Say You Love Me (Welcome To Redemption #9)
Page 10
Shading her eyes from the afternoon sun, she said, “As you can see, their pier is a big H shape. Those are the Jet Skis on that floating dock on the left side closest to shore. That’s Dale’s speedboat docked right in front of them. The pontoon is anchored under that green awning, and the paddle boat is tied off on the right.”
He looked around in awe, his gaze lingering on the speed boat, and then the Jet Skis. “Think they’ll let me ride one?”
“I think so. Though you’re supposed to take a boating safety course of some kind first. But Dale and Jeff can teach you the basics pretty quick.”
“Have you ever driven one?”
She gave a rueful smile. “Once. Jet Skis…not really my thing. I prefer to head out on the paddle boat, or pontoon, do a little reading, or fishing.”
“Sounds boring. I prefer speed.”
She playfully rolled her eyes. “What a surprise.”
“So, when’s this Jeff dude getting here?”
“Not for a few hours.” She picked up her wine glass and nodded toward the house. “Why don’t we eat lunch, then take a ride into town for a little sightseeing?”
“Can we go see that lighthouse you mentioned?”
“Definitely. I’d like to check out one of the museums as well. I think you’ll love the maritime museum.”
“What’s a ‘maritime’ museum?”
“It’s all nautical stuff, like ships, submarines; anything pertaining to the sea.”
He gave a noncommittal shrug. “Sounds cool.”
She grinned over his attempt to appear less than eager. Noah loved ships as a little boy, so she knew deep down he was excited.
She slid the patio door open and waited for him to step inside before following behind. She stopped dead in her tracks as her gaze landed on the two newest arrivals—two hours early.
Shit.
“What the hell is he doing here?”
Chapter 12
Mike grasped Maddie’s little hand tighter as Noah’s angry demand had her leaning into his side. Apparently, Bernie decided not to tell the kid she’d invited them up to spend the weekend with her family.
Well, this is frickin’ awkward.
Bernie closed the patio door. Their gazes caught for a brief moment.
“Listen, we don’t want to cause any trouble. Maybe it would be best if we…try this another time,” he offered.
“Don’t be silly,” Bernie’s mother insisted as she rushed forward and flanked Maddie’s other side. “We have plenty of room, plenty of food, and plenty to do.” Her smile encompassed everyone in the room. “Now, I hope everyone is hungry since I made enough food to feed the entire block.”
“Are you mad at me?” a little voice demanded.
Mike glanced down at his daughter, surprised by her outspokenness. She’d addressed her question to Noah, whose cocked brow conveyed his own astonishment.
“Why would I be mad at you?”
She gave a one shoulder shrug. “You yelled at my daddy.”
Noah stepped forward. His anger seemed to have dissipated. “I didn’t even know he was your dad until just now.”
Maddie tugged her hand free and ran to the patio door as if something caught her attention. Noah followed behind.
“A boat! My daddy said he knows how to drive one.”
Bernie’s brother shot him a quick, derisive look over his shoulder. “What a surprise. I bet he can fly a plane and walk on water, too.” He slid the patio door back open. “C’mon. I’ll show you the boats, the Jet Skis, too. You’re too little to go down there by yourself.”
With an adorable squeal, Maddie ran out ahead of him.
Huh, Mike thought. So, the kid does have a soft spot. He’d seen him and Holly playing with Maddie and Lauren’s daughter, Emma, in the pool at the barbecue last Sunday, but he hadn’t given it much thought since his mind had been on other things. Good to know Noah wasn’t holding a grudge against Maddie over his hatred of him.
“You’d better hold her hand if you go down by the water,” Bernie called after them. “And don’t stay too long. I’d still like to do a little sightseeing after lunch.” Then she walked up and touched his arm. “Sorry about that. I had planned to tell him while we were out sightseeing, but you guys got here a little earlier than I’d expected.”
“Yeah, sorry. Chase let me leave early. Now, I’m thinking I probably should have called you before we headed out.”
“Not at all,” she assured him. “I should have told him before we got here. I was just afraid…”
“He’d jump out of the car?”
