The Hero (10 page)

She came around the counter, stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Rawley. I not only have a new home, I have a table and chairs. When can you come to dinner?”

“I reckon there’s time tomorrow night. Wednesday nights ain’t so busy at the beach.”

“That would be great. Consider yourself invited.”

* * *

Devon had become a familiar face at the thrift shop in town. She was very careful with her earnings, but she was able to pick up some wonderful things for Mercy. Children grew out of clothes so fast that secondhand items tended to be in very good condition.

She didn’t worry much about things for herself—she had her work uniform of scrubs and she was very happy with them. For the weekends she had her shorts and jeans and a few other casual things. But there was a wedding coming up and she found herself picking through the women’s secondhand clothing, just in case she saw something suitable.

And there, hanging all wonky and kind of tied on to a hanger, was a sundress. She untied the straps and held it up...and fell dead in love. It was navy blue with pink flowers, along with a bit of white and yellow. It tied over the shoulders. She hadn’t worn anything like that in years and without even looking at the price tag, she hugged it.

“I guess that means you like it,” said the woman who ran the thrift shop.

“If I can afford it, it’s meant to be,” she said.

The lady lifted the tag and smiled. “Can you manage fifteen dollars?”

Devon let out a breath. “I can.”

She was so excited about her “find” that she went straight to the diner to show Gina. “But of course I don’t have shoes. I guess I can wear my tennis shoes—that won’t look completely dorky down on the beach.”

“You can,” Gina said. “It’s a beach party—anything will work. But you can also wear flip-flops—that’s what the bride’s wearing.”

“Seriously?”

She nodded. “You’re going to love it. We’re wearing strapless, breezy summer dresses and Cooper and Mac are wearing Tommy Bahamas island shirts and sandals. I predict we’ll all be barefoot in no time. One thing you could use—a wrap. The beach gets chilly at night, even in summer. Do you have one? Because I have a few—nothing too fancy. I can loan you one. I have a yellow wrap that I think might go with this dress.”

“That would be so wonderful, thank you. How’s Sarah doing? Is she getting nervous and excited?”

“Nervous, yes, but not about the nuptials. Cooper told his family about the wedding and they’re all coming. All of them! Not only are they getting a new daughter-in-law and sister-in-law they’ve never met, they haven’t met Austin yet. In just a few days, this place is going to be raining Coopers!”

* * *

Sarah had to take a week of leave to be available for Cooper’s visiting family and preparing for the wedding. Everyone started arriving on the Thursday before the Saturday wedding and she met them all except a couple of nieces and nephews who had been unable to attend. But there were promises of another summer visit before school started again.

Cooper’s family met Austin and Spencer with caution, clearly trying not to overwhelm them with their sheer numbers. But once the kids got out to the beach and on the water, the adults began to relax.

Sophie and Hank, Cooper’s parents, not only brought gifts but a cooler packed with Sophie’s lasagna, homemade bread, extra sauce and meatballs. Apparently she was afraid Cooper wouldn’t be able to make sure they were all fed. As the Cooper clan arrived in Thunder Point, things loosened up considerably. Cooper got a lot of teasing about falling into this fabulous property when everyone had always considered him just a wanderer who couldn’t put down roots.

On Friday the preparations began in earnest; the Cooper family helped by stringing lights around the beach, attached to poles that were stuck in the ground. Sophie brought out the lasagna and Rawley added a huge green salad and compared recipe details with Sophie. Rawley tried to excuse himself from the family dinner, but he was denied and told to go find Devon and Mercy and make sure they were part of what appeared to be the groom’s dinner. Anyone else who happened to be at the bar or on the beach was invited to partake. The McCain clan was there in force, and the place was jumping with kids and teens and adults everywhere.

“How many people will be coming to this wedding?” Cooper’s sister, Rochelle, asked.

“No one knows,” Sarah said. “We had a very loud disagreement about that. I wanted to write out some invitations and Cooper said no. He wanted to tell our friends—both from town and from the Coast Guard station—and anyone else who wandered by would be welcome. Poor Carrie, our caterer—she’s going to have to wing it. We obviously didn’t have any RSVPs.”

“It’s a beach wedding,” Cooper said. “If they come, they get a party.”

“I hope we don’t run out of food,” Sarah said.

“We won’t,” he said. “Carrie knows more about catering in this town than any other person. The only thing we have to worry about is rain.”

“It wouldn’t dare rain,” Sarah said.

It was quite early on Saturday morning when Sarah heard a vehicle on the beach and took her coffee outside to the deck. It was Carrie, delivering some items for the wedding and the party. As she surveyed the scene below she saw the bandstand that had been positioned at the base of the hill with reels of extension cords that would be run up to the bar to power the speakers and electric instruments. There were a couple of long tables for food and drink set up near the staircase to the beach. And finally, an arch covered with fresh flowers. Sarah put a hand to her chest and sighed deeply, feeling a rush of tears come to her eyes. It was beautiful.

She heard a sound and, thinking it must be Cooper, she turned. But it was Sophie, carrying a cup of coffee.

“Come and see,” she whispered.

Sophie joined her at the rail and saw the beautiful arch. “Oh, Sarah,” she said.

“Carrie said she’d think of something. She’s an amazing woman. I was all for just getting married privately, maybe up the coast. But Cooper said he wanted to be married on this beach and that he’d take care of things.” She shook her head. “He surprises me at every turn.”

Sophie slipped her arm around Sarah’s shoulders. “We haven’t seen enough of our son the past twenty years. He’s spent quite a few years traveling, no interest in claiming a permanent home. Now I see a changed man, Sarah. And he’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. I expect that’s because of you.”

“He’s made me happier than I’ve ever been,” she said. “I have no idea how all this happened. I came here to be alone, to lick my wounds after a failed marriage. Cooper’s not only gained a son in Austin, but he’s become a role model to my brother, Landon.”

“And I think that, finally, after all these years, I won’t worry about my son finding what he wants and needs to complete his life.” She kissed Sarah’s cheek. “Thank you. As the mother of a painfully independent son, thank you for coming into his life. I can see you’re a very good match.”

“I’m going to do everything I can to make him happy. He already makes me happier than I thought I could ever be.”

They were hugging and drying their tears when Cooper came outside with his cup of coffee. He looked at his mother and his bride and said, “Oh, brother.”

Eight

D
evon couldn’t remember the last time she’d attended a wedding. It was probably back in her college days. And she’d certainly never gone to a wedding like this! Although children were welcome at the wedding, Scott convinced her they should leave them at home so they could be put to bed at a reasonable hour. “We’re going to drink and dance and have fun!” he insisted.

She drove Mercy to Scott’s house where she was spending the night with Jenny and Will, leaving Devon and her boss free to go to the wedding. When they arrived at the Grant home, complete with all Mercy’s overnight gear, she was actually happy to see that Gabriella’s boyfriend was also there. Devon was introduced to Charles, also a college student.

“You’re okay with Charles spending the evening with Gabriella and the kids, aren’t you?” Scott asked.

“I’m relieved, in fact,” she said. “She’s not just a nanny or au pair or babysitter, but a completely normal nineteen-year-old.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. Gabriella has a very active social life when she gets time to have one. Follow me in your truck. We’ll just park at Cliffhanger’s and walk across the beach, if you’re up to it.”

She stuck out a foot, showing off her new flip-flops. “I’m ready,” she said, smiling. “I even live close enough to the beach to walk home if it comes to that. You never know—I could have the time of my life tonight.”

He peered at her. “How long since you’ve been to a party or a wedding reception?”

“I can’t even remember. A very long time.”

A lot of people had the same idea—the marina parking lot was full. After they parked, he looped his arm with hers to walk her across the beach. “We’re going to have some fun tonight. I don’t want to see you picking up Mercy before morning—just enjoy yourself. You look very pretty tonight, Devon.”

She flushed slightly. “And so do you, Dr. Grant.”

Even though it wasn’t dark yet, the sparkling lights twinkled in the dusk, casting a glow over a wide area of the beach. There were no chairs set up, but there was a runner that led from the bottom of the steps to the arch and a box on the side of the bay where the preacher would stand. The band was set up and they were playing some soft, classic tunes—“I’ll Be Seeing You,” “Deep Purple,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” People were milling around with plastic cups, visiting, laughing and generally getting into the party mood. The sky had never been more beautiful, the bay was calm and dark, the air warm and there was only a slight breeze.

Scott Grant pressed a cup into her hand. “Lots of people here I’ve never met before,” he said.

She grinned at him. “It turns out I know a lot of them. I’ve already met Cooper’s family.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him around the gathering at the beach, introducing him to those people he didn’t know. They eventually found Rawley behind one of the long serving tables, wearing a shirt identical to Mac’s and Cooper’s, as if he were a part of the wedding party. Even Austin had a matching shirt. Austin was running around the beach with a kid about the same age, kicking up sand at the water’s edge.

Gina wore a powder-blue strapless summer dress and held a lovely bouquet; Mac stayed close to her near the bridal arch, chatting with a man who must be either the minister or justice of the peace. He wore a Hawaiian shirt and sported a long ponytail.

The sun lowered. The lights twinkled. The band played and the sky was clear and deep, speckled with stars.

Devon’s happiness at being included was almost too much to bear. People thought of her as a regular girl, worthy of their company. She pulled her yellow wrap, her borrowed wrap, around her shoulders. It was all so beautiful and happy....

* * *

In the small apartment above the bar, Sarah turned in front of a full-length mirror mounted on the closet door. Her dress was identical to Gina’s except that it was pink. The contrast with her tanned skin and dark hair was perfect. She had a delicious bouquet of roses, calla lilies, baby’s breath and periwinkles—all white, yellow and blue.

Cooper leaned against the wall, appreciating the vision she created and she grinned at him. “Will this do?” she asked him.

He took a couple of lazy steps toward her. “I’ve never seen you more beautiful. You ready to do it? It’s a long contract. Ninety-nine years.”

She put her hands on his shoulders. “Just ninety-nine?”

“My little commitment-phobe has gone, I think. I have something for you.”

She laughed and shook her head. “You can’t possibly give me one more thing, Cooper. You’re giving me your life, your beachfront property...you’re taking on my brother and supporting us both....”

“It’s just something for you to wear to bed on our wedding night....”

“Aw, that’s very sweet...”

He pulled a small box out of his pocket. He popped it open to display a pair of diamond stud earrings. She sighed and touched one. “Not a nightgown?” she asked.

“We have absolutely no need for a nightgown. Just these.”

She pulled her earrings out of her ears and began inserting the diamond studs. “There are a bunch of Coast Guard down there as well as more townies than I can count. It might be very late before you get to fully appreciate these earrings.”

“No, it won’t,” he said. “I don’t care how much they eat, drink and dance—we’re going to escape and lock the door. Spencer and Landon have charge of Austin. Carrie, Gina, Mac and Rawley have charge of the party. They’re under orders—shut it down before dawn.”

“Dawn?” she asked with a laugh.

He lifted her chin and put a soft kiss on her lips. “I want everyone to remember this night as much as I will.” He put out a crooked arm. “Come on, Mrs. Cooper. Let’s tie the knot. And start our new lives.”

She slipped her arm through his and went downstairs. Before exiting the bar, Cooper stopped and flipped the lights on the deck on and off a few times. Then when they stepped outside, the music changed abruptly and the band began to play “
The Way You Look Tonight
.” As they descended the stairs to the beach, their guests applauded. There were a few whistles and catcalls as well, making them all laugh.

And then they stood in front of the floral arch, facing the preacher in the Hawaiian shirt and ponytail. The young man said a few words about commitment and partnership, the standard vows were exchanged, promises made, and then, per Sarah’s request, a Native American blessing.

And then Cooper was invited to kiss his wife and the beach came alive with cheers. Mac, the best man, was handed a glass as were Cooper and Sarah. There was no elaborate toast, just a brief salute to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cooper and followed by many a “Hear! Hear!” And then the funky little band made up of middle-aged men broke into “
I’m in the Mood for Love
,” punctuated by the popping of champagne corks.

While Sarah and Cooper stood in front of the arch, there were the flashes of cameras and most of the guests made their way over to congratulate them. When the receiving line was exhausted, Sarah and Cooper were first in the buffet line. A neat stack of beach blankets were stacked at each end of the long serving table and Cooper handed a plate to Sarah, grabbing a blanket at the same time. He spread it on the sand near the bottom of the stairs to the deck and soon others joined them, while still others continued to stand or spread their blankets on the other side of the band. A group of eight or ten teenagers including Landon and Eve took their blankets and set up some distance away from their parents and elders. Gina and Mac ended up beside them and when Cooper caught sight of Spencer trying to corral Austin as well as a couple of plates of food, Cooper motioned them over to join their party.

Not everyone needed blankets—there were several rocks and driftwood trunks scattered around that made for handy chairs. And before the first wave of guests had enjoyed the food, the dancing began—mostly by those people over the age of thirty. The music was not the teenagers’ style at all. Cooper’s mom and dad twirled around the sand a little bit and once the eating was mostly done, Cooper took his wife onto the outdoor dance floor.

Cooper didn’t have possession of her for long—her USCG friends and coworkers were present and wouldn’t let her rest.

