“That’s right!” I said. “But let’s put some sun protection on first.”
Savannah hopped over so I could spray her with sunscreen and apply it to her nose and cheeks.
“All done,” I said. “Now wait a bit, and we’ll go down to the water.”
She grinned and took a pail and shovel from the pile of beach toys, then started digging in the sand. Jackson already had our umbrella set up, so he helped me spread out the blanket and anchor the corners in the sand. Then he emptied his pockets of his keys, wallet, and cell phone, and I put them in our beach bag.
“Thanks, babe.” He winked and kissed me as Katie and Andrew came out of the water.
“Look who finally showed up!” Andrew yelled above the roar of the ocean.
“Women!” Jackson hooked his thumb toward me. “They never get in a hurry!”
“Whatever!” I giggled and hugged Katie. “We women were ready, but Mr. Greatest-Dad-Ever had to stop and buy an entire aisle of beach toys.”
Andrew laughed. “I believe that. He always claims the toys are for Savannah, but we all know the truth.” He lifted Savannah and propped her on his hip. “How’s my girl?” he asked, then gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You wanna get in the water with Uncle Andrew?”
“Yeah!” she yelled, bouncing in his arms.
“Let’s go!” Andrew walked by Jackson and shook his head like a dog, flinging water all over him.
“Hey, you maniac! You’re getting my shirt wet!”
“It’s the beach. Expect to get wet. And sandy!” He kicked at Jackson’s leg, covering it with sand, and took off running with Savannah bouncing on his hip, giggling and squealing.
“You’ll pay for that!” Jackson yanked off his shirt, threw it on the blanket, and chased after them.
“Kids.” Katie rolled her eyes. “Hey, cute earrings. I love starfish.”
“Thanks.” I reached up and touched them. “Jackson got them for me.”
“The star of the sea, the guide and protector to those traveling in troubled waters.”
“Troubled waters...” I sighed. “You can say that again.”
Katie chuckled.
“Jackson said they represent our relationship. Something about renewal.”
“Ah, yes. Renewing your relationship and growing a stronger one. Like the starfish does when it loses an arm. That’s perfect. Tell Jackson I’m impressed.”
I grinned and pulled off my shorts and tank top, then tossed them on the blanket.
“Did you know when a starfish is attacked, it can detach from its arm to escape danger? And if the lost arm has a piece of its central region, then that one arm can grow into a brand-new starfish.”
“You’re such a nerd, Katie.”
“Because I know about starfish?” Katie’s brow arched. “Bite me.”
“No, thanks. You might like it.”
She smirked. “You have to admit it’s pretty incredible though.”
“It is. It’s like Jackson and me, detaching from hurtful pasts and starting a new life together.”
Katie gave me a puzzled look, then sat down in one of the beach chairs under the umbrella.
I sprayed myself with sunscreen, applied lotion to my face, and joined her. “What a great day.” I exhaled a long breath.
She nodded. “I miss this. Don’t you, sis?”
“Yeah. There’s nothing like it,” I replied, molding myself into the beach chair.
“Looks like we may be coming back more often.”
I gave her a careful smile. “Actually, I’m thinking something more permanent.”
“Huh?” She looked at me quizzically.
“Jackson and I have been talking. We definitely wanna get married here. I’d love a beach wedding but not until it cools off. Like maybe September. That’d give us about three months to plan. In the meantime, we need to get Savannah scheduled for surgery with Dr. Bagley. Jackson’s foreman can handle things for a while, and I’m gonna call in and use some of my vacation days. We thought about leaving Tuesday morning and making it a road trip in case Mrs. Ruby wants to go. Otherwise, we’ll fly. We’ll stay in my apartment until Savannah’s well enough to travel. And I can turn in my resignation, let my lease run out, and tie up loose ends before—”
“Whoa! Hold up!” Katie threw up a stop signal with both hands. “I understand Savannah needs surgery right away, but let’s go back to you resigning. You’re quitting your job?”
“Uh-huh.”
She gasped. “When were you gonna tell me about this?”
