she gave him seemed to light up her face.

  “I’m okay. Or will be, I’m sure.” He hated being flat on his back. He was rarely sick and knew he was a typical male—he didn’t like being out of commission. How long was this headache going to last? If it would just diminish a bit, he’d be on his way. Right now it was like drums playing in his brain.

  “You took a nasty hit to the head. It’ll take a while to recuperate.” She placed her hand on his forehead again.

  He felt the cool touch. What a caring profession—nursing. He’d only just met the new nurse in town, but guessed she was a good one. At least from his immediate experience she was.

  “Your parents are in Boston I heard you say?” she asked a minute later.

  “For a vacation. First one they’ve taken in a few years. They’ll be home before the wedding.”

  “Yours?” she asked.

  He grinned and shook his head, wishing a second later he’d merely told her no.

  “Joe and Gillian’s. They’re getting married the weekend after Labor Day. I’m in the wedding party. Will I be going with a big bandage?”

  “Probably not. The stitches come out in ten days. You’ll have a rakish scar, which won’t fade by the wedding. But think of it as adding to your mystique.”<
br />
  He heard the teasing note in her voice and smiled. He could get to like this Rocky Point newcomer.

  “No mystique when you’re a homegrown boy. Born and raised here,” he said.

  “Loved it and never left?” she asked.

  “Love it, but couldn’t wait to leave when I was eighteen. I went to college, got on the Boston P.D. My dad had a stroke a few years ago. I came home to help out and, like you—a job was there for the taking.” No need to tell her how much he’d wanted to leave Boston by that time. Wherever he went, he ran into memories of Mandy. He and his wife had only been married a year when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a hard-fought eleven months, she died. He didn’t know if he’d ever get over her death, try as he might with prayer, community involvement and family.

  “Another God thing?” she asked.

  He was quiet a moment. Was it a God thing He took her home so soon? She’d only been twenty-five years old.

  “I’m not sure I’d call it that,” he said slowly, the pain of his loss still an ache in his heart. He knew he’d always miss her. Nothing had been the same since she died. He did his best but his heart was forever hurting.

  “How’s your father now?” Faith asked.

  “He’s doing okay. He made almost a complete recovery. At least he can still work, so that’s a blessing. I’d hate for him to be home all day driving my mother nuts.”

  “Do you miss Boston?” she asked.

  “No.” That sounded abrupt. “I’m glad to be back in Rocky Point. My parents won’t be around forever. Living here, I’m close to them and to friends I’ve had all my life. There’s a lot to be said for a small town. You must think so or you wouldn’t have moved here.”

  “I do think so. I needed a slower pace of life. I felt I’d have an easier time making friends and finding a safe neighborhood to live in that’s lovely at the same time. Portland’s a bit impersonal.” Her eyes lit up. “And I can’t beat my new apartment—I’ve got a view of the sea and I can walk to the marina in two minutes.”

  Of course, she hadn’t expected Marjorie’s hostility. But what was life without a bit of conflict? Following the Lord didn’t mean it would be easy, just that she would not alone.

  “Do you sail?” he asked.

  “I’ve never tried it. Still, I love watching the sailboats and the speedboats from my bedroom window. Maybe one day.”

  “I’m glad you rented that apartment,” Tate said. “It was empty for a while.”

  “So Joe said when I first saw it. And I didn’t realize until I moved in that Gillian and Joe were engaged. She owns the aerobics studio under my apartment. She’s been so nice and has been worried about her music bothering me, since I’m usually there when she has classes. The place is totally quiet most evenings, except the two when she’s open. But she’s finished by eight, which is perfect for me.” She smiled. “I’ve told her it’s no big deal, but she’s insisting on taking me to lunch to make it up to me.”

  Tate nodded, frowning a second later.

  “How’re you feeling? Do you want something to drink or eat?”

  “Maybe some water,” he said. His throat felt raw. He’d swallowed a gulp or two of seawater when Jesse’s boat hit him. He hoped one of his deputies cited the fisherman. Too often he came flying into the marina, with a wake that could damage boats moored there.

  Faith was there a second later, lifting his head and shoulders and holding a cup to his lips. He drank it all.

  “You were thirsty,” she said, easing him back down.

  “How soon can I leave?”

  “Soon as you feel like it, I think. Want to try to sit up again?”

  “Yeah. I need to get going. Joe’ll want to leave to get home to his daughter, Jenny. If I’m not ready, he either has to stay in town or send Zack back for me.”

  “Let’s see if you can sit, then,” she suggested.

  He opened his eyes, glad the room had stopped spinning. He looked at the nurse as she leaned closer and put her arm beneath his shoulders. Her soft blond hair shone in the light. Her blue eyes stared at him. Her smile was gentle. She helped him sit up and when she took away her arm, he wished she still held on.

  The room stayed where it was supposed to.