She did that thing where she tried to hold back a laugh by crinkling her nose and pursing her lips. He tamped down the urge to haul her into his arms for a long overdue kiss.
“We were just about to have lunch,” she reminded, smiling up at him with the most open expression he’d seen on her since he’d returned to town. It was almost as if the walls she’d erected were finally starting to crumble. “Hope you’re hungry.”
Mike’s breath caught as he recognized the playfully coy glance she shot him, her interest palpable in the slow flutter of those long lashes. Renewed hope swelled his chest. Every nerve in his body crackled to attention as her gaze dropped to his lips. It was just a brief moment, but enough to tell him all he needed to know. Whether she’d intended to or not, Bernadette had just confirmed their emotional connection was still very much alive, and definitely not one-sided as he’d feared.
Anticipation warred with nervous tension, and he suddenly felt like the thirteen year old boy who’d had to walk around the block twice before working up enough nerve to knock on her front door.
“Starving,” he finally said. “I thought about stopping for burgers on the way, but I had a vague memory that your mom liked to cook.”
“Oh, that’s putting it mildly.”
She polished off her wine and gestured for him to follow her into the kitchen, where Rosemary was busy filling her beautifully set table with a vast assortment of salads, fresh fruits, breads, and condiments. The enticing aromas wafting through the air had his mouth watering like a spigot.
“Can I get you a beer, or a glass of wine?” Bernie asked as she refilled her own glass.
“I wouldn’t mind a soda. Cream, if you have it. Or orange.”
Her brow lifted in surprise, but she dug a can out of the fridge, filled a tall glass with ice, and poured it for him as she gave him another glance beneath her lashes.
“Mom,” she said, after tossing the empty can in the sink. “Can I give you a hand?”
“All I have left to do is move the hot dishes to the table, and Dale has that covered. I made your favorite egg bake with pork sausage, sautéed onions, peppers, fresh mushrooms, and topped with cheddar and provolone cheeses, a pan of baked mostaccioli, cheesy ham and pasta casserole, and a pot of chicken dumpling soup.”
Mike shook his head, his stomach rumbling as he took it all in. How in God’s name did Rosemary and Dale manage to stay so slim?
“Oh, I thought of something you could do,” her mother said with a snap of her fingers. “Would you mind pouring the kids each something to drink?”
“I’m happy to. You went to so much work, Mom. I wish we’d have gotten here earlier so I could’ve helped you.”
Mike stepped forward and helped Dale move the hot dishes to the table.
“What does Maddie like to drink?” Bernie asked as she pulled two plastic cups from the cabinet.
“She’s fine with a glass of milk. Or apple juice, if you have it.” He carefully transferred the pot of soup to the last open trivet.
Rosemary walked over and slid open the patio door. “Noah, Maddie, time for lunch!”
His little munchkin insisted on sitting next to Noah, and within minutes, they were all enjoying one of the best meals Mike had ever eaten.
It seemed like hours later when he finally set his fork down and blew out a hard breath. “Everything was delicious, Rosemary. Thank you. I can’t remember th
e last time I ate this much. I’m stuffed to the gills.”
The older woman’s face beamed with satisfaction. “I’m glad you enjoyed the meal. Kids?”
“This mostaccioli is killer,” Noah declared as he scooped a bit more pasta onto his plate. “And so is that cherry bread.” He turned to his sister. “Can you make it?”
“Sure, I’ve made it a few times. But, for whatever reason, it just always tastes better when my mom makes it.”
“I told you, it’s the almond extract. Invest in a bottle.”
Bernie laughed softly. “I know, I know. I keep forgetting to add it to my grocery list.”
“I loved the cherry bread, too,” Maddie chimed in. “And the fruit with the crunchy stuff.”
“Granola,” Mike told her.
“Yep, and the ’choli.”
He chuckled. “Thanks again for inviting us up. Believe it or not, this is our first time to Door County.”
Rosemary stood and started stacking the dirty dishes. “Oh, well, then you have to do a little sightseeing. Bernadette and Noah are heading out after lunch. Why don’t you make it a foursome?”