“Oops.” I chuckled. “I’m sorry. I’m telling you now.” I could tell by the way Katie looked at me that she didn’t much like being left out.
“You mean you made all these life-altering decisions after only three days?”
“Four,” I corrected. “We arrived Thursday, remember? Today’s Sunday. That’s four days.”
“Like one day makes a difference.” She snorted.
“One day could change your life, Katie.” Then I realized I hadn’t told her about Frank. “You won’t believe what happened after the reunion!”
Katie chuckled, and the tension in her eyebrows relaxed. “I’ve been waiting a decade for this. Start talking. And don’t you dare leave out a single erotic detail.”
I gave her a serious look and shook my head.
Her eyebrow tension returned. “This is not the response I was expecting. Did Jackson disappoint? You didn’t give back the ring, did you?”
“Are you crazy?” I held up my hand to show her. “It has nothing to do with our engagement, Katie. It’s serious!”
“Your engagement’s not?”
I huffed. “Will you listen?”
“Okay, okay! What happened?”
Over the next several minutes, I told Katie all about Frank going to prison and escaping, and about his letters to Jackson, and about him driving by Mrs. Ruby’s, and about how he tried to run us over. Katie nearly fell out of her chair and said every curse word in the book before I was done.
“Holy shit, Rebecca! I knew Jackson’s dad was bad news when we were in high school, but I didn’t realize he was a murderer. You must’ve been terrified.”
“I was. I just hope Uncle Max catches him soon.”
“I’m sure he will. Especially since he’s driving around in that Bel Air. It’ll be easy to spot.” Katie leaned her head back and extended her legs, digging her toes in the sand. “Poor Mrs. Ruby. It’s a wonder she didn’t have a heart attack.”
“I know. I think we may grab a bucket of chicken on our way home and chill with her the rest of the day. Make some cupcakes with Savannah, watch some Disney movies, and talk wedding plans.”
“Aww. She’d love that. What did she say when you showed her your ring?”
“She hugged and kissed us both a million times and nearly cried her eyes out. Then she prayed over us and made us eat some peach cobbler so we’d have lots of babies.”
“What?” Katie lifted her head and laughed. “Peach cobbler causes babies?”
“Apparently.”
“Well shit. I better start eating some cobbler. I’m not getting any younger.”
“Puh–leeze! You don’t need kids right now.”
“No, but at the rate I’m going, it’ll take a miracle for me to conceive.”
I stared out at the horizon. That comment would’ve surely struck a nerve any other time, but I was at peace. With the ocean rolling all around me, I could see life from a different perspective. If I couldn’t have children, so what. Marrying Jackson meant I’d have an instant family, and I was just fine with that. I flipped the sand with my toes and inhaled enough salt air to make my blood pressure rise.
“According to Mrs. Ruby, peaches represent youth and the continuous renewal of life.”
“I never heard of such,” Katie said lazily.
“You grew up in New York.”
“True. I guess it’s a Southern thing.”
I laughed. “I guess so.”
&n
bsp; “It’s definitely a Mrs. Ruby thing,” she said.
“She’s a very wise woman.”
“And sweet as honey.” Katie attempted her most Southern accent.
I chuckled. “Wow. That was terrible. But you get an A for effort.”
“Thanks. I’m trying. You know I really do love Southern culture.”
“I know.” I reached over and patted her hand.
“So what else did Mrs. Ruby say?”
“That peach flowers represent weddings and peace and feminine charm.”
“Well, there ya go. You gotta have peach blossoms in your wedding.”
“Hmm.” I pressed my lips together.
“Soft-pink petals with dark-pink centers. Yes, that would be very beautiful. And feminine.”
“I’m not sure peach flowers are available in September. It’s not the right season,” I said.
“Stop being so technical. I’m sure a reputable florist could get some.”
“You’re right.” I dug my heels in the sand, leaned my head back, and closed my eyes. Without moving anything but my mouth, I asked, “You and Andrew got plans later? Y’all should join us.”
