Book Read Free

Wings of the Morning

Page 11

by Lori Wick


  iddenly a coin left Darsey's fingers and spiraled through the

  r. With speed and dexterity that belied his size, the big man

  ^snatched it out of the air, his face alight with triumph. With a

  flourish of his hand, he spoke.

  "It's all yours, Captain."

  "Thanks, Bart. Tell Meg we're starving, and I want my tea

  strong."

  The men resumed their chatter as the group disappeared

  to a private room at the rear of the building. Nearly every man

  in the place had a story about Smoke, some stretching the

  truth only slightly. The only table that remained silent sat

  in the darkest corner of the room. Two men occupied this

  secluded table, and they were as different in size and appearance

  as two men could be.

  "Who is she?" the taller man wanted to know, his eyes

  never leaving the door that Smokey and her men had disappeared

  through. His complexion was fair and his hair light,

  but all was hid under a cap and the shadows of the room.

  "Have you not heard of the Smoke?"

  'Yes, but I'd forgotten the rumors that Smoke was a woman.

  I'd like to know her. See what you can do."

  "I'd never get past the first mate. Guards her like mother

  bear, he does."

  "Then it might be worth my having a try." The big man's

  smile was surprisingly boyish at the thought.

  "You're willing to give up the sea already?"

  "Who is to say I'll need to?"

  The smaller man fell silent then. There had been a note in

  his master's tone that he did not like; one that he knew better

  than to argue with. After a moment of staring at the larger

  112

  111

  man, his eyes followed his captain's to the door of the back]

  room. He couldn't help but wonder what was going on inside.

  "Why can't Scully cook like this?"

  "He'd pout for days if he heard that, Robby."

  "Oh, I don't know. Maybe he'd just learn to cook."

  Smokey shook her head at their antics and poured herself

  another cup of tea. They had been telling stories and carrying

  on for the last two hours.

  When Dallas saw Smokey pouring out, he pushed his mug

  toward her and she filled his also. The move was so relaxed

  and feminine that for a moment Dallas could only stare at her.

  Smokey stared back, thinking of their time on the island and

  wishing she had Dallas to herself. Dallas' thoughts nearly

  mirrored Smokey's, but he knew that now was not the time or

  place to pursue the matter.

  Indeed, had they been alone they might have leaned close

  and begun to talk in quiet tones, but Mic began a story just

  then and Dallas forced himself to turn and listen. What he

  heard caught his full attention at once, and romantic thoughts

  were momentarily swept aside.

  "I swear we'd be out forever with Smokey's pa. My wife

  gave birth to my twin boys while I was out roaming the world.

  Not Smokey, though. She likes to stay close to home, much to

  the pain and frustration of every captain sailing the North

  Atlantic." All the men laughed, and he went on.

  "Do you remember the time when we beat the Katie Lynn out of Halifax? You could have hung a shark hook on the

  captain's mouth, it was so wide open. Dallas here is too much

  of a pup to appreciate all I'm speaking of, but believe me, the

  captain here has been the victor for more than her share of

  spoils."

  "On the contrary," Dallas put in smoothly, his voice dry,

  but not bitter. "I'm well aware of Smokey's effect on the trade."

  "Meaning?" Darsey wanted to know.

  Dallas shrugged, growing a bit uncomfortable. "Like Mic

  id, most captains have experienced the aftermath of her

  ise."

  A brief silence fell over the group.

  "And in your case," Smokey spoke softly, "it keeps you that

  ^much further from realizing your dream to build ships." : These words were said thoughtfully as Smokey stared intently

  at Dallas.

  Dallas didn't answer, but returned her look for Just a

  moment and then lifted his mug to drain the contents. As soon

  as he set it back down, Smokey stood

  "It's growing late. Walk me back, will you, Darsey?" Again

  her voice was soft. They left then, and the men followed soon

  after.

  No one mentioned Smokey's proficiency or the speed of

  the Aramis again that night. In fact, it was not spoken of for

  many days, not until they were headed home and about a day's

  sail from Kennebunkport.

  113

  smokey wondered if there could be a sight more breathtaking

  than the view of the sun rising over the Atlantic horizon.

  The sky was a bit cloudy on this morning, which only added to

  the glow as she stood at the stern of her ship and gazed in awe

  As she did every time she witnessed this spectacle, she prayed.

  This morning's prayers concerned the future

  I want to give him something, Lord; I want to give Dallas a

  chance to realize his dreams. I haven't been in the east for a

  long time, and I feel like my time behind a ship's wheel is

  drawing to a close. Smokey hesitated when she realized the

  thought did not upset her. It must be time for a change

  Close the door if I'm headed astray, Father, and give me

  wisdom in the days to come. One more long voyage to let

  Dallas have a chance, and then I'll think about selling the Aramis.

  Smokey prayed until she heard footsteps behind her. It

  wasn't like any of her men to disturb her at this hour, but she

  assumed Darsey had a question.

