I am lucky. Those words made a thrill run through Aleen, and she savored every goose bump.
****
Fifteen minutes later, Braden walked beside Aleen as they approached the Museum of Yachting, housed in the 1831 Aquidneck Mill building. “I can’t believe you’ve never been here before.”
“We talked about this. Boats and sailing just aren’t my thing.” Her shoulder bounced up and down in jerky shrugs. “Remember, I didn’t move here until the summer after fifth grade.”
“To live with your great-aunt.”
“My two brothers and I moved in with my dad’s Aunt Jean and Uncle Keith. After the divorce, Dad was stationed out of Norfolk.” Her back stiffened. “They were the only family who had room for us and lived on the East coast.”
A question about her mother weighed on the tip of Braden’s tongue, but he didn’t voice it. “I have a brother and a sister, but never had to face the upheaval of a divorce. Plus moving across the country. That must have been tough.” Deep topics were not his specialty, and he grappled for a new subject as they climbed to the top floor.
Aleen leaned close to the window. “This is a great view of the harbor. Not many public spots in Newport are this high.”
“I love seeing all the boats.” Steering her to the wall of photos, he pointed to one toward the top. “See this picture? The guy in the back hauling on the jib line is my dad. He crewed in 1980 when Freedom won the America’s Cup.”
“Wow, that must have been exciting.”
Her words were what he expected, but her tone said otherwise. Must be because she’d never had the experience. Suddenly, he wanted to share his world with her, he wanted to be the one who introduced her to the fun of sailing. But he’d have to be a bit sneaky. Even though he believed his mother’s claims he wasn’t skilled at reading other people, Braden knew Aleen had built huge walls about anything ocean related. The sketch in her kitchen was done without enjoyment of the life and vigor of the ocean. Instead, it had the viewpoint of a beachcomber, focusing on the tide line and the sand.
“Exciting is the perfect word for sailing. The wind shifts, and you have to be on the spot to make adjustments. Pull in this sheet, angle the rudder, tack into the wind, let out this sail.” He pantomimed the actions as he spoke. “All minute adjustments, but essential for keeping up the speed.”
“You really enjoy battling nature.” She turned back to study the array of America’s Cup photos. “I see that same passion in the faces of these people.”
“Sailors. And yeah, there’s no way to hide the excitement and fun when you’re out on the sea.” They walked past the remainder of the photos in silence. Braden found himself watching Aleen’s face for a reaction more than looking at the photos that he’d practically memorized. By the time they reached the end of the exhibit, he saw a more relaxed person—her shoulders weren’t as tense and her expression was curious instead of closed off.
Their next stop was the hands-on exhibits that demonstrated the basics of sailing. Braden named the various parts of a ship, helped her handle the sample ropes to tie onto cleats, and showed her how to hoist a miniature version of the mainsail. “There, now you’ve learned the ropes.”
“Oh, groan.” She giggled. “What a bad pun.”
“True.” He reached for her hand and entwined their fingers. “But I got my reward. You’re enjoying yourself, right?”
She turned to him and looked upward, her gaze searching his face. “I’m surprised to admit that I am.”
There’s hope. “Fantastic, let’s grab something to eat. I know a great little place right on the water that serves the best fish tacos.”
“Of course you do.”
Thirty minutes later, Braden swallowed the last of his soda and pushed away his empty plate.
“You know, these are good tacos. I’ll have to remember this place.” She swiped a paper napkin over her mouth. “So tell me about yourself. I noticed several people nodding or gesturing acknowledgment at the museum. Do you go there often?”
How much of my association to that place do I claim? “I’ve spent some time in the library.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You know, I don’t even know what you do for a living.”
Shrugging, he ran a hand through his hair. “I work here and there, repairing and restoring boats.”
“Oh.” She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed.
“What does that ‘oh’ mean?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe because I envisioned you dressed in period clothes and leading a tour based on pirate lore.”
