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As I watch him walk out the door, I’m struck by a soul-rattling thought. I’m not a poor judge of character after all. Donny’s a good man, and I trust him with my life. Colby’s a good man too. He just needs to believe it as hard as I do.
Chapter 48
Best Sail Ever
Colby
Saturday morning arrives, the weather warm for late April. I’m preparing Gail Force for a sail with the kids when my phone rings. My hands turn clammy when I see the caller ID. Wiping a palm, I accept the call and steel myself.
“Hi, Mom. How’s it going?”
“Oh, Colby,” she cries, “I’m so sorry I wasn’t near my phone when you called.” There’s a quaver in her voice that ramps up my guilt.
“That’s okay. I just wanted to touch base. I’ve been keeping up with you and Dad through Lindsey, but I wanted to hear your voice for myself.” True. “You guys doing okay?”
“We’re doing fine.” She hiccups a tiny sob, causing a twist in my gut. “How about you? I’m sorry your season ended early.”
“It’s okay. Gives me more downtime.” I’m in the wrong head space for this call. We need to talk, but not now. “Hey, I’ve got some kids showing up soon for a sail. Can I call you back? I was thinking of heading your way and wanted to see what your schedule’s like. Assuming you don’t mind me inviting myself.”
“Of course not, son. We would love to see you. It’s been too long.”
“Yeah, it has.”
I’m about to apologize for the millionth time—because that’s what I do when I talk to my mother—but she doesn’t give me the chance. “We love you, Colby. Dad and I both. You know that, don’t you? You’re always welcome, no matter what.”
I feel my own tears building. “I know, Mom, but thanks. I appreciate hearing that.”
We end with promises to catch up later, and I stare off into space. My phone goes off again. Another name that fills me with dread. “Hey, Herb. How’s tricks?”
“I’m busier than a coach drilling a mites team. but I can’t complain. You?”
“My ass is starting to hurt from sitting on these pins and needles.”
Herb lets out a throaty chuckle and quips, “Good thing you’re patient.” His tone turns serious. “I have some news. Got a minute?”
My knees turn watery, and I drop into the helm seat. “Bring it on.”
When the call ends, I’m ready to walk across the water and wait on the dock for the kids to show up. I fight the urge to call Jackie and tell her the news. That she’s the first person I think of startles me. Lindsey should be front of mind. My parents. Aunt Peggy. Of course, I’ll see Peggy shortly, so I guess she’ll be the first to know. That’s probably appropriate since she’ll be the one most affected.
I whistle as I work, my eyes constantly scanning the entrance to the parking lot as they hunt for Peggy’s van. When I see it, my heart lifts. I hop from the boat and jog to help her unload the kidlets. Her smile widens as I approach. As I bend down to hug her, I notice an adult with a slight build maneuvering Ruby. Huh. Ruby’s mother, maybe. Never met the woman, and her back’s to me so I can’t see her face, but I’m glad a parent’s along to help out and share the experience with their kid.
Peggy hugs my neck. “Brought you a helper.”
I’m dying to share my news, but I hold back. “I see that. Ruby’s mom?”
There’s a twinkle in Peggy’s eyes that tickles my sixth sense. “No, but she’s a hardworking deckhand.” Peggy winks. “Might even be good first mate material.”
My chest squeezes, and I swear my heart somersaults as I zero in on the mystery adult. She turns, and my lungs empty themselves of oxygen when her profile comes into view. She wears a beanie, but there’s no mistaking those wisps of blond hair working their way out.
“Jackie?” I croak. My voice is so hoarse she doesn’t hear me.
Peggy pats my chest and lowers her voice so only I hear. “Listen to your heart, Colby James, and not your head. It’s been feeding you bad information.” Her eyebrows bounce as she releases me. “Oh, and good luck.”
“You’re not staying?” I whisper, my eyes still fixed on Jackie as she settles Ruby. It’s a stupid question because Peggy rarely sticks around. But didn’t I have something I wanted to share with her? My mind is too blown to search for those pieces.
“Nope. You’re on your own, big fella.” Peggy turns, and I barely notice her walk back to the van to help with the other kids. She gives me a backward glance. “Are you going to help or just stand there like a piling?”
“Captain Colby?” I look down to see Darla looking up at me with dark, narrowed eyes. She wobbles a bit on her prosthetic leg, and I rest my hand lightly on her shoulder to steady her.
