The Summer Getaway: A Novel(46)

She looked at Mason. “Once again I’ve dominated the conversation.”

“You haven’t. I enjoy listening to you talk. You’re always interesting.”

She laughed. “I wish that were true. Tell me about yourself. Did you join the army right out of high school?”

He nodded.

“Okay, why?” She smiled. “Family tradition? You knew you’d look good in the uniform?”

That earned her a chuckle. “I grew up in West Virginia. There was the coal mine, the general store and not much else. The army offered opportunity.”

“You served twenty-five years?”

He nodded.

She thought about everything the country had been through in that time. He’d seen a lot.

“Did you regret leaving your hometown?” she asked.

“Naw. My dad told me to get out while I could. He died twenty years ago—old before his time with lung disease. I haven’t been back.”

Her gaze locked with his. “I’m sorry.”

“He wanted me to have more than he did. I know he was proud of me.”

“That’s a good feeling.” She’d always known, whatever mistakes she made, Lillian was proud of her. “Any kids?”

He shook his head. “No.”

She waited, sensing there was more. Mason glanced over her shoulder.

“My first wife and I wanted kids. She got pregnant easy, but couldn’t stay pregnant. After losing four babies, she got quiet and sad, then one day she left.”

Robyn instinctively reached out her hand to his arm. “I’m sorry. That had to be awful.”

“Yeah, it sucked. I didn’t expect her to take off the way she did. I thought we’d talk to more doctors.” His smile was self-deprecating. “I was still naive.”

“Some women do want to stay and figure it out.”

“I’ve heard that.”

She realized she was still touching him and drew back her hand.

“My second wife had three kids. I was excited about being a stepfather. Their dad had run out, so they were just as eager to have me around.”

“That sounds nice.”

“It was, until I figured out she was only interested in having someone to help with the work and pay the bills.” He glanced at her. “Any man would have done.”

She winced. “So not you specifically?”

He nodded. “It was a blow to find that out. I hated leaving the kids, but I wasn’t willing to be a meal ticket. So that ended. I figured after two failures, I should probably not get involved anymore. I’m a bad bet.”

“I think that’s harsh.”

He flashed her a smile. “You don’t know me well enough to voice an opinion.” His tone was gentle as he spoke.

“I know you some. I know you’re very tolerant of cats, even if you’re not sure you like them. Although you do seem to be falling for that white cat.”

“Charles II. He likes when you use his full name.”

She laughed. “See? You’re proving my point. You’re a good guy.”

“I’m not saying I’m a bad one—I’m just pointing out I seem to be lacking whatever skills it takes to make a romantic relationship work.”

“And possibly learning the wrong lesson. Maybe your lack of skill is in who you pick.”

He grinned. “Very likely.”

She appreciated learning about him. Not just the information but how he explained his past. She couldn’t remember Cord ever telling a story where he wasn’t the hero.

“What about you? Want to share a few facts about yourself?”

She raised her eyebrows. “You don’t think telling you my ex-boyfriend not knowing his way around my girl parts was enough of a share?”

His mouth twitched. “That was interesting, I’ll admit. And an example of you being kind. You offered a distraction.”

“A really good one,” she teased.

“It was excellent. Any other men between your ex and the hapless doctor?”

“Just a few dates. It’s tough with kids, plus for a while everyone I met knew Cord, and that wasn’t comfortable. Like you, I think I’ll stay single.”

“I doubt that will last for long.”

She appreciated his faith in her but wasn’t sure it was warranted. “Any more house exploring?”

“I’ve looked around a little. I keep finding doors that lead nowhere. I did find a staircase in the back of what I thought was a closet, but it didn’t go anywhere, either. You’re the expert. Want to take me on a tour?”

“I’d like that a lot. Bring Charles II. I hear he knows all the best places to hang out.”





thirteen



HARLOW CHECKED THE spreadsheets a third time. Buying the paddleboard and kayaking company made sense financially. They had a solid customer base and room for growth. The concession stand was something new, but she would figure it out. Eventually she was hoping to offer prepacked lunches for their boat charter customers. Maybe even sell a few branded items like baseball caps and towels. There was money to be made, if only she could get her dad to talk to her about buying the business.

The price was what they’d talked about, and the preliminary agreement was back from the lawyer, only she couldn’t pin down her father.