How had she guessed? He leaned his forearms on the table. “Not far off the beam. When weather allows, I’m a crew member on the tall ships that operate out of Martha’s Vineyard. We sail a restored ship and teach the passengers, mostly school kids, what sailing was like in the 1800s. They learn galley skills, navigation, how to handle a small boat, manage the sails…”
“Knot tying?”
“One of my specialties. And pirate stories.” He gave her a broad wink. “I do love sharing what I’ve learned from my treasure hunting research with the kids.”
“And the costume?”
“I’ll admit to having scruffy cutoff jeans and a couple holey T-shirts to look the part.”
She tilted her head and squinted. “I envisioned a hoop earring.”
“Nah, no piercings. Now that you’ve gone through the basics, will you come out on my boat?”
Her body stiffened and she shook her head. “No.”
“Are you worried about safety? I’ve been on a boat since I could walk and did a six-day solo sail as a teen.”
“I’m not interested.” She leaned over to grab her tote bag and set it in her lap.
The day had been going so well. Braden wanted to share his passion with her. If she just tried sailing, he thought she’d love it. But he knew himself well enough to know he couldn’t be with a landlubber—couldn’t cut the sea out of his life. Not even for the chance at a relationship. “Come on. One trip. I’m sure you’ll like―”
“Like sailing?” Her words snapped like cannon shot. “Like the sea?” Muscles in her neck tightened. “Why would I do that when the sea has cost me just about everything? My parents divorced because of my dad’s career. My mother was diagnosed bi-polar and couldn’t handle raising her own kids, so she disappeared. Dad got transferred across the country and abandoned us for six months at a time, coming back for a month or two before shipping out again.”
She took a deep breath and her hand chopped the air as she continued. “Two of my brothers are serving on carriers—Colin in Okinawa and Donel in the Mediterranean. The third, Paton, is finishing his Ocean Engineering degree at the Naval Academy. My fiancé broke off our engagement so he can sail around the South Pacific on a destroyer.” She jumped to her feet. “So, excuse me all to hell because I don’t want to go sailing with you. The ocean has destroyed my family, and taken away just about everyone I love.” She whirled and dashed out of the restaurant to pace on the sidewalk.
Braden took a couple of deep breaths, tossed a twenty on the table, and glanced toward the cook. “Lou, sorry for the disruption. This should cover the bill.”
“No problem, Braden. Go after your gal.”
His gal. He liked that. His thoughts reeled as he went in search of Aleen. What could he possibly say to change her mind? But when he drew near, he knew he didn’t need to say anything. He walked up behind where she stood facing the bay and placed his arms over hers, clasped around her middle. “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” He inhaled the herbal scent that clung to her hair and eased her stiff body against his chest. “I can be pushy at times.”
That drew a muffled snort.
“But you’ll have to learn to push back. Like you just did.” He tightened the hug. “I’m a big boy, I can handle a bit of yelling.”
Her head rested on his chest, and her tight shoulders relaxed an inch or so.
Progress. “I like you, Aleen. I want to learn more about
you. Maybe at a lower decibel level, though.” He rubbed a hand along the length of her arm and then wiggled his fingers between hers to interlink them.
Aleen squeezed his hand and let out a long exhale. “Thanks for understanding. Now, I’m not divulging any more of my sad life story until you share at least five bits of yours.”
Chapter Five
On the drive back to her place, Aleen learned Braden lived in an apartment over the garage of his childhood home, his older brother Colbert designed yachts, and his younger sister Ebba was a nature photographer. His high school graduation present was an African safari with his grandfather who worked for a famous nature magazine, and the elephant hair bracelet he always wore reminded him of Pops.
She thought of her own graduation, and how she’d wished for more family than her aunt and uncle. The congratulations card with a hundred dollar bill from her dad had arrived two weeks late. “Wow, you’ve led a big life.”
“I come from a long line of adventurers.” His phone made a foghorn sound, and he reached into his back pocket to pull it out. “Can you read me the text?”
