The Carrier (The Carrier Series Book 1)

by Diana Ryan

  He pulsed his eyebrows but said nothing as we pulled away from my house and drove down Minnesota Avenue towards Oak Street. I was proud of Nolan for learning the local back roads so quickly. He’d be a true native in no time. But then a thought hit me.

  “Hey, what’s today’s date?”

  “It’s June 30th, I think.”

  “Oh my gosh. I can’t believe it’s almost July! Do you have any plans for The Fourth? They usually take a boat out on the Upper Dells to watch the fireworks. Then they beach it and build a big bonfire for the rest of the night. It’s a pretty cool party.”

  He smiled while keeping his eyes on the road but then said nothing for a few seconds, and I thought perhaps I had jumped the gun. Did he not want to plan something with me a few days into the future? A small panic stirred up in my stomach, until he said, “There is nothing I’d rather do that day than be by your side.” He moved a hand over and placed it gently on my leg. The panic in my stomach was easily pushed aside as some lovely butterflies of excitement took over.

  We had arrived on the top of a hill behind the popular Pirate’s Cove mini-golf course. Within seconds I realized we weren’t golfing and I could not control my excitement. My jaw dropped to the floor. “Oh my gosh! I’ve always wanted to do this!” How did he know?

  We both got out of the car and met at the ticket booth. Nolan told the attendant, “Hi, I’m Nolan Hill. I called ahead.”

  I looked at the price chart and realized he was spending a pretty penny on me. I suddenly felt a little guilty and offered to pay for my own fifty-dollar ticket.

  Nolan pushed my hand aside and said, “You simply are adorable, but absolutely not.”

  I couldn’t argue with those eyes, so I quietly put my credit card back into my purse and waited patiently as he paid the hundred dollars with cash. Soon, a man in a pilot’s shirt, much like the ones we wore to work at the boats, led us to the landing pad behind the booth. Sitting up on top of a small hill on a square of concrete was a helicopter. Its propellers were already in motion and the sound was so loud I covered my ears with my hands. I had always wanted to take a helicopter ride over the city but never got around to it, so I was very excited to take this trip and to be able to sit right next to Nolan while I experienced it!

  They buckled us in tightly and handed us headphones with little microphones attached so we could communicate with each other while in the air.

  We took off and flew east toward my parents’ neighborhood. Instantly I realized Nolan was nervous. He had his eyes closed, taking deep breaths with his head leaning back against the headrest. Of course, he was afraid of heights. And yet he knew I would love this and took me up here anyway. What a sweetheart.

  I grabbed his hand and squeezed tightly, placing my other hand on top. “Thank you,” I whispered, not knowing if he could hear me through the microphone.

  A few minutes into the trip I saw Nolan relax a little. I peered out the window and quickly found the railroad bridge and bustling Broadway. We flew over my elementary school, the Catholic church, post office, and community pool. We followed Minnesota Avenue past the library. Nolan pointed out his window saying he could see my house and Animal Island, so I leaned over, pressing into him as I looked. It was such a great new perspective from up above, seeing everything I was so familiar with in a completely different way. I could see my mom’s vegetable garden that takes up the second lot adjacent to our house. I could see all the way down Capital Street to Ted’s house. I thought for a moment I could even see Mr. Kitty lounging in the front lawn.

  Then the pilot changed directions and headed down River Road until we met the river. Nolan spotted the place I had brought him on our first date and pulled me back over to his window. He kissed my forehead as we relived the magical night from a few days ago.

  I imagined myself as an eagle stretching my wings and soaring over that handsome brown channel. The towering stone cliffs looked a little less impressive from above, but I still was amazed by the beauty of the sight. I noticed a tour boat making its way downriver, but couldn’t quite tell which one it was from above. There were many tour Ducks, one after another, slowly swimming their way downriver, indicating great crowds for that attraction today. We finally made it back to the docks where I could see a tour boat being loaded. Tiny little heads made their way down the loading stairs and onto the dock. There were several gates open on the dam, and it was interesting to see the water rush in from above the dam through the gates and then crash down into the Lower Dells.

