Safe Harbor

by Jennifer Moore

  “We should have stopped at my car first. I’ll hurt my back carrying all this.”

  “Just wait until you have kids. You’ll be surprised at the amount of stuff you have to bring everywhere.”

  “Yeah, well don’t hold your breath. By the time that happens, your kids will be old enough to schlep around this stuff for me.” Reverting to his persona of “cocky bachelor” didn’t bring the same amusement it typically did. He didn’t like thinking too deeply about the path his personal life was on. Over the years, he’d dated nearly every single woman in this small town, and though he pretended to enjoy the reputation of a player, in actuality he was lonely. And the “cocky bachelor” routine was feeling pathetic. He was looking for more.

  Once they’d retrieved the items from Seth’s car, the men walked to the lake and spread out the blankets on the grassy field.

  “If we’re lucky, Finn will fall asleep before the night gets too late,” Nathaniel said. “Ruby will be fine to stay up, but that little boy turns into a dragon when he’s tired.”

  Seth laughed, feeling the pang of loneliness return. He loved Nathaniel and his kids, but someone else’s family was no substitute for his own. He thought of Melanie and the way she cheered for the kids at practice, patiently showing them how to hold a bat and giving each a high five when they came in from the field. The image of her as a mother entered his mind. He couldn’t imagine her ever raising her voice in anger. She was gentle and happy and…his thoughts were jerked up short as if someone had poured a bucket of ice water over him. Melanie Owen was obviously not staying in Lobster Cove. And she wasn’t even Melanie Owen. Her charade or escape or disguise, or whatever it was, couldn’t last forever.

  And he couldn’t imagine she’d remain once it ended.

  As they walked back toward the carnival, he glanced to the side to again find Nathaniel watching him with squinted eyes and a tipped head. He recognized the expression his best friend made when he was trying to figure something out. “Hey, so can I ask you a question?”

  “As in an ‘I need an attorney’ question? Or just a casual, ‘I wonder’ question?”

  “The latter.”

  “You don’t need permission to ask a question.”

  As they walked to the carnival, the noise increased. Seth rolled his eyes. “Let’s say you know someone’s secret, but the person doesn’t know you know.”

  “Is the someone Melanie?”

  Seth shot him a glare. “We’re speaking hypothetically.”

  Nathaniel smirked, but his eyes were thoughtful. “So, what’s the question?”

  “Do you wait for the person to tell you on her own? Or do you tell her you know?”

  Nathaniel was quiet for a moment. He scratched his cheek. “Do you know why the person is keeping the secret?”

  “Not completely. I have some guesses.”

  “Is the secret hurting anyone? Breaking the law?”

  “No.” Seth set the cooler on the grass, opening and closing his hands to ease the cramping.

  Nathaniel stopped and turned. “Are you afraid revealing what you know might threaten her trust?”

  Seth didn’t bother pretending they weren’t both talking about Melanie. “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”

  “But, on the other hand, you think maybe she’d be relieved to know she can talk to someone.”

  As he lifted the cooler, Seth grunted. “I guess we’ve moved away from hypothetical,” he muttered.

  They continued through the crowd. “My advice would be to wait for her to tell you on her own,” Nathaniel said.

  Seth squinted, looking around the picnic area for Melanie and Val and the kids. “That’s my gut instinct, too. It’s just…I wish she trusted me.”

  They walked silently past the rides toward the games. Seth considered Nathaniel’s advice. He’d thought the same, but hearing someone he trusted confirm his intuition was refreshing. If only he could figure out how to show Melanie that he understood.

  Nathaniel cleared his throat. “Listen, I have to spend some time in the Boston office over the next few weeks. You mind checking on Val and the kids?”

  “Course not. Maybe I’ll bring Daisy and let them chase her around.”

  “They’d love that.” Nathaniel nodded. He stayed quiet for a moment, and then cleared his throat. “How do the Red Sox look compared to the rest of the division?”

  “Bullpen’s got to get a little stronger if we’re making a push to the playoffs.” Seth felt his shoulders relax, relieved they were finally on a neutral topic.

