Disclaimer: Same as previous chapters.
Author's Note: Thank you all for being so patient. With that last minute trip out of town and school starting back up, time has not been on my side. Thankfully, I have the next five chapters mapped out so it shouldn't take as long for the next few to be produced.
Cross your fingers!
In any case, we're that much closer to the actual events of the Harper's Island series. I think there are two more chapters and then , dun, dun, dunn. Literally.
So sit back this Sunday morning and enjoy!
She Knew Him When . . .
Considering the early hour, Trish looked a little too perky.
Sarah was immediately on guard.
With all of her extra time spent with Shane, she'd been expecting her older sister to say something. It wouldn't have been out of character. But as the days, then weeks on the island passed, there had been nothing.
Zip. Zero. Zilch.
Trish had been understanding when she'd head out in the evenings, a sympathetic listener when Sarah wanted to talk. In regards to the island's surly fisherman, she'd been the spitting image of a supportive big sister.
This was what should have been the first indication that something was off.
But a girl could hope, right? Because Sarah knew the Wellington way of handling what their father called "unpleasant situations", and each of her sisters had their own method.
Shea, with her maternal, knowing ways would offer stern warnings and advice. "Dad won't approve, and I seriously doubt Mother would either." She'd always invoke the memory of their mother for greater impact. Then she would step back, expecting her instructions to be followed, and generally, they were. Shea was usually right, after all.
Trish, on the other hand…Trish would typically go out of her way to make sure her little sister knew exactly how she felt. She was less reserved than Shea-very emotive Her display of hostility could have been in the subtle wrinkle in her nose, the moue of distaste as she spoke around a particular subject.
Or, if she was feeling particularly peevish, she could be painfully blunt.
Like the time she told Sarah her make-up made her look like a rodeo clown. She'd only been 13 and experimenting at the time, but her words still hurt. In a kinder voice, Trish insisted that she was only looking out for her. She'd show her how to do it correctly.
And she had.
"Sisters look out for one another." Trish told her, deftly applying a light peach blush. "We protect one another; steer them in a better direction-especially when it looks like one of them is getting ready to make a huge mistake."
Then they laughed at the gobs of black mascara and lining Sarah was still wearing.
"Huge mistake, no kidding! I look like a raccoon," Sarah lamented between giggles. Hugging her fiercely, Trish shook her head and wiped around her eyes.
"Maybe a little," she admitted. "But you're so beautiful. Just like Mother." Her eyes misted over in tears that weren't related to their laughter and she'd sighed. "I think that's why were all so protective of you. Daddy's never going to approve of any guy you bring home. You do realize that, don't you?"
Rolling her eyes at the very thought, Sarah tossed a grimy tissue at her older sister.
"He'll have to deal. I mean, he's okay with you seeing Henry, right? And he's not exactly a Richard Allen."
"We're not serious," Trish replied flippantly. A little too flippantly. Brandishing a lip gloss wand she tapped her lips, grinning as if she knew what her little sister was thinking. "But if we were, I wouldn't care. Henry's great, right?"
"Perfect," Sarah nodded fervently.
Her agreement had her older sister turning in her seat. Placing the gloss onto the vanity, Trish took her younger sister's hands in hers.
"Being in love is the most wonderful thing you'll ever experience. When you do find that right guy, Sarah, I want you to be as happy as Shea and Richard," Trish said softly. "And as happy as Henry and I will be one day."
Seeing their reflections in the mirror beside them, Sarah observed the picture of radiance her older sister made. She knew Trish would never steer her wrong. She only wanted what was best for her.
In the years since she'd become a teenager, Trish, and sometimes Shea, would step in if they thought Sarah needed a gentle push in another direction. It wasn't interfering if they had her best interests at heart, Shea would state firmly.
"She sounds like Daddy," Trish huffed. "Not interfering my ass."
Of course, these words had been spoken about the time she and Henry had become serious. Even if he'd never deny his daughter her happiness, their Father's feelings about that match were crystal clear,
Trish could be just as manipulative as their Father when it came to people she didn't like.
And she definitely didn't like Shane.
