Chapter Nine
The next morning, Leslie sat on a cushioned wicker couch on the screened-in porch, her feet resting on the coffee table, facing the ocean. A mug of coffee rested in her hand, steam rising from its freshly poured heat. Although she expected sunshine later in the day, right now the morning was overcast and drizzly. Perfect morning to relax on the porch and watch the waves. Better than any TV show or movie she knew of.
Marianne brought a tray of muffins and assorted danish and placed them on the serving table in the corner. She smiled her greeting. “Hungry?”
Leslie nodded. “In fact, I am. And those look delicious.”
She got up and went to the table, surveying her choices. She picked a decadent chocolate brownie-type muffin with huge chocolate chips poking out. “On what planet do we actually call this a breakfast item?” she chuckled. But she’d chosen it, so she was committed. She took it back to her seat. “I guess I’ll have to take an extra-long walk on the beach today and burn off calories.”
Marianne said, “Like you need to worry about that. You’re so petite.” She busied herself straightening the table, throwing away waste from the early morning coffee drinkers. To Leslie, it seemed a decent time to broach what could be an uncomfortable subject. Looking around to make sure they were alone, she spoke.
“Marianne, do you have a moment?”
“Absolutely.”
“I have something I want to talk to you about.”
Marianne nodded. “In that case, I’ll take this opportunity to sample one of these baked goods myself.” She selected a peach danish and joined Leslie on the couch.
Leslie took in a breath. “I hope I won’t upset you with this topic. But your dad told me about your brother Jeremy last night.”
Marianne’s eyes went wide, then narrowed, creases of confusion forming between her brows. “What? I mean, what did he tell you?”
Leslie understood the hesitancy and placed what she hoped was a reassuring hand on Marianne’s forearm. “I believe he told me the whole story, not leaving anything out. How Jeremy took over the family business with hopes of expansion and growth, but how he moved into illegal activity to cover bad decisions. And the consequences of those actions. And the punishment he’s serving now.”
As she spoke, Marianne went white and her eyes widened and glazed.
“And the fact that Jeremy’s going to be released soon.”
Marianne sat motionless. Then, “Wow. I don’t know what to say. Other than, you must be very special to my father. He’s never, and I mean never, spoken to anyone about this before. The fact that he told you all that personal family stuff must mean he trusts you, and thinks very highly of you.”
Her words floored Leslie. Of course she’d suspected this topic hadn’t come flowing from Hank’s lips easily. Being an old-fashioned man, she imagined he didn’t dig deep and speak of his problems or feelings often. But why had he chosen her to tell the story? And what did that mean to their future relationship? If there was one. A worm of apprehension crawled down her esophagus.
“I don’t know what to say to that.”
Marianne shook her head, came out of her fog. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to place a burden on you. Maybe you don’t realize how unusual it is for my dad to open up. And this subject of my brother has been a sore subject, and that’s putting it mildly, for almost a decade now. You have no idea how it has torn our family apart.”
Leslie looked into her coffee mug. “Actually, I think I do. He told me about your mom and her illness. And the loss of the insurance coverage.”
Marianne made a low whistle. She looked up at Leslie and studied her as if seeing her through new eyes. “You have no idea how huge this is. And as crazy as it sounds, I now have to ask you a very unorthodox question.”
Leslie raised her eyebrows.
“What are your intentions toward my father?”
They both broke into a chuckle. They ended and Marianne continued, “But seriously…”
Leslie shrugged. “He’s a very nice man. I enjoy spending time with him. But for God’s sake, I’ve known him, what, a week? And things aren’t exactly peachy in my own life. I’m here in Pawleys basically escaping a bad divorce. I’m newly single, and I have to say, not because I want to be. I thought I had a solid, loving marriage. We were empty nesters, and I thought we’d move towards our new life together. But my husband had other plans. He decided he wanted to spend his later life with someone other than me.”
