Chapter 52

Daniel lay on the narrow cot, staring at the ceiling. In his mind he saw the ferric acid solution cascading down the side of the show globe, piercing the layers of beautiful color, and poisoning everything in its path.

He’d been a fool for believing he could start a new life, free from scandal. He deserved this disgrace, but he should have borne it alone.

A rattle at the door piqued his curiosity and Daniel turned his head to see who had entered the cellblock.

Laurie walked down the aisle between the cells, a guard at her back.

He struggled up to a seated position. “Laurie, you shouldn’t be here.”

“I know,” she smiled as she approached the bars. Her face creased as she gazed at the bandages binding his shoulder and arm. She turned her eyes back to his face. “I’d hate to ruin my reputation.

Pushing away the pain, Daniel struggled to his feet, stomach lurching in protest. He walked a few paces and leaned against the bars separating them. “I can explain.”

“Samuel’s done all the explaining for you.”

His stomach twisted. “I’m sure he has.”

The guard spoke from the doorway. “We have the release papers, whenever you’re ready, Miss Burke.”

Laurie squeezed his hand and lifted an eyebrow. “I don’t know . . . are you ready?”

Daniel’s thoughts scattered. “What?”

“You’re not listening. Samuel explained everything. The federal judge has decided to drop your case.”

Daniel jerked his head back, sending a jab of pain through his shoulder. “Samuel­—the sheriff—but, I confessed. What does a man have to do to get booked around here?”

Laurie laughed, her face a shining beacon in the dim cell. “They’re booking Samuel in your place. And I think I’d better run you by the hospital. You seem a little confused. Doctor Pierce is going to want to take a look at that shoulder, maybe give you something for the pain.”

Her laugh blew the fog from his mind like a fresh breeze. His pulse quickened. “I know what he usually prescribes for pain. I think I’ll pass.” Daniel reached out his good arm and gripped one of the bars in disbelief as the guard slid the door open. “I don’t know how you did this, Laurie—but thank you.”

When she stepped into the cell, Daniel threw his arm around her back and pulled her close. “I figured I’d lost your trust for good.”

“Well, I’m not happy about you pushing me overboard, but—as for trust—I’ve learned a thing or two about that in the past few days.” She ran a hand up his back. “There’s only one who deserves my trust. I’m going to choose to trust Him. I’m choosing to love you.”

A tremor burst through him, starting in his gut and moving out to his arms and legs. He gripped her even tighter to his chest, the motion making his shoulder throb. “I don’t deserve that,” he whispered.

“No, you don’t. But neither do I.”

The imposing stone front on the Port Townsend hospital cast a shadow across the road. Laurie squeezed her father’s hand. “Thank you, Dad.”

“I should have done this years ago.” His face wrinkled. “You sure they can help someone like me?”

Daniel stood to the side, his cap pushed back from his forehead as he gazed up at the large building. “They can give you the tools to help yourself, as long as you’re committed.”

Dad huffed. “I got every reason to make it work—I want to walk my daughter down the aisle.”

Laurie’s throat swelled. She lowered her face and burrowed it against his shoulder, like a child.

“Laurie, there’s a box in my bedroom closet—it’s your mother’s things. There’s some jewelry in there.”

“I know.” Laurie squeezed his arm. “I’ve seen it.”

“Well, I already gave your Mama’s ring to your brother, but there may be some other things you’ll want to keep.” Dad cleared his throat, pulling a large, white handkerchief from his pocket and swiping it across his nose. “What you don’t want, maybe you can sell . . . help pay the bills until I can work again. I don’t want your brother getting any more fool ideas.”

Laurie nodded, blinking back tears.

Her father patted her hand. He took a deep breath, hitched up his trousers, and walked through the doors without a backward glance.

Laurie shivered, even as the warm spring breeze sent clusters of white cherry blossoms dancing in the trees. “I hope they can help him.”

Daniel stroked her back. “They can’t do it for him, but it’s good to have a guide. He’s got a difficult road ahead.”

She turned and looked into Daniel’s face, warmed by his presence. “Thank you for encouraging him.”