Which once again lead Sarah to feel suspicious about her sister's motives that morning. Clutching a light jacket to her side, she smiled at the sight waiting for her.
"Hey!" Trish's hair was bouncing as she hopped from foot to foot.
"You wouldn't be so cold if you'd worn something a bit more weather appropriate," Sarah returned.
Absently touching the fabric of her linen dress, Trish shrugged.
"Henry likes this on me." She hooked her arm through her sister's. "I can bear the cold for him."
"Ugh." Sarah stuck out her tongue, making Trish laugh through her shivers. "You are such a-"
"Woman in love," her sister supplied brightly. "Anything else you have to say will remain silent."
"Or?"
"Or else."
"Or else, what?" Sarah asked.
"Or else you won't get the surprise I got for you!"
Trish looked so excited, Sarah felt the alarms in the back of her head ring with growing intensity.
"Besides, you know what being in love is all about," Trish added casually.
Taken aback by her words, Sarah's mind went suddenly blank.
"What?"
"Don't play coy. We're sisters. Now 'fess up!" Trish's voice was sly, as was her smile.
"I…I never said I was in love."
"You're not in love with Shane?"
"We spend time together," Sarah managed. "That's all."
"That's all?"
"Would you please stop repeating everything I say? We like one another. I told you that already. But there's nothing going on."
Trish's lips puffed out, clearly doubtful.
"I just assumed with all the time you're spending, together and all of those really late nights-"
"I'm not sleeping with him, Trish," Sarah interrupted sharply. Stopping in her tracks, she yanked her arm from her sister's. "God. Is that what this early morning walk is all about? You want some tasty gossip?"
"Of course not!" Clasping her hands together tightly, Trish's expression was one of apology. "I didn't mean for our talk to take this direction. Really. I didn't."
Believing she'd overreacted, Sarah mentally she turned off the warning sirens.
"No, I'm sorry . You just surprised me when you said that."
"That you were in love with Shane?" Trish's voice was calm. "I guess I was just thinking back to when Henry and I just liked one another and there was nothing going on."
"I'm not hiding anything," Sarah quietly insisted. "We've always been honest with one another, haven't we?"
"I'd like to think so."
"So why would you think I'd hide our relationship from you?"
"You do have a relationship, then?"
Trish really jumped on that one.
"I didn't mean-no." Sarah felt completely unprepared for this line of questioning and it showed. "No. We're…friends."
Trish arched an eyebrow skeptically. It had sounded pretty weak.
"I don't have friends that look at me the way Shane looks at you."
Her words made Sarah smile a little.
"You haven't been watching Sully, have you?"
"Oh, that doesn't count. He's not my friend." Trish smirked, leaning in conspiratorially. "Thank God he's Henry's. Besides, he'll hit on anything with two legs and a skirt."
"So I've seen."
Resuming their walk, their arms linked once more as the ground changed beneath their feet. Sand and rock became concrete as they began heading down a street dotted with homes and small businesses.
"If there was something going on, you could tell me," Trish blurted out suddenly. "You could do so much better. We all know it. But if the two of you were together, and you were happy, I wouldn't say anything to Daddy."
Wondering what it would take to convince her sister she was telling the truth, Sarah focused on the attractive facades of several homes instead of answering . It helped to stifle her annoyance.
"You know that, right?"
She sounded so imploring that Sarah had to nod, her own dark curls swinging with the motion.
"I do."
"Good." Then taking a deep breath, Trish squeezed her arm. She quickly pulled her sister to a stop beside her. "Well, we're here. Look!"
Peering at the small stone cottage, Sarah turned to her sister, confused.
"I'm looking, Trish. I just don't know what you expect me to see."
"Karena Fox," Trish spoke softly as she inched closer. "Shea went to her before she married Richard. It was a bridesmaids thing," she said off-handedly. "You weren't old enough to come that weekend."
"Oh, right. So she came to see this Karena-?"
"Fox," Trish supplied hastily. "She came to see her because supposedly she's a real psychic."
Groaning, Sarah pulled away.
"Are you joking? You know I don't buy into that sort of nonsense."
"But it could be fun!"