She rubbed her thumb absently on the mug handle. “I’m having a real hard time with that. My family, small though it is, is torn apart. I’m on refuge here, but eventually I do have to go back and face reality. Sell my house, find somewhere else to live, go back to school in the fall in a completely different place than when the last school year ended. How am I going to deal with that?”
Marianne put a hand over hers.
“Starting a new relationship with a man is the last thing on my mind, or my priority list.” Leslie let out a sigh of pent up air and looked into Marianne’s kind face.
Marianne squeezed. “It’s not easy, is it? Life, in general?”
Leslie shook her head sadly. “No, it isn’t. But I know two things. One is, be open to where God leads you, and you can’t go wrong. Your father believes God has put the two of us together to help each other, and I’m willing to believe that too. I don’t know why, but I’m willing to follow where He leads. And two, I enjoy spending time with your father. So it’s not like it’s a hardship.” She smiled.
Marianne nodded, thinking. “I hope my father doesn’t get a broken heart out of all this. No offense. But he’s been through hell and back with my mother and brother. I don’t know how much more he can take.”
A flash of apprehension encircled Leslie’s heart. She understood exactly why Marianne was concerned, but she had no idea what to do about it. Prayer was probably the best course. She shook off the feeling. “Can I ask you something personal?”
Marianne laughed. “Seems appropriate.”
Leslie nodded. “I know your dad’s anger at Jeremy has kept him from visiting or staying in touch. How about you and your sister? Is Jeremy alienated from the whole family?”
“No. I personally visit him once a month. I’m not sure about Sadie. It’d be a much farther drive for her. Jeremy’s been in several prisons over his sentence, but all within South Carolina. Usually a few hours’ drive or less.” She shook her head. “I know what he did was horrible, but he’s my brother, you know? And he’s paying the price with his sentence. I don’t know.”
“So you’ve forgiven him for what he did.”
Marianne looked away, a few tears sprouting in her eyes. “I don’t know. I guess. The fact that my dad won’t forgive him almost seems like he loved our mother more than we did. And that makes me feel like I’m not being loyal to her. But Jeremy is rehabilitated, I know he is. He feels horrible about what he did. He feels horrible Dad has given up on him, but he also feels like Dad’s totally justified.” She sighed. “It’s a mess.”
Leslie wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Families are messy, aren’t they?”
* * *
Later that afternoon, the grayness had swept away and the sunshine had returned. Leslie sat on a reclining chair on the beach, her arms and legs glistening with sunscreen, a floppy hat and sunglasses covering her face. She watched a child have the time of her life digging in the sand, forming a sand castle, adding water as needed, running back and forth from the water’s edge, seemingly never tiring.
Her fattening breakfast was moving to the forefront of her mind, and she was starting the chore of convincing herself to get up and move, when someone stepped up, blocking the sun from her face. She put a hand over her eyes and looked up. It was Hank.
He was dressed in work clothes. His comfortably faded jeans looked like he’d worn them so many times, the loose knees were perfectly formed from kneeling. Long forgotten paint spatters decorated his thighs. A faded tee shirt, o
nce maroon, hugged his chest. Leslie caught herself staring at his form. She thought she knew him well enough to know he didn’t maintain his physical fitness in a gym. Tim had spent all day in an office or hospital, then had to pay a high priced membership fee to exercise at a gym with a personal trainer instructing him on how to build muscles. But for Hank, it came along with his activities every day. Hard physical work, day in and day out, chiseled the muscles in his arms, chest and abdomen and he probably never gave it a second thought.
“Uh, good afternoon.”
Leslie flushed as she realized he’d probably been standing there long moments as she examined him without a word. “Hello!” She glanced around and pointed at a nearby beach chair. “Would you like to sit awhile?”
He shook his head. “I’m on a job. I stopped by for a lemonade with Stella and I figured I’d do myself a favor and come see you.”
Leslie smiled at his compliment. The man was sweet.
“Also, I feel like I have to make up for the measly supper last night.”