  The helicopter tour ended more quickly than I wanted it to. We landed back on the hill, the crew unbuckled us, and we jumped down from the helicopter. We thanked our pilot, I gave him a tip, and then Nolan grabbed my hand and walked me over to a field behind the landing pad. On top of the hill, the view was almost as gorgeous as it was from the sky.

  “That was amazing,” he commented.

  We stood looking over the Lower Dells docks. “I completely agree. It was so cool for me to see my town from up above. It was perfect. Thank you so much, Nolan.”

  “You’re more than welcome.”

  I looked back over the city, but soon felt Nolan’s stare on my face. “A penny for your thoughts?” I said.

  “Oh, I was just wondering what I ever did to gain the attention of such a wonderful woman.”

  I think I blushed three shades of red.

  “Anyway, are you ready for our next destination?”

  “Absolutely!”

  Nolan had sought Suzanne’s advice on the best beaches on the river and she had raved about her favorite spot called Birchwood Beach on the Upper Dells. We drove down the scenic and winding River Road and parked in a gravel parking lot. To my surprise, he opened up the trunk and took out a blanket and picnic basket! We walked up a dirt pathway through a prairie bursting with wild flowers and into the woods. I had taken the pathway a few times with my sister before, but I had forgotten how long of a walk it was.

  We walked holding hands and talked about our futures. He asked me why I wanted to be a teacher and what grade I wanted to teach. I spoke for a long time about the experiences I’ve had working with children and my hopes for the future. Even though it was painful, I felt comfortable enough confiding in him the challenges I suffered through last year.

  “Ava, you know I think you are going to be an excellent teacher. You are so understanding, patient, and so easy to listen to. I know your students are going to love learning from you.”

  “Thank you.” I squeezed his hand. “That really means a lot to me.”

  “And don’t worry about your academic probation. Sometimes life hands us challenges, but overcoming them makes us feel that much more proud of our accomplishments.”

  I nodded my head and smiled sweetly at him. It sounded a bit cheesy, yes, but it was exactly what I needed to hear. He was right. Most of the summer I had wondered if I could actually become a teacher and Nolan seemed to believe that I could.

  I realized I didn’t know much about Nolan’s plans for the next few years of his life, so I asked him what his hopes and dreams for his future were, but he seemed to not be as driven as I was. He mentioned wanting to go to college, but hadn’t applied to any yet.

  “But I thought you just graduated? Why didn’t you choose a college yet?”

  “I graduated a year ago but spent this last year helping my parents out in their online business. I want to go to college someday, but I’m just not sure I’m ready yet.” Nolan looked down at the ground, and for the first time since I met him, I thought I spotted a hint of embarrassment in his face. I didn’t quite understand what he meant by that comment. College is a time to grow and change and really explore who you want to be. How could someone not be ready for that?

  As he continued, it soon became clear to me that he really wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life yet. He was talking in circles, mentioning he wanted to study law or perhaps spend a year or two in Africa with the Peace Corps.

  It was a definite turnoff
. I always thought I’d end up with someone who was as driven and goal-oriented as I was in my life.

  I decided to drop it for now. We were both young, and although I had known for many years what I wanted to do with my life, there were plenty of people who take many years to decide. Plus, I wasn’t ready to break up with him today over his life choices. I craved the way he made me feel when I was with him. He was like a drug I wanted more and more of. Maybe I could lead him in the right direction later on.

  We emerged from the forest and were standing on top of a steep hill. Right below us was a sandy beach void of any other humans. We scaled down the rocky pathway and found a spot in the sunshine to lay a blanket down. Nolan had packed a delicious lunch, complete with ham and cheese sandwiches, red grapes, Doritos, and my favorite soda, Fresca.

  “This is wonderful!” I told him as he fed me a grape.

  While we ate, we watched the waves roll into the beach, tourists drift by on their pontoons, and a group of drunk and very loud college kids float downriver in a chain of black inner tubes. Besides the distractions in front of us, our conversations continued and were meaningful and insightful all at once.