"At six in the morning?" Sarah asked incredulously. "Trish, I could be having much more fun bed. Not that kind," she sighed, seeing the scandalized look her sister threw her. "I meant sleep."
"Sure you did."
"Not everyone is like you and Henry, you know."
"Mmm. They just wish they were." Trish grinned., then clapped her hands together several times. "Look, here's the deal. You go get your fortune read, and I'll drop all the relationship talk. How does that sound?"
Happy to accept any deal that involved her sister moving away from the current topic, Sarah agreed.
"Fine. I'll go. She's probably expecting me anyway."
Trish smiled a tad guiltily. "Maybe…"
"I do love a good ambush," Sarah muttered, but headed towards the small home.
Walking on a pathway lined with tiny flowers, she absently wondered just what this psychic would look like; what tricks she'd play. Her thoughts took her to some amusing places, but all were dashed when a kind, older woman with bright blonde locks opened the door.
She wasn't at all what Sarah had expected.
"Why, hello there. I've been expecting you." Greeting Sarah with a generous smile, Karena Fox stepped back over the threshold. "Come on in! It's biting out there this morning."
"Um, yes. It is."
"Let me take your jacket." Moving towards her, she took the offered item and sighed. "Now this is a nice one. Bergdorf's always has the best sales."
Sarah must have looked surprised, because a trail of tinkling laughter followed Karena as she entered a tiny closet.
"Oh no. I'm not a mind reader, but I do love the internet!" Sticking her face back out, there was an impish smile dancing around the blonde's lips.
Expelling a soft laugh, Sarah walked after her when she motioned to follow.
"I've never done this before," she said, taking in the heavily windowed room they were entering. There was light everywhere, despite the morning fog. It even bounced off of the necklace the psychic was wearing.
"No?"
Karena's question seemed more rhetorical than anything, but she looked up from the colorful scarf she was unraveling. She seemed to be waiting for something, and allowed a small smile when Sarah elaborated.
"I don't believe in psychics."
"Something I'm certain your sister already knew," Karena remarked mildly. Her eyes lit on the pack of cards before her and she held out a hand. "Please, sit."
Taking her place in an overstuffed chair, Sarah crossed one leg over the other and leaned back. Her blue eyes fell on the deck of cards uneasily.
"Do we…light incense or chant now?"
"Incense and chanting?" Karena's soft laugh filled the room. "Not at all. I'll simply pick a few cards and tell you what I see."
"That's it?"
Karena nodded. "That's it."
Feeling a little more comfortable, Sarah smiled. Maybe Trish was right. This could be fun.
"All right. Does that mean we start now?"
"In a moment. First," Karena re-covered the cards, and held up her index finger. "Business."
"Business? Oh!" Quickly reaching into a small clutch, she pulled out her wallet. "Payment, of course. How much do I owe you?"
"Not a thing." Karena waved the money off with a quick shake of her head. "Your sister already paid me. By business I mean it's time for me to be honest with you."
A frown marred Sarah's delicate features.
"I don't understand."
Several wisps of blonde hair flew upwards as the psychic blew out some air.
"Don't be angry with her, but your sister paid me to deliver a fairly specific fortune."
"She did?"
The warning bells were beginning to ring again.
"I told her that isn't how I work. My cards tell me the story and I interpret what I see." Karena frowned, her hands tracing around the perimeter of the cards. "I' don't believe in making up tales. The world is filled with enough charlatans as it is."
"May I-" Sarah looked away from the hypnotic movements and down at her own hands. "May I ask what she told you to tell me?"
She could feel sympathetic eyes as Karena nodded.
"You can. But I think you already know."
And there it was. Suspicions confirmed.
Biting her lower lip hard, Sarah could barely conceal her frustration with Trish. It was one thing for her to interfere, but to drag another person into it? Unbelievable.
"Shane. Or more specifically something to warn me away from him?"
"Young Mister Pierce." The psychic was nodding in agreement when Sarah looked up. Her expression was one of fondness. "I've watched him grow up-knew his mother very well, in fact. She was a lovely woman."
"And?"
"He's an angry young man," Karena sighed. "Bitter, and a little confused, perhaps. But who isn't these days?"
