by Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowery, Lynette Sowell
The parents started clapping. “Jump, jump, jump.”
Matt shook his head, held his nose, and leaped from the plank. The balls bounced out the sides as he landed. The kids peered over the side.
“We want to jump.”
Matt scooted out of the way. “Come on.”
One by one, the children took turns jumping into the balls, climbing out, and walking the plank all over again. Even the parents, all but Emily, took a turn walking the plank. Jayne bumped Stephanie.
“Go on. Take your turn.”
She handed her the camera. “You’d better take this.” Then she climbed the steps and headed toward the plank, but Matt stood in her way, two swords in his hands. He handed one to her.
“Arr, me beauty. Ye must earn the plank.”
She grinned. “Is this your mutiny?”
“Aye, lass. ‘Tis a sword fight or a flogging with the cat o’ nine tails.”
They’d caught everyone’s attention now. The audience stood to watch and cheer. Stephanie raised a brow and reached for the offered sword.
“‘Tis a fight we’ll be having then, me bucko.”
And the fight was on. The wooden swords clacked together over and over as they warded off each attack. Eventually, her arm growing tired, Stephanie stepped back and they circled several moments. Then she lunged and he dodged. He swung and she deflected. He came at her with a barrage of thrusts. She eluded by running to the other side of the mast. When he tried to follow, she swung at him. He sidestepped and came at her again.
Panting, she warded another attack. There was only one way for this fight to end. She climbed onto the plank and parried his attack a few more times before she pointed at her side. Matt slowed his assault as he frowned, then understanding dawned in his eyes.
With a mock leer, he lunged and slid the blade between her arm and side. She groaned and dropped her weapon. It clattered to the deck as she bent over, grabbing her side. She winked at Matt and tumbled into the cage.
Amidst much applause, the kids jumped in after Stephanie. They played several minutes before Stephanie had her breath back enough to climb out. Matt stood at the edge to help her. He gave a slight bow.
“You’re pretty good. I started wondering if I would win.”
She leaned close to his ear. “I let you win.”
She gave him another wink and raced down the steps before he came up with some kind of revenge. She didn’t get far. Greg slipped his arm through hers and led her away.
Matt’s ear still tingled from her whisper. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and give her a kiss. Tonight only proved beyond a doubt he still had feelings for her, even after all she’d done in the past. She was still fun and very beautiful, yet she wasn’t his. That was proven by the fact that she had just left with another man. Again.
He couldn’t watch. He climbed the steps to the ship’s deck with the intent to bury his frustration by jumping in the foam balls with the kids.
Chapter 5
Before Greg could get her outside, Stephanie yanked her arm free. “What’s so important, Greg. I was having fun.”
“But not with me.”
“You could have joined in. People older than you were jumping and having a good time.”
He cast a glance over her shoulder. “I want to spend some time alone with you, Steph. Let me take you to dinner tomorrow. I want to prove I’m a good guy you can fall in love with.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
His scowl annoyed her. Everything about him annoyed her. She closed her eyes and blew out a breath. “First of all, I’m here for the kids, not for you. We have plans for the kids tomorrow evening.”
“Then let’s go for lunch.”
“No.”
He reached to touch her. “Why not?”
She pulled away. “I don’t love you, Greg, and I never will. Not the way you want.”
“So you do love me a little.”
She groaned. “Not that way. And if you keep this up, you may lose our friendship, too.”
“What is it about me that keeps you from loving me. Am I that bad?”
She motioned to a bale of hay and they took a seat. “You’re not bad. One day you’ll meet a girl who’ll think you’re perfect. I’m not that girl.”
“You could be if you’d just give me a chance.” He motioned toward the ship. “What’s that Matt guy got that I don’t?”
Where would she start? The list was long. “What makes you think Matt has anything to do with this?”
“Because you don’t look at me the way you do him.” He took a long look in Matt’s direction. “He’s not good enough for you, Steph. I mean, look at him. He’s a carpenter. And wearing a goofy costume.”
Stephanie did as suggested and looked at Matt. She loved the way he played with the children, that he didn’t worry about what it looked like to put on a pirate costume but wore one for the sake of the kids to make sure they had fun. He was selfless two years ago, but he seemed even more so now.
“See. You’re looking at him that way again. I could give you so much more.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being a carpenter, Greg. Christ was a carpenter.”
“You’re seriously going to compare Matt to Christ?”
He was wearing her out. “Don’t be ridiculous. Just the occupation. He loves what he does. What’s wrong with that?”
“I love what I do. And I love you. And if it takes putting on a pirate costume to show you how much, I’ll do it. Butyou’ve got to promise to give me a chance to show I’m better for you than him.”
She shook her head and stood. “Stop it, Greg. Keep this up and you’ll ruin everyone’s vacation.”
He stood and grabbed her arm. “Give me your word. At least give me a shot.”
She tried to pull her arm away but he held tight.
“Is something wrong?”
She turned. Matt stood only feet away. She jerked her arm again. This time Greg let her go, but the muscles in his jaw were jumping as he stared at Matt.