Aleen glanced at the screen and saw the name Mom. “Kaia’s party-4PM. Don’t forget bread & sodas.”
“Or the birthday present.” He slapped a hand on the steering wheel. “My mom knows me too well. What time is it now?”
“A little after two. If you’re pressed for time, just drop me at the next intersection.” She pointed toward the sidewalk. “I can catch a bus.”
“Absolutely not. A gentleman always drops off his date.” At the next stoplight, he turned toward her, eyebrows raised. “Come with me.”
“What?” His speculative look made her leery.
“I need help choosing a present for my four-year-old niece. Then I want you to come to the party.”
“No, I couldn’t—”
“Just a family dinner at my brother’s.”
Family. That word sounded wonderful. And the opportunity to learn more about this already intriguing man was tempting. “But I’m not dressed—”
“My family is low-key, Aleen. Gatherings are come as you are. And you are dressed perfectly.”
A horn honked behind them. He faced front and accelerated.
“Okay, if you’re sure…”
“First stop, the toy store.”
Two hours later, Braden parked the truck in front of a two-story Cape-Cod style home. Golden birches stood among the brilliant orange and fiery red leaves of the maples along this street in Providence.
Aleen was still amazed at how anxious Braden got when faced with the toy choices. She’d had to steer him away from the ship models and rocket launchers aisle and toward the pre-school section. He’d refused to even walk down the “pink” aisle, so she’d made suggestions that included card games, puzzles, or memory games. He decided on a T-ball set, binoculars, and a fishing game. Aleen couldn’t resist a set of dress-up wooden animals. They’d laughed all the way through wrapping the presents in the bed of his truck while still in the toy store parking lot. Even their dash through the grocery store was fun, because he made sure to select everyone’s favorite drink.
With their arms laden, they walked up the flagstone steps. Right before he opened the door, Braden turned. “Ignore everyone’s surprised reaction to your presence. I haven’t brought a female around since high school.”
Her stomach clenched. What did that mean? Was she facing The Spanish Inquisition? “Gee, thanks for the advance warning.” Mustering her best smile, she stepped past him and entered a welcoming house filled with warm woods and neutral walls—a mix of antique fixtures and classic wooden furniture accented with bright pillows and colorful afghans.
He jerked his chin toward a piano in the living room. “Looks like the presents go there.”
Aleen carried the bundles across the woven rag rug and added their gifts to the pile. She looked around and noticed framed photos placed in several spots. How she wished she could hunt for one of Braden as a boy.
“Sounds like the others are in the backyard.”
Taking a deep breath, Aleen prepared herself for being the center of attention. She stepped through a homey kitchen with stainless steel appliances and decorations with a chicken theme—terry towels, a canister set on the counter, even a teapot.
Braden set down the sack with the rolls and loaves he’d chosen and carried the one with the drinks through the back door. At the last moment, he reached out his empty hand and winked. “Let’s do this.”
They stepped onto a patio filled with two picnic tables, a couple card tables, and scattered Adirondack chairs. People seemed to cover the entire backyard.
Braden squeezed her hand then set down the bags. “Quick rundown before we’re swamped. My folks are at the barbeque, cuz Dad’s the master. He’s Erwin and she’s Marva—”
“Mom…from the text?”
“Right. Big brother Colbert is in the tan shirt, and his wife Stefani is the brunette in the striped outfit.” He turned to gesture toward the other part of the yard. “Stefani’s parents are Bill and Trudy, and her sister is Shirl.”
“Unca Bwaden!” A dark-haired girl ran across the patio and flung her arms around his knees.
“Hey, Kaia.” He scooped her into his arms and swung a big circle, then nuzzled her neck. “How’s my sweet girl?”
“Piggy back wide.”
Laughing, he set her down and squatted so she could clamber on. When he stood, he connected with Aleen’s gaze. “Want to follow us or just mingle?”
She rolled her eyes to indicate the group that had paused in their conversations.