  "If you'd rather be alone, just say the word"

  The sound of Dallas' voice washed over Smokey like a

  warm spring shower. For just a moment her eyes slid shut. She

  was not some giddy, wide-eyed girl who lived her days in

  dreams and fantasies, but the thought of starting each morning

  with the sound of that voice made her want to jump and

  dance on the polished wood beneath her boots. Instead, she

  opened her eyes, uttered one more silent prayer, this time for

  strength, and turned to face him.

  "I don't mind if you join me. It might be nice to have

  company."

  Dallas stood beside her, taking no care to keep his distance.

  He desperately wanted to thank her again for letting

  him join her crew, but even after he had prayed about what he

  wanted to say, no words would come. A good five minutes

  passed in silence, each enjoying the glorious morning sun,

  before Dallas felt he had found the right words. But Smokey

  spoke before he had a chance to share them.

  "I've given a lot of thought to what you told us at Clancy's

  Place, Dallas, and IVe made a decision that I hope will be a

  help to you." Having spoken to the waves, Smokey shifted then

  to see his face.

  "I've decided to trade in eastern waters for a time. I usually

  stay close to home, but the men won't mind the change and I

  haven't been to Pakistan in years."

  "How long will you be away?" Dallas asked, amazed that

  he sounded so calm.

  Smokey shrugged "We'll leave in late January andbe
gone

  six months, maybe a year. We'll see how it goes. IVe a few leads

  coming up in February, so I can pass those along to you if

  you're interested"

  It was all so selfless and matter-of-fact that for a moment

  Dallas could find nothing to say. When he did speak, only one

  word would come.

  "Why?"

  "Why what?" Smokey frowned in genuine confusion.

  "Why are you doing this?"

  The real answer to that question was the last thing Smokey

  wanted Dallas to know, but rather than admit this, she shrugged

  and answered as best she could

  "Jenny is my friend, and you're her brother. I think you're

  my friend too."

  114

  "Is that what we are, Smokey, friends?" Dallas'voice dropped

  in intensity, and for a moment Smokey misunderstood him.

  "I realize that on this ship I'm your captain, but we're

  almost home, so..." Smokey hesitated when a horrid thought

  occurred to her. "If you think I'm going to be a nuisance when

  we get to Maine, you needn't worry. I'm done with spilling my

  water and staring like a fool."

  "That's not what I meant," Dallas cut her off before she

  could go on, his voice filled with pain. How in the world did

  he tell this woman what he was feeling, when he could barely

  identify the emotions himself? Was he in love? He didn't know.

  Was he captivated? Extremely.

  "It's a long time for you to be gone," Dallas finally managed,

  but Smokey's stance was still guarded "I'll miss you," he

  finished quietly. For a moment Smokey could only stare at

  him.

  "Did you mean that?" She had to know.

  "YesJ'

  Again Smokey stared. "I'll miss you too."

  Smokey truly believed it would happen this time. Dallas'

  gaze was locked on Smokey's mouth, and his head was lowering.

  The small brunette's face tipped in anticipation. Smokey's

  crew had other ideas, however. Scully came topside before

  Seeing about breakfast, and Robby came to check on Darsey,

  who had been at the wheel since 3:00 am. Again the spell was

  broken, only this time Smokey did not immediately turn into

  Dallas' skipper. Taking a step away from him, she spoke for his

  ears alone, her eyes mirroring the pain inside.

  "I honestly wonder what it would be like to kiss you,

  Dallas. But now that I'm thinking a little clearer, I've remembered

  that you have a girl at home. It's probably best we forget

  this."

  Dallas had no clue what to say to this kind of honesty. For

  the moment he had forgotten all about Kathleen. In all fairness

  to both her and Smokey, he knew he owed Kathleen an

  explanation before pursuing someone else. He determined

  115

  again to take care of that soon after he returned It

  Idn't change the fact that Smokey was going away, but at

  it he could bid her farewell with a clear heart.

  "Thank you for reminding me, Smokey. I hope we'll know

  fcach other much better in the future, but you're right, for now

  I am somewhat committed"

  As hard as it was to thank Dallas and walk away, Smokey

  managed to gather her wits and do so. She had never felt for

  anyone the way she felt for Dallas, but he was not free to

  return her feelings and might never be. Smokey knew that the

  sooner she realized this the quicker the ache in her tender,

  young heart would heal.

  "I feel as if you've been gone forever. Did you have a good

  Christmas?"

  "I did," Smokey told her friend "I thought about your

  offer, Jen, but I missed Willa and hadn't seen some of her

  family for a while, so--"

  "I understand," Jenny told her with a smile. "We did miss

  your being here, though. To make up for it we're throwing you

  a party."

  "A party? What for?"

  "A going-away party. Dolly told me what you're doing for

  him, and I thought of the party last night when I was supposed

  to be sleeping. The only person I've told is Buck...oh, and

  Tate too. It will be a dinner party, a week from this Saturday,

  and we'll invite all your friends."

