Page 83 of Waves of Hope

CHAPTER FORTY

BROOKE

Brooke and Livy walked across the lawn to the middle of the cove’s shoreline. They were to meet Eric there. He’d row them in his dinghy out to the sailboat moored offshore.

“You’re sure Eric didn’t mind my coming along with you?” said Brooke.

Livy gave Brooke a pat on the back. “I think he was happy about it. The last time he asked you to go sailing with him, you couldn’t go.”

“I was sick, and Charlie took my place. That’s when Shane almost drowned,” Brooke retorted.

“What do you think of Charlie and Shane becoming exclusive? She was pretty quiet about it, but I know how pleased she is,” said Livy.

“It happened fast, but when you see them together, you know it’s right. Good for Charlie. How about you, Livy? Have any surprise announcements for us?”

Livy laughed, “None planned. I’m having fun not worrying about anything more than having a nice time here in the cove.”

“What about Shane’s partner, Jed? He’s pretty hot, and I know he likes you,” teased Brooke.

Livy stopped and shook her head. “I don’t know about him. He’s nice, but when it comes time to choose someone, I want fireworks, you know?”

Brooke sighed. “Me too.”

Eric waved at them as they approached. “Looks like a good day for a sail. C’mon, I’ll row you out there.”

Brooke noticed the name of the dinghy:Little Grin. “Eric, how adorable.Little Grinto go withDestiny’s Smile. That’s perfect!”

Eric chuckled, looking pleased. “I thought it was pretty clever considering my specialty operating on mouths.”

“I love it,” said Livy. “We brought some treats and cold drinks.” She handed Eric a canvas bag.

“Cookies?” Eric asked.

“Yes, I brought cookies along with other goodies.”

Brooke and Eric exchanged amused glances. Livy might not want to be known only for her cookies, but she managed to keep a supply on hand.

“Okay, one of you sit in the bow of the boat and the other in the stern seat. “I’ll take us out there.” He held onto the boat at the water’s edge. “Whoever’s in the stern will have to push us off.”

“I’ll do that,” said Livy.

Brooke climbed into the boat and held the canvas bag Eric handed her.

Eric settled in the middle seat, his hands on the oars. “Okay, Livy, give the boat a shove and hop in.”

As soon as she did, Eric began rowing the short distance out to the boat.

Brooke’s spirits lifted. It felt satisfying to be doing something different. She’d been working hard in the office and doing random trips to stores and secondhand shops, looking for bargains.

As they approached the boat, a man stood at the rail and waved. “Ahoy, there!”

Brooke was surprised but pleased to see Jake. He hadn’t called or come in lately.

When Eric brought the dinghy alongside the boat, Brooke handed Jake the bag and then accepted his offer for help climbing into the boat.

Livy came next. Then Eric stowed the oars under the seat and handed Jake the dinghy’s painter.

While Jake held onto the dinghy, Eric climbed into the boat and then walked around to the stern and tied the dinghy to a cleat.

---