Second Chance Christmas--A Clean Romance

by Rula Sinara

“Wait. I’m not sure. How big is this place?” Zuri didn’t want them getting lost or kidnapped or something. Yes, she was a worrier, but Caden was her responsibility and, for the day, so was Sara. If anything happened to her, Melanie would never forgive them.

  “Not big enough to lose them. It’s fine. They can text us or call if they can’t find us.”

  “Caden doesn’t have a cell phone.”

  Her nephew made a face that had “whose fault is that” written all over it. Damon’s expression was almost identical.

  “Really? Isn’t he old enough?”

  “Yeah, Aunt Zuri. Aren’t I old enough?”

  “We’re not getting into this now,” Zuri said.

  “I have mine on me.” Sara held up her phone as proof, then tucked it back in her pocket.

  “Fine.” Zuri wanted them to have fun and she was feeling put on the spot and like a stick-in-the-mud. “Go on. Just stay in touch. I don’t want to have to call search and rescue.”

  “He is search and rescue,” Caden said, waving his hand at Damon.

  Zuri rolled her eyes as they went off. He had her there. The kid was getting cheeky. She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or bad. Was he getting bolder just because of age or because of Sara or was this defiance stemming from the trauma of losing his mother?

  “I didn’t mean to overstep. I know you’re not used to me being around,” Damon said, “but a little independence is good for him. And seriously, no phone?”

  They started walking past the exhibits and stopping at each one to look at the marine life, both real and modeled.

  “Vera had told him he could have one when he turned thirteen. I’m honoring that. And for the record, I give him independence.”

  “You sure about that? The Zuri Habib I knew liked to make sure everyone was taken care of. That’s what made you the best tutor I ever had. You sure you don’t coddle him? And I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s just you seem very protective, and rightfully so, especially given the circumstances.”

  He thought she was his best tutor and caring?

  “I don’t coddle.” She pursed her lips and sighed. “Okay, maybe a little, but like you said, with good reason.”

  “He’s stronger than you think he is.”

  “You don’t know him well enough to say that.”

  “Zuri, you don’t always have to know someone a long time to get them. Sometimes people just connect and understand one another, like you and I did in high school. Before I proved I was a mindless jerk,” he quickly interjected. “Plus, I studied a lot of psychology and learned how to read people as a matter of strategy and survival in the navy.”

  “Were you an interrogator?”

  “No. At least not as my main duty, but everyone had some cross-training. Let’s just say I pay attention to details in human behavior and leave it at that. But I must say, the phone thing...that’s gotta be tough. I mean, I agree there has to be limits, but it can also be a way to keep him connected to friends.”

  They passed an exhibit full of turtles and another with jellyfish.

  “Damon.” Zuri lowered her voice so that other visitors wouldn’t overhear. “He gets depressed as it is. Have you read the studies on how social media increases the risk of depression and suicide in children? Once they have a phone, that’s it. I know there are parent spy programs and tracking and whatnot, but the reality is that it becomes harder and harder to control what they get into. He’s a smart kid. Vera wanted him to focus on schoolwork, not social media.”

  “There are plenty of ways to keep an eye on things. Ground rules. But you have to consider safety. Having a phone on him means being able to call for help when needed. What if you’re late picking him up from school or somewhere? Or there’s an emergency at the school like a shooting or tornado? Times have changed. I live in a small town, but even Turtleback Beach has its dangers. I’ve been out there in the world. I’ve seen things firsthand most people can’t imagine. So, I guess I’m just seeing the phone thing from a different angle.”

  Maybe he was right. There were times when she got caught in traffic between the lab and the school and he had to wait on her. Her anxiety always shot up, wondering if he was all right. But the factors she was worried about were valid, as well.

  “I’ll think about it. I hear what you’re saying. I just need to think about it.”

  “Fair enough,” Damon said.

