No Ordinary Summer

by Linda Barrett

  He managed, however, to note Josh’s performance in particular as the kids took their turns. The boy had a natural feel for anticipating where the ball would go. He caught a lot more than he missed, flies or grounders. His swing was solid, and he connected four out of five times when at bat. A very high percentage for an eight-year-old. No wonder the kid really loved the game—he was good at it! What better way to build a child’s self-esteem than by allowing him to develop natural skills? Somehow, Josh had to play in the opening game next weekend.

  SHELLEY LOVED how Dan’s creative mind worked. Not to mention his mouth when he kissed her, his arms when he held her and his hands when he stroked her cheek and tilted her head up for another kiss. She loved his strength that evening as they walked along the beach, arms around each other.

  They’d walked a mile from Sea View House and were now lying in the shelter of a small sand dune. The walk had taken a long time. Pauses for kissing. Pauses to gaze and listen to the moonlit ocean waves as they crested in regular rhythm. Pauses to stare at the twinkling stars in the clear night sky.

  As they’d approached the dunes, Daniel had pulled out the Parker Plumbing team schedule from his pocket and held it out to her in the moonlight.

  “We’re the first game of the day on July third,” he’d said. “Nine o’clock. Seems to me that a candidate would enjoy a photo op with his own son at America’s national sport on America’s birthday weekend. He could take the kids after the game, and at least Josh could play the opener.”

  She’d grabbed the schedule, taken a good look and slapped her own forehead. “Of course! I should have thought of it myself.”

  “You would have soon enough. It’s easier for me. I’m one step removed…or,” he’d continued, “maybe only a half step removed.”

  She’d reached for him, eager to erase the questioning frown from his expression. She’d kissed him with everything she had, and now they lay in each other’s arms, content for the moment in the protection of the dune.

  “I don’t want to think about Carl anymore,” whispered Shelley.

  Dan chuckled. “Good. Neither do I.”

  “Look,” she said, pointing at the sky. “There’s Cassiopeia.”

  “There’s the Big Dipper.”

  “And the North Star.”

  “Sure,” said Dan in a teasing voice. “Easy for you to say because I found the Big Dipper.”

  “Phooey. That one’s easy. There’s the Little Dipper.”

  “And there’s your gorgeous mouth that I want to dip into…like this.” And he leaned in.

  Shelley turned toward him, as eager as he was. But he took it slow. His tongue traced only the outline of her lips, and she heard herself moan in frustration. “Not…like…that…”

  She felt his silent chuckle.

  “More?” he whispered. “Like this?”

  And now he was inside, exploring her mouth. Then he kissed her. And she returned his touch with equal measure, her pulses pounding everywhere.

  “My God,” she murmured, her arms tightening around his chest. She lay half over him and wiggled higher, flicking her tongue across his ear, down his neck. She felt him shiver. Heard his breath come and go in rasping pants. His embrace tightened, and she lay on him, breast to chest, every muscle in her body vibrating. Her own breath caught tight in her throat.

  “Daniel,” she almost whimpered. “It’s been so damn long.”

  And then there was no more talk. Only action. Hot. Hard. Fast. Clothes awry. Some off, some tangled. Nothing registered but the heat. The blazing heat. And the explosion.

  Soon, she could breathe again. And hear again. The murmur of Daniel’s voice mimicking the whisper of the ocean at their feet.

  “I promise, Shel, next time…will take longer.”

  “I’m not complaining.” She lay across him still, content, relaxed, her mind clear. “See, Dan? Kindergarten teachers are as grown-up as anyone else.”

  She enjoyed the sound of his laughter then. Carefree. Lighthearted. Happy. She cuddled closer and stroked his bare chest. She combed his coarse hairs with her fingers, enjoying the rough texture against her skin. Very masculine. Very wonderful.

  “So, are you okay?” she asked.

  “Of course. Can’t you tell?”

  She nodded against his chest. “Just wanted to make sure that the jump you took off the fence was onto a one-way road.”

  Dan remained quiet for a moment, and Shelley was sorry she’d questioned him.

