by Ellie Hall
The next day, Eisley was exhausted, but she and her mother had to drive over an hour to get some supplies because there was talk of a tropical storm coming.
“We’ve been through plenty of winters up in New Jersey, but these tropical storms are nothing to sneeze at,” Diana warned.
Eisley wondered if Ford would be back. In fact, she wondered where he lived or if he was staying at the Sandy Shore Inn in town.
For most of the ride there, Diana asked questions about Ford. Ordinarily, Eisley would’ve been happy to answer, but felt a little awkward talking about her love life with her mother. She repeatedly tried to steer the conversation to ice cream, the dance party, and even canasta strategies. Finally, she said, “Mom, the traffic is picking up. I should concentrate on driving.”
Once they reached the store, her mother rattled off her list of supplies as they wandered through the aisles. “You know, I used to have three manual can openers. Should’ve saved them. If the power goes out, my electric one will be useless.”
“It looks like you parted with a lot of things when you moved.” Eisley was mostly relieved at that because back in New Jersey, her mother had saved everything.
“No, it’s all in a storage locker.”
“Mom, you’re paying to store stuff you’re never going to use again?”
“No, I’m joking. I wanted a fresh start. But I did photograph and digitally store all of the artwork you created over the years. Your awards and certificates. I wanted to preserve all of your achievements.”
The words fresh start and achievements echoed even as her mother continued to read her list and drop things in their cart. She didn’t want to think about how her achievements had basically stopped when she’d gone to college and it became clear Ford made a clean break from his old life, ending their friendship. As for her fresh start, she was still working on that.
It may have been the gathering clouds, but as they rolled back into Blue Bay Beach, she felt reflective, pensive. The estates lining Mansion Mile on one side of the street came into view. She wondered what life would’ve been like if she’d allowed herself to succeed instead of remaining locked in the mire of her repeated failures. It was like she was afraid to move on—she always had one foot in the past, as though waiting for Ford, and the other one waiting to grow up and get on with her life.
She blinked a few times as a familiar figure, dressed in a white T-shirt, got out of a Jeep and walked into the biggest mansion on the street.
Her stomach twisted. Her heart sank. She’d been wrong about Ford. Much had changed and clearly, he wasn’t the person she thought he was. As they continued on, a splinter drove itself deep, splitting her between sadness and anger. She felt like she might snap.
Chapter 10
Ford
The days away had been tough. With Ford’s new responsibilities, he had transitioned to the reserves in the Marines, but he still had a few items to square away, sending him to Lejeune for the week. Plus, he had a meeting with the lawyers to finalize some items with his inheritance and the custody of Coco.
When he got home, he was thrilled to see his little girl light up when she recognized his face. He gave her a big hug and presented a teddy bear dressed in a uniform that matched the one he’d worn during the ceremony honoring some of his fellow Marines, which he’d also attended while away.
After dinner, father and daughter took a walk on the beach. Thunder cracked in the distance and Coco jumped with fright. He took her in his arms and told her a story about how God sure enjoyed a good game of bowling—it was the same story he remembered his father told him before everything had changed. It was likely his earliest memory. Ford’s voice seemed to soothe his daughter, but they returned to the house, safe from the incoming weather.
After getting Coco settled in and reading her a story, he clicked off the light and said, “I love you Coco-bear.” The nickname had come to him as easily as telling her he loved her, kissing her boo-boos, and even getting on the floor and playing with blocks and her other toys.
He wasn’t sure how he’d adapt to fatherhood. So far, he was managing, plus his recent windfall afforded him the ability to hire help. But it was all so new and he still had a ways to go as he found his footing.
After letting the nanny know he was going to step out, but that he’d be back in under an hour in case Coco woke up from the thunder, he took his Jeep across town.
The wind had picked up and the palm fronds jittered and rustled above. It was his first tropical storm in Blue Bay Beach, but he’d been through others elsewhere and wanted to make sure Eisley and her mother had everything they needed. Also, he wanted an excuse to see her.
He’d confessed his love. They’d kissed. The memory filled him with warmth and anticipation of doing it again. His skin hummed as he cruised through the sleepy town, well after sunset. He envisioned a future with Eisley, but first, he had to figure out a way to tell her about Coco and his inheritance.
The light from the television flashed through the window as he knocked on the door of Four Pelican Lane.
Mrs. Higgins opened the door, greeting him with excitement. “You know, you never used to knock. Come right in, Ford.”
“Well, I’m not a punk teenager anymore,” he joked. “I’ve learned some manners, ma’am.”
She looked him up and down. “No, you certainly are not a punk teenager and no need to call me ma’am. Makes me feel old.” She giggled.
Eisley entered from the kitchen, wearing an apron. Her eyes didn’t sparkle. In fact, a frown drew her lips down.
He thought she’d be happy to see him, at least as happy as Mrs. Higgins was.
“I got back earlier today,” he said. “Thought I’d say hi and check on you ladies. Make sure you’re ready for the storm.”
If he wasn’t mistaken, Eisley scowled.
“The forecasters have us on a hurricane watch and they’re predicting they’ll upgrade it to a warning overnight.” Mrs. Higgins watched the television intently.
