CHAPTER 21
Daisy couldn’t wait to visit the Outer Banks, to swim in the ocean and watch the wild horses, though Callan told her after seeing the sharks in the aquarium, he wasn’t so sure about swimming when he couldn’t see what was below him.
Sand blew across Highway 12 as they drove through the barrier islands, water on both sides.
“Let’s start in Corolla and work our way back so we can visit the wild ponies first.”
As they walked along the sandy trails, they could hear the waves crashing against the shore. When they crested a small hill, they saw them. A small herd of wild ponies grazed peacefully in the distance, their manes blowing gently in the sea breeze.
“What fine horseflesh.” Callan admired the horses as the wind off the water kept them cool under the hot, humid sun.
After watching the horses for a while, they visited the Wright Brothers National Memorial and then found a spot on the beach for a picnic without too many people around them. It was the high season, so there were people, cars, and noise everywhere they went. They spread out a blanket on the soft sand, watching the waves, the sky so blue it looked like another ocean above them.
Callan unwrapped the subs they picked up from a deli, along with chips, slices of watermelon, and key lime pie for dessert. Frankie finished his lunch, then ran after the gulls that dared to venture too close, barking, his tail wagging madly.
It was nice to have another day to relax and swim in the ocean.
After they finished eating and packed everything away, Daisy turned to Callan. “Want to go for a swim?”
Callan winked, his green eyes twinkling. “Aye, let’s cool off, but if anything touches my legs, you’re on your own, lass.”
They stripped down to their swimsuits, the sand hot under their feet as they ran to the water. With a grin on his face, he called out, “Think ye can catch me?”
They chased each other through the water, laughing and splashing. Callan was quick, but Daisy was determined, and finally, she caught him, wrapping her arms around him.
“Gotcha!” she declared triumphantly.
Callan spun her around, their laughter mingling with the sound of the sea. “Aye, ye have ensnared me.”
They swam out past the waves, to where it was calm, enjoying the water, until a fish brushed her legs, making her shriek.
“That’s it, I’m done,” she yelled as they swam to shore.
The sand was so hot under their feet, they sprinted for the blanket where Frankie was still sleeping under the umbrella they’d rented. He opened one eye, rolled over, and went back to sleep.
As she flopped down on the blanket, water droplets glistening on her skin, she told him about all the shark movies she’d watched over the years.
“I am glad ye told me after we went swimming.” He lay on his back, arms behind his head as he told her more about visiting the aquarium in Boston, how watching the jellyfish and sharks in the tanks was beautiful and terrifying.
They relaxed, watching the waves and listening to the sounds of the ocean. The scent of salt and sunscreen filled the air, mingling with the scent of someone cooking out at one of the big houses on the beach.
Daisy turned to Callan, her voice soft. “I could stay here forever.”
“’Tis most beautiful here. We could catch our dinner every night.”
She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his body against hers as the day gave way to evening.
He turned to her, his gaze lingering on her face. The fading light kissed her features, highlighting her natural beauty. He was struck by the depth of his feelings for her, a warmth that spread through his chest and settled deep in his heart.
Daisy met his gaze, her eyes soft with emotion. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them in this perfect moment. Slowly, as if drawn by an unseen force, they leaned in closer, their faces inches apart, the anticipation hanging in the air.
Just as their lips were about to meet, a gull swooped down, boldly snatching a cookie. Startled, they broke apart as the thief took flight.
Before crossingthe bridge to Holden Beach the next day, Callan and Daisy decided to stop at the Food Lion, the only grocery store before crossing over the water. Holden Beach was made up of vacation homes, which was great for relaxing but not so much if you needed something from the store or wanted to go out to eat.
It was so hot and humid that it almost took her breath away when she opened the door of the van. Since Frankie couldn’t come inside the store, they left the van running with the air conditioning on high and locked it, promising to get him a big juicy bone from the meat section.
Traffic had been horrible, but she’d read it was way worse on Saturdays when most people drove in for the start of their weekly rental.