“Hey everyone, I brought along a friend. This is Aleen. I know you’ll make her feel welcome.” With that as an introduction, he galloped off, accompanied by the little girl’s delighted shrieks.
The brunette woman stepped forward. “Welcome, I’m Stefani, Braden’s sister-in-law.”
“Hi.” Aleen gestured toward the sack Braden had dumped to hug Kaia. “Here are the drinks he was supposed to bring. Where should they go?”
“Don’t worry.” Stefani turned and waved a hand at a tall brown-haired man who approached from the lawn. “This is my husband, Colbert. He’ll take care of them.”
Aleen shook the offered hand and noticed the resemblance to Braden in the clear blue eyes and strong jaw. “Hello.”
He hefted the bag and headed toward two big coolers set against the house. “What would you like, Aleen? Iced tea, soda, lemonade, or did Braden bring your favorite?”
“Iced tea is great, thanks.” She darted a glance around the yard, dreading the sight of all gazes focused in her direction. But everyone was involved in their own activities. Egocentric much, MacRae? She accepted the drink from Colbert and smiled. “Braden says you design yachts and own your own business.”
“That I do.” An eyebrow quirked “Is that all he said about me?”
She sensed his brother wanted to ask more. “And that you’ve lived in Providence all your life.”
“Proud to claim I’m tenth-generation Rhode Islander.”
Stefani leaned against her husband, who wrapped an arm around her waist. “How about you, Aleen?”
“Native Californian, but I moved to Newport when I was eleven. I work in a local museum.” She sipped from the bottle and scanned the yard to see where Braden had gone.
“Well, where are my manners? Let me introduce you to everyone.” Stefani linked her arm through Aleen’s and tugged her across the yard.
An hour later, Aleen sat in a chair with her fleece jacket wrapped around her shoulders. Her stomach was full from a meal of grilled salmon, coleslaw, and stuffed acorn squash. Braden’s family had been subtle with their questions. Seemed family rules were to split up couples at these gatherings, so she’d been at the table with Stefani’s father, Braden’s sister, and Tokai, a foreign exchange student from Japan. From the easygoing conversation that flowed between the tables, she learned these people genuinely liked being together and kept up on the events
in each other’s lives. So unlike her family that was scattered to the four winds and hadn’t all been together in the same place for at least seven years.
Across the lawn, several men competed in a boisterous horseshoe contest—looked like Braden was paired with his brother opposite their father and one of Stefani’s cousins—whose name she couldn’t remember. When Braden had said the party was “just family” she’d envisioned a dozen or so people. The guest list must be double that number, but no one minded the noise or the tight space at the tables…not even her.
“Okay, everyone. I’ve held off this insistent child for long enough.” Stefani waved a beckoning hand at the horseshoe players. “Time for kudos, then we have cake and coffee.”
What? Aleen straightened in her chair, watching as everyone settled onto a bench or into a chair.
Braden scooted a stool close. “Another thing I forgot to tell you. We share a good thing that’s happened—”
Tokai stood. “I wish to be first. My first English composition test earned an A.” He looked around and grinned.
Everyone clapped and whistled. The speaker went clockwise around the group—announcements of projects completed, promotions earned, or new duties came from individuals. Each and every announcement received similar acclaim.
All the while she listened and applauded, Aleen scrambled for what to say. Speaking from her heart about what this evening meant would reveal too much, so she settled for something less personal. “Thanks to Braden, I’ve traced two more generations in my father’s family tree.”
After the applause stopped, she turned with the others to look at Braden.
“My best news is meeting Aleen.” He reached out and clasped her hand.
How sweet is that? Hot tears sprang to her eyes, and she blinked them back.
“What about Wide Horizon?” Colbert leaned forward, elbows on his knees.
Braden shot him a dark look and then quickly said, “And I’m crewing on Wide Horizon’s shakedown cruise along the coast.”
Amidst the shouts and whistles, Braden leaned close. “Sorry. I intended to tell you privately about the upcoming sailing trip.”
Hauntings in the Garden, Volume Two Page 4