Sand Castle Bay

by Sherryl Woods

  “I’d better go in and check on Grandmother,” Gabi said. She started toward the kitchen, then came back. “I’m sorry, Boone.”

  He frowned at her serious tone. “Sorry for what?”

  “The way Emily hurt you. She never meant to. There were just things she felt she needed to do. I think she always meant to come back, but then you married Jenny, and, well, you know how things went after that.”

  Boone nodded, appreciating the sentiment but determined to make sure she knew it was unnecessary. “I accepted her decision a long time ago, Gabi. And just so you know, I don’t think she ever intended to come back. That’s why I moved on.”

  Gabi glanced toward the kitchen and nodded. “Nobody blames you for that. And B.J.’s a great boy.”

  “The best,” he agreed readily. “Probably no thanks to me. Jenny was an amazing mother. I think your grandmother’s influence accounts for a lot of that, too, same as it did with me.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short.”

  Boone watched her go, then sighed. Why was it that all the women in this family thought he was worth something...except the one who’d stolen his heart all those years ago?

  * * *

  Emily had prepared herself for seeing Boone again. At least she thought she had.

  And yet the sight of him atop a ladder, his excellent butt hugged by a pair of worn jeans, his faded T-shirt stretched taut over a broad chest and outstanding biceps, was good enough to give her palpitations. A baseball cap had been pulled low, which made it hard to see his face, but she imagined his granite jaw, dark-as-onyx eyes and dimples were the same.

  It had always been amazing to her that a man could be flashing fire hot as a furnace one second, flip a switch to a look as cold as the North Pole the next, and then turn right around and grin with the impish expression of a boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Boone Dorsett had always been something of a contradiction, in her opinion.

  “Hey, Boone!” Samantha called out, when Emily just stood there, probably slack-jawed, taking in the view.

  His head snapped around so fast he might have lost his balance if Emily hadn’t instinctively grabbed the ladder to steady it.

  “Samantha,” he acknowledged solemnly before allowing his gaze to settle on Emily. “Emily.”

  To her annoyance there was not one tiny shred of a difference in the way he spoke her name, no hint that she was any more special than her sister, that he used to have his hands and that sweetly seductive mouth of his all over her whenever they could sneak away to be together. Seriously, shouldn’t that have called for at least a hint of intimacy in the way he spoke her name?

  That was then, she reminded herself sharply. The man is married now. He belongs to someone else.

  “What are you doing here, Boone?” she asked irritably.

  He held up a lightbulb. “Isn’t it obvious?”

  “I mean here, helping my grandmother, instead of taking care of your own business.” She knew she sounded churlish and ungrateful, but she couldn’t help herself. The rules had all gone and changed on her, and yet her feelings for this man apparently hadn’t. That was a shocker, all right. Boone Dorsett could still stir her blood in a way that not one single man she’d met since ever had. And he’d done it from atop a ladder, without even touching her. The discovery was unsettling. She’d been so sure that the bitterness she’d felt at his betrayal would trump all those old feelings forever.

  “Darlin’, I know you’ve been away a long time, but down here, folks help each other out in a crisis. I’d say this latest hurricane qualifies. Your grandmother’s in the kitchen, by the way. I’m sure she’s real anxious to see you.”

  He turned back to his chore, essentially dismissing her. Emily just stared at him, then turned to see Samantha grinning as if she’d just witnessed a scene in some ridiculous romantic comedy.

  “Oh, hush your mouth,” she muttered to her sister as she headed for the kitchen at a fast clip.

  “Never said a word,” Samantha retorted, following along behind, still grinning. “But in case you’re interested in my opinion, that was hot.”

  Emily blinked and stared. “Are you delusional? The man just shooed me away as if I were an annoying mosquito or something.”

  “Hot,” Samantha repeated. “Again, in case you’re interested in my opinion, I’d have to say things between you two are far from over.”

  “The man is married,” Emily reminded her.

  Her sister’s grin merely spread. “Oh, didn’t anyone tell you that he lost his wife?”