He shot a quick glance at Noah, who, to his credit, didn’t show any outward reaction to the suggestion. Inside, he figured the kid had to be steaming.
“I wouldn’t want to impose on their time together.”
“Don’t be silly,” Bernie said as she rose to her feet. “As soon as I help clean up, we’ll take a ride to the Canal Station lighthouse, and then the maritime museum. Maybe ice cream afterwards, since we’ll have walked off lunch by then.”
Maddie bounced in her seat. “Me, too?”
She smiled and gently grasped his daughter’s chin. “Of course, you, too.”
“Go now,” Rosemary insisted. “Dale and I have everything under control here. By the time you get back, Missy and the kids should be here.” She turned to Noah. “First thing Jeff does when he gets here is take a spin on one of the Jet Skis. I’m sure he’ll be happy to teach you and Mike how to ride one.”
“Oh, I’m sure Officer Donovan already knows how to ride one,” Noah snarked. “Right, Maddie?”
Mike winked at his daughter; she responded with a gap-toothed grin.
“As a matter of fact, I do. My aunt and uncle own a cottage on Lake Geneva, and we’ve spent a month there every summer for as long as I can remember. I can Jet Ski, water ski, drive pretty much any kind of boat. Though, I’ve yet to master that walk on water thing,” he couldn’t resist adding.
“Awesome.” Noah rolled his eyes, but surprisingly, it came across more playful than irritated. “So, we heading out or what?”
“I have to go pee,” Maddie whispered, though Mike was pretty sure everyone heard.
“Would you like me to take you?” he whispered back.
She shook her head and slid from her chair, then ran up and grasped Bernie’s hand.
“Good idea,” Bernie agreed, smiling down at her. “Let’s all take a quick bathroom break before we head out.”
“Oh, it’s like that, is it?” he teased, feigning hurt feelings.
“Don’t worry, Dad. Us girls gotta stick together.” Bernie cast him a secretive smile as she led his daughter off to the bathroom.
Once they were all finished and outside, Bernie dug her keys from her purse. “So, we’ll head to the Canal Station lighthouse first, since it’s the closest.”
“Sounds good. Only, I think I’d like to drive, if you don’t mind.”
After a short pause, she shrugged. “Suit yourself. Your truck’s roomier than my little Acura anyway.”
Mike eyed the car with barely concealed disdain. Friggin’ thing looked like a big tomato.
Bernie caught his look and scowled. “Hey, don’t look at my baby like that. She’s sensitive.”
He barked out a laugh. “It’s a car, sweetheart. It doesn’t have feelings.” He leaned in close so he could add in a whisper, “And I think you may be a tad tipsy.”
She pulled back and gaped at him, nose crinkled and mouth open. “Am not.”
He chuckled again as he led them to his brand new, black Chevy Silverado. He opened the driver’s side passenger door and buckled Maddie into her booster seat while Bernie slid into the front seat.
Noah climbed in the other side next to Maddie and whistled softly. “Nice ride.”
Mike feigned astonishment. “Did you just compliment me?”
The teen’s face screwed up. “No. I complimented this sweet truck. It’s not her fault you’re the one who bought her.”
He gave his head a shake. The kid really was something else.
Bernie directed him to the Canal Station lighthouse, which wasn’t far from her parents’ place. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to take a tour, so they looked around, took some pictures, then hopped back in the truck and headed west to the Door County Maritime Museum.
Luckily, Bernie knew exactly how to get there, so they made good time and didn’t have to rush since the place didn’t close until five. They even had time to take a guided tour of the John Purves, a beautifully restored Great Lakes tugboat that Noah was in awe of. Maddie loved the “Sea Dogs” exhibit, and they both enjoyed looking through a real periscope. Mike relaxed as he watched the kids, and Bernie, enjoy themselves. It was a welcome reprieve from all the disharmony lately, that was for sure.
As they walked out, Bernie stopped to read a poster. “I’d love to do this—Haunted Olde Sturgeon Bay ghost tour. But it doesn’t start for another couple of weeks.”
Noah read the poster and turned to his sister, eyes lit up with hope. “That sounds awesome! Can we come back up before Halloween and do it?”