  “Turn over, Shel, and look up at the stars. They’re scattered everywhere tonight.”

  She complied.

  “An old Irish leprechaun I know,” said Dan, “assured me that if Nikki were a star in the heavens, she’d want to look down and see exactly this scene.” He paused. “And I think the old man got it right.”

  Tears stung Shelley’s eyes. “I’m so sorry you lost her.”

  “Yeah,” he whispered. “Thanks. But I’m so glad I found you.”

  A comfortable silence descended before they stood up and brushed themselves off. Shelley placed her hand on his arm. “Dan?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m sorry to arrive in your life with so much baggage. A few months ago, before this congressional race, my world was much calmer. No threats. No photographers. No attempts at blackmail. A very civilized divorce. And now…” Her hands dropped to her sides. “I don’t know what to expect from day to day. I can’t promise you…normalcy! And I’ll understand if…”

  “Hold on, Shel! And come here.” He opened his arms and she walked into them. “Everybody’s got baggage, sweetheart. I’ve learned that much in thirty-eight years.”

  “I understand, but this is extra baggage, not your own. And it might get…” She shivered as she spoke, her voice fading as an image of Carl’s face flashed into her mind. “It might get uglier than it already is. And you shouldn’t have to be part of it. It’s not fair. You’ve already had your share of troubles.”

  His embrace tightened. “It’s too late for regrets. You’re part of me already, and so are the kids. It seems to me that you guys are a package deal.”

  She surprised herself when she chuckled. “Shouldn’t I be the one saying that to you?”

  “I guess I’m an easy sell,” he replied with another kiss on her mouth.

  “It’s because,” she murmured against him, “you like children. And dogs.”

  “And you. Especially you.”

  He kissed her again, this time slowly, sweetly, and she could have stayed right there for hours just being held in his arms and kissed…and kissing back. But finally, Daniel took her hand, and they started the return walk toward Sea View House.

  Daniel broke the silence. “Did you know that Nikki was pregnant with our first child? Radiant with it.”

  “Oh, Daniel. I’m so sorry.” Shelley reached on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “I’m very sorry,” she repeated.

  “Thanks.” His voice was low, gruff, and Shelley strained to hear his next words. “I loved her, Shelley.”

  Dan pivoted toward her, stopping their progress. Then he cupped her face in his hands. “But I didn’t think about Nikki while I was making love to you,” he said. “Not once.”

  “Well, I know that,” she replied in a tone lighter than his. Her heart, however, was filled with wonder and gratitude at his concern for her.

  “You do? How?”

  She would have laughed at his confusion if the topic hadn’t been so important. She reached around his neck and drew him closer. “Because it was my name you called out ten minutes ago. Only mine.” She peeped at him from under her lashes. “Maybe even shouted.”

  He understood instantly and grinned. “Well, well, well. Did you say shout?”

  She provided a mirror image of his own Cheshire cat imitation and nodded.

  “Guess that old Irishman was more on target than he could have dreamed.”

  “He’ll be happy to know that,” said Shelley.

  “And who’s going to t
ell him?”

  “Are you kidding? Just one look at your face—”

  He suddenly bent down, scooped her up and twirled her around on the sand. She squealed and held on to him. And couldn’t remember the last time she indulged in such carefree play. In the moonlight, Shelley saw the sparkle in Daniel’s eyes, the laughter in his expression, and knew that this was a rare event for him, as well. Finally, she slid down his broad body, held him around the waist and leaned on him.

  “I could stay like this forever,” she sighed.

  “Not a very practical arrangement,” he replied, squeezing her gently. “Who will coach the team?”

  “I get your point.” She smiled at him and stepped to his side, clasping his hand as they started walking again.

  Sea View House came into sight and with it, for Shelley, the practical realities of her life. “I’ll give the esteemed candidate a call tomorrow morning. Hopefully, he’ll see the benefits of making an appearance at his son’s baseball game on the holiday weekend.”

  “He’ll be here, Shelley. Carl may be selfish, but he’s not stupid.” He paused and looked at her. “Except with you.”