  “Did he happen to leave her behind in the Great Dismal Swamp?” Emily asked sarcastically.

  Samantha’s expression instantly sobered, all hints of teasing gone. “No, sweetie. Jenny died. Just over a year ago, in fact.”

  Emily stopped just inside the kitchen door and stared after her sister. Oh, God, that was awful. She was suddenly assailed by more emotions than she could even begin to untangle. Sorrow for Jenny, who’d been a genuinely nice girl. Heartache for Boone and for his child, who must have been devastated.

  And a completely inappropriate and unexpected flash of relief, followed all too quickly by panic. It was one thing to discover she wasn’t immune to the man when he was safely off-limits, but it was something else entirely to realize he was available, after all. She had not needed to know that. She really hadn’t.

  Because the very last thing she needed in her very busy and tightly scheduled life was to have feelings for Boone Dorsett, the man she’d very deliberately left behind.

  * * *

  Cora Jane’s gaze went straight to Emily when she and Samantha walked into the kitchen. In that first quick glance she saw that her granddaughter was too thin, her face bordering on gaunt. She’d been working too hard, not taking nearly enough time for herself, Cora Jane assessed.

  There was also no mistaking the bright patches of color in her cheeks and the sparks in her eyes, put there by Boone, no doubt. Cora Jane turned away, hoping none of the others would see the satisfied smile she couldn’t seem to stop. She wished she’d been witness to the first meeting between those two after all this time, but seeing Emily’s face told her it had gone exactly as she’d hoped.

  “My sweet girl,” she said, then held open her arms. “It’s been entirely too long since you’ve been home.”

  Emily stepped into her embrace and gave her a fierce hug. “I know. I’m sorry. I always think I’ll get here, but time just flies by.”

  “Well, you’re here now,” Cora Jane said, misty-eyed as she glanced around the table where Samantha and Gabi were seated along with B.J. “You’re all here. You have no idea what it means to me that you dropped everything and came.”

  “Well, of course we did,” Emily said. “Isn’t that the lesson you tried to teach us, to be there for family? Now tell me what you’re doing in here cooking? Judging from the looks of things in the dining room, we should all be on our hands and knees out there scrubbing the place down.”

  “She’s making pancakes for me,” B.J. piped up, catching Emily’s attention.

  Cora Jane watched as it dawned on Emily who B.J. was. There could be little question he was Boone’s son. The boy was the spitting image of the man. Shock registered on Emily’s face for just an instant, but she managed a smile.

  “And who might you be that you can convince my grandmother to make pancakes?” Emily teased, her voice unmistakably shaky.

  “I’m B. J. Dorsett,” he responded seriously. “Boone’s my dad. I help out here a lot, don’t I, Ms. Cora Jane?”

  “Best helper I have,” Cora Jane confirmed. “And I figured B.J. had the right idea. We all need a hearty breakfast before we tackle this mess.”

  “I’m betting you talked her into the Mickey Mouse pancakes, too,” Emily said to B.J., whose eyes lit up.

  “U
h-huh. They’re the best.”

  “I always thought so,” Emily said.

  B.J. gave her a perplexed look. “How come I’ve never seen you before? Ms. Gabi’s here sometimes, but not you or Ms. Samantha.”

  “Well, we both live far away,” Emily said, a guilty flush in her cheeks. “Samantha lives in New York. She’s a very busy actress.”

  B.J.’s eyes widened as he took another look at Samantha, then widened some more as recognition dawned. “I’ve seen you on TV. You were the mom in a commercial for my favorite cereal.” He pumped a fist in the air. “I knew it. Cool! Have you been in other stuff?”

  “Lots of things you probably wouldn’t have seen,” Samantha said. “I’ve been in a few plays on Broadway, a soap opera, a few other commercials.”

  B.J. bounced in his chair with excitement. “Wait till I tell the kids at school.” He glanced at Cora Jane. “Does Dad know? I’d better tell Dad.”