After dancing with his mother and sisters, Cooper gratefully returned to the blanket, sitting down beside Spencer. He noticed that Austin had already abandoned them for Landon’s party, a safe distance away.

“I guess you couldn’t convince Rawley to come as a guest tonight,” Spencer said.

“Not a chance. I’m lucky I got him in that shirt, the only thing that identifies him as part of the wedding party. But have fun? Never.” Cooper laughed. “He’s a cautionary tale,” Cooper said, nodding at the man behind the serving table. “He’s exactly what I was destined to become if I stayed as solitary as I’d been.”

“You throw a good party,” Spencer said. “You should do beach parties regularly, even when you’re not getting married.”

“Makes sense,” he said. “I have to hand it to Carrie—she sure can pull a party together under difficult circumstances, can’t she?”

“Where’d she get that band?”

“They’re a bunch of local guys. One’s a mailman, one’s a crabber and I don’t know who the third one is. Not exactly
American Bandstand,
but you can’t complain about their tone, right?”

“If you like ballroom music.”

“Get out there, Spencer,” Cooper said. “Wrap your arms around something soft. Give Sarah a whirl, because after tonight you can’t touch her.”

Again Spencer laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, I think I’ll just enjoy the view.”

“Looks like the new doc is circling a target,” Cooper said. He nodded toward the other side of the bandstand to where Scott Grant reclined on a beach blanket and Devon was kneeling in front of him, talking animatedly with her hands, making him laugh.

* * *

Spencer had seen them arrive together. They came to the beach arm in arm. Then she held his hand, pulling him all over the beach, introducing him to people he hadn’t yet met. Then they spread their blanket together.

Were they already a couple? he wondered. It would only make sense. They spent every day together. And Dr. Grant—he seemed like a pretty nice guy.

But Devon, she was something else. Her transformation since the first day he’d seen her was remarkable. She had arrived here as a skittish and shy runaway from some kind of cult or something. She didn’t know he had overheard her when she was telling—or rather, trying not to tell—Rawley that first morning. By now Rawley might know the details, but Spencer didn’t. Still, the changes in the girl were impossible to ignore. Or forget. She’d become a cute, efficient, fun-loving sprite with a quick wit and spontaneous smile that just lit up her whole face. She must be feeling safer, more confident. She had a glow about her and he was inexplicably drawn to her.

She’s a blonde,
he thought. His wife had been blonde. Maybe he was just hot for blondes....

And of course, that was the last thing he was in the market for. He’d laid his young wife to rest just a few months ago, after a long and ravaging illness. Now he was concentrating on raising his son, starting a new career, making a new home. There was no room for romance, especially with a woman hiding a weird and mysterious past.

Someone approached her—one of the Coast Guard guests, he believed. He gave her a half bow that made her laugh, held out a hand and took her out in front of the bandstand to dance. There was a little more laughter, some barefoot twirling. He found himself smiling, glad she was having a good time. He couldn’t believe there was anything creepy or sinister about her—she seemed so transparent, except maybe for that part of her life she was fleeing. For no logical reason whatsoever, he was glad her flight had brought her here, because he believed this to be a safe place and populated with the kind of men who had the strength to protect her and her little girl, if that became necessary.

He shifted his gaze to Cooper, who was making the rounds, dancing with the women in his family and with friends from town. Sarah was being passed around pretty liberally as well—lots of cutting in going on out there. Then there was Gina and Mac, the newlyweds, locked together in a sweet, close sway...until they were disrupted by Mac’s aunt Lou and her steady, Joe, and partners were exchanged. But that didn’t last long—they were back together for the next song.

He looked for Austin, who hadn’t moved in quite a while. He was still sitting with the teenagers, Landon, Eve, Ashley James and a young man by the name of Frank. When Spencer had decided to come to this town, he had no idea it would include kids like Landon. He was an expert on high school kids, especially athletes, and Landon and his friends were A-list, no question—smart, healthy, responsible and very patient with ten-year-old Austin. Landon was bunking with Spencer and Austin while Cooper’s parents borrowed the RV as their guestroom and he was a perfect houseguest.

Spencer wandered over to the outdoor bar for another beer and, while standing there, he talked with a number of folks from town. Yeah, this was a town excited about football season and it made sense. Their high school teams did well and were worth bragging about. People wanted to warn him about competing teams and ask him if he had some secret weapon. They wanted to go over details of performance in previous years and talk about their stars. Finally he was dragged out to dance by Ray Anne and, with beer in hand, he spun her around a little bit.