  “Starting rotation’s looking tight.”

  An idea that had tickled the back of Seth’s mind moved to the forefront. “So, does your firm still have Sox season tickets?”

  Nathaniel nodded. “You thinking of seeing a game?”

  “Maybe. What are the chances of me taking Melanie next week?”

  “The series against the Yankees?” Nathaniel darted a glance at his friend.

  Seth shrugged, not sure how to break the news. “Yeah, Mel’s…”

  Nathaniel’s eyes grew wide and he grimaced. “Oh, no. Please don’t say she’s a Yankee’s fan.”

  “I know. I’m working on it.”

  “She looks so…nice.”

  “Careful…” Seth warned, though he knew his friend was teasing. Seth considered himself a loyal Sox fan, but Nathaniel treated the Red Sox practically as a religion.

  “I might have to rethink all that fantastic advice I gave you. But this fact just shows that nobody’s perfect.” He wrinkled his eyes and bared his teeth, as if he was in pain. “Really? A Yankees fan?”

  “The tickets…?” Seth reminded him.

  Pursing his lips, he nodded, “That series is in high demand, especially since it’s Derek Jeter’s last season…but I’ll see what I can—” Nathaniel broke off, and a grin spread over his face. “There they are.” He motioned with his chin toward the shooting gallery.

  As they got closer, Seth could tell by the number of downed targets that Val was an expert shot. They waited until the music stopped, signaling her game was finished. “Looks like your nanny’s attracting some attention.” He motioned to the crowd that had gathered.

  Melanie furrowed her brow. She moved to stand beside Seth while Val played again. “Nanny?” She spoke in a low voice.

  He leaned down his head to hear her.

  “I thought they were married.” She lifted her gaze back toward Nathaniel and Val, then to the kids. “They seem so…I don’t know, right.”

  He felt the same and liked knowing their perceptions of the couple matched. “They’re great together, and everyone can see it but them.”

  “I hope they figure it out,” she nearly whispered. “Losing something so special would be heartbreaking.” She darted her gaze to his and back to the other couple. Red bloomed over her cheeks.

  His earlier realization crashed over him. Melanie’s time in Lobster Cove was temporary. Hollowness ate at his gut. My thoughts exactly.

  After the fireworks show, Seth and Melanie helped carry sleeping children, blankets, carnival prizes, and a cooler to Nathaniel’s car. They bid their friends farewell and walked toward the center of town. Once they reached the main square, most of the crowds had dissipated, and only traffic remained.

  Seth turned from the sidewalk, cutting through the park by the Captain’s Library. After the noise of the music and crowds, and the bangs of the light show, the night seemed extra quiet with only the whoosh of the waves in the harbor. He relaxed as they strolled beneath the street lamps. In the distance, they could see the flashes of the Bar Harbor fireworks.

  “I had fun today, Seth. Thank you.” Melanie smiled. “You were right about a small town Fourth.”

  Though she didn’t say anything, her expression made his heart beat speed up. Her smile was soft, but not shy. Does she feel comfortable with me? The skin of his arm next to hers heated, even without touching. He took a chance and caught her hand.

  Melanie didn�
�t pull away, but she slowed her pace.

  Seth matched her speed. “Probably nothing like the celebration in D.C, though.”

  She shrugged. “I never saw—” Shaking her head, she glanced to the side. “I…we didn’t live there all year.”

  “So where…? Sorry. I don’t mean to pry. I just want to know about you.”

  With her free arm, Melanie hugged the penguin tighter.

  Seth felt her tension and knew he’d overstepped. He halted, tugging on her hand and forcing her to stop. “Mel, listen.” He waited for her to look at him. Her expression was nervous and he knew what he said now would make or break it. “I know there’s stuff you don’t want to talk about it. Things that have been rough on you or that you want to get away from. Whatever all that is, none of it matters to me.” He raised their joined hands and tapped beneath her chin to keep her from looking down.

  “I mean it. You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want, and when you’re ready, I’m here to help, okay?”