  She nodded.

  “And I’m grateful for that,” he continued. “Carl’s loss is my gain. I should thank the man!”

  Daniel’s words brought a calm to her soul. He was so good for her confidence. They climbed up the back porch steps. A light shone on either side of the doorway. She turned to say good-night, but Daniel looked deep in thought.

  “One more thing,” he said. “I forgot to mention earlier that I’m putting a legal team together for you…just in case.”

  Her stomach knotted. “I—I never thought our lives would come to this—Carl’s and mine. Everything was settled, and now I need a team!” She took a moment to regroup. “Maybe, just maybe, it will be unnecessary in the end, but thank you.”

  “I don’t know the answer to that one, Shel. I wish I did. So, for now, we’ll follow the Boy Scout motto and be prepared.”

  She forced a smile. “I’ll take that advice. Actually, I like it. If we’re prepared, there can be no surprises.”

  SELFISH, but not stupid. That’s how Daniel had described her former husband, and he was right. Another photo opportunity was too good to ignore. Shelley held the telephone receiver in her hand the next morning, covered the mouthpiece and called Josh to the phone.

  “Daddy’s on the line, Josh. He’s got some good news for you.”

  She handed the receiver to her son and watched his joyful reaction to the news that his dad would be at his game. The opening game of the season.

  “This is so great, Dad. So great.” He twirled around and faced her, his eyes glowing, the picture of happiness.

  And once again, Shelley’s heart squeezed. Every boy needed a dad. Heck, every child needed a dad. She listened to Josh’s end of the conversation and realized that Carl had decided to take her suggestion completely. Josh was nodding in agreement about the rest of the weekend—the seniors’ centers, the Boston Pops concert. He didn’t even object to missing the team’s second game on the Fourth. Obviously, his dad’s presence meant the world to him.

  “Good job, Carl,” said Shelley when Josh handed her the phone. “Just make sure you show up. And on time.”

  “Oh, I’ll be there. In fact, since it’s an early game, maybe I’ll come over the night before.”

  “What a good idea! The children will love it. You can stay at the Wayside Inn. It’s a pretty place, right in town. Convenient to everything. And if you get here early enough, you can take the kids to Neptune’s Park. Lots of rides. A great way to share time with them.”

  It was quiet on the other end of the line. “That’s not quite what I had in mind.”

  She knew it wasn’t. “But that’s what you should have in mind when you’re with the kids. Plan some activities or enjoy quiet routines.”

  “And what will you be doing while the kids and I are amusing ourselves?”

  “No need to be concerned about my activities, Carl. Just let me know when you plan to show up.”

  She replaced the receiver in its cradle.

  ONE BY ONE, the members of the Parker Plumbing team arrived at the middle-school field before the opening game of the season. This time, all the parents stayed and the bleachers filled quickly. For the first time since she’d started coaching the team, Shelley felt nervous.

  She glanced at Dan, who’d just deposited the big duffel bag of equipment in their assigned dugout. “It’s too real,” she said. “Look at all the people here. Even in Boston, we didn’t get such a turnout. I hope the kids don’t get as nervous as I am.”

  Dan chuckled. “But this is Pilgrim Cove, Shel, where everybody participates in everything. The town’s in a holiday mood. Baseball and apple pie. That’s us!”

  But Shelley’s butterflies kept dancing. “I don’t know, Daniel,” she said slowly. “I’m comfortable working with the children, not performing for an audience.”

  Dan walked over to her, leaned down and whispered, “I loved the performances we indulged in last night.”

  Heat traveled instantly throughout her body as she recalled the leisurely evening in Dan’s apartment. No kids. No grandparents. All of them off to the movies and then to the Diner on the Dunes for ice cream. Last night’s activities in the Crow’s Nest had been definitely for adults only.

  “I know what you mean.” She glanced up at him and grinned, suddenly feeling better. She and Daniel were connecting in every way a couple could. Mentally, physically, emotionally. Strength upon strength, they brought out the best in each other.

