“Hold your breath again,” he told the girl. Within seconds the water hit them, covering them once more. As the tide moved out, so did some of the water. He lifted Joanna higher so that her head was above water.
“Give me your hands, Joanna,” Tabitha called.
Blinking the water out of his eyes, Nic tried to focus on Tabitha. She lay near the hole, her hands stretched out, as she latched on to Joanna’s arms. The girl sobbed and flailed her arms, trying to get out as quickly as possible.
“Hold still, Joanna. I’ve got you,” Nic reassured her as he lifted her toward Tabitha. As she pulled, Nic pushed the little girl until she was out of the hole. As soon as Joanna was on her feet, she broke into a run toward her father.
“Grab this limb,” Tabitha instructed as she pushed the broken tree branch toward Nic, “and I’ll help you out.”
It took all of his strength to climb out of the sandy, slippery hole, but within minutes, he was out. Taking deep breaths, he inhaled the fresh air. He swiped his wet hair away from his face and nodded. “Thank you for thinking so quickly.” He glanced at the tree branch.
“Thank heavens it was close by.” She paused briefly, and then asked, “Are you all right.”
“I’m fine.” He motioned his head toward Mr. Jacobs and the little girl in his arms. “But we need to check on them.”
“I agree.” Tabitha hurried toward the blacksmith. The man was limping harder than before, but Sally was beside him, helping him walk.
When the three of them reