Page 9 of Merry with a Captain

The next few minutes, Fletch did as Matthew instructed. Taking orders from a physiotherapist wasn’t as bad as he’d thought it would be. Normally not an order-taking kind of guy, this was different and crucial to his full recovery.

Thirty minutes later, Fletch had built up a sweat from the exercises. They were way more difficult than he’d imagined, and he already ached from one session.

"Well done. You’re all set for today,” Matthew said as they walked back to the front reception.

"That definitely wasn't as easy as I thought it would be,” Fletch commented, knowing he’d really feel it later.

"You might find yourself tender for the next couple of days. Listen to your body, but also don't give into it. Shall we make another appointment?"

"Yes. How often do you recommend?" Fletch asked.

"A couple of times a week would be best, but definitely at least once a week," Matthew advised.

“Today's Monday, so how about Thursday? What are your hours around Christmas?"

"I got you in for Thursday, 9:30. We’re closed on the 25th and reduced hours on the 24th." Matthew answered.

"Let's book in next Monday as well then, and we'll play it by ear for the next appointment." It wasn’t like he was in high demand these days, but you never knew what might pop up.

“Gotcha. See you Thursday. And remember to do your exercises,” Matthew reminded him.

"Will do. I feel like I'll be bruised from head to toe after today's session.” Fletch grimaced when a pang shot through his hip.

"Some physiotherapists think if you're not left with bruises you haven't done a good job." Matthew grinned.

"Seriously? That's barbaric. Anyway, see you in a few days." Fletch hobbled to the entrance and as he left, he heard a burst of laughter from one of the offices. He glanced over at the closed door; he liked hearing people laugh. He smiled as he left the clinic.

6

Astrange turn of events uprooted Robyn from Savannah after only a couple of weeks. When they told her she had to come back to Love Beach, at first she was excited. Of course the reason for that was hopefully being able to find Fletch. But, she also realized he could be long gone and her pining for him had been ridiculous. She wasn't a teenager longing for a boyfriend. She was a grown ass woman.

But damn, Fletch had certainly left a mark on her.

Her old apartment had already been subleased, so for now she was staying at a downtown hotel. She wasn’t set to start back at the office until Monday but decided to come back to the Beach early. There was so much she had to plan for with Christmas just over a week away.

The hotel was nice, posh, and all decorated up for Christmas, which gave her Christmassy vibes. She loved Christmas, it had always been her favorite season, and she would love to be back home on the farm. Her mother had sent an email with some pictures that they already had snow. Even though she, her sister, and her two brothers were out living their own lives, her parentsstill decorated the family farm like they had when they were kids.

She had toyed with the idea of going home for the holidays, at least a few days over Christmas, but now this change in work location had complicated things. One way or another, she would get home; the when and the how were up in the air.

The view from her window was stunning. The Christmas Market across the street and lining the beach was lit up with all the lights. It was enchanting, even without snow. A bucket list item was to visit a European Christmas Market. She’d seen so many gorgeous photos and simply had to try and get to one.

Dozens of people moved among the festive stalls, and Robyn decided she had to go down and see what was going on. Her suitcases still sat unpacked but they could wait. The upheaval of the last few days had been exhausting and she needed a little change of scenery. Plus, her stomach was grumbling, and she was sure there’d be something yummy to eat at the market.

Christmas carols played in the lobby of the hotel, and the smell of pine filled the air. The large fir tree almost touched the arched ceiling and was beautifully decorated. She drew in a happy sigh; it was festive and she loved it. The lobby bar was full, and a pang of loneliness disrupted her happy. Being alone at Christmas was going to be hard, and a wave of homesickness thickened her throat.

She pushed through the revolving doors, and was hit by a chilly wind off the sea.

"Brrr,” Robyn said and pulled her coat tighter around her. She hadn't thought to bring gloves so she stuck her hands in her pocket.

“Evening ma’am,” the concierge said in greeting.

“Evening.” She smiled at him and then ran across the street to the market.

The stalls and crowd of people did a good job of blocking the wind off the ocean so it wasn't quite so cold. Christmas music and aromas filled the air. It was busy, and she wandered through the market, making sure to look at all of the vendors on her way. It never ceased to amaze her how talented some people were. Something she could not relate to, having no hidden talents herself, all she could do was admire what others created.

In the middle of the market was a small house decorated with lights, red bows, large colorful suckers, and candy canes with a painted sign saying they were entering the North Pole. There was a big red mailbox with white lettering that saidLetters to Santa.A line of excited children waited behind a picket fence strung with more lights and garland, waiting for their turn to tell Santa what they'd like for Christmas.

Robyn watched the kids and the dressed-up elves that wrangled them, herding them gently in to see Santa and giving them candy canes on the way out. Nostalgia struck her and memories flooded back to when her parents would take them to see Santa. Her parents had turned it into a yearly adventure. Santa’s chair outside in a barn-like structure, surrounded by a number of small corrals with donkeys, goats, ponies, and even a reindeer or two. Everything was lined with straw and red ribbons with old-fashioned incandescent lightbulbs. It was magical. She hadn't thought about that little spot in ages and wondered if it was still there.

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