“IT’S HUGE!” POPPY STOOD on the deck as the pontoon boat bobbed in the water beside her. Her huge blue eyes took in the sight of Pick Wick Lake.
“That it is.” David picked her up and handed her to Jeremy, who helped her onto the boat. “It’s a big part of the river. See across to the other side? That’s part of Alabama. If you go upriver, you’ll be in Tennessee.”
He laughed as she knelt on the cushioned seat, still staring out at the expanse of water. “Wow. Will I get to see?”
“Oh, yeah. We’ll check out the lock dam later. You can watch one of the barges go through, how’s that?”
Poppy bounced in her seat. “Awesome sauce!”
“Awesome sauce, indeed, Poppy.”
“Untie us, David.” Jeremy sat at the wheel as Sarah busied herself securing the coolers and baskets. “Sure you don’t want to ride with us?”
“What? And miss the fun?” He shook his head and untied the line from the mooring cleat. “I didn’t borrow the Jet Ski from Toby for nothing. Maggie and I’ll catch up.”
Dennis stood at the back of the pontoon, so David threw the second line to his nephew.
“Okay. We’ll be in Indian Creek.”
“See ya, Mr. David!” Poppy’s wide-mouth grin outshone the sun.
Sophie plopped down next to her, and the two waved as they slowly rode out of the marina. A blue heron flew by to land on the stone breaker wall, and Poppy’s squeal ricocheted off the water.
David gave them one last wave as Jeremy gunned the boat, and it shot off into the open lake. This was good. Being here would keep the girl from moping about. Finally, she would realize she was a part of them, a part of the family.
He shaded his eyes against the glare of the sun off the water. The boat disappeared around the bend, past the gnarled tree that stood in front of the motel.
A slight tremor moved through the floating pier. He turned his head with a smile. Maggie and her pink one-piece walked toward him. Her life jacket dangled from her fingers. He smiled. Should have known she would buy a pink one, and neon pink at that.
She looked around. “They took off already?”
“Yeah. The kids were hopping around, eager to go. Sarah and Jeremy were having a hard time controlling them. Hopefully Darlene and Marty will make it back from the rental with the second boat.” He hooked his arm around her waist. The Jet Ski sat at the corner of the pier, waiting. “They went to Indian Creek. You want to join them, or what?”
Maggie smiled. “Depends on what the ‘or what’ is.” She handed him his sunglasses and then slipped into her jacket. “Next time, remember them.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He slipped the glasses on and sighed in relief. “That’s better. Well, my dear, your watery chariot awaits.”
He pulled the Jet Ski closer and hopped on, one foot holding it closer to the pier. Maggie dug her fingers into his shoulder as she slid onto the seat behind him. Her arms clasped tightly around his stomach, and his body tightened in response.
On the air, her cotton candy scent mixed with the fresh breeze and the water. Intoxicating. Thank goodness there were no dead fish floating today. He snickered.
“What’s so funny?”
He bent forward and unlashed the line holding the Jet Ski. “Nothing. Just a wayward thought.”
“So, tell me.”
David shook his head as he started the motor. Her fingers poked him, and he nearly leapt off the seat and into the water. Evil woman.
“Okay! Just don’t tickle, please.” He looked over his shoulder at her. “I’m just glad that you don’t have to compete with the smell of dead fish.”
Maggie laughed. “You are so weird.”
“But you love me.”
She kissed his shoulder and then pressed her cheek against it. “Drive on, Lord of the Jet Ski.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He revved the vehicle, ignored the No Wake sign, and shot out of the marina. Maggie’s laughter rippled over him. The wind rushed past them and whipped at their bodies. He sliced the Jet Ski through the waves, water spraying them.
Maggie yelled above the sound of the motor. “Where we going?”
“Alabama!”
“What?”
David pointed across the lake. “Corner of Alabama. In that cove.”
He spied a Bayliner cruising and veered toward it. “But first . . .”
The wake offered its tempting waves. Maggie’s gleeful shout echoed as they jumped the rolls of water. He turned sharply and rode in for another pass.
Freedom. He laughed. Excitement and freedom from his days, from his cravings.
Maggie held on for dear life, her fingers latched onto his vest. They soared into the air for the final jump. He turned the Jet Ski around. The children on the boat waved and shouted. Maggie waved back as he rode away, searching for more.
“Why didn’t we follow them?”
