Page 78 of Beach Vibes

Beth nodded. “That’s kind of fun, isn’t it? Your mom and I met volunteering at the food bank. Rick met Jana because their offices are in the same building.”

“Mommy said Rick’s a doctor,” Linnie said importantly. Then her smile faded. “I don’t want him to give me a shot.”

Jana laughed. “He’s not that kind of doctor.”

Dex swept up the four-year-old. “I’ll protect you if he tries.” He spun her around, and she squealed. When he set her down, he pointed to the swing set. “Race you.”

Linnie and Dex took off. Atlas and Orchid followed, with Magnolia trailing them. Beth drew in a breath, grateful Teddy’s friend had offered a distraction.

“You doing all right?” Teddy asked, resting his hand on her waist. “I know it’s a lot.”

“I’m okay,” she said, watching the kids jump around Dex. He quickly sorted them into two teams and sent them up the slide.

Jana pulled her phone out of her back pocket and smiled at the screen. “Rick’s here. I’ll go get him.”

She disappeared into the house. Beth watched her go, not sure what was going to happen with her brother. He’d been so angry with her when he’d shown up at her store.

A shriek of laughter distracted her. Orchid was coming down the slide, laughing so hard she nearly rolled off. Linnie begged to be next. Atlas was running around to get on again, while Magnolia was watching Beth and her father.

Was the preteen worried? Apprehensive? Given the circumstances, Magnolia was probably feeling all kinds of emotions.

Jana and Rick stepped outside. Linnie caught sight of her mom and started toward her, only to stop. She looked from her mom to Rick and back, then rushed to Beth’s side and grabbed her hand. The other kids joined Linnie, crowding close. Dex came up behind them.

“This is a crowd,” Rick said, sounding faintly nervous. Thenhe spotted her and smiled. “I know you.” He moved close and lightly kissed her cheek. “Hey, sis.”

His voice was full of affection, his posture relaxed. He didn’t look anything like the angry man who’d confronted her only a few days before.

“Everyone,” Jana said happily. “This is Rick, Beth’s brother.”

“Are you really a doctor?” Orchid asked.

“I am. I’m a surgeon.”

Linnie and Orchid seemed confused, but Atlas immediately stepped toward him.

“For real? You cut people open and stuff?” He sounded intrigued.

Rick leaned close. “I touch guts every day.”

“Sweet!”

Magnolia made a face. “That’s gross. I’m Magnolia.” She pointed. “He’s Atlas. Orchid is the youngest of us three. Linnie is Jana’s daughter and our cousin.”

Rick immediately looked at Linnie and smiled. “Hi. You’re cute.”

Linnie dimpled. “Thank you. I don’t want you to give me a shot.”

“Then I won’t. I promise.”

Dex strolled up and held out his hand. Jana made the introductions. Beth watched her brother, but either he was better at concealing his surprise than she had been or he had no idea who Dex was. Knowing Rick as she did, she would guess it was the latter.

There were a few minutes of getting everyone drinks. The younger kids and Dex returned to their play while the adults and Teddy’s oldest settled in the shade. Somehow Beth found herself sitting next to Magnolia.

“I have questions,” Magnolia announced. “Is this a good time?”

Dread settled like a rock in Beth’s stomach. She glanced aroundfrantically, hoping for Teddy or Jana to rescue her, but they were busy talking to Rick, leaving her alone with her inquisitor.

“This is a very good time,” she lied. “What would you like to know?”

---