Page 79 of Stolen Kiss

There was an open invitation for him to Sunday lunch at the Shaw household. Permanently. But Jason didn’t feel comfortable attending until he sorted things out with Keith.

He felt for his best friend because Jason knew what it was like to be manipulated by Aunt Cynthia. Jason also felt the tug of family loyalty. Because Keith had acted to protect his sister.

And there was nothing wrong with that. If the situation were reversed, Jason would move Heaven and Hell to protect Daisy.

Still, there was a twang of regret that so many years were wasted.

Jason strapped his surfboard to the top of the Turner buggy. It turned out there were several Turner buggies. He’d called Nate, the town mechanic, to come up to the estate to service all the golf buggies. Now everyone had a mode of transport. Ralph attached several more nails on the frame by his shed door and people could come and collect them. Maggie was the most excited. She tore around the paths practising like she was a rallydriver. Now she had the freedom to go to Boyle’s Butchers and Lucy’s Green Grocers and get her produce whenever she wanted.

Bailey refused to drive one, or get in one. He stayed on estate grounds.

When Jason pulled up outside the Shaw residence, Heidi came out with her thick wool cardigan wrapped around her smiling at him. He would never tire of the look in her eyes as she gazed at him.

“You’ve redone the seats,” she said nodding to the buggy.

“Different buggy. This baby is all mine,” Jason said patting the roof as he passed.

Snagging my arm around her back, Jason pulled her to him and kissed her mouth. She swiped her tongue along his lip and groaned against her mouth.

“We’re at your parents,” Jason mumbled.

“I know,” she said and giggled. “My dad is probably watching.”

Jason took a full step back and held her hand. “Not funny.”

“It is a little. He’s a big teddy bear, anyway.”

“I’m sure he knows by now about us all those years ago.”

She squeezed his hand and her smiled faded confirming his worst fears. Her dad was going to chase him off.

“Are you sure I’m still welcome?” Jason asked.

“I want you here, and so does he.” Heidi spoke so assuredly he believed her.

“Only because of what I can bring.”

Jason remembered the box sitting in the well of the middle seat and turned full circle. He swung around so fast not letting go of Heidi’s hand she had to hold on to the front door frame to stop toppling over.

“Where are we going?”

“I forgot your father’s fix.”

Giggling once more, Jason relaxed and hefted the box out of the buggy and tucked it under his arm. It was a good job that potatoes were grown on the island or Jason would have to have his own shipment to keep in Harold Shaw’s good books.

When they entered the house, Mrs Shaw came towards him and cupped his cheeks. “Hello Jason, good to see you at our table again.”

One family member down, two to go.

“Is that Jason?” Mr Shaw bellowed from the TV room.

“Yes, Harold, stop yelling. The whole island can hear you.”

“Did he bring my stash?”

“Yes, Harold,” Mrs Shaw said with added exasperation.

“Get in here, Jason Turner,” he bellowed, not dropping his voice at all.

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