  “Want to stand?” she asked a minute later. She hadn’t moved away, in case he needed her.

  He was impressed by her patience. She didn’t fidget or try to hurry him along.

  “Sure,” he said.

  Again she put her arm around him and helped him stand. The room held steady.

  “I don’t advise you to put on your shoes,” she said a second later. “They have puddles of water in them.”

  “Ruined, most likely. Salt water and leather don’t normally mesh.” He took a couple of steps with Faith right by his side. Standing beside her, he gauged her height at around five-seven, and she was a bit on the slender side. Almost too thin—a few more pounds wouldn’t hurt. Not that he was an expert. Or even interested. All he wanted now was to get home, sleep through the night and be back to normal in the morning.

  “It seems as if you’re good to go, Sheriff,” she said. “I’ll let the doctor know. He wants to see you before you leave.”

  Tate nodded carefully and stood when she left. He walked around the small exam room a couple of times before Dr. Mallory entered. No dizziness, no double vision. The pounding was down to a manageable level.

  “Ready to leave?” the doctor asked, studying Tate.

  “All set,” he said. “Thanks.”

  “I’ve got a couple of packets of pills for you to take with you—pain meds and antibiotics. And a prescription to get more. If anything seems like it’s getting worse, you call right away, got that?”

  “I’ll be fine,” Tate said, anxious to leave.

  “Quiet and rest. Call me in the morning to let me know how you’re doing,” the doctor said.

  “Will do. Thanks, Doc,” Tate said.

  He carried his shoes and bundle of wet clothes in his hands, walking in bare feet to Joe’s truck ten minutes later, dodging a fretful baby and a harried mother in the waiting room. He winced slightly at the sound of the baby’s crying and hoped he’d be all right soon. He hated to see anyone in distress, but right now he just wanted peace from the pounding in his head.

  The sun was bright outside. He wished he remembered where his dark glasses were. Probably either broken on the dock or at the bottom of the sea.

  “You can drop me at home,” he said as he got into the truck. “I don’t need to stay at your place.”

  “Doc’s orders,” Joe said. “Besides, you might as well have to sit through the wedding preps if Zack and I do.”

  “Hey, man, this is your big day coming up. You need to celebrate every step of the way.” He was happy his friend had found Gillian. Joe’s first marriage had ended badly. Tate hoped this one would be forever and Joe would find the happiness he sought. He grew pensive as Joe drove them out of town. He remembered how excited Mandy’d been about their wedding. All he’d wanted was to begin their life together, but he went along with the fancy clothes, flowers galore and sit-down dinner reception. She’d been so beautiful that day. Closing his eyes, he could see every detail. Remember her joy. The plans they’d made. The solemn sharing of their vows in front of all their family and friends. All gone.

  Lord, You know how much I miss her! Help me understand why. It was a prayer he often offered.

  “I met your tenant today,” Tate said to get his mind off the past.

  “Faith Stewart?” Joe asked.

  “Do you have any others?”

  “No. Faith’s been in town a few weeks. I thought you vetted all newcomers,” Joe said as they left town behind and began the short drive to his house on the bluff overl
ooking the Atlantic.

  “I’ve noticed her around, but never formally met her,” Tate said, gazing out the window. “What do you know about her?”

  “Asking as a cop?” Joe drawled.

  “Of course. I want to keep Rocky Point safe.”

  Joe gave him a quick sideways glance as he laughed. “Like Faith could be a criminal element. She’s single, twenty-nine, has been a nurse since graduating college. She worked E.R. in Portland. Her credit’s outstanding, she likes the apartment but did ask if she could paint the walls and maybe get a pet. I don’t know what’s wrong with white walls.”

  “According to Mandy, they’re boring,” Tate said as casually as he could. He never wanted anyone to forget his sweet wife. It was still hard to talk about her casually. But if he didn’t bring her up, others would be too uncomfortable to.

  “Faith’s pretty, too,” Joe said with another glance at Tate.

  Tate nodded carefully. The pain had subsided to a dull ache and he didn’t want to change that. “Been to church?”

  “Me?”

  “No, the nurse,” Tate said, knowing Joe was yanking his chain. They’d known each other since grade school.

  “A couple of times that I’ve seen. You’d know yourself if you’d been in church the past few weeks.”

  “Summer’s our busiest time. The entire department’s working overtime. I’ve pulled Sundays since I’m the only single guy on the force.” He shrugged. “Gives the others time with their families. It’ll go back to normal after Labor Day.”

  “You’re okay, you know that?”

  “Hey, man, don’t get mushy,” Tate said and they laughed.

  Faith walked through town as she headed home in the late-afternoon sunshine. Marjorie had been in a huff the rest of the afternoon and she was glad to leave the clinic behind for the day. She wished she knew what she could do to make the woman like her. The only thing that came to mind was her leaving so Marjorie’s niece could have the job. And Faith couldn’t do that—this was too perfect for her.