“It’s kinda rocky in spots, so be careful,” Devlin warned.
Dora followed Devlin down the rickety walkway over pluff mud and grass. A few slats had rotted through, and Devlin was careful to point each one out along the way. At last they reached the end, where a rickety dock met the waterway.
“I’ll have to replace the dock, too,” Devlin said. “Whew, it sure is hot today.” He took off his T-shirt and wiped his brow with it. “That water sure looks refreshing.” He glanced at Dora.
Dora stuck out her hands. “Don’t. Just don’t!”
“Kick off your sandals, darlin’.”
“Devlin!” She kicked off her flip-flops.
In a flash he grabbed her hand, pulled her close to the edge of the dock, and they both let loose a howl as they jumped together into the water.
She hit the water, and it was cool and refreshing. She burst out laughing as she came up for air, her hair flowing back and the sun shining on her face. Devlin swam to her side and kissed her again, holding her close, beginning again the slow dance in the water.
Later, they climbed back to the dock, refreshed. Devlin went to the edge and pulled up on a thick rope attached to the piling. His wet shirt clung to his body, revealing taut muscles straining as he pulled on the rope, hand over hand, until a large, black iron cage emerged, dripping water. Dora drew closer, curious, then stepped back when she saw at least a dozen crabs skittering noisily inside the trap.
Devlin lifted the trap high and laughed. “You’re as skittish as one of these crabs. Haven’t you ever gone crabbing before?”
“Never!” she exclaimed, warily watching the claws snapping in the air.
“Stand back,” he said, easing the trap onto the dock. “We’ve got dinner!”
Dora helped Devlin again, this time cooking the crabs in a big stainless-steel pot on a gas burner out on the back porch. Dora wore a towel like a sarong and slicked back her hair from her face. There was an old picnic table on the patio that was still standing . . . barely. Devlin spread newspaper over it, set candles in empty beer bottles, and laid out two wooden mallets and a roll of paper towels, while she shucked corn and melted butter. The boom box played golden oldies by Otis Redding.
The sun was setting and Dora was on her third beer by the time the feast was ready. In the distance the glassy waters shimmered in hues of lavender and rose, setting a romantic mood. Devlin lit the candles and guided her to a seat on the bench.
“I know this isn’t quite the setting of the restaurant the other night,” he said by way of apology.
“No, it’s not,” Dora replied, swinging her leg around the bend and sitting. “It’s better.”
Devlin lowered his face to kiss her neck, and she shivered in anticipation of what was to come. Once again, Devlin helped Dora wield a hammer, this time on the crabs to crack the shells and dig out the sweet meat. Putting the crab to her lips, she tasted the pungent Old Bay seasoning and the salt from the sea on her fingers, thinking she’d never in her life tasted anything so delicious.
Tonight, no specter of Cal came between them. They talked seamlessly about whatever came to mind—Nate’s progress, Devlin’s plans for the house. Later they journeyed back to shared memories of the years they’d dated, laughing at crazy antics, calling out the names of old friends, favorite songs, rumors they’d heard, truths revealed.
When they were done feasting, Devlin took her in his arms and once again they began to dance. He held her close as they moved left to right to the beat of the music, no longer remembering old times they’d shared, but dreaming of new ones to come.
Chapter Fifteen
Florida
Today was special. Nate was becoming increasingly relaxed in his interactions with the dolphins from the floating dock. He’d learned hand signals and played games with the dolphins using balls and rings. He’d even had a T-shirt painted by a dolphin. Today, however, Nate was going to swim with the dolphins.
“How do you feel about getting in the water with the dolphins today?” Carson asked Nate over breakfast. She put a spoonful of cold cereal in her mouth and began chewing, giving him time to answer. Earlier in the summer, Nate had swum daily with Delphine in the Cove behind Sea Breeze. Carson worried that he’d be nervous about going back in the water with a dolphin after Delphine’s accident.
Nate scooped his cereal into his mouth and continued reading the back of the cereal box. When he finished, he set down his spoon and nodded seriously.
“Good,” he said.
“What’s good? The cereal or swimming with the dolphins?”
Nate scowled, as though frustrated with his ninny of an aunt.
“Good to swim with the dolphins.”
That was all Carson needed to know. That, and the excited look in his eyes gleaming against his tanned skin, spoke volumes.
Once there, Nate ran ahead to the lagoon as usual. Carson moved slowly, feeling lethargic in the relentless Florida heat. Watching the boy trot along the path, she reflected on the transformation from a shy, timid boy into this happier, more relaxed version. He wasn’t outgoing; that was not his nature. Yet she could see he felt comfortable here after days of routine. Welcomed. The staff called out his name as he ran along the path, and though he didn’t verbally respond, he raised his hand in a wave of acknowledgment. Most telling of all was the joy she captured on film when he swam with the dolphins.
Joan and Rebecca were waiting and guided them to a different section of the park. This was on the opposite side from where the female dolphins lived. It was a break in his routine from the front lagoon and Carson held her breath as she watched Nate tap his fingers against his mouth, a sign she recognized now as nervousness. But Joan led the way with confidence, marching Team Nate past the wood railings that bordered the lagoon and the houses where the sea lions lived. Two sleek females were basking like mermaids on rocks. Turning a corner, Carson paused to take in the wide expanse of gorgeous Florida Bay.
“So these are the bachelor pods,” she said.
A long coral causeway was covered with the same thatched island-style roof found at the front lagoon. It created a shaded space for guests while they watched the dolphins. Each side was lined with spacious enclosures, partitioned to house different pairs or small groups of dolphins.
When they reached the partitioned dock that Nate would use today, Carson grabbed a spot on the bench in the shade.