  Melanie’s eyes shone in the light of the streetlamps. When she blinked, tears escaped in trails down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. You’re such a good friend, and it’s not that I don’t trust you. I just need to figure myself out.” She shook her chin away and tucked the penguin under her arm so she could wipe her fingers over her cheeks. “I’m not doing a very good job.”

  “I understand.” Seth tugged at her hand, and they continued their stroll.

  “Do you?”

  He paused before answering. Did he understand her reasons for keeping her identity a secret? For hiding in Lobster Cove? For living in a crappy one-bedroom apartment over a bar when she’d left behind a mansion? “I’m trying to,” he said honestly.

  “So am I,” Melanie whispered.

  ****

  The next week at the ballpark, Melanie wound up and tossed a pitch.

  The batter swung and missed…again.

  Across the distance, she saw the girl’s eyes fill with tears. “Hey, Lily. You’re doing great. Choke up on the bat a little.”

  Lily wiped her hand across her face and sniffed. She wrinkled her nose and shook her head.

  She must not understand the instruction. The girl looked so small with the batting helmet on. The sight made Melanie’s stomach tight. She looked over her shoulder at the third base coach. Holding up the ball, she raised her brows. “Can you pitch, Coach Goodwyn?”

  Seth jogged to the mound and took her glove, grinning. “You got it, Coach Owen.”

  Melanie hurried to home plate and stood behind Lily. “You’re doing everything right. Hold the bat up here.” She helped shift the girl’s hands higher. “And don’t hesitate. Seeing the ball come toward you can be a little scary, but don’t worry. He’s a good pitcher. He won’t hit you.” Seeing Lily’s nod, Melanie stepped back.

  Seth tossed in a slow pitch.

  Lily swung…and connected with a thwack. The ball bounced past the shortstop into the outfield. She looked back at Melanie with wide eyes and a grin.

  “Run!” Melanie pointed, and then watched Lily drop the bat and dash toward first base. She clapped and cheered with the rest of the team when Lily ran across the plate.

  Looking around the field, Melanie felt her heart expand. The Trawlers had improved so much since the first practice four weeks ago that she hardly recognized them as the same kids. She watched Seth directing the right fielder to throw the ball into second base.

  He lifted off his cap and shook his head before pulling it back down.

  His movement was so natural, but seeing his bicep flex beneath tanned skin and the sun-highlighted tips of his tousled hair made her draw in a shaky breath. My assistant coach is sexy, that’s all there is to it.

  Seth caught her gaze and his lips rose in a half-smile.

  Her insides quivered. Melanie felt a flush covering her skin and looked away, glad he couldn’t read her mind. Cars had started filling the parking lot. Practice time was over. She blew her whistle and motioned the team in.

  “Trawlers, that was our best practice so far. You’re all learning to work together as a team, and I can’t tell you how good you look out there.” She smiled at all the little faces turned toward her. “And I have some news. Next week instead of regular practice, Coach Goodwyn made arrangements for us to play against a team from Bar Harbor.”

  “A real game?” Lily asked Seth, her eyebrows winging high.

  He nodded. “Yep. You guys are ready for some real competition.”

  The players cheered and clapped.

  Melanie couldn’t help but grin. “I’ll text your parents the info this week. So, make sure you get extra sleep and eat spaghetti or something like that the night before to give you energy.” She put out her hand. “Ok, team. Trawlers on three.”

  The kids crowded together, stretching their hands into the circle.

  “You, too, coach.” Melanie motioned with her head for Seth to join them. “One, two, three, TRAWLERS!” The team flung their hands into the air and cheered.

  Once the children left, she and Seth gathered the bases and equipment. She held the duffle bag for him to drop in an armload of softballs. “I don’t know how I’d do this without you.”

  Seth pulled back his head and furrowed his brow. “What are you talking about? You could coach this team alone without breaking a sweat.”

  “Yeah, maybe.” She glanced up, feeling suddenly shy. “But I like having you here.”

  He gave her a long look before speaking. “Thanks, Mel.”

