Page 27 of Between Two Shores

“I’d love to come. Can you meet me up at the port again?”

“Sure. Six-thirty?”

“I look forward to it.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll call Carl and hang out with him until then. You have a great day at the office.”

She floated away and headed toward The Fremantle Herald. A contented sigh left her lips. Wow. She hadn’t dated anyone in years and started to doubt she’d meet someone interesting—and one who pursued her. Most of the single guys she knew didn’t want to travel or serve in charities. She wanted to be with someone who shared the same interests. Were her single days nearly behind her?

On the way to her sister’s house, Beth gave Nick the rundown of the family dynamics. “Amy’s married to Brett with one child, Talicia. It’s her fifth birthday.” She maneuvered through a roundabout, as the streetlamps flickered into the car’s cabin. “Trudy is my other sister who is engaged to Michael. Shanae is dating Phil. He won’t be coming, as Dad hasn’t warmed to him yet.”

“Dominating father?” Nick laughed.

“You guessed it.” She flicked the indicator on and turned into Amy’s street. “My younger brothers, Jacob and Simon, are single. They may or may not be there tonight.”

“That’s a big family. I’m not sure if I’ll remember all the names.” He sat upright. “I’m an only child. My mom was probably turned off having any more kids after she had a demanding toddler. Apparently, I was a handful.”

“That’s not hard to imagine.” Beth gave a cheeky smile. “You love to muck around. Are you sure you’re thirty-eight?”

“When I wanna be.”

They parked in the dim driveway. “Well, brace yourself. Our family is loud.”

Standing on the doormat, Beth tightened her hold on Talicia’s present. Nick’s hand touched her elbow as they waited for someone to greet them.

“Um, Nick. For tonight, it’s best if we don’t . . . touch each other.” She offered a small smile. “Let Dad get to know you a little more first.”

He chuckled and jumped back with his hands raised in surrender. “Yes, ma’am.” He swung his hands behind his back. “Don’t want to get off-side with Papa Bear.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll be on my best behavior tonight. Anyway, your Dad loves me, practically offered me dowry money.”

She slapped his shoulder. “He did not.” She playfully scolded Nick. “You’ll keep.” Where had she heard that saying before?

The door opened with a gush of sibling love. “Beth!” Amy hugged her tight. “Talicia has been waiting for you. Thinks you’ve bought her a unicorn.” Amy glanced at Nick. “And who’s this handsome man? I didn’t know you had a date?”

“Nick, this is Amy. See. My family is loud, and they speak whatever comes to their mind.”

Nick laughed and shook Amy’s hand.

Amy pulled him into a hug. “We’re huggers in this family. Welcome. Come in.”

As they entered, a waft of cinnamon and chocolate floated about them making Beth’s mouth water.

Squeals of delight came from the living room. “I always wanted a Peppa Pig house. Thanks, Uncle Simon. You’re the best.”

“Aye.” This from Jacob. “You haven’t opened my gift yet.”

Her sisters all laughed. When Beth poked her head around the corner with Nick on her tail, the room fell silent for a moment.

“Aunty Beth. You’re finally here.” Talicia stared at the present and put her hand out.

Everyone laughed again.

Dad stood. “Nick, how are you, son?” He walked over and offered a hand.

Son? Nick was right. Dad was trying to marry her off.

Michael looked at Trudy with question in his eyes. Dad had taken a long time to warm to him, so he’d be wondering why Nick was getting favor already.

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