“Well, you ought to batten down the hatches, close the storm shutters, and such,” he suggested.
“We got supplies today,” Mrs. Higgins said.
“Did you take everything in from outside? Anything that could blow through a window?” he asked.
“Yup,” Eisley responded curtly.
“Mavis told me that three years ago, a car somehow ended up on the roof of one of the mansions on the way into town.” Mrs. Higgins shook her head.
“Maybe they’ll wash away in the storm,” Eisley muttered.
Ford’s brow furrowed.
“What do you have against the mansions?” Mrs. Higgins asked. Without waiting for her daughter’s reply, she said, “Back when we were in Jersey, I used to think I’d like to live in a house like that.”
“House?” said Eisley sharply.
“House. Mansion, whatever. But can you imagine having to keep up with the housework? It would take a week to get it done and by then you’d have to start all over.” Mrs. Higgins chuckled.
“Mom, I’m pretty sure the residents of those mansions hire housekeepers.” She cut a glare at Ford. “And I’m pretty sure the residents of those kinds of places aren’t exactly honest.” But she said the last part low as though only intended for Ford to hear. No matter, it flew over Mrs. Higgins’s head as a meteorologist warned viewers about the dangers of storms and precautions to take afterward.
When Ford and Eisley had professed their love, surely, she didn’t think he’d expect her to cook and clean for him or act as a housekeeper. Was that what was upsetting her? If anything, he wanted to do that for her.
While he was gone, he’d had plenty of time to think about the future and his new fortune. He’d decided that he would do whatever he could to provide for Coco and Eisley. He’d be able to send his daughter to college and fix whatever financial trouble Eisley found herself in—whatever had sent her to live with her mother again. He certainly wasn’t overly interested in using the money for himself. He coul
d help veterans, families caught in natural disasters, and even provide for his grandkids and great grandkids.
Lost in his thoughts, Mrs. Higgins’s voice brought him back to the present.
“With the storm coming in you’re welcome to stay, Ford,” she offered.
“I’m sure he has plenty of space and doesn’t need to be in this cramped little beach shack,” Eisley said.
“Eisley, I’m very proud of this cottage. I thought you liked it too,” Mrs. Higgins’s expression creased.
Her daughter rolled her eyes.
Maybe they’d been arguing before he’d arrived.
“The couch is a bit on the small side for you, but it’s better than being out in the storm,” Mrs. Higgins said.
Did she think he and his daughter, assuming she knew about Coco, lived in his Jeep? It dawned on him that Eisley didn’t know where he lived because he hadn’t told her because he was scared. Because beneath all his brawn there were parts of him that were still a little boy.
Without so much as another word, Eisley returned to the kitchen.
“That’s awfully kind of you, but I should probably get going.” Ford tipped his chin in goodbye, figuring they needed some space.
Mrs. Higgins leaned close to him. “All week she’s been on cloud nine and then this afternoon she’s been in quite the mood. I told her not to make more ice cream in case the power goes out, but she won’t stop. She’s been at it for hours. Mixing up batches of bittersweet chocolate, banana, mint, curry, or something.” She wrinkled her nose. “I told her that I’m not taste testing that flavor.”
A deep furrow formed across Ford’s brow.
“I think it’s this weather. She’s not used to the pressure changes. Let it blow over and she’ll probably be as good as new. Then she’ll wonder what the heck she was concocting in there.”
With a glance at Eisley’s back and with Mrs. Higgins’s chuckle, Ford swept into the night. The wind picked up even more and jostled the Jeep as he returned to the sprawling stucco mega-mansion with alcoves, balconies, and even a turret. As he entered through the double front door, he realized he should’ve invited them to his place—it was fortified for storms and probably more comfortable. But he sensed Eisley’s disdain so maybe it was better to wait to tell her until after things blew over.
He turned on the news to track the storm and sure enough, the wind started to howl. Rain pelted the windows and he kept an ear out for Coco in case it woke her up. Meteorologists predicted the worst of the storm was south of them, but they’d still have damaging wind and rain.
Ford started to doze when a loud banging came from somewhere in the house. He woke with a start and adrenaline rushed through him. His mind put him on alert and his body went into fight-mode. He listened and the banging was more of a knocking sound. He told himself he wasn’t under attack. The baby monitor screen showed that Coco was fast asleep.
The knocking came from the front door.
Even though he wasn’t in enemy territory, he braced himself as he answered.
To his surprise, Eisley stood there, sopping wet. Her hair hung to her shoulders and her eye makeup was smudged, but the scowl she wore suggested it wasn’t because of the weather.
“Hi?” he said, uncertain and stepped back to let her in.
Her hands flew to her hips as she looked around. “Up until earlier today, I toyed with the idea of us—you and me. Of staying in Blue Bay Beach. But at the rate I’m going in life, I may soon have to apply for a second job as a maid. Are you hiring? Or should I ask your secret girlfriend about your secret life? Or am I a secret girlfriend?” She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted. “Does the invitation still stand?”
“Shh. Eisley, what is going on? What do you mean does the invitation still stand?”