  "I don't have many," Smokey told her good-naturedly.

  "You have more than you think," Jenny told her cryptically.

  "What do you mean?"

  "You remember Greer Rittenhouse?" Jenny went on at

  Smokey's nod "I saw her while you were gone. She was very

  impressed with you, and extremely pleased with how well

  116

  you liked her home. Buck is going to ask her to come with

  him."

  "Are they seeing each other again?" Smokey asked eagerly.

  Jenny shook her head sadly. "I'm still praying. Buck is

  trying to give her the time she wants, but he's truly a man in

  love."

  "Why, Buck," Greer spoke with genuine pleasure at the

  sight of him.

  "Hello, Greer. May I come in?"

  "Of course." The lovely widow stepped back, and Buck

  moved across the threshold. As always, her home was immaculate,

  but Buck had eyes for Greer alone.

  "How have you been?" he asked softly.

  "Lonely and confused," she admitted, her voice just as

  muted as Buck's. "And yourself?"

  "Lonely, but not confused."

  Greer knew exactly to what he referred. He was still as

  much in love with her as ever. She looked into his eyes and

  desperately wished she could return the words, but she just

  wasn't sure.

  When she had first met Hank Rittenhouse, many years

  before, the situation had been reversed. She had fallen for

  him immediately, and he'd been unsure of her. At one point,

  he had confessed his love for her, only to come two days later

  and say he'd spoken in haste. He had been in love with

  another woman, and he confessed that he had begun seeing

  Greer to put the other woman from his mind.

  Greer's young heart had felt so used, she thought she

  would die. The year that followed was a long, painful one, but

  in the end Hank had in fact come to love her. Once married,

  their time had been joyous Greer felt as if something had

  been wrenched from her when he died

  117

  And then Buck had come into her world. He was as different

  from Hank as any man could be, but he made her laugh and

  forget some of her loneliness. At first she'd been sure that he

  was God's gift for her, but then thoughts of Hank would crowd

  in upon her in the night. By morning, she would convince

  herself that she was acting unfaithfully whenever she saw

  Buck. The only time she had been more confused was when

  she and Hank had been courting.

  "Are you all right, Greer?" Buck interrupted her thoughts.

  "I think so," she admitted. "As usual, my thoughts are

  running wild and working to make me anxious."

  They moved into one of the spacious sitting rooms where

  huge windows opened out toward the sea. Each took a comfortable

  chair by the fire.

  "If you'd like to share, you know I'll listen, but I'm actually

  here to ask you out to dinner." Buck ignored the way she

  st
iffened and continued in an easy tone.

  "Jenny is giving a dinner party next Saturday night. It's for

  Smokey Simmons, and she told me to feel free to invite you."

  "I liked Smokey when I met her, Buck. She's very sweet. Is

  it her birthday or some special occasion?"

  "She's going away for a time, and the party is something of

  a sendoff."

  Greer hesitated and then spoke with a measured tone. "I

  would like to go with you--"

  "But you want to be certain that I understand it's just as

  friends?" Buck finished for her. Greer's eyes filled with tears

  over his understanding.

  "It's all right, Greer." Buck's voice was soothing; he'd

  prepared himself for just that. "We'll go as friends because

  that's what we are--friends."

  "Thank you, Buck," she whispered

  He leaned close then and took her hand. Greer was so

  thankful for his tender touch that she began to tremble. Buck

  desperately wanted to hold this small woman who fit into his

  arms so well, but he kept his seat and prayed that in time she

  118

  would know that his love was a safe thing and nothing to be

  feared

  "Are we friends, Smokey?"

  "Why, Jen," Smokey said with a laugh. "What are you

  talking about?"

  Jenny's frown was in reality a good-natured scowl. "Your

  party is just a week away, and I've made some decisions."

  "About?" Smokey prompted her and tried not to laugh at

  the determined look on her friend's face.

  Jenny hesitated, and Smokey was more confused than

  ever. She was telling herself that being pregnant must change

  a person. Jenny had been acting strangely for two days.

  "I want to dress you and do your hair for the party," Jenny

  suddenly blurted and then held her breath.

  It was on Smokey's tongue to laugh and tell her friend that

  she'd been dressing herself for years when she suddenly

  understood her meaning. She stood and came to sit close to

  Jenny on the settee.

  "Do you mean that, Jen?" Smokey's eyes had turned eager.

  Jenny smiled.

  When the younger woman answered, her tone was dry.

  "You're one of the finest captains on the Atlantic, Smokey

  Simmons, but you have wretched taste in clothing."

  Smokey laughed until her side hurt. In control once again,

  she confided, "I've been wanting to ask for your help with my

  hair and wardrobe, but I didn't know how you would feel

  about it."

  They both laughed over the misunderstanding, and then

  the plans began. There wasn't much time, but Jenny had

 

‹ Prev