  “Tell me more about your family. You said your dad was doing some research into your family’s history?” Nolan seemed honestly interested, and I was happy to share.

  I told him what I knew about the Gardners—that we have been living in the Dells for more than a hundred years and that most of each generation’s males were farmers. “My father, in fact, was the first male in many generations that did not take up farming.”

  “Interesting. You know, you should be very grateful that your family has taken the time to collect those documents and pictures because my family doesn’t know much at all about our history.”

  “Really? That’s a shame. Maybe someday you could do your own family research.” He nodded in agreement. “I was just looking at some old photos with my father and found a picture of a special rock from 100 years ago that my family still has! Can you believe that?”

  “Really? That’s so neat,” he replied truthfully.

  The sun was rising high in the sky and we were getting pretty hot so we decided to wade in the cool water. I walked out as far as I could until the water was up to my mid-thigh. The soft sand beneath my feet felt heavenly. I dipped my hands and arms into the water as well. “You should have told me to bring a suit. I love swimming!”

  He was about to reply when an Upper Dells tour boat came cruising around the corner. I could recognize the voice of the guide in a heartbeat. It was Laura!

  “Hey! It’s my sister! Hi, Laura!” I jumped and yelled and waved from the shore.

  Nolan joined me waving and screaming, “Hey!”

  Laura noticed us over on the beach and we heard her announce, “Off to your right, you can see my big sister and her boyfriend enjoying this beautiful scenery. Let’s all wave to them!”

  My boyfriend? My heart skipped a beat. Yes. I guess he was my boyfriend.

  I smiled as wide as the river until I realized what was about to happen. Laura’s boat driver, Phil, gunned the throttle. “Back up!” I frantically yelled. The boat’s wake was moving quickly towards us. We tried to shuffle back as fast as we could, but before we knew it, the wave splashed onto us, getting us wet up to our chests. We both stood there stunned and dripping as we heard Laura saying over the microphone, “Have fun, you two!” and then the boat headed off into The Narrows.

  And then we could do nothing but laugh. We laughed for a full minute before I saw the playful danger in his eyes. He smiled as he moved closer to me, arms out.

  “No! No!” I yelled, half screaming, half giggling. “Don’t do it!” I backed up towards the safety of the beach, but I was too slow. Nolan picked me up and gently slammed us both down into the warm water. We laughed and splashed together in the warm river water. My tank top stuck to my skin and made a nice bathing suit, but his T-shirt was a little too baggy and bulky in the water. He took it off and threw it on the beach. The sight of his muscular body sent warm shivers down my spine. His chest was smooth and muscular, and before I could think of any ramifications, I traced it with my trembling fingers. I couldn’t help myself. But I pulled my hand back quickly when I realized what I was doing and there were several seconds of awkwardness that followed.

  I turned away when I felt my face begin to flush. “Follow me,” I called cheerfully, and swam off toward the rocky cliffs.

  Nolan followed me to the sandstone tower, and we stood in river water up to our waists touching the soft rock. It was pinkish and cream-colored and broke easily in our hands. A glance around the side of the wall revealed a small alcove beyond a huge fallen boulder. Nolan followed me as I swam around the side of the cliff, and then we scaled a slippery boulder to enter the cave-like opening. It was a rock room with tall stone walls on three sides of us and the fallen rock blocking the entrance. Tall pine trees above us created a canopy of privacy.

  The water was deep in this little cave, and although I couldn’t touch the bottom, Nolan could. He sweetly picked me up by my hips, and I stopped treading water to put my legs around his waist. I looked deep into his eyes as I wrapped my arms around his back. He said nothing, but slowly kissed my lips. Soon the pace picked up, sending my heart beating wildly, and lighting a fire somewhere below my waist. He kissed me differently than I’d experienced with him before, caressing my hair and shoulders with his fingertips as the waves entering the cave bobbed us up and down in the soft water. It was our own little, incredibly romantic world. A small ray of sunshine had broken through the canopy of trees above us and shone down upon our heads as we kissed, the water sparkling around our wet bodies.