“Rude to do so. Ride a few and then move on.” He spotted a barge. “Those are fun, but only to cool off. Waves aren’t so high.”
Maggie scooted closer. “Let’s do it. I’m getting baked sitting here.”
David laughed and took off across the lake again. “Yes, ma’am.”
: : : : :
Jeremy leaned back in the chair and propped his feet on the corner of the dash. He sighed as he watched the scene before him. The boys had jumped into the water. They splashed and tried to coax Poppy to jump in.
“No way. That’s deep. It probably has big fish in there. And they’ll eat my legs off.”
Marty Jr. laughed and splashed a handful of water up at her. “There’s only strands of weeds floating around. See?” He threw a long, green strand of duckweed at Poppy. It plopped against her legs.
She squealed and slapped at it. “Gross!”
Jeremy laughed. “Marty, cut it out.”
Dennis swam toward him. “Oh, Dad, we’re just funning her.”
“No throwing weeds at her, though.”
“Fine, Dad.” He turned to Poppy. “Sorry, Pop.”
Marty smiled. “Yeah, sorry, Pop. I didn’t–” he thrashed around. “Wait. Dennis, there’s something in here!”
Jeremy shook his head at the boys. Should’ve known they would torment the poor girl. Poppy leaned over the edge, her eyes nearly ready to pop out of her skull.
“What?” Dennis whirled, sending a spray of water over the girl. She didn’t flinch, intent on discovering what they were yelping about. “What was that? It just swam past me.”
Poppy’s lips trembled. “I told you. Get out of the water. The fish will bite your legs off.”
Dennis started swimming toward the boat.
“Hurry, Dennis!” Marty thrashed. “It’s got me. Pop–”
Poppy started screaming as Marty went under. “Mr. Jeremy, Mr. Jeremy, the fish ate Marty!” Tears streamed from her eyes as she scuttled away from the edge.
Sarah glanced at him from the front as she handed the fishing rod back to Sophie. “Jeremy.”
“Fine.” He stood. Time to end the torture. “Poppy, they’re just messing around.”
“But he went under. Look!” She grabbed his hand. “See!” She led him to the gate and peered over the side of the boat.
Dennis slapped the water’s surface. Marty popped up and sent a wave of water cascading over Poppy. The boys hooted and swam towards the back.
Poppy sputtered. Her face flamed. “Stupid boys! I’ll get you back!”
“You can try, Pop-tart.” Dennis cackled.
Jeremy chuckled. “Ignore them, Poppy. Just ignore them.”
She glared at him. “You’re just a man. You’re on their side.” She crossed her arms, gave him a hearty huff, and stalked to the front of the boat.
Sophie smiled and gave her a hug when she sat on the small deck. “Catch a fish. Then when Daddy fillets it, you can put the guts in their shoes.”
Poppy’s reply was lost as Jeremy turned his attention to his wife. Sarah punched his shoulder. “That was mean. Letting the boys pick on her so.”
“Ah, she’s needs it. Besides, she enjoyed it.”
“She’s got a temper, Jer. Those boys better watch out.”
He arched a brow at her as he joined her under the canopy. “What can she do? Have to catch a fish to put the guts in a shoe.”
“David’s been teaching her.”
“Oh boy.” He glanced at the boys. They had their heads together, conspiring. “I can’t wait to see what she plans.”
“Hey, Mom!” Sophie stood up and waved. “It’s Aunt Darlene and Uncle David!”
Sarah turned to the kids behind her. “Boys! You better head in, David’s coming.”
They quickly swam to the boat. Their laughter mingled with Sophie’s. He turned to Sarah. “You do have the towels and food in something waterproof, right?”
She sighed. “Yup. Sophie, you and Poppy stand behind the gate, honey.”
The girls closed the gate and knelt on the side seats, shielding their eyes from the sun.
Poppy looked at Sophie. “What’s happening?”
Sophie smiled at her and then returned to watching the others approach.
Jeremy shook his head. “He’s coming in fast. Showing off for Maggie.”
“And for Poppy.” Sarah grabbed his arm and ducked her head closer to him. “Oh, I hate it when he does this.”
Jeremy chuckled.
David rode circles around Marty Sr. and Darlene’s boat, jumping and splicing the waves. The roar of the Jet Ski’s motor increased. His smile flashed across his tanned face. Maggie’s smile matched his.
