Page 40 of The Pink House

“I don’t believe we’ve met.” Hannah extended her hand. “Hannah Danbury.”

“Danbury?” Merle rubbed his chin. “Any relation to Brian?”

“He was my husband.”

“Was?” Merle’s brows, full and bushy, winged up. “You two divorced?”

“Brian passed away last year,” Hannah told him.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Brian was a good kid. Even if this one,” Merle jerked a thumb in Charlie’s direction, “led him into temptation on a daily basis.”

Underlying the harsh sentiment, Hannah heard affection.

“Hey,” Charlie protested. “What did I do?”

“Brought him onto my property.” Merle’s eyes appeared to glitter in the bright light. “Went swimming in Devil’s Bathtub even though the area has more No Trespassing signs than the Clearance signs you see at Walmart.”

“How do you know that it wasn’t Brian leading me astray?” Charlie asked, neither confirming nor denying the trespassing.

“You were always the leader—” Merle began.

“That’s not true.” Hannah wasn’t sure where the words came from, but she couldn’t stop them. “My husband was a leader. He would never let anyone push him to do anything.”

“He listened to this one.” Merle expelled an exaggerated breath. “Don’t ask me why.”

“I have a question.” Charlie spoke quickly as the man cast an eye in the direction of the stage.

“Spit it out. I don’t have all day to stand here and jaw.” The words might have been a bit brusque, but something about the old man told Hannah he was nowhere near the grouch he appeared.

“I want to take Hannah swimming in Devil’s Bathtub.” Charlie ignored her sudden sharp intake of air. “Brian wanted to take her, but they ran out of time.”

“I’m surprised you don’t simply ignore the signs like you did when you were young.”

Charlie smiled, and Hannah had the feeling that was just the route he planned to go if he didn’t get the formal okay.

She wanted to protest, or at least to clarify that Brian had never intended for Charlie to take her, but before she had a chance, Merle spoke.

“I suppose it’d be okay.” He gave the approval grudgingly, but there was a softness to his eyes that hadn’t been there seconds before. “Just don’t make a habit of trespassing.”

“Thanks, Merle.” Charlie extended his hand. “I appreciate the favor.”

Merle took the hand Charlie offered, but when he spoke again, it was to Hannah. “Don’t let him talk you into skinny-dipping.”

“Oh, I would never—” Hannah began.

“He’s a silver-tongued devil.” Merle cackled. “Swim in his bathtub at your own risk.”

* * *

Charlie was glad when the fun at the brewery had drawn to a close, and he and Hannah were back in the truck. There had been so much noise and so many people that, after running into Merle, he’d barely had a chance to speak with Hannah alone.

He glanced over at her now. “I had fun tonight. Maybe a bit crowded, but I’m glad we came. Are you?”

She nodded, but didn’t look at him. “Sure.”

Charlie stared straight ahead at the road. She’d been quiet, but he knew she had a lot on her mind. Undoubtedly, like him, she probably couldn’t help but think of Brian’s letter. He was happy Merle had given his blessing. Now Charlie would be able to show her one of the places Brian loved.

He smiled, thinking of how easily Merle had agreed to let them “trespass” on his property. He slanted a glance at Hannah. “We’ll have to figure out a time when we can go to Devil’s Bathtub. I—”

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