Page 70 of Mail Order Splash

“Yep, those were the days. The dolphins liked it here.” He chuckled. “I remember your granddad practically pushing some of the dolphins out into the intracoastal, but they come right back and push him.”

“They loved him.” I swiped at a tear. “I miss him so much.”

“You and me both. He was an amazing man. Your dad was, too.”

“I didn’t mean to leave Dad out, I know he was your bestie. I just had a special spot in my heart for Granddad.”

“Then I’m proud of you for doing what it takes to get this place up again. People will come.”

“I don’t care about people coming. Sure, it’s fun. What I care about is teaching what humans are doing to our oceans.”

“You have to get them in the door first. Let them see the wounded, then the healing begins.” He stood, pulling me up with him. “You don’t need to stay with Solitaire, she’ll be fine. We only have to let her rest in safety. Go on and get out of here.”

Dalton tossed us each a towel, then leaned against the wall. “Are you staying?”

“No, they’ll be fine together. Question is, where am I going?”

“You could come to my place,” Doc offered. “Josh too.”

“I have rooms for them on the yacht, but Kleine thinks it improper if the press found out.”

“Her momma would have instilled that in her. Pack a bag, you can come with me.”

“My bag is packed and on the yacht. We were working on logistics when the call came in.” I wrapped the towel around my waist. “I can stay here. Charlie and Bobby will make sure it’s safe.”

“I’ve met them both. I wouldn’t go up against either of them, especially Charlie.”

“Someone say my name?” The giant of a man walked in. “I hope it had something to do with food.”

“He eats more than Murphy.” Dalton shook his head, chuckling. “How are we looking outside?”

“Cleared and quiet. They needed a little poking and prodding but left on their own accord.” He grinned. “No one let’s me have fun anymore.”

“Yikes. I don’t know and don’t wanna know.” I covered my ears. “If I get you loads of food, can you stay overnight, in here, with me?”

“In here, by the dolphins?”

“Yep. We even have a firepit, thanks to Dalton.”

“I’m in. I was assigned to you anyway, so I go where you go.” He pointed to the cots. “Is that the bed?”

“There’s a bigger one inside, or that one.”

“Where are you going to be?”

“On that cot right there.” I pointed to one behind him. “Only rule is, you have to wear pj’s.”

“Don’t listen to her. She cheats and wears sweats.”

“Sweats I can do, but not yellow like him.” He shook his head at Dalton. “And you’re worried about the press taking pictures of her?”

“It wasn’t by choice. If you two are staying here then I am too.”

“No, that defeats the purpose of staying separate. You go to the yacht and I’ll speak with you in the morning.”

We all stared at him until he gave in. “I’m gonna miss the campout though. It’s not fair.”

“We have the rest of our lives together, sweetheart.” I put my arm across his shoulders.

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