“I’ve been there. I know what he’s going through.” He glanced back at the doors. “I just pray I never have to go through it again.”

She took Daniel’s hand and squeezed it. “It’s a long drive back to Port Angeles. Do you think we’ll make it before dark?”

He opened the car door and watched her step in. “Assuming we don’t have any more engine trouble, we should.” Daniel slid behind the wheel. “But we could take our time.”

“We could stop at the bluff, for old times’ sake.”

A playful smile curled around his mouth. “Well, we better get there before dark, then. Someone might mistake me for a rumrunner, otherwise.”

She wove her fingers under his arm and scooted close to him on the seat. “We wouldn’t want to give anyone the wrong idea.”

Laurie took in a quick breath when she spotted her father’s Ford parked at Crescent Beach. “What’s that doing here?”

“You’ll see.” He guided the Buick in beside it.

Amelia bounced out of the black Model T. “I received a note from Johnny saying to take the car and meet him here. Do you know what’s going on?”

Laurie shot a quizzical glance at Daniel. “I don’t have a clue.”

“Come along, ladies, we mustn’t be late.” He chuckled, stepping between them and offering his arms.

Laurie slipped her hand through his elbow and peered around him at her friend. Amelia’s brows drew together, lips puckered as if solving a puzzle.

Daniel escorted them down to the sand where a large picnic basket rested on a red-and-white-checkered cloth.

Laurie smiled, squeezing Daniel’s arm. “You planned all this?”

“I had some help.”

Amelia glanced around the empty beach. “Isn’t Johnny coming, too?”

“In time.” He smiled and gestured for them to sit.

Laurie sat on the cloth, tucking her feet under her skirt. Amelia plopped beside her. Daniel opened the basket and retrieved a jar full of pink lemonade, pouring glasses for each of them. They sat back and enjoyed the early stages of sunset, watching as gulls swooped low over the waves.

In time, a dot on the horizon expanded and took the shape of a boat.

Amelia sat up on her knees, gripping her pink felt hat with one hand. “There’s Johnny!” She jumped to her feet and rushed to the water’s edge. After a moment’s hesitation, she scurried back, stripped off her shoes and stockings, and raced toward the water like a child at play.

Laurie grasped Daniel’s hand. “This is so sweet.”

He planted a kiss on her cheek. “Just wait.”

Johnny pulled against the oars until the boat surged into the surf. He reached out his hands for Amelia and she clambered aboard, legs dripping.

Laurie jumped to her feet and tugged Daniel toward the wet sand for a closer view. She couldn’t hear her brother’s words, but when Johnny pulled their mother’s ring from his jacket pocket, her heart leaped.

Amelia flung herself into Johnny’s arms, tears glistening on her cheeks.

Laurie grinned. “It’s about time Johnny—” Her throat closed as she spotted the silver ring resting on Daniel’s palm. The small sapphire, nestled in a delicate filigree setting, sparkled in the setting sun.

He winked at her, the dimple in his cheek showing. “Yes, I do think it’s about time. And I’d love to see this one on your hand. He lifted the ring, holding it between finger and thumb. “Blue—like the Straits on a warm summer day.”

Her hand shook as he slipped the ring on her finger. “Daniel Shepherd, I knew you were going to be trouble the minute I laid eyes on you.”

Daniel wrapped his arms around her waist.

She laid her head on his shoulder as she watched Johnny carry Amelia across the surf and set her down on the sand. “There’s so much to celebrate, it seems like we should have champagne, but in light of recent events—I’m rather glad we don’t.”

Daniel leaned over and kissed her cheek, “I brought something I thought might be more appropriate.”

She turned to face him, hoping the next would land on her lips. “What is that?”

He gave her a soft kiss, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “Oysters.”

“You’re not serious.” She wrinkled her nose.

Daniel laughed, lifting his head. “No, I’m not. How about cake?”

Laurie’s chest expanded as if her heart didn’t have enough space to contain the joy. She headed back to the picnic blanket, Daniel at her side. She couldn’t resist glancing up to the bluff where they had met.

She squeezed his hand. “I think that’s absolutely perfect.”