"So in your opinion-"
"I have no opinion." Waving her hands as if to clear the air, more blonde hair fell around her face. "Oh, allright. He is not a bad person. Rough around the edges, certainly. But not bad."
Then she smiled.
"And he has a very good heart, if the right person is willing to see it."
A flush crept into her cheeks and Sarah licked her lips, rubbing over the sore spot from where she bit it.
"I know."
"I know," Karena returned, winking.
"Oh?" Sarah felt a laugh threatening to escape. "Did you see that in your cards?"
"Oh no, dear. With my eyes." Karena taped her fingers to either side of her head. "It's a very small island. The two of you have been seen together maybe once or twice."
"I see."
"But enough idle chit chat. Your sister did pay me for a reading, so why not have a legitimate one?"
Quickly warming up to the island psychic, Sarah leaned forward with a smile.
"I'd like that."
"You should know I don't do Celtic Cross or any standard practice that other card readers adhere to. I choose ten cards and I do it my own way-it seems to work best. Is that fine?"
"I don't know much about card readings, so sure. Whatever works best for you."
"All-righty then!" Flinging the scarf back off of the cards, Karena ran her hands over them a few times then let them hover. Laying her left atop the first card, she looked askance, asking Sarah, "Anything specific?"
"No," she replied softly, shaking her head. "Whatever you…see."
"Still a disbeliever, hmm?" Karena's mouth quirked. "I'll see what I can do."
Quickly flipping over the first card, Sarah felt the damning blush return as a naked man and woman stared up at her, their bodies entwined in an intimate act.
The Lovers.
"Well," Karena cleared her throat. "That's a little more than I needed to know, but not too much of a surprise."
"We're not-I mean, Shane and I aren't-"
"It doesn't necessarily mean you and Mister Pierce," the psychic said evenly. Her eyebrows rose when she saw the flicker of disappointment. "You did say no specifics."
"Of course."
Taking the next card in the stack and placing it upside down next to the first, Karena's expression looked troubled.
"What?" Sarah asked quickly.
"I thought you didn't believe in psychics," the older woman remarked. Her voice was gentle, though, taking any sting from the words. "It's nothing wrong really, only… unexpected."
A red fingernail tapped against one card, then the next as both women viewed them.
"The Wheel of Fortune," Karena murmured. "And The Empress. Your life is going to take an abrupt turn in the next few years. One I hope you are strong enough to handle."
She flipped the next card, and relief was visible on her aged features. "Strength. You'll manage just fine. That's good. Very good."
"What will I manage?" Sarah whispered.
"It won't be easy." The psychic looked weary again as she slowly turned over the next card.
Sitting on a throne made of bones and death rested a winged devil. It's pitiless orbs seemed to be staring straight at Sarah.
"You will despair." Karena shut her eyes against the image. "It will be hard to accept, many will fight you on it, but you must not give up."
The next card flipped. The Fool.
"A new phase in your life. Unexpected, but a blessing."
The Hermit.
"Despite the machinations of others, you will find support and they will help you along the way."
The Star.
"Hope. It surrounds you and you must believe in it."
The Moon.
"You will face your despair in time, but if you hold tight onto that hope, upon your return you will overcome these difficulties together."
"What?" Sarah demanded, unaware that she was on the edge of her seat. "What despair? What difficulties will I overcome? With who?"
But Karena continued to draw the final card, her hand freezing in mid-air.
"Miss Fox?" Sarah asked softly. The psychic seemed oddly calm as she placed the card back down.
"I'm sorry, but I can't finish your reading today, Miss Wellington."
"What?" Blinking out of her stupor, Sarah was surprised to find her hands were shaking. "Why not? There was only one card left."
"I'm so very sorry." The psychic clasped her hands together contritely. "I must have ordered a faulty batch of cards. You see?"
Holding up the next card, Sarah realized it was blank. Completely and utterly devoid of color and image.
"I can't see anything if nothing is there."
"Oh." Sarah wiped her hands against the seat of her chair, feeling strangely upended. "Was it real, what you saw?"
"I only interpret what the cards show me, and since it was not specifically aimed towards anything, there is only so much I could tell you."
"But was it real?"