She walked in a circle, dripping water all over the foyer.
“So, what’s life like on Egret Ave?”
He shrugged. “How would I know? That’s over by your mother’s cottage. I think if you go down Spoonbill, take a left on Piper, then two streets down past Skimmer. By the way, you ought to be proud of your mother, saving up and buying a place of her own,” he said, referring to her comment when he’d stopped by to be sure they were ready for the storm.
“Oh yeah? And how about you? Do you have a live-in arrangement or is this a temporary stopover? What do you do, Ford, whisk into women’s lives, sweep them off their feet, drive them around in convertibles, and then disappear?” Tears flooded her eyes.
The thought of her being so upset was like a punch in the chest, but he didn’t understand why. He wasn’t sure what to say or do, but his silence seemed to fan the fire of her fury.
“Where is she, Ford?” Eisley stalked toward the light coming from the living room.
She repeated, “Does the invitation stand? Huh? I’m sure you’ll love to hear about our little moment on the beach—” She was shouting, hysterical.
Before she woke Coco, Ford reached for her arm and spun her toward him.
They stood there as though frozen in the eye of the storm. Their gazes met and it was as though the wind sucked all the air from the room. Even upset, her lips were so perfectly kissable. He brushed the wet hair from her face. She seemed to lift onto her toes, but then thunder cracked and lightning lit up the room. Ford blinked a few times as Eisley dropped back with what almost sounded like a growl. He’d never seen her so angry and emotional.
“Eisley,” he was about to try to talk sense into her when a loud cry echoed through the house.
She blanched.
Ford gave her arm a gentle squeeze then hurried up the stairs to his daughter.
A few minutes later he returned to find Eisley in the living room, staring at the baby monitor. He was relieved he was able to soothe Coco and that she’d fallen right back to sleep.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Eisley’s shoulders sagged, but the hint of a smile played on her lips.
Chapter 11
Eisley
Ford had a baby, well, a toddler. Eisley wasn’t sure how old the child was. Where was the mother? He said he’d divorced. She couldn’t be upset about it, maybe a bit annoyed he hadn’t told her and she was desperate for the full story, but she wasn’t able to find it in herself to be angry any longer at the man who so tenderly soothed the little girl. He probably hadn’t realized she was paying attention to the baby monitor, but he sang her a lullaby and rubbed her back until she’d dozed back off. It was beautiful. She’d never seen that side of him.
Eisley and Ford stood in the living room as the television reported updates on the storm. Ford clicked the button on the remote to turn it off. “Please sit down. I can explain.” He balanced his elbows on his knees and leaned forward then let out a long exhale. “I should’ve explained sooner.”
Eisley lowered onto the white sectional sofa in the vast living room. A wall of storm shutters was on one side. They must’ve opened to windows or glass doors with a vista of the ocean. The mega-mansion was professionally decorated and lacked the lived-in feel, but it was tasteful. She felt like she was at a vacation resort.
Unlike her mother, she’d have lived there if she could afford it—especially after renting so many crumby apartments with roommates over the years.
“Ford, first, I want to apologize for barging in here and acting crazy.” She went on to explain how she’d seen him enter the mansion and immediately thought he was seeing someone. “But I have to ask outright, are you seeing someone?”
“Only you, Eisley. I have to admit that it was a bit crazy.” Amusement played on his lips. “But I also won’t lie. It’s kind of flattering that you’d be so upset by the mere idea of me seeing whatever her name was from Egret Ave. It does wonders for my ego.”
“It seems your ego is doing just fine without my assistance.”
“Well, it’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone.”
“Then explain the little girl upstairs,” Eisley said.
“First, I have somethi
ng to say to you. Don’t rush out into a storm like that again. It was dangerous and something could’ve happened to you. Flying debris, coconuts dropping from trees, and rogue waves have been known to wash over the road. I couldn’t bear anything happening to you, Eisley.”
She bit the side of her lip. “Hearing that you care does wonders for my ego too.”
“Of course I care. I meant what I said the other night...” He hesitated.
“If this is going to work, we can’t keep secrets from each other.”
“We never did.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me about your daughter? You used to say you never wanted to have kids.”
“Eisley, I was sixteen and I had no idea I had a kid until last month.”
Her mouth fell open and she had the sense it formed a perfect O.
“Remember I mentioned that Tina divorced me? She left the papers on the kitchen table. Well, it turns out she was pregnant and had met some wealthy guy or something. Apparently, she wanted to make like it was his kid so he’d support her.” Anger carved itself across Ford’s face.
“Why would she do that?”
“I’m just a Marine. She wanted more, I guess.”
“Just a Marine?” She looked around the space. “Marines are amazing, first of all. Heroes, in fact. Second, you seem to be a wealthy Marine yourself.”
“Back to Tina. So she had the baby and was with the new guy, claiming he was the dad. But the baby looked nothing like him so, over time, he started to get suspicious. Their relationship was on the rocks and he demanded a paternity test. At the same time, she had left the baby with her parents. While they were waiting for the results, Tina overdosed on pain medication.”
“Was she sick?” Eisley asked.
“She had a substance abuse problem.”