  “You’re so beautiful,” Nolan whispered as he kissed my cheek with tiny, soft pecks. I smiled and closed my eyes as he moved down my jawline, to the space right under my ear lobes and down the right side of my neck. Pleasant prickles soared through my body as he sensuously explored my skin. He kissed the hollow of my clavicle and then moved my tank top strap down and found the front of my shoulder with his lips. I brought his face back up to mine with a gentle lift underneath his jaw and enjoyed the intimacy of our slow, deliberate kisses. It was tantalizing, and my mind wandered to a scene where I would give myself entirely to him, but I had been raised a certain way and knew I couldn’t take it that far. It took everything I had inside me, but I pulled myself away from him with a breathy moan.

  “Stop,” I whined.

  “Is everything ok?” Nolan asked between heavy breaths.

  “Everything is more than okay.” I stroked his hair with my wet hand. “I’m just not ready to go there with you yet.”

  I searched his eyes for answers. Was it okay?

  “I understand completely. I’m sorry.”

  “No, it’s not your fault.”

  “No, I’m sorry for letting my emotions get the better of me.” He swam, leading me over to a boulder at the base of one wall, and set me down there. We were both still out of breath. Then he swam over and took a seat on a boulder near the other wall.

  “You really are the most wonderful woman. The best thing that’s happened to me in many years.”

  I melted. I thought guys usually got mad when their girlfriends denied them. But I felt the same way toward him. The exact same way.

  “Ditto.”

  We stared at each other for a few seconds, trying to slow our breathing. His eyes always said so much to me, and right now they were forgiving eyes. “We better get out of here and dry off on the beach,” I suggested.

  “You’re right,” he said with a flirtatious smile.

  We swam back around the wall and walked up onto the sand. Our blanket and things were still on the beach, seemingly untouched. Nolan bent down to inspect the bag he brought but was taking an awfully long time looking at the bottom.

  “Is everything in there?” I asked, a bit concerned. I craned my neck around. We were still alone.

  He took a second and then stopped looking in the
bag. “Yes, everything looks okay to me.” Then he closed up the bag and said, “Sorry, hon, but I hadn’t expected us to go swimming, so I didn’t bring any towels.”

  “Of course. No problem.”

  We laid out on the sand, allowing the rays of the sun to warm us from head to toe. Nolan held my hand as we stared off into the brilliant, cloudless sky.

  I wondered what I had done to deserve the attention of such a wonderful man as Nolan Hill.

  Chapter Twelve

  The next week was the Fourth of July. All guides knew that before we could party that night, we had to work through a day that was certain to be hell. First of all, the day was crazy busy, which was both good and bad. Yes, more people meant more guidebooks sold, but more people also brought more trips with less breaks. You really worked your butt off on the Fourth of July. And the quality of tourists took a steep nose dive from the normal crowd.

  I never figured out why, but probably more than three-fourths of the tourists on our boats on Independence Day were non-English-speaking tourists who would disregard simple onboard regulations like, “Stay seated while the boat is in motion,” or “Use the garbage can on the back of the boat.”

  Many of these foreign passengers also believed that since they were speaking a different language, English speakers must not be able to hear them, so they speak their exotic tongue as loudly as they darn well please and whenever they want—even while their talented tour guide was talking. Fourth of July tourists were rude, loud, and messy. I know this is stereotyping, but this was my fifth summer working for the boats on the Fourth, and all my research was pointing in the same direction.

  By my last tour, I was beat and had very little pep left in me. And it was on this final trip that a family with small children decided to simply move seats when their youngest puked all over the floor, leaving the mess for me to clean up when the passengers had exited the boat.

  When my shift was finally over, my hair looked like a bird’s nest, my shirt had sweat stains in the pits, and I felt like doing nothing but sleeping. Jack and I slowly took the steps up to street level and walked together to the parking lot. Nolan was waiting by my car. I told Jack I’d see him at the party, and then we parted ways. When I got closer to my car, I noticed Nolan was laughing at me.