  Seth’s low voice flowed over her like she’d just sunk into a hot tub. She focused on stacking the batting helmets in the equipment bag until her pulse returned to a normal speed. Pulling the zipper closed, she hefted the bag.

  Without a word, Seth took it from her and clasped her hand as they walked toward his car.

  When she’d arrived at practice three weeks earlier, balancing the duffle bag on her bike, Seth had insisted on driving her to and from practice. Her first impulse had been to argue for her independence, but his offer had made her feel cherished instead of dominated. And she still wondered which emotion terrified her more.

  He put the equipment into the trunk and opened the passenger door.

  Melanie muttered “thanks” as she climbed into the car, her mind still turning over and over. Seth’s effortless way of taking care of her—even when he knew she didn’t need it—created a feeling inside she’d never felt before. But was she giving up the independence she was so hungry for?

  Seth started the car and glanced at her as he turned onto the road. “You seem extra thoughtful today. Got a lot on your mind?”

  “I guess I do. Sorry.”

  He shrugged and slipped his hand under hers, lifting it to the center console. He bumped his thumb over her knuckles. “Hey, I was hoping you’d do me a favor.”

  “Well, it depends.” Melanie saw his lips quirk, and knew he had something up his sleeve. The knowledge that she could read his expression sent tingles over her skin. Or maybe knowing he had a surprise brought on her reaction.

  “In the glove box is an envelope. Would you take a look at the papers inside?”

  Melanie released his hand and retrieved the envelope. Turning it over, she pulled out two Red Sox tickets. Her heart banged, and a giggle fought its way from her mouth when she saw the Yankees were the visiting team. “Seth.” Her hands shook as she returned the tickets into the envelope. “Are you asking me to go with you? To this game?” She could hear her voice getting higher and louder, but had zero control at this point.

  “Yeah. You can see why I need the favor.” He flicked his wrist toward the envelope. “Two tickets. I don’t want to have to waste one.”

  “Are you serious?” She felt like bouncing in her seat and clapping her hands.

  “I’m always serious about baseball.” He smirked, his expression at odds with his words.

  “I’d love to go. Thank you.” The idea of wrapping her arms around him and covering his cheeks with kisses ros
e in her mind, making her blush.

  “Do you think Carlos will give ya the day off? The game’s in the afternoon, so we’ll have to leave pretty early in the morning.”

  Again, Melanie slid out the tickets, just to make sure they were real. Beneath the words “Fenway Park,” the Sox and Yankees logos were separated by “vs.” She ran her fingertip over the symbols, and another thrill shot through her chest. She nodded. “I’m sure Carlos won’t mind.”

  “Well, that solves my problem.” He ran a hand across his forehead, mimicking wiping sweat from his brow, and winked. Once he’d shifted the car into Park, he turned toward her.

  “These tickets must have been so hard to get. And especially this season. A rivalry game in a small-capacity stadium. Really, Seth. Thank you so much.” Her throat constricted and itching built behind her eyes. But at the same time, she couldn’t stop smiling like a lunatic.

  Seth studied her face. He brushed his knuckles softly over her cheek. “Seeing that smile is worth any effort.”

  Melanie’s heart flipped. She wanted to close her eyes and sigh, but she needed to maintain some dignity. “So, I’ll see ya tomorrow morning. One Americano Latte and a blueberry scone?”

  He brushed his thumb over her lower lip. “Yep.” His voice was husky and his gaze lingered on her mouth.

  Does he want to kiss me? The idea both excited and frightened her. Frightened won. She reached for the door handle and heard Seth blow a breath through his teeth as he opened his own door. Cringing, she hoped she hadn’t hurt his feelings.

  He pulled the duffel bag from the trunk and grinned with a flash of white teeth.

  Melanie felt the familiar jolt in her chest that was becoming more comfortable each time. Once they reached the top of the stairs, she unlocked the door.

  Seth turned sideways, brushing against her as he set the bag inside before straightening.

  He stood so close that she could feel the heat from his body. Melanie couldn’t help herself. She leaned forward and slid her arms around his back, leaning against his chest.

  Seth let out a breath. He pulled her close and laid his cheek on her head.