"Only if you choose it to be. What can I say?" Karena turned to hand Sarah a teacup with steaming liquid. She had no idea where it had come from, but she was grateful for it. "Many believe the cards, or psychics in general, lead people into self-fulfilling prophecies."
"You mean, because you say it, they interpret it according to how their lives are going?"
"Exactly." Sitting down on a pillowy ottoman next to her, Karena patted her hand reassuringly. "It doesn't necessarily mean anything. Not unless you really want it to."
"That makes me feel a bit better. I was getting worried. " Letting out a nervous laugh, Sarah sipped the drink, instantly warmed by it. "This is delicious. Thank you."
"You're very welcome, dear." The psychic seemed to be studying her very carefully as she continued to drink. A hand idly stroked the blue jewel hanging around her neck when she spoke. "It's no wonder you first captured his affections. You really do look so much like your mother. My, my. Just breathtaking."
Glancing up sharply, Karena smiled kindly at Sarah's reaction. "Yes, I knew her, too. She was a warm, strong woman. I see much of her in you. And your sisters." She laughed. "You three must be a handful for your father."
"We try."
Laughter mingling, the two women glossed over light topics as Karena seemed concerned Sarah would dwell too much on the reading. It wasn't until she noticed the time that the older woman stood with a cry of surprise.
"Would you look at that? We've been chatting nearly over an hour. Your sister must be half-frozen by now."
Lips turning into a frown at the thought of her older sister, Sarah reassured the older woman. "With the fury that's about to come down on her, she'll warm up in no time."
"Oh, no. Don't do that." Karena's voice was filled with concern. "Sister's do unthinkable things at times, and I know it doesn't excuse it, but when we love, sometimes we do things we ordinarily wouldn't to protect one another."
"But-"
"Trust me." Karena's smile was bittersweet as she glanced at a photo on the mantle. It was of two young girls. "I had a sister once. I'm sure you could find a better way to express yourself than with harsh words."
Inhaling through her nose, Sarah had to force herself to calm down. Despite her feelings, she knew the older woman was right. She would simply have to find another way to give her sister tit for tat.
"Thank you, Karena. For everything," she added, sincerely glad that they had met.
The two women embraced, waving to one another as Sarah stepped back out into the chilly Harper's Island fog.
Trish stood where Sarah had left her. She was shivering more than she had been earlier, a fact that made Sarah smile a little spitefully.
"So?" Trish was breathless. "What did she say?"
She was anticipating her reaction, Sarah realized. Her sister was fully prepared for her to deliver the psychic's warnings concerning Shane. No doubt she'd be dutiful and comforting. As a loving sister would be, Sarah thought bitterly.
"It was all unexpected," she began slowly. Trish's hands went to cup her elbow's, concern written perfectly across her pale face.
"Oh no. That doesn't sound good. What did she tell you?"
And then it came to her. Like magic.
The perfect revenge.
Her face melting into an expression of pure bliss, Sarah sighed happily.
"I'm going to be Mrs. Shane Pierce. Isn't that the best?"
Pretending to not see her sister's jaw drop or her eyes bug out, Sarah spun on her toes, fairly skipping her way back down the path they'd walked earlier.
Karena had been right. She felt much better, and she hadn't needed to use hurtful words even once. Because while she could no longer see her older sister, she most definitely heard her.
"She told you WHAT?!?"
Oh, yes. Revenge was sweet.
************************************************************************
"I hear the ferry's taking a big group of people back today."
Barely glancing at his friend over the rim of his coffee cup, Shane swallowed the hot liquid.
"Bunch of Swells," he muttered.
"Uh-huh." Jimmy poured some cream into his own cup. "Think you might miss any of them?"
This time Shane's head tilted in his direction.
"You've really got to work on that subtlety thing, Jimmy."
"Not too good, huh?"
He was grinning while he poured sugar into his cup.
"About as subtle as a jackhammer on concrete." Shane shook his head. "If you've got something you want to ask, spit it out."
"Ok, ok." Caffeinated or not, Jimmy was as easygoing as always. He stole a glance at Shane as he picked up a stick of honey. "You gonna miss her?"