“This is none of your business, Raynor. We’re having a private conversation.”
“Steph?” Matt looked from Greg to her. “You want me to leave?”
Shoving down an urge to scream in frustration, she threw up her hand. “You two do what you want. I’m going to bed.”
She stomped from the barn. If it weren’t for the kids, she’d be on her way to her parents’ house first thing in the morning.
The afternoon sun felt good on Matt’s back as he raised the top half of the pillory to check the strength of the hinge. It held tight and didn’t even wiggle. Now for some kind of latch.
“Put your head in. Let’s see how it works.”
He smiled at Stephanie’s voice and turned. “You first.”
“No way. Knowing you, you’d get me in there and walk away.”
“Don’t tempt me.”
She moved closer and whacked his arm, then fingered the pillory. “This looks great. Is there anything you can’t do?”
Win your heart.
He shook away the thought. He’d been hurt enough. Why set himself up for more pain?
“It’s not perfect but should work good enough to hold a few kids.” He lifted the top half again. “If you want to help, stick your head in there. I need to get an idea of how high off the ground to make this thing.”
“Nope. Besides, I’m a lot taller than they are.”
“Oh come on. I promise I won’t leave you in here. Look, it doesn’t even have a latch. You can escape whenever you want.”
She eyed him for several seconds then looked at the pillory. It was all he could do not to laugh at her distrust but he fought to keep a straight face.
“You’ve been asking every day if there’s something you can do to help. Here’s one way.”
She wrinkled up her nose. “Oh all right.” She pointed her finger at him. “But this better not be a trick.”
“Would I do something like that?”
/>
“Yep.”
He laughed as he held the top open. She sent him one more look then put each arm in place before placing her neck on the middle slot. He carefully lowered the top half wishing like crazy he had some way to hold it closed.
“All right, you’re what? Five-six?”
“Uh-huh.”
“And I’m guessing the kids are no more than four feet tall.”
“Right.”
He leaned on the top board of the pillory, successfully keeping it closed. “Let’s see. So to make them bend over like you and make it as uncomfortable as possible in the least amount of time …” He rubbed his chin, not even trying to do the math. He leaned lower, keeping his arm on top. “Does your back hurt yet?”
She turned as far as possible to see him. “It’s getting there. You can let me up now.”
“What’s that?”
“I said, this feels awkward. Let me up.”
“You want out?”
“Yes.”
“But you haven’t been in there very long.”
“Long enough. If you doubt it, let me put you in this thing.”
“Oh but Steph, I’m smart enough not to get put in that position.”
She craned her neck and stuck out her tongue. “You’d also better be faster than me cuz when I get out of here, I’m gonna strangle you.”
“Who says you’re getting out of here?” He placed both hands on the top board then leaned low enough to look her in the eyes. Their noses were only inches apart. It was all he could do not to kiss her. “I could have used this little contraption two years ago.”
Her expression turned serious. “I wish you would have. I’m really sorry, Matt.”
“What other forms of pirate punishment are you planning for the kids that I can practice on you first?”
She gave him a slight smile. “Well, let’s see. There’s the cat ‘o nine tails.”
“You’re not using that on the kids.”
“No, but I’ll be telling them about it.”
“What else?”
“They were tied to the mast, tossed overboard, hanged, marooned, set adrift, clapped in irons—”
“Oh now that sounds like something—”
“Now stop that.”
He laughed. “Anything else?”
“Keelhauling.”
“I’ve heard of that. What exactly is that?”
She smiled and batted her eyes. “I’ll tell you if you’ll turn me loose.”
She was so adorable, he wanted to keep her there forever, but her neck and back had to be getting tired. “You drive a hard bargain.” He tilted his head. “And I’m feeling generous.”
He lifted the board. She stood and massaged her back.
“Thank you, kind sir.” She turned her head from side to side, then rubbed. “That really is an awful torture.” She motioned to the pillory. “Care to try it for yourself?”
He smiled. There was only one thing he’d care to try. Maybe it was time to get everything talked out so there’d be no walls between them. But was he ready? Is that what he really wanted? All something he didn’t have the answers to yet.
“I’ll pass. We should move this before the kids get back from the lake and see it.”
“To the barn, then?”
“You have the treasure hunt finished?”
“Nope.” She raised her brows. “Point taken. I’ll leave you alone.”
She headed toward the house. He wanted to call her back but the words wouldn’t come.
Time. Maybe that’s all that was needed. Or maybe it wasn’t meant to be. “Lord, help me. I don’t know what to do.”
“Talking to yourself, Raynor? That’s a bad sign, ya know.”
Greg stood several feet behind him.
“And you’d know that how?”
Greg grinned. “She deserves better, Matt. If you have any feelings left for her, you’d know that and walk away.”
“And leave her for someone like you?” He shook his head. “See ya, Greg.”
He pushed the pillory toward the barn, questions rolling through his mind. Just what was the relationship between Stephanie and Greg? Was there or had there ever been any relationship? And the biggest question was, could he ever trust her again?