  “In a minute,” Cora Jane said, noting that Emily looked vaguely disgruntled by B.J.’s excitement over meeting a famous actress. That girl’s competitive streak between her and Samantha was still alive and well, apparently. “Your breakfast’s ready.”

  She set plates of pancakes, eggs and bacon in front of everyone, poured more coffee, then took her own place at the table. Turning to B.J. she deliberately mentioned that Emily had worked for a few movie stars.

  “No way!” B.J. exclaimed, now giving Emily his full attention. “What’d you do? Who’d you work for? Did you ever meet Johnny Depp?”

  Cora Jane knew that Emily didn’t really like talking about her famous clients, but she also knew she needed to get the spotlight back on her. The affections of little boys could be fickle. Maybe it was ridiculous, but Cora Jane had a feeling that B.J. just might be the key to a reconciliation between Emily and Boone. The boy needed a mother. Oh, she knew that Boone was doing the best he could and would disagree with her about that, but in just the past hour she’d seen how B.J. responded to the attention of her granddaughters.

  Over the years she’d been fortunate to have these three girls with her most summers. They’d been closer than many grandparents and grandchildren. She thought that was, in part, because she hadn’t done a lot of meddling in their lives. Oh, she’d given advice, given the occasional nudge when called for, but in general she’d let them make their own mistakes, their own decisions.

  Now, though, they were older and showing no signs of settling down. Each of them had professional successes to be proud of, but not a one of them had a life. At least that’s how she saw it.

  That needed to change. And though none of them had grown up here in Sand Castle Bay, they’d spent enough time here to earn the right to call it home.

  She sat back and listened as B.J. peppered Emily with excited questions about Hollywood. Her granddaughter answered patiently, a smile playing about her lips.

  “What about Disneyland?” B.J. asked. “Have you been to Disneyland? I’ll bet you’ve gone like a thousand times.”

  Emily laughed. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but not even once.”

  B.J. looked stunned. “Not once?”

  “Afraid not.”

  “Me and Dad will come and we’ll all go,” he announced excitedly. “He’s been promising to take me, and Dad never breaks his promises.”

  Emily looked taken aback by the suggestion, as if she weren’t quite sure how to respond. “I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time,” she said eventually.

  “You, too,” B.J. reminded her insistently. “I’ll go tell Dad now.”

  He bounded away from the table, leaving all of them grinning.

  “I think you’ve made a conquest,” Gabi said.

  “Like father, like son,” Samantha chimed in.

  “Stop it,” Emily said, blushing. “He’s at that age when he loves everyone.”

  “You have a lot of experience with eight-year-old boys?” Gabi teased.

  “No, but isn’t it obvious? He was chattering away to Grandmother and you before Sam and I even walked in the room. He’s comfortable here.”

  Gabi’s expression sobered. “Be careful with him, Em. He’s been through a lot.”

  “What are you talking about? I’m here for a few days. It’s not as if there’s time for him to get attached or something.”

  “Just keep that in mind,” Gabi persisted. “You are leaving, and he might not understand that.”

  “Well, I think it’s sweet the way he’s taken a shine to you right off,” Cora Jane said. “To all of you. He can use a woman’s influence.”

  Emily chuckled. “You don’t think Boone is capable of teaching him manners?”

  “Boone is capable of that and much more,” Cora Jane chided. “But it’s not the same as having a mother’s touch, that’s all I’m saying.”

  “Grandmother, you’re not harboring any illusions about Boone and me picking up where we left off, are you?” Emily asked, her gaze narrowed. “Because that’s not in the cards. My life’s in California.”

  “Such as it is,” Cora Jane muttered.

  Emily frowned. “What is that supposed to mean? I have an excellent life. I make a ton of money. I’m respected in my field.”

  “And who’s there to share in all that success, I ask you?” Cora Jane retorted. “No one, that’s who. Or is there someone special you haven’t bothered to mention to any of us?” She glanced at Emily’s sisters. “Samantha? Gabi? Have either of you heard about anyone?”