“Absolutely. Halloween’s my favorite holiday. Remind me when we get home, and I’ll buy tickets online.” She ruffled his hair.
“Can we come, too?” Maddie asked, tugging on Noah’s hand to get his attention. “I love Halloween.”
“Sure, I guess. If you don’t think you’ll get scared.”
Only the slightest touch of disappointment tinged his tone. Mike knew it was directed at him, not Maddie, so he chose not to comment.
His daughter gave her head a vehement shake. “I won’t get scared. Can we get ice cream now?” she asked on the same breath.
The kids both looked to Bernie.
“Sounds good to me. Well, why don’t we try Door County Candy? They serve ice cream, but also sell all kinds of candy, popcorn, and other treats.”
“Do you happen to know how to get there?”
“Oh, yeah. I’ve explored Sturgeon Bay many times. I’m also familiar with Fish Creek, Gills Rock, and Sister Bay. I just love Door County.”
The dreamy smile she sported made him want to take her in his arms. He sure wished she’d direct one of those beautiful smiles his way.
It was nearly five by the time they carried their bags of goodies to the truck, ready to head back to Rosemary and Dale’s cabin. When he turned into their driveway, there was a dark blue Malibu parked behind Bernie’s tomato mobile.
“Oh, good, Missy and the kids are here,” she announced, clearly excited. “I bet Jeff’s already out there Jet Skiing.”
“Who’s Missy?” Maddie asked.
“Dale’s daughter, my step-sister.” She looked at Mike. “She’s recently divorced, so she and the kids have been spending a lot more time up here. There’s Jeff, who’s a year younger than Noah, Ava’s ten, and Sophie just started Kindergarten.”
“Me, too!” Maddie exclaimed. “Maybe she’ll wanna play with me.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’m sure she will. Sophie is very outgoing. I’ll bet you two have a great time together.”
“I hope this Jeff kid’s cool,” Noah added with a note of concern.
“He is, don’t worry,” Bernie assured him. “He’s outgoing, too. It’s Ava who’s a bit of an introvert. And Dale also has a son, my step-brother, Mark, but he lives in Chicago, so he doesn’t come up as often.”
He stepped inside just in time to see a little cutie
with big, brown eyes and long, dark-blonde hair run up to Bernie screaming, “Auntie Bernie!”
Laughing, she scooped her into her arms and twirled around. “Hey, Sophie Bear. How are you?” She gave her a kiss on the forehead and then set her down.
“Good. Mommy’s taking me swimming.” She swung around as she caught sight of Maddie leaning against his side. “Hi!”
“Hi,” his daughter echoed, straightening. “I’m Maddie.”
“Wanna go swimming with us?”
She gazed up at him in question. “Can I, Daddy?”
“Of course. In fact, I’ll put on my suit and join you.” He looked at Bernie, then Noah. “You guys are coming, too, right?”
“I think I’ll save the swimming for tomorrow. It’s supposed to hit eighty-five.”
“So, put your suit on and do a little sunbathing,” said a new, female voice. “I’ll join you once Nana, Papa, and Ava get back from the store. They’re going to take the girls for a spin on the speed boat.”
Mike watched as an attractive blonde in a black string bikini swished their way from the vicinity of the kitchen. She had a towel in one hand, and a glass of wine in the other.
These people sure did like their wine.
She turned her blue-eyed gaze his way, and did a slow, thorough scan of his person before a smile curved her lips. “You must be Mike. I’m Dale’s daughter, Melissa, but everyone calls me Missy.”
He resisted the urge to clear his throat as she stared at him with blatant interest. A quick glance at Bernie surprised and thrilled him. Lips pursed, she glared daggers at her step-sister. Jealousy? Renewed confidence flared to life. What a perfect development.
Chapter 13
Bernie’s face grew warm as she watched Missy flirt with Mike. She loved her step-sister dearly, but right about now, she wanted to scratch her ever-loving eyes out.
A quick glance at Noah proved her charms weren’t lost on him. She resisted the urge to reach out and give the little perv’s ear a flick.