  They walked through the exhibits, from a round pool of stingrays to one about wetlands, finally meeting up with the kids at the one about sea turtle conservation. She remembered Damon warning Caden not to take Duck in the areas marked off on the beach. Melanie had also explained that the area was a known sea turtle breeding ground due to their migration route.

  “Sea turtles are my favorite animal,” Sara said. “What’s yours?”

  Caden’s forehead wrinkled up.

  “I don’t know. Dogs, I guess. Yeah, Dogs. The animals here are cool, but you can’t hug a shark or turtle or have one sleep at the foot of your bed.”

  “I can see that logic,” Damon said.

  “Maybe, one of these days, kiddo.” Zuri might eventually give in. She wasn’t making promises though. And it would have to be a small dog that didn’t bite. No giants like Duck, although she had to admit, once she got past the fear of Duck jumping on her, she could see how cuddly Duck was. “These sea turtles...are these the kind that hatch down on the beach? The nests you pointed out and told us to be careful with?”

  “There isn’t just one kind. We get nests laid by loggerheads, leatherbacks, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley and others, but those are the most common. The Outer Banks are right along their annual migration path as they head north. They usually lay May through August, then when the eggs hatch, the babies make their way into the ocean guided by the light of the moon reflecting off the water. The problem is that artificial lights from towns along the shores can confuse them and if they head in the wrong direction, they risk getting eaten by a predator before they make it to water safely,” Damon said.

  “I was visiting my grandma over the summer once and saw some hatch. They were the cutest things I’ve ever seen. I’ve been in love with them ever since,” Sara declared.

  “They are cute,” Caden admitted.

  “I want to show you all another place in town, so when you’ve seen everything here let us know,” Damon said. Us. The word made it sound like they were together. Like they were parents.

  “Can we go to the gift shop first?” Caden asked.

  “Sure. Go look and then we’ll head to the car,” Zuri said.

  She browsed, too, but didn’t plan on getting anything. Damon fiddled with some gadgets they had and spent some time looking at a telescope. The place was overpriced, as most gift shops were, but it was fun to look. They had every kind of stuffed animal you could think of, books, mugs and more. Caden came over and whispered in her ear. Zuri looked over to where Sara was looking through a bin with semiprecious stones, then at the stuffed animals.

  “Okay. Which one? Point it out subtly and I’ll get it.” He did exactly what she said then returned to Sara. In the meantime, Zuri purchased the item he said he wanted to give to Sara for Christmas and tucked it deep in its bag so that the girl wouldn’t see it. It was a super sweet gesture. Maybe the kid was going to be okay after all.

  They headed to the car and within minutes they were driving through a picturesque town. Manteo was quaint, like Turtleback, but in a different way. The houses and shops had a seaside village flair, but were pristine looking, rather than weathered, since the town lay on the more protected sound side of the Outer Banks. There was obviously more tourist money that went into the local economy here. Everything was neat and inviting, from the town’s iron clock standing on its pedestal to the boats anchored side by side in the marina. The sun was beginning to set. Damon parked again and they all got out.
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br />   “If it was summer, I’d take you to see this outdoor play they do here called The Lost Colony and there’s a festival where you can watch blacksmiths at work and such. A bunch of historical reenactments. But that’ll have to be another time. For now, you’ve got to see this. You kids will love it. Follow me,” Damon said, laying his hand gently on Zuri’s back to keep her close, as a group of people passed by.

  She recalled Caden’s words. He is search and rescue. She liked that Damon was protective. He guided her to the other side of the street, Caden and Sara close beside them, and didn’t break contact until they’d crossed. Her back felt cold when he did. She liked his arm around her and imagined what it would be like walking hand in hand with him. Stop. You can’t go thinking like that. It’ll just get you in trouble.

  They passed more stores and holiday shoppers trying to tick off their lists before going home from work.

  “We can stop for dinner before heading back, if you guys are hungry, or we can just get snacks. But first, over there. See that ship? It’s a replica of the Elizabeth II, a sixteenth-century ship. I think we made it in time before tours close,” Damon said.