“Not at all! It was delicious and just what the doctor ordered after so many heavy meals in a row.”
He squatted easily so their faces were more on the level. “Well, I happen to have it on good source that tonight is salmon night. Do you like salmon?”
Leslie moaned. “Who doesn’t? And I bet it’s delicious here.”
“It sure is. On my way out I’ll make a reservation for the two of us. What time?”
Eating later would give them a chance for a romantic walk on the dark beach afterward. “How about seven?”
“Perfect. I’ll meet you in the great room a few minutes before. Have a nice day, now.” He reached for her hand, gave it a squeeze, then trekked through the sand out of her vision.
She had a dinner date.
A few minutes before seven, she went downstairs and caught sight of him chuckling with Marianne near the entrance to the dining room. As she approached, Hank stood with his back to her but Marianne caught eyes with her over his shoulder. She winked, which caused Hank to spin around, and a grin to brighten a dark night covered his face.
“Well, don’t you look beautiful?” He reached out, gripped her hands and took in an eyeful. She was pleased she’d spent time on her hair and makeup, and chose a white cotton mini skirt paired with a pink tee shirt. This man was so good for her ego.
She giggled. “Thank you, and you got all cleaned up too. Very handsome.” It wasn’t just an empty return to his compliment. He really did look like a picture of health and vitality in his khaki shorts, Hawaiian shirt and leather sandals. His suntan complemented his white grin.
“Well, don’t we make a pair?” He winked at Marianne. “Give us the best seat in the house, please.”
“Coming right up. This way, please.” She led them to a table for two by the window.
As they settled in, excitement welled inside Leslie. She had a surprise for Hank and she wasn’t exactly sure how to break it to him without ruining the suspense. This afternoon, after he’d left her to her spot on the beach, an idea had popped into her head. Maybe it was God-inspired, considering their prayer of the previous evening, but regardless, it was a good idea. She’d gone inside, done some internet research and made a phone call, and now she was ready to execute.
“Question for you, Hank. What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow? Working. I work every day. Why?”
A bubble of disappointment dampened her high spirits. “Oh, bummer. Any way you can take a day off?”
He studied her and smiled. “For a good enough reason, I suppose I could be convinced.”
“You work so hard. You deserve to take a day away from work.”
“Well, I’m working on one of those old beach houses over by your old vacation home. Then I’ll start the Hinthorns’ bathroom project.”
“Would one day throw you off schedule?” She smiled. “I’ve planned a surprise for you.”
His face lit up and her heart jumped along with it. “Well now, I’d be hard pressed to turn down an invitation like that. A surprise for me planned by a beautiful lady. Yes, I’d say it’s time for a day off. You tell me when and where you want me.”
He looked so happy, it touched her heart with joy for him. “Meet me here at ten AM, and I’ll drive. Casual clothes.”
With the novelty of a surprise hanging over them, the rest of their evening seemed frosted in anticipation. Conversation came easily. The salmon was delicious, of course, as was the Caesar salad, green beans soaked in butter and bacon, and the ice cream with blueberries for dessert. By the time they took their after-dinner walk, the sun had set and a beautiful deepness settled over the ocean.
Comfortable now, Hank reached for her hand and tucked it into his. A few minutes down the beach with bare feet, she involuntarily shivered. Always in tune to her, he put an arm around her as they strolled.
“Chilly?”
“It has gotten sort of brisk out, hasn’t it?”
“Let me help.” He stopped walking and faced her, put his hands on her arms and rubbed up and down. The friction from his hands did result in warmth, but he didn’t stop there. After half a minute, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in to his chest. She closed her eyes, tucked her head in and breathed. The man smelled delicious. Her mouth curled into its own smile because of her contentment at being at that place at that moment. She felt safe and appreciated, right where God wanted her to be.