“You mean at Mrs. Ruby’s? For cupcakes and wedding talk?”
“You forgot Disney movies and fried chicken,” I said lazily.
“You had me at cupcakes, but since there’s gonna be fried chicken, you know I’ll be there.”
I gave her hand a squeeze. “I love you, sis. You’re my best friend in the whole world.”
“You’re mine too. And I love ya more than a pig loves slop.”
“Eww.” I giggled. “Let’s not go overboard with the Southern thing.”
We both laughed and then sat quietly, listening to the waves as we soaked up the sunshine, getting our tan on. After about ten minutes, my mouth felt dry as a bone. I grabbed two waters from Jackson’s cooler and handed one to Katie.
She took the bottle and pulled her sunglasses down on her nose, looking at me over the rim. “Y’all didn’t bring anything stronger?”
“Stronger?” I chuckled.
“Well, after all this talk about murderers and wedding plans, I could go for an adult beverage.”
I took a long drink of my water and shook my head. “No, you drunk. Savannah’s with us.”
“Who are you calling a drunk?” Katie raised one eyebrow. “Certainly not the one who took care of your dirty ass a few nights ago.”
“Oh, Lord.” I cringed and took another drink of water. “Don’t remind me. That was awful.”
“Tell me about it.” Katie removed the cap and guzzled her water. “I was the one washing chunks of vomit down the drain and cleaning your shit off the kitchen wall.”
“Please!” I made a gagging sound. “Stop!”
“Fine. But you owe me big time.”
“I thought you said that’s what friends do.”
“I’ve had some time to think about it, and I’m blaming that comment on the alcohol. Clearly, I still had a buzz the next morning because I cannot believe I told your mother everything.”
“Me neither. I wanted to kill you.”
“Your mother thought it was freaking hilarious.” She took another drink. “By the way, what’d she say about your engagement?”
“Uh...” I sighed. “I haven’t been home yet.”
“You mean she doesn’t know? Oh boy!” Katie chuckled. “I wanna be there when you tell her. Please let me be there. Talk about another shit show.”
“Are you kidding? Telling her will be hard enough. I certainly don’t need someone there to heckle me.”
“Heckle you? Never. I love you like the sister I never had. I’ll be your moral support.”
“Like you were Friday morning?”
“That’s different. Your mom was getting a kick out of the story.”
“Apparently, you were too, the way you kept running that mouth. I swear I wanted to shove something in it.”
Katie finished her water before screwing the cap back on the bottle. “Speaking of shoving something in it, did you and Jackson have sex last night?”
I nearly choked.
“I know you did, so don’t try to hide it.”
“Whatever!” I huffed, then squinted at her. “How?”
“See, I knew it!” She laughed. “So, did he blow your mind?”
I shook my head and grinned. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Why? Because I’m curious about my best friend’s sex life with her new fiancé?” Katie gazed across the beach at Andrew and Jackson coming out of the water with Savannah. “A new fiancé who’s looking pretty damn good for pushing thirty and being a dad, I might add.” She turned to me with a satisfied grin. “I’m such a genius for making you come home for the reunion. Just look what you would’ve missed out on. You’ve got yourself a whole snack right there, sis. Not only is Jackson incredibly sexy and very successful, but he’s adorable with that sweet little girl.”
She leaned her head back on her chair. “And he’s completely in love with you.” She reached over and patted my shoulder. “I’m happy for you, sis. I truly am. After all these years, you and Jackson, finally together again.” She let out a long sigh. “I can just imagine your first night together. I bet your orgasm was almost as good as mine.”
“What? You slept with Andrew?” My eyebrows were getting plenty of exercise.
Katie said nothing. She only grinned.
I laughed out loud. “Girl! Here you are drilling me for details, and you’ve got some explaining to do yourself.”
She shrugged. “Not much to explain. We went to his place after the reunion, sat on the couch and talked for about an hour, shared a bottle of wine, laughed a lot, made out…” She paused and let out a sigh. “And then when things started heating up, I dropped the bomb.”