  A brown ship with a blue stripe running its length and white stripes near the bow was anchored close enough to land for folks to board it.

  “You mean we can go on it?” Caden asked, his voice cracking in his excitement. He heard the crack and cleared his throat. The poor kid looked confused for a second. Voice changes. He’s growing up. The boy was self-conscious as it was. She hoped this wasn’t going to be a new problem.

  “If we hurry.”

  “Way cool!”

  “I’ve been on it once. It really is neat,” Sara said, jogging ahead with him. Zuri waited until they were a good five yards away.

  “Today has been great. More than great, Damon. Thank you for all of it. I mean, I’ve loved it, but I don’t think that comes close to how much Caden has. It has been a long time since I’ve seen him letting loose,” Zuri said, walking alongside Damon as they watched the kids run along.

  Damon put his hands in his pockets and nodded with a bit of swagger that was incredibly attractive. She didn’t want to be attracted to him. Part of her wanted to blare warning sirens but another part, her gut, wanted to take a chance again. Risk it. Let her guard down. She swallowed hard and increased the distance between them by at least a few inches. He glanced her way and she almost missed the twinge of his brow. He’d noticed. The town’s Christmas lights came on and the place was turned into an instant wonderland. Even the ship lit up.

  “I’ve enjoyed the day myself. Been here plenty of times, but I’ve never taken it in like today.”

  He looked at her again but he didn’t smile. Instead, his eyes and lips softened with a sincerity that nearly stole her breath. Was he trying to tell her that he liked spending time with her? No. No way. She was reading into things again. She felt it—the signals and energy between them—but she had to be misinterpreting it all. You’re not his type.

  “It’s really beautiful here,” she said, not knowing what else to say.

  “I agree.” He was still glancing over at her every few seconds.

  “Aunt Zuri, are you going on it? Can we go?” Caden called back at them.

  “Yes. Wait up,” Zuri said.

  She and Damon picked up their pace and greeted the man who welcomed tourists onboard. He was dressed as though he was still in the sixteenth century and kept in character, too.

  “No need to wait on us. You two explore,” Damon said. He held out his hand to help Zuri onto the deck, then let go.

  The ship was incredible. Caden and Sara had to be having a blast. It was like walking into a reenactment. The crew were in costume. The rooms below deck were set up as if they’d traveled back in time, from the hourglass, globe and time pieces on the small desk near a cot, to the ropes and supply bins and iron tools.

  Caden and Sara checked out every nook and cranny, and Damon took the time to explain some of the history to them. The guy knew his maritime history. She was impressed and loved the way the kids, particularly Caden, really listened to him. Damon had a knack for making whatever he was talking about sound mesmerizing. He was a good storyteller. Some of Zuri’s favorite teachers had been that way.

  The kids could have probably spent another thirty minutes on board, but the tours were shutting down for the night and they needed to feed the kids or at least get them something to tide them over for dinner at Melanie’s.

  “Why don’t we just get a treat and head back. I don’t want to stop for dinner if Melanie’s gone out of her way to cook,” Zuri said.

  Damon glanced at his watch.

  “I agree. That wouldn’t be nice to her, but I’m guessing you kids are starving. How about some soft pretzels or kettle corn? You can eat in the car. Just don’t make a mess,” Damon said.

  “Yes, please,” Sara said.

  “Sounds good to me. This place was fun,” Caden added. The kid was softening up around his dad. This was good.

  “You should thank him for bringing us here and for planning such a fun day,” Zuri reminded.

  “Thanks, Mr. Woods,” Sara said, giving him a shy smile.

  Caden dug the toe of his sneaker in the ground and stuffed his hands in his jeans.

  “Yeah, thanks... Dad.”

  Zuri’s heart nearly stopped and Sara’s lips parted, but she quickly sealed them. Something shifted in Damon’s face.

  Caden had called him Dad.