  “Hey, Coach!” She twirled and waved to Laura and Matt Parker, back from their honeymoon. Their older boy, Brian, was dressed in his own uniform, scheduled to play later on. But Casey Parker ran toward her and Dan. “I—I’m here!” He grinned proudly and displayed a new wide empty space where two teeth had once been.

  “Well, look at you!”

  Then Lila Sullivan waved at them as Katie joined the children. Sara Fielding was right behind her. Shelley noticed Sara’s dad sitting next to Lila on the benches.

  The Parker Plumbing team had assembled with thirty minutes to spare for warmup. Shelley had to admit that their enthusiasm was still greater than their ability. But what the heck? They were kids, and the game was to be enjoyed. She looked at her son, who always reveled in every moment spent on a ball field.

  With his dad’s expected arrival on his mind, he’d hopped out of bed before the sun was up that morning, anxious for the day to start. Shelley had had to lie down with him until he relaxed enough to catch another hour’s sleep.

  She checked the time now, then glanced in the direction of the parking lot. Ten minutes to nine, and no Carl in sight.

  She got Dan’s attention, pointed at her watch, then to the dugout. Time to assemble.

  “Mom! Where is he?”

  Josh ran to her side, his worried expression matching his tone of voice. She hugged him tightly.

  “He’ll be here, honey. He will.”

  “Maybe he got lost.” Josh stepped away from her.

  “He’s got the directions. It’s more likely he got stuck in traffic. You know how Boston can be.” She’d suggested the ferry option, but Carl had dismissed it.

  “Yeah. Right. I forgot.”

  She had to get her son’s mind back on the game, not only for the team’s sake, but also for his own. She put her arm over his shoulder and walked with him toward the dugout.

  “Josh, we both have a job to do this morning. The team is depending on us—on every player—to do his best. Dan’s been working hard with you to provide backup pitching, as well as to play second base. Do you think you can do the job, no matter what?”

  His green eyes shone so earnest and intense. “I want to play, Mom, but I just wish Dad was here, too. He said he was coming!”

  “He might show up when you’re making a fabulous catch in the field. And you won’t even notice.”

  A tiny sm
ile. “Yeah, I hope so. He’s probably just late.”

  “I’m sure that’s what it is, Josh.” She kept a smile on her face while she thought about tearing Carl’s heart out and cutting it into smithereens. Vicious image, but it made her feel better for the moment.

  Dan had gathered the team in the dugout and was chatting up the players. The manager of the Little League Organization walked to center field and held up his arms for quiet. After welcoming everyone to the start of the season, he said the magic words, “Play ball!”

  And Coach Shelley Anderson felt her heart rate escalate as her team took to the field in their first game. The kids looked adorable, and she hoped every parent had a camera. She glanced at her son. Josh seemed able to concentrate as he stood on second base. His eyes, however, wandered toward the parking area whenever the ball was thrown home.

  Neither team scored for two innings. Then in the bottom of the third, Josh stood at the plate, his face an inscrutable mask, his green eyes focused. Nothing of the disappointed little boy Shelley had seen thirty minutes earlier showed beneath his countenance.

  Josh didn’t wait. The first pitch was a strike, but Josh was ready to take out his anger on the ball. His bat connected—thwack!—slamming a line drive between second and third. He dropped the bat and ran. None of the children on the opposing team could field his hit until the ball rolled to a stop. He stepped on first, passed second and slid into third, creating a plume of dust around himself.

  The crowd went wild. Shelley went wild. In honor of her son, who was motivated by all the wrong reasons. And then, in the midst of the excitement, Shelley saw a man sprinting toward third base from outside the playing field. As though he’d planned an entrance, Carl Anderson, shirtsleeves rolled to the elbow, trim, energetic, arms overhead in a victory salute, strode along the low fence near the baseline toward his son. When Josh picked himself up off the ground, the first person he saw was his dad.

  “Like right out of a movie,” said Shelley to Dan, pointing at the two male Andersons. She shook her head in disbelief. “How the hell does he do that?”