LITMIR.BIZ

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Jaxon Pruitt or find herself unemployed. Her choice.

      Shirley stepped onto the porch. “Darcy... Please try to understand.”

      Darcy wheeled around. “You said whenever you decided to retire, you’d give me first dibs on buying the business.”

      She raised her eyebrow. “Did I say that?”

      “You certainly led me to believe that. I believed we were friends.”

      Shirley had never fit into what most of her generation considered a proper role for a Southern woman. Instead of marriage and motherhood, she operated a successful water sports business. She was one of the first people to grasp the importance of ecotourism. She was also an environmental advocate in preserving the pristine beauty of the Delmarva Peninsula, bordered by the Atlantic on the east and the Chesapeake Bay on the west.

      “We are friends, Darcy.” Shirley’s trim, athletic figure belied her sixty-plus years. “I need you to trust me when I tell you this arrangement is going to work out best for all of us.”

      Feeling the cool wind off the harbor, Darcy wrapped her bare arms around herself. “I’m sorry, but I don’t see how any of this is in my best interest.”

      “Jaxon needs the shop more than you do.”

      This was so unfair. She’d spent years working her way to becoming Shirley’s manager. She’d saved her money in preparation for one day assuming ownership.

      “What about my ecotour certification? He doesn’t have that.” Darcy set her jaw. “Nor any experience in this business.”

      “He worked here in high school, like you.”

      Until Jax had graduated, joined the army and married overseas. She could feel pink breaching the collar of her cotton shirt. One of the downsides to being a strawberry blonde. Her every emotion was always on display.

      But of all the people in the world, why did the new owner have to be him?

      “Jaxon is struggling to readjust to civilian life, Darcy.”

      She threw out her hands. “So give him a job, Shirley. We hire extra people over the summer.”

      “Jaxon needs more than a part-time job. He needs a purpose. And a steady income to support his child. They need a home.”

      Darcy had a hard time envisioning Anna’s footloose, marginally reckless, ever charming brother with a child. Or married. Except now he was a widower.

      Her mouth thinned. “So you’re saying this is my patriotic duty?”

      “I’m only asking you to stay till summer’s end. Help Jaxon learn the ropes.”

      Darcy shook her head. “He’s your nephew. And I don’t get your sudden need to retire.”

      “The timing of his return is a godsend.” Shirley’s eyes danced. “I’ve met someone.”

      Darcy blinked. “Who? When?”

      “In January, during the winter kayaking season. He lives next door to my condo in the Keys.” Shirley’s no-nonsense face glowed. “He’s retired Coast Guard. Like me, he loves to feel the sand between his toes.”

      This was so unlike the Shirley she’d always known, she was almost speechless. “Why haven’t you said anything?”

      Shirley shook her head. “You know how it is in Kiptohanock. Everybody in everybody else’s business. I didn’t want my family knowing until I was sure about the next step with Frank.”

      “But to leave everything? For a man you barely know?”

      “Frank’s a widower. His children and grandchildren are settled in Florida.” Shirley sighed. “I’m willing to relocate for the sake of our relationship.”

      “Have you at least talked to my dad?”

      “Your father, my pastor, gave me some good advice, which I intend to follow. It’s time for a change in my life.” Acquired after a lifetime of gauging sea horizons, Shirley’s crow’s-feet fanned into half-moons of joy.

      In light of her obvious happiness, Darcy surrendered to the inevitable. “So what can I do to help?”

      “Come winter, I’d like you to take over running the business in the Keys.”

      Her heart skipped a beat. She’d always longed to travel. Now she’d get her chance. Though it would mean leaving everyone and everything she loved behind.

      “But meanwhile...” Shirley took a deep breath. “Help me by helping my nephew find a place for himself here with his son.”

      Anything but that. Darcy squeezed her eyes shut. Thready panic fluttered like butterfly wings in her belly. “The Eastern Shore business for the Florida Keys branch?”

      Shirley must’ve sensed her wavering resistance. “Please? You won’t be sorry. I promise.”

      Darcy was already sorry. But as the daughter of the seaside hamlet’s beloved Reverend Parks, she was nothing if not dutiful. The business would fail without her expertise. Jaxon would fail. Was she willing to stand by and watch that happen?

      “If I agree...and that’s a big if, Shirley,” Darcy said, gritting her teeth. “I might consider helping once it gets busy, but when it comes to working with Jaxon on a daily basis, I can’t make any promises.”

      “Just give it a try, and then come to Florida. If you decide that’s what you truly want to do.”

      Darcy grimaced. “What else would I do? It’s not like I have many options.” Story of her life. And she was so sick of her life.

      Not the only one who needed a change, maybe Shirley was right. Who wouldn’t want to spend the winter in tropical Florida? Maybe this plan was best. Darcy just had to live through a summer of Jax.

      Her heart sank.

      When it came to Jaxon Pruitt, it was easier said than done.

       Chapter Two

      With more than a little reluctance, Darcy went inside the shop again with Shirley. Jax turned from the display kiosk. At his feet, Brody was stuffing a child-size Osprey backpack with everything within reach.

      Jax tried taking hold of the pack. But scowling, his son hugged the lime-green bag to his chest.

      “Brody likes to zip things,” Jax murmured. “He was just playing. I’ll put everything back where it belongs.”

      “It’s your store. You can do what you want.” She motioned to the backpack Brody clutched. “I like lime-green, too.”

      Jax shot her a glance. “I remember.”

      She ignored his overture. “Are you going on an expedition, Brody?”

      Lips set in a thin line, Brody unzipped the bag. One by one, he removed the items he’d stashed, holding them up for her inspection. Cords, a pair of waterproof gloves, and carabiners. Which he clicked open and shut.

      She smiled over his head to Jax. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a budding outdoorsman.”

      Uncoiling a notch, he gave her a tentative smile.

      Shirley took hold of the little boy’s hand. “You two should get to work. Since Brody’s packed his gear, we’ll take a stroll around the square. Take in the sights.”

      Darcy rolled her eyes. “That should take about five minutes.” She helped Brody slip the pack on his back and tighten the straps.

      “True.” Shirley headed for the door. “But I also need more experience with little ones before I head to Florida this afternoon.”

      Darcy spent the next thirty minutes familiarizing Jax with shop

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