  * * *

  HE HAD BEEN in Turtleback Beach for four days now and was sort of starting to like it. The truth was that he wasn’t sure if he liked the town itself or hanging out with Sara. It mattered because she didn’t live here all year. He still wasn’t sure if his aunt was going to keep her promise and not leave him. A part of him didn’t care so much anymore. He hadn’t expected the word Dad to leave his mouth yesterday, but it just came out. And it felt okay. Better than okay. It felt good to be able to call someone that.

  His dad was turning out to be all right. Sure, Caden knew he was cool and superhero-like when he first saw him, but now he knew that the guy was actually nice. They had fun yesterday. And his dad had been cool about letting him look around with Sara instead of asking them to stick next to the grown-ups like toddlers. His aunt wouldn’t have, had it been up to her. His dad even seemed surprised that he didn’t have a cell phone. Another point for him.

  Caden was beginning to think that maybe quitting school in Boston and coming to live here wouldn’t be so bad. It would be better than dealing with kids he hated up there or being in his house where everything he looked at reminded him that his mom was dead.

  But you want to be close to her grave, don’t you? You don’t want to forget her, do you?

  He was being a terrible person again. Betraying his mother. What kind of human being would leave their mom behind, even in her grave, and actually start to like being around a parent he barely knew, who’d never been around in his life? What kind of loyalty was that? Dogs were more loyal than he was. Braver, too. Maybe he needed to take a few lessons from Duck and Laddie.

  He trudged through the sand, trailing a few yards behind Sara as they collected sea glass and shells. What was he thinking? He’d make a terrible dog. He wasn’t athletic—or apparently loyal—enough.

  Sara wasn’t saying much. He wasn’t sure if that made him nervous—like, maybe she was getting bored with him because he was a boring person—or if he was relieved. He didn’t really feel like talking. Yesterday had been super fun, but it sort of left him feeling drained and depleted, too. It made no sense, but he wasn’t good at making sense of anything lately. Sara had pulled him aside to ask about Damon being his father, but she didn’t press for details when his only answer was “yeah.” How could he answer questions when the whole thing was new to him?

  He picked up a sand dollar, but it was broken at th
e tip, so he tossed it as far as he could into the surf. And what was with the way his dad and aunt kept looking at each other and brushing up against each other? His aunt and his dad? Maybe he was imagining things.

  “Hey, Caden, look. A conch shell. I don’t see these that often. I think there are too many people shell hunting in the summer, but this time of year is great.” She held the conch up to her ear and smiled. “Try it.”

  Caden took the shell and pressed it to the side of his head. He’d never done it before, though he’d heard about it plenty. He could hear the swooshing sound that he figured everyone talked about. Sure, it sounded like waves. But he could hear the real waves to the left of him, so he wasn’t sure why listening to a shell was such a big deal. He handed the conch back.

  “Don’t you think it’s cool?” Sara asked.

  “I guess.”

  “You don’t sound like you think it is.”

  “We’ve got the ocean right here.”

  “But for people who don’t, they can hear it in a conch. It’s like, if this shell left this beach and was taken to some city, it would be taking the sounds of the ocean with it and sharing it,” Sara said.

  “It’s not really though. You know that, don’t you? It’s just physics. The shape of it makes air or any sound waves bounce around and sound louder. It’s an amplifier. It’s not really the sound of the ocean itself.”

  Sara’s smile disappeared and she dropped the shell back where she’d found it. Caden wanted to die. He’d let the nerd in him surface. He had been trying so hard to not be “that kid” since yesterday. Sara always looked so impressed with Damon and was totally into the kind of dude Chase Falcon was in the book series. Caden wasn’t sure why, but he just really wanted to be a little bit like that. Especially around her.

  “You’re just being salty,” she said.

  “What? Salty?”

  “Yeah. Like the ocean. As opposed to sweet.”

  “I’m not salty. Look, I’m sorry. You like the shell, take it.”

  “No. You ruined it for me.”