Chapter 6
Stephanie perched on the stool next to Jayne and glanced at everyone’s faces. Greg wasn’t among them. She wouldn’t mind except she’d thought this was one part of the skits he needed to see … a reminder of what Christmas was all about, as well as why they were at the inn in the first place.
She eyed the three children. “I know you love to be punished, right?”
“No way …” Brandon shook his head while Jennifer and Andy set Stephanie straight. He shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t get into trouble.”
As the parents laughed, Stephanie raised her brows. “Oh, really? So when you used the jar of peanut butter to paint the bathroom, your mom was so happy she didn’t do anything?”
He made a face. “It wouldn’t have happened if you’d been with us then.”
“Oh, it was my fault.” She nodded and laughed. “The logic of a seven-year-old.”
Jayne smiled and patted her leg. “Get used to it.” She turned to the kids. “Let’s take some time listing all the pirate punishments, done to each other as well as how the law punished them.”
Jennifer raised her hand. “Some were hanged.”
“That’s right, done mostly by the law when a pirate was caught. What else?”
They spent a good deal of time naming the consequences of doing something wrong, from marooning and being tossed overboard, to being set adrift or keelhauling.
Andy raised his hand. “What’s keelhauling?”
Stephanie pulled out a picture of a ship and pointed as she spoke. “That’s when a pirate was tied to a rope that looped under the ship, then was thrown overboard on one side and hauled under water to the other side, usually resulting in the sailor’s death.”
The kids looked at each other and made a face. Stephanie motioned for the children to follow her onto the ship. “There were other punishments you haven’t mentioned yet. How about this one?” She pointed at the handcuffs and irons lying on the deck. “Which one of you wants to try this one?”
Brandon ran to them. “I will. This doesn’t look bad at all.”
“Great.” Stephanie put the irons on the boy then led him across the deck and locked him to a pole. She motioned to Matt. He turned on a set of heat lamps pointed at Brandon. She patted Brandon on the head. “Now you get to stay there for as many hours as the captain deems enough.”
“But it’s hot.”
“I know. That’s the same thing the pirates said when they were clapped in chains and held on the deck in the blazing sun.”
“Where’s the captain?”
Stephanie tried not to laugh. “I believe he’s busy right now.” She turned to the other children. “Okay, who’s next?”
Jen and Andy looked at each other and then shoved their hands into their pockets. The parents burst into laughter.
Stephanie put her arm around Jennifer. “Since there’s no volunteer, I choose you for the next punishment.”
“What is it?”
“It’s called a pillory.”
“A what?”
Stephanie motioned to the side again and Matt rolled out the pillory. Stephanie led Jen to it and, with Matt’s help, locked her inside. “This is another of the punishments doled out by the law when they caught a pirate. Not as permanent as a hanging, but I think as you’ll find out, not exactly comfortable and is a bit embarrassing.”
“How long will I be stuck here?”
Stephanie patted Jen’s head, leaned down and smiled, then walked away. “Your turn, Andy.”
He was already shaking his head and backing away. “Nuh-huh! I don’t want to be a pirate no more.”
“Too late.” She put her arm around his shoulders and led him to the mast.
“What’re
you gonna do to me?”
“This is the punishment phase of being a pirate, Andy. What do you think we should do?”
“Walking the plank would be good.”
Everyone laughed.
“That’s too easy. We’re trying something new tonight.”
“Like what?”
She placed his back against the pole. “We’re tying you to the mast.”
“Oh. That’s not so bad.”
She pointed up. “Way up at the top.”
“Huh?” He looked up and shook his head. “It’s dark up there, and I don’t like heights.”
“Don’t worry, son.” The voice came from above. Matt hit the lights and Andy’s dad, Luke, could be seen tied to the top of the main mast. “I’ll take your punishment for you.”
Andy grinned and waved. “Thanks, Dad.”
Jayne joined them on the ship. “Does this remind you of anything?”
The kids remained silent. Jayne sat on the treasure chest. “What holiday are we celebrating in a couple days?”
“Christmas!” All three kids chimed the word together.
“That’s right. And why did Jesus come to earth?”
Still stuck in the pillory, Jen ran in place. “To save us.”
“Right again. He took our punishment for us.” She pointed up. “Just as Andy’s dad is doing for him.”
“Daddy?” Brandon’s voice sounded pitiful. “You gonna come take my place?”
The barn filled with laughter. Steve waved to his son.
“You bet, buddy.”
Stephanie motioned for him to stay seated. “I guess it’s time to set everyone free. We just wanted to get the point across that the pirate’s life wasn’t glamorous like the movies would have you believe.”
While she released Jennifer, Matt unchained Brandon, then disappeared over the side of the ship for the next part of the fun. Stephanie pointed to the chest and crates.
“Have a seat for a minute.” She sat across from them but could still see those watching below. Jayne joined her. “We’d like to mention a few more things about what pirates were really like before we turn you loose to play like the movie pirates do.”