"Miss who?"
"Come on. Don't play dumb, Shane."
Reluctantly, the taller man nodded. "It'll be a little less interesting."
"That's it?" Jimmy's scoffed. "'It'll be a little less interesting'?"
Shrugging, Shane tore the stick open with his teeth then slowly began to stir it into his drink.
"What? You want me to say something else?"
"Ah, yeah." Jimmy hit his shoulder lightly. "When you spend most of your free time with a girl-and when that girl's Sarah? Then, yeah, I think you'd say something else."
"Like what?"
Jimmy put a lid over his coffee, lifting his shoulders uncertainly.
"I don't know. You like her, you spend your time with her…" A small smile ghosted across his lips. "You've always had a thing for her, man. Admit it. After these last few weeks, I thought you'd be gloating."
"Nothing to gloat about."
He was being unusually reticent, and being that Shane was Shane, he usually liked to talk. It was one of the things he did best. He didn't tend to have tight lips when it came to girlfriends or current flames.
His behavior was pricking at Jimmy's curiosity intensely, making him wonder.
"You're playing this pretty close to the vest for a summer fling," he observed, trying to sound casual.
"There wasn't any fling," Shane replied sharply. "We just hung out."
"Uh-huh."
Jimmy was grinning broadly, and it grated on Shane's patience.
"Look, man, believe what you want. Nothing happened, we just spent some time together."
"You're getting pretty defensive."
Placing the coffee on the hood of his truck, Shane eyed his supposed friend.
"And you're starting to piss me off."
"I'm just saying-"
"Nothing. You're saying nothing. It's none of your damn business, Jimmy, so drop it."
Swinging his door open with more force than necessary, Shane grabbed his coffee and got behind the wheel. Then with another surge of temper, slammed the door closed behind him.
Jimmy didn't bother to hide his amusement when he climbed into the cab. He wasn't taking Shane's mood personally; he knew it wasn't aimed at him. Sliding into his seat nice and easy, he leaned back, nursing his hot beverage.
Shane pretended to not notice, fiddling with a new metal CD he'd ordered online instead.
The smug grin he could handle. Hell, he could even take the light taps against the window. But when Jimmy began to whistle, that was it.
"What?" he snapped, and Jimmy burst into laughter.
"You have it bad, man," he said, wiping at the corner of his eyes with a knuckle. "Real bad."
"Yeah, well…" Shane seemed strangely flustered as the CD slipped through his fingers and into the console below. "Damnit!"
Thankfully Jimmy's laughter dwindled as he collected himself. He drank more of his coffee, looking out of the windshield as Shane rubbed at his nose-a nervous habit.
He placed his hands on the wheel, flexing his fingers around the grip.
"Look," he began in a low voice. "Whatever…whatever me and Sarah have going on, it's personal." His eyes shot in Jimmy's direction. "Okay?"
Jimmy nodded in understanding. "Sure, man. I wasn't trying to pry."
"Could've fooled me," Shane grumbled.
Fishing the CD from between the seats he blew off any excess dust and slid it into the player. But the radio remained quiet, and the truck sat, stalled in the driveway. His hands were back to gripping the steering wheel tightly.
"Mind if I make a personal observation, though?"
Jimmy broke the silence and with it, the mounting tension.
"Sure, man. Whatever."
He sounded as if he could care less, but Jimmy could hear the strain in Shane's voice as he avoided looking at him. He knew where this mood was coming from.
"You've always been soft on her. Sarah," he clarified. "You're protective, spend a lot of time with her-"
"Tell me something I don't know. What's your point?" Shane interrupted. His blue eyes were still focused in front of them.
"My point is it's okay to care about her." Jimmy waited, getting no response. "She doesn't have to be some summer thing, Shane. If you want it to, it could be more."
Still nothing.
"I'm not saying it would be easy. Realistically, it probably wouldn't be. But at least you'd know you were trying. I know if me and Abby-" he stopped at the slip of his tongue.
Jimmy waited for Shane's ridicule at bringing Abby up, but when he said nothing, forged ahead.
"I know you think I'm an idiot for holding out hope, but that's what it's about. When you care that much about someone, it's worth waiting for. Or in your case, worth taking a chance on. Sarah's special, man. She's worth it."