“Oh, my Lord. What’d you say?”
She kicked at the sand. “I told him I haven’t been intimate with a man since my divorce.”
I leaned toward her. “You mean you actually opened up?”
Katie smiled and wrinkled her nose. “Weird, right? Totally out of character, I know. But I just felt…” She sighed again. “Shit, I don’t know. I felt safe, I guess.”
I was overwhelmed with emotion. My dearest friend, finally letting her guard down and feeling safe with a man. And not just any man. A sweet man. A good man. Her long time crush. I was grinning like a Cheshire cat, but I couldn’t help it. All I could think about was how great it was to see her put herself out there and take a chance on love again.
“What did he say?” I asked.
She grinned and bit her bottom lip. “He said it explained why I had so much tension built up.”
“What a guy answer.” I rolled my eyes and sighed dramatically.
“Then he said his hands were magic, and I said prove it, and he said gladly. Turns out, he’s freaking David Copperfield.”
I giggled. “What?”
“Did you know the hand is the most dexterous organ in your body?”
“The hand? Dexterous?” I gave her a curious grin.
“Yes. I never knew how hands could be such excellent pleasure instruments. All I can say without being absolutely vulgar is he’s the most attentive and giving lover I’ve ever had. And that was before we had sex. The actual sex? Mind-blowing. All three times.”
“Oh my God!” I screamed. “I should’ve known.”
“Should’ve known what?” She chuckled. “That I was a sure thing? Or that he was?”
“I’ll go with C, both of you.”
She smiled and smoothed the sand with her feet. “I guess the stars aligned.”
“I guess they did.” I let myself relax. “You’re too funny.”
“Yeah, I know.” Katie sighed. “And guess what else?”
“What, my wild and crazy friend?” I let the words slowly roll off my lips.
“I think I’m in love.”
I knew it! A slight smile played on my lips. “Seriously?”
“This
is the real deal, sis. Andrew’s the most sincere man I’ve ever met. He just… He feels like home.” She sighed. “I may not be able to explain it, but I sure as hell can feel it.”
This was the greatest news ever. My dearest friend, finally opening her heart, allowing herself to be vulnerable, to care, to explore love again. It was so good to hear hope in her voice, see excitement in her eyes. In a way, she reminded me of myself. I reached down to drag my fingers through the sand.
“You don’t have to explain it. I know exactly what you mean. Some things you can’t explain, you can only feel. And you know what? That feeling’s priceless. Some people go their whole life without ever experiencing it. And now that you feel it, it’s my wish that you never lose it. Life’s too short, Katie. People are meant to be with people. We’re not meant to be alone. And if Andrew gives you that indescribable feeling, that safe feeling of home, then you grab ahold with both hands and never let go.”
She tilted her head and offered me a soft smile. “Some things are worth the risk, huh?”
“That’s right. Some things are worth the risk. But I’d like to know something.”
“What’s that?”
I grinned. “Since when have you ever shied away from being absolutely vulgar?”
As we laughed, the sound of Savannah squealing caused us to snap our heads around. She was running toward us as fast as her little legs would carry her, giggling and screaming, with Jackson and Andrew on her heels.
“Hello, beautiful ladies,” Andrew called out. Within moments, he was holding Katie’s armrests and leaning down, giving her a kiss on the lips.
She returned his kiss, then grinned. “How was the water?”
Andrew gave a throaty growl as his eyes wandered over her. “Mmmm. Exceptional.”
I chuckled, as I was pretty sure he wasn’t talking about the water. My eyes automatically dropped to his dexterous hands, and I felt my cheeks blush.
“Yeah, it’s great!” Jackson shook the water from his hair and picked up a beach towel to wipe his face. “You sun goddesses wanna go for a swim?”
My gaze traveled the length of Jackson’s strong, magnificent body. Water droplets glistened as they danced on his smooth, tan skin. I swallowed thickly and licked my lips, recalling our perfect night. “Maybe later,” I replied, smiling when our eyes met.
Worth the Risk Page 30