“Maggie’s just as crazy.” Jeremy cringed as his brother rode the Jet Ski full throttle at the boat.
Poppy’s hand flew to her mouth. “He’s gonna crash!”
Jeremy slipped on his sunglasses, stretched his arms out along the seat, and smiled. He loved this part.
David veered sharply, sending a tall wave of water cascading over the deck of the boat. Jeremy gasped as the cold water hit him. Sarah yelped. Dennis and Marty shouted at David as he rode away.
Jeremy wiped at his face as Sophie laughed.
She pointed at Poppy. “Oh, Poppy!”
Poppy placed her hands on her little hips and turned to face Jeremy. A big clump of weeds hung over her head and down her face. “That’s it. This means war.”
: : : : :
David reclined in the side seat of the pontoon. The sun beat on his face and legs, drying his soaked shorts and hair.
“You’re going to get burned, you know.”
David cracked his eyes open and peered at his brother. “Yup. Maybe.”
He raised his head. The pontoons had been lashed together and beached on the small island in the middle of the lake. The kids’ laughter bounced through the trees and off the water as they looked for mussel shells along its shore.
“Marty’s got the grill going.” Jeremy sat opposite of him, arms stretched out to the side, ankle over knee. “Don’t know about you, but I’m famished.”
“Yup.” David laid himself down on the seat, one leg bent. “Water’ll do that to ya.”
“This was a great idea that Maggie had. Good for Poppy, although I have to warn you. She’s after revenge.”
David turned his gaze to Jeremy. “Really? For what?”
“The ski splash.”
“Oh.” David laughed. His little flower couldn’t stay mad at him for long. Besides, he taught her everything she knew, anyway. “Well, I figured if I took her for a ride on the ski, then maybe she’ll forget about that.”
Jeremy snorted. “Oh, I doubt it. She’s a spitfire.”
“That she is.” David stood and looked at the island. The wind picked up and cooled his hot skin.
Maggie sat at a stone picnic table with Darlene and Sarah. She threw her head back and laughed at something. A faint trickle of her soft laughter reached him. He took a deep breath.
This was so perfect. Seeing her with his family. He looked at Jeremy. “Can I ask you something?”
Jeremy nodded. “Anything, but I prefer it under the canopy. Whether you like to burn or not, I, on the other hand, definitely have an aversion to it.”
David chuckled and followed his brother. He perched on the top of the seat in the corner. His gaze traveled over the water. Another barge across the river slowly floated past.
“Well?”
“It’s about Maggie.” David dropped his gaze to his clasped hands. “And about me.”
He blew out a breath. It was hard, trying to talk to his brother again. But he missed him. Missed the conversations and the talks.
David cleared his throat. “I wanted to know what you thought about me asking Maggie to marry me.”
Jeremy grinned. “You should know the answer to that.”
David shrugged. “I wanted to hear it from you. I mean, I’m a recovering alcoholic. Maggie is gaining custody of Poppy. I don’t want to jeopardize that.”
Jeremy moved to sit on the top of the seat beside him. “I think it’s a great idea. It’s obvious you love her. And we all know she loves you. As for how it will affect Poppy . . .” Jeremy looked at him, studying him. “You are wonderful for the girl. And she has helped you in more ways than one, David.”
David looked away. A lump formed in his throat. “Yeah. She has.”
“I know you love that little girl. So do we.” Jeremy spoke softly. “You never told me everything, David.”
The change in topic threw him off balance. He jerked his gaze back to Jeremy.
Now it was Jeremy’s turn to look away. “I know things will never be like they were before. But I think we can make it work. Think you will ever learn to trust me again?”
David shrugged. “I want to. I’m not ready to tell you . . .” He pressed his lips together.
“Not ready to tell me that one last thing?”
“Yeah.”
Jeremy nodded and stood. David reached out and stopped him with a hand on Jeremy’s arm. “Wait. There is one thing I need to tell you.”
Jeremy’s cool gray eyes met his. “Go on.”
“I’m sorry. I blamed you for so many things. I had forgiven you for all the harsh things that were said before I left. Do you think–can you forgive me in return?”
David frowned. Where did that come from? He was only going to say he was sorry. But a part of him, the anger, the frustration, the rage, floated away as it rode the wake of his words. Another taste of freedom.
Jeremy clapped his hand on David’s shoulder. “Did that long ago, little brother.” He smiled. “Come on, let’s go eat.”