Shane licked his lips, finally breaking his stare as he glanced around.
"Yeah. I know she's worth it." He cleared his throat, his words coming out slowly. "I like being with her. I don't exactly get my jollies hanging around her sister and those idiots Henry brought to the island, but she's happy so…" A rise and fall of broad shoulders. "I want her to be happy."
It was as simple as that. Jimmy clasped him on the shoulder in a brotherly way.
"Welcome to the world of healthy relationships, my friend. When you put the other persons happiness first, even if it comes at your expense."
Shane shook his head.
"Healthy blows."
"It can."
"Yeah. Not all the time, though. Mostly, it's been…nice. Real nice."
Without looking at his friend, Jimmy made his next remark cautiously.
"If I could make another personal observation then?"
"Might as well."
"It sounds a lot more than just 'like' to me."
Silence filled the cab. Then- "Well, maybe it is."
Jimmy blinked. He hadn't expected Shane to agree with him so quickly.
"Wow. Okay. Um, I don't know what to say."
"Finally," Shane muttered.
"Seriously though? You mean it?"
Shifting in his seat awkwardly, Shane grunted.
"You're no longer the only idiot in the truck, Jimmy. I know it's stupid. We're not exactly from the same social circle. Hell, we're not even living on the same planet."
"I think it's pretty obvious that Sarah doesn't care about your pedigree," Jimmy drawled. It earned him a small smirk. "And so what? You know their Dad isn't crazy about Henry, but there he is."
"Only 'cause Trish wants him around. I don't think Daddy Warbucks will be loosing any sleep when she dumps him."
"If she dumps him," Jimmy shot back. "But I don't think she will. I think they're the real deal."
Shane fell silent again, a muscle working overtime in his jaw as his fingers began to tap an impatient rhythm against the leather of the wheel.
"D'you think Sarah would stick by me if her old man and sisters put the screws to her?"
Stunned by the question, Jimmy swallowed the last of his coffee and set the cup aside.
"If you need to ask, then I don't think you've been on the same island the rest of us have been on."
Shane's eyes narrowed at the comment.
"Yeah, I know. She told me what Trish, thinks. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the rest of her family."
"Okay, then."
"Okay then, what?"
"That leaves you with two options," Jimmy said. He held up his index and middle fingers. "One, you let it go and things stay the way they are. You don't have to worry about her family. Or two…"
"Two?"
"Jump in with both feet, Shane, and don't look back."
************************************************************************
The morning moved at a snail's pace. Jimmy chatted amiably with a few fishermen working on their boats, while Shane moved about in his own routine. But with the fog thickening and the cold settling in, even they left for warmer places, abandoning work until the afternoon.
It left the marina quiet and Shane bored.
Only the ferry was operating, and at the moment it was just sitting there, empty.
Taunting him.
He'd been looking up and down the dock so often Jimmy was starting to get that annoyingly smug grin again. But around eleven he went off to grab more coffee for his thermos, and it left Shane completely alone.
He didn't see the point in doing much else so he leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms. His eyes were fixed at the entrance to the marina.
It wasn't long before he saw her. Down the dock, the most perfect pair of legs were headed towards him. Attached to those lovely limbs was possibly the prettiest girl he'd ever laid eyes on-and in twenty two years he'd certainly seen his share.
There was no girl who could possibly compare to Sarah Wellington, and acknowledging that fact made Shane more than a little uncomfortable. He'd never counted on getting too serious with a girl. Maybe somewhere down the line-way down the line-just not at this point in his life.
But like he'd already told Jimmy, he really liked her. He cared for her. And she was worth it.
"Hi, there."
Taking his time to stand, Shane smiled broadly, showing his dimples.
"Hey. Looking for someone?"
Tilting her head thoughtfully, Sarah pulled on the end of a dark curl.
"Maybe. He's about your height, blue eyes, brown hair. Works on a boat."
"Good-looking guy?"
"Very."
Sarah's eyes danced mischievously. Tugging off his hat, Shane pointed to the top of his head.
