Page 32 of In the Arms of a Hero

“Pick one thing,” the woman said, then turned her attention to Belinda.

Aaron stepped up to make the introductions. “This is Bess, the owner, and this is Belinda. Ladies, this is Hayley Brooks, Sam’s friend.”

Bess moved over to help the kids make their selection. Belinda smiled at Hayley as she approached the counter.

“Aaron tells me that you’re a photographer.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Would it be a horrible imposition to ask if you had time this afternoon to take some pictures of the kids at the beach?” Hayley then shook her head and blushed. “I’m sorry. I realize it’s last minute, so perhaps we can make an appointment for the next time we’re here.”

“Oh no, today is actually fine. Believe it or not, even though it’s a beautiful Saturday, I don’t have any weddings today.”

Hayley's smile widened, brightening her beautiful face. “Oh, that’s fabulous!” She turned and looked toward Sam. “Belinda can take some photos of us this afternoon at the beach! What time do you think we’ll be there?”

Belinda observed the smile on Sam’s face as he looked at Hayley. “We can be there anytime you want.”

Aaron had mentioned that Sam had lost a former partner when they were police officers in Newport News and that Sam had stepped in to help take care of Haley and her children. Only in passing did he mention her name was Hayley, and she had two kids. As Belinda watched, Sam’s feelings for Hayley were obvious.

Belinda looked down, trying to hide her knowing smile. There was more to the look in Sam’s eyes than just honoring a lost friend’s wishes. That man was in love with Hayley and her children. She looked up to see Sam and Aaron discussing what time to meet at the beach and took a moment to observe Hayley. Now, Belinda had to hide another smile as Hayley’s feelings for Sam were equally painted on her face and in her eyes.

Hayley thanked her once again and stepped over to the kids to ensure their choices were in line with the sugar high she expected them to have later on. Sam rested his hands on Eddie’s shoulders as he smiled with great affection at Hope.

Aaron moved over to the counter. “Thank you for helping them out. I didn’t want to speak for you, but I didn’t think youhad anything else lined up this afternoon.” He leaned closer and whispered, “Whatever Hayley says about paying you, just put her off. Sam is going to take care of it.”

She nodded, not surprised. Waving goodbye as they left the shop, she promised she’d see them on the beach in a few hours.

Bess walked over and said, “Damn, Sam’s got it bad for her, doesn’t he?”

Belinda nodded and wasn’t surprised her sister had picked up the vibes. She was just surprised that no one else seemed to have noticed. Now, she couldn’t wait to take their photographs.

Hours later, Aaron watched as Belinda walked from the town pier and over the sand dunes, her camera bag slung over her shoulder. Jogging toward her, he met her halfway. “Hey,” he greeted.

Her smile landed on him, the twinkle once again back in her eyes when she saw him, and he fucking loved seeing it there. She glanced to the side where the kids were playing, and Sam and Hayley lounged on beach chairs.

“Do you think they’ll mind if I jump in and start taking pictures?”

“I’m sure they won’t.”

He reached out and wrapped his fingers around the camera case, lifting it from her as she slid her camera strap over her neck. He walked behind her as she circled the area, her steps purposeful as she made adjustments to her camera. She snapped pictures of the kids as they walked in the surf. It didn’t escape his notice that amid the chaos of the children’s playful antics, Belinda occasionally turned to the side and captured images of Hayley and Sam laughing and talking to each other.

At one point, Belinda lowered the camera and stared at Hayley and Sam with a quiet intensity. Aaron couldn’t define the expression on her face, and that bothered him. He longed to unravel the mystery of her thoughts, wanting to know all of her expressions.

Suddenly, the kids called out and waved enthusiastically toward her, and Hayley and Sam’s attention moved to where he and Belinda stood.

Belinda showed the pictures she had already taken, and Hayley was thrilled. Then the young mother walked out and called both kids to her side, and Belinda snapped more photographs.

“Sam! Sam! You need to come too!” Eddie called out, with Hope jumping up and down in excitement. Sam hesitated for a second, but as soon as Hayley motioned him over, he jogged over the sand toward them.

Belinda didn’t position them, letting the group fall into the stance that was natural. Hayley and Sam were in the background, one of his hands around her waist and the other on Eddie's shoulder, with Hayley holding Hope’s hand in front of her. Soon, the makeshift family began changing positions, and Belinda continued to take pictures.

Even though Aaron knew nothing about photography, he recognized the depth of her talent. She effortlessly captured the essence of her subjects and immortalized their memories into a single frame. Now Sam, Hayley, Hope, and Eddie would have beautiful memories of this day, captured forever. Aaron had appreciated Belinda's technology and dedication to her craft, but it wasn’t until that moment that he understood the gift she gave to the ones lucky enough to have her turn her lens on them.

17

Belinda’s footsteps echoed softly along one of the winding trails at Kiptopeke State Park. She reveled in the sunshine, inhaling the scent of salty air. The pine trees towered above, with the underbrush filling in the space of the forest. The bay washed along the sandy shore just over the dune, and the seagulls dove for their breakfast in the glistening bay. In the distance, the concrete ships forming the breakwater stood as sentinels to the changing tides. Their weathered forms bore witness to the passage and ravages of time.

Remembering the lessons from her high school biology teacher, she knew the concrete fleet consisted of nine of the twenty-four concrete ships manufactured in the United States during WWII. Long before the bay bridge tunnels were built, the only way to cross the Chesapeake Bay was by ferry, and in the late 1940s, the concrete ships were brought to protect the ferry terminal during severe weather. Now they formed a home for fish, shellfish, and birds.

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