When he pulled back, she felt the chill start to creep back in, but she knew all she had to do was ask for another embrace if she wanted it. She beamed at him and he responded with a hand on her cheek. He drew closer, his eyes connected with hers and his lips a breath away. He made a moan in the back of his throat and then his lips covered hers and the warmth was hers again, this time his mouth its enchanting source. She closed her eyes and tipped her head back to receive the fullness of his kiss. She reached for his arms, then his shoulders, pulling him closer until their bodies were pressed against one another’s.
It had been ages since she’d kissed a man like this and what was most surprising were the feelings that must have been hiding under the surface, emerged with Hank’s urging. She was a mature woman, long past the time for being giddy in love. And yet, he brought those feelings out in her.
What would her daughter think?
She chuckled at that thought, and Hank pulled back momentarily, giving her a puzzled look. “If something strikes you as funny, I don’t think I’m doing this right.”
She tipped her head back, still in his arms and laughed. “No, no, that’s not it. You’re definitely doing it right.”
He smiled. “Then what …?”
She shook her head. “It amazes me how young and happy you make me feel.”
“Happiness isn’t just for young people, you know.”
She bit her tongue. She hadn’t expressed her thoughts very well. What she wanted to say was, he made her feel young and giddy and loved. But even she, out of practice as she was, was well aware what a faux pas it would be to announce to this man she’d only known a week that he made her feel in love!
So she settled for, “Thank you, Hank. You make me feel wonderful.”
He squeezed her shoulders where he held onto them. “Right back atcha, Leslie.”
They continued their walk, this time his arm around her waist, holding her close to his side. The chill provided a marvelous excuse for body contact and Leslie threw in a shiver every once in a while to make sure it didn’t end.
* * *
The next morning, Leslie showered and dressed earlier than usual, then went and found Marianne. She was in the kitchen, preparing the coffee and muffins for the sun porch. Leslie shared that she was planning a surprise for Marianne’s dad and would really love a packed lunch, nothing fancy, just some sandwiches, chips and cans of soda. Marianne’s face transformed into a huge smile and she gave Leslie a hug.
“Leave it to me!” she chanted and bustled off.
; About 9:45, Marianne carried a family-sized woven picnic basket into the great room where Leslie was reading. The handles dug heavily into her arm.
“What is all this?” Leslie asked.
Marianne grinned, set it on the floor and removed the lid. “Well, you said a picnic lunch, so I gave you a few options to choose from. Fried chicken, bologna sandwiches, potato salad, cole slaw, watermelon.” As she named each item, she dug around in the basket and lifted it up, demonstrating it to Leslie. “For dessert, I threw in a few slices of chocolate cake and some grapes.”
“Marianne!” Leslie gasped.
She halted her lifting. “What?”
Leslie came over to the basket and peeked in. “There’s enough food here for a half dozen people, at least! I said this was just for your dad and I!”
Marianne chuckled. “That’s okay. Most of it is leftover anyway. Oh, and I threw in a cooler of my homemade iced tea.”
Hank walked into the room. “Hi, ladies.” He gave Marianne a peck on the cheek, then did the same for Leslie. “So what are we up to today?”
Leslie eyed the basket. “Eating, apparently. You can thank your daughter for a feast fit for a king.”
He chuckled. “Thank you very much.” He turned to Leslie. “We eating on the beach?”
“No. Roadtrip. We’ll stop in a couple hours for lunch.”
Hank gave her a curious expression. “Well now, isn’t that interesting? What’s our end destination?”
Leslie smiled sweetly. “You won’t know until you get there. I said it was a surprise, didn’t I?”
He picked up the basket, a relief to Leslie, but he barely huffed under the exertion.
“We can put that on my backseat,” she said.
“I can drive.”
“Nope. Surprise, remember?”
He threw a look at his daughter like he was going to object. Marianne gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. “You two have fun now!”
They left the Inn and walked through the sandy front lot. “So glad you could join me today,” she said.
Pawleys Island Paradise boxset, Books 1 - 3 Page 13