"Well, I have brown hair, and I've got the blue eyes. Heck, I've even heard I'm a looker."
"And you work on a boat."
Pretending to just notice this fact, Shane snapped his fingers.
"Well what d'ya know? I do work on a boat." Advancing towards her with slow steps, Shane stepped onto the dock. He spread his arms out in front of him, allowing her an examination. "Will I do?"
The minute he stepped in front of her, Sarah was reminded of the things about him she'd been noticing more of over the summer. Things that made her mind go dizzy and her heart race. Like how he walked, how he talked. How he'd touch her carefully, and how he smelled; faintly of aftershave, Dial soap, and man.
And then there was his smile. It was all dimples and warmth-a devastating combination.
Trish was right to be concerned because, God, was she in trouble.
"You'll do just fine," she whispered.
Shane's smile was knowing.
"You okay there, sweetheart?" His hand reached out to push some of her hair back. A roughened fingertip brushed against her throat.
"Yes." Sarah felt the heat rise against his touch and shivered. But it wasn't due to the cold morning. She looked down. "I don't do good-bye's very well."
"Who does? They suck."
Shane was gently stroking her cheek with his fingers, then nudged her under her chin, forcing her to look up at him. Sarah felt awkward and unsure, until she saw the laughter in his eyes.
"Don't get sappy on me. It's not like it's going to be forever, you know."
"I know." Sarah wrinkled up her nose, trying to keep a level head. "It's not that. I wanted…I wanted to tell you…"
"What?"
"I'm glad I came back this summer, that we worked things out."
"Me, too. Look, Sarah, " Shane took a deep breath, readying himself to take that leap.
But then he realized he had no idea what he wanted to say. He wasn't sensitive or good with words like Jimmy, and his brain was scrambling to find something to say-anything.
Only one thing sprang to mind.
The one thing he wouldn't admit to his friend earlier that morning.
"I'm really going to miss you."
He spoke each word slowly. They felt right, he decided. They were honest.
And they sparked a reaction he hadn't expected.
Closing the distance between them and grabbing his shirt, Sarah pressed her smaller body fully against his and kissed him.
It took Shane only a moment to respond, and though she may have been the one to initiate it, he quickly took control. Cupping the sides of her face with his hands, he took his time coaxing a response, a thumb brushing the underside of her lower lip as he kissed back.
She tasted like mint. Her mouth was soft and warm and sweet-everything she was and more. And when her lips parted, allowing him to deepen the kiss, Shane knew he was a goner.
Because it was better than any first kiss had a right to be.
It was perfect.
It went on and on until Sarah's fingers were gripping Shane's shoulders, and his had traveled down to her hips, holding her flush against him. They were both breathing heavily when he lifted his head.
"I'll miss you, too," Sarah whispered breathlessly. Their noses lightly bumped against one another as Shane brushed another kiss across her lips, chuckling. He started to speak, but was stopped mid-action when he felt pressure against the palm of his hand.
"You'd better call me." Sarah's smile was almost shy. "I'm not waiting until next summer to see you."
A grin played at the corner of his lips as Shane looked down. A small piece of pink paper rested in his left hand, carefully folded up. Already knowing what it was, he held it up between his thumb and index finger, nodding.
"That's good. 'Cause as you know, I do work on a boat." Another flash of dimples. "If I have to haul ass down there to drag you off the mainland, I will."
"Well, then." Sarah leaned back in for a kiss, murmuring against his lips, "Don't keep me waiting."
"Sarah!"
Turning her head at the sound of her sister's voice, the youngest Wellington wasn't at all surprised to see the sour expression on Trish's face. Henry was already walking past, pointedly staring ahead as he and his friends boarded the ferry. Sully looked back only once, disgusted.
Squeezing his hand gently, Sarah took a step back from Shane. She could feel the heat from his sigh as she moved away.
"Bye," she whispered, smiling even as Trish grabbed her by the arm and ushered her towards the larger boat.
"Hey, Sarah?"
Stopping at the ramp leading aboard, she turned to see Shane's solitary figure in the middle of the fog. For someone who could intimidate as well as look intimidating, she'd never seen a more welcoming sight.
"I'll see you soon."