  Emily ignored the sarcasm. “Plenty of women have happy, fulfilling lives without a man,” she said, turning to her sisters. “Am I right?”

  “Men do have their uses,” Gabi said, grinning.

  “Amen, sister,” Samantha chimed in.

  Emily just shook her head. “Thanks for the backup. Wait till she starts on the two of you.”

  “That’s not going to happen, because our lives are perfect,” Gabi said, standing up to give Cora Jane’s shoulder a squeeze.

  Cora Jane glanced up at her. “Well, now that you mention it...” She let her voice trail off, leaving the unspoken implication to hang in the air. It would give them something to think about. She, indeed, had plans for all of them, and, God willing, she’d been unexpectedly blessed with the perfect opportunity to see them carried out.

  3

  Seeing Emily had rattled Boone, no question about it. His hand was shaking as he replaced the lightbulbs that had blown when the power was knocked out and a few that had been shattered by debris blowing around inside the restaurant after a boarded-up front window had given way to the storm’s fury.

  He was supposed to be over her. Wasn’t that what he’d told Gabriella not ten minutes before Emily had walked in the door and caught him off guard? He’d meant it, hadn’t he? He was not going to allow her to stomp all over his emotions a second time, especially not with B.J. to consider.

  Though he’d been out on a couple of dates since Jenny’s death, he’d made it a point to keep his son out of the mix. After his own mother had paraded half a dozen men through his life before settling on a replacement for his dad, he knew the dangers of allowing a child to get too attached to someone who wouldn’t be staying.

  Unfortunately, that didn’t seem feasible with Emily, not with the two of them in the kitchen right this second apparently whooping it up with the rest of the Castles. With Cora Jane’s undoubted encouragement, his son and Emily were probably bonding even now.

  B.J. emerged just then, his face sticky with maple syrup and his eyes round with excitement. “Daddy, did you know that Emily knows movie stars?” he asked, pretty much proving Boone’s point.

  “Does she really?” Boone said, his tone offhand, though a perverse part of him wanted to know every detail.

  “She’s been in their houses and everything,” B.J. reported
. “She even met Johnny Depp once. Isn’t that awesome?”

  Boone wondered what the appropriate response was. Should he express an enthusiasm he wasn’t feeling, deliver a lecture on the fact that celebrities were merely people just like everyone else, or let the moment pass and accept that Emily had impressed his son with a lifestyle he could never match?

  “Hey, Daddy, how come you never told me you knew somebody famous?” B.J. asked.

  “I’m not sure that working for celebrities makes Emily famous,” Boone said cautiously.

  “Not her,” B.J. said impatiently. “Samantha. She does those soap shows on TV, and she was in a play on Broadway. She even did a commercial for that cereal I like. She was the mom, remember? I didn’t recognize her right off, because she’s prettier in person.”

  Boone recalled only that every time he’d spotted Samantha in any commercial, she’d reminded him of Emily and, out of loyalty to Jenny, he’d tried his best to wipe all those memories out of his mind.

  “You gotta come in the kitchen, Dad,” B.J. urged. “They’re telling the best stories.”

  “We came here to help Ms. Cora Jane clean up, remember?”

  “But she’s in the kitchen, too,” B.J. protested. “I think she’s happy her granddaughters came home.”

  Boone imagined she was. He’d seen the yearning in her eyes when she’d talked about them. Oh, she’d bragged about their accomplishments, her pride showing, but he’d heard the note of wistfulness she couldn’t successfully hide, at least from him. Undoubtedly she was thrilled to pieces that a hurricane had brought them running home.

  Too bad none of them came around when there wasn’t a crisis.

  “And guess what else?” B.J. said as he dragged a reluctant Boone toward the kitchen. “Emily’s never been to Disneyland, so I said we’d come to California and she could go with us. We can do that, right?”

  Boone stopped in his tracks. Things were suddenly moving way too fast. He hunkered down and looked into his son’s eyes. “B.J., you know Emily’s just here for a visit,” he cautioned.