David smiled. When did their roles change over? It used to be him who ran from the emotional scenes. He hopped off the boat and splashed down into the shallow water as Poppy came running to him.
“Look! I got all kinds of trumpet shells. See?” Her eyes sparkled as she held out her handful of the small, spiral mussel shells.
David ruffled her hair. “Those are beautiful, little flower. Come on. Let’s go show Maggie.”
He put his arm over her shoulders as they stepped across the shale-coated bank. David met Jeremy’s eyes and smiled. His brother was right. He and Poppy did wonders for each other.
: : : : :
Maggie gasped as the Jet Ski banked sharply. They were so close to the water, she could have reached out and scooped up a handful. The Jet Ski broke the tranquility of the cove, rippling its dark, gray water.
David cut the motor. Silence descended. Only the lapping of the waves against the thick weed-covered banks kept them company. She gazed over his shoulder. The corner of the cove hid most of the lake, muffling the sounds of boats and people.
“It’s beautiful here. So calm.”
David nodded. “Think you can slide on around here in front? I’ll let you ride us back.”
“Really?” Maggie let go of his vest. His hands grabbed her leg, helping her slide around him. She giggled as she settled into the seat. “I’m backwards. I don’t think I can drive like this.”
He stopped her with a hand on her waist as she tried to turn around. “Hold up. I’ll help you, but stay like this for a moment.”
She arched her brow at him. “You planning some monkey business?”
He grinned as his ears turned pink. “I promised you weeks ago that I wouldn’t force the issue with you.”
Maggie resettled in the seat. The hair on his legs tickled hers as she dangling her legs back over his. “Okay then. What’s up? Oh, I know what you want.”
“Yeah? What’s that?” He leaned closer.
“You want to take this opportunity for smooching.” She sidled closer to him and wrapped her arms about his neck. “We haven’t had a chance at all today.”
His eyes darkened as he looked at her. White teeth peeked from between his parted lips. “That’s true.”
His mouth closed around hers. Maggie melted into him. He still tasted of cherry cola that he drank earlier at lunch. She broke away and gasped. “You kiss way too good for my health, Mr. David Boyette.”
He smiled. “Same goes for you, Miss Maggie Goddard.” His hand smoothed back her wet hair. “Can I ask you something?”
She captured his hand and kissed his fingertips. He bit at the inside of his lip as he waited for her answer. Way too handsome for her peace of mind. “Anything.”
“It’s really important. I mean, extremely.”
Now what? She doubted she could handle another emergency. Finally a calm, stress-free time in life, and she didn’t want it to cave in on her.
She took a deep breath. “Okay?”
He fiddled with his pocket. The sound of Velcro separating pierced the still air. “I found something not too long ago, and I really wanted your opinion on it.”
“Oh, is that all?” She fanned her face. He was such a silly goose. “I thought to myself, ‘oh, boy, now what emergency is rising?’”
David laughed. He opened a small, hinged box and presented it to her. Her breath caught. The pink opal sparkled against the silver filigree band. Oh, the sneaky devil.
“Maggie, marry me, please.”
She clapped her hand over her heart in a vain effort to calm its erratic beat. Thoughts flew out of her head. Her mind grasped futilely to gain at least some idea, anything to be able to talk.
A worried expression crossed his face. “Maggie?”
Her mouth opened, and she squeaked. She pressed her fingers to her lips as a tear rolled down her face. Well, if she couldn’t say it, she’d show it.
She grabbed his face and planted the biggest kiss she could muster. Every bit of longing, happiness, and love flowed from her and into the touch of their lips.
When she pulled back, he sat with closed eyes, face still tilted toward her, and with a bemused expression.
He swallowed and licked his lips. “That was a yes?”
Maggie laughed and threw her arms around him, kissing him again.
“Yes, silly! Yes!” Her shout echoed, scaring birds from the trees.
David visibly sighed. He smiled and pulled the ring from the box. His hand shook slightly as he slipped it onto her finger. “Thank goodness, because I was about to die of fright for a second there.”
She cut off his words with another kiss and then leaned her forehead against his. “And I couldn’t speak for a second there because you made me so happy.”
“I do have one more thing to ask.”
“Oh? What’s that?”
His face flooded red. He closed his eyes. “Can we have the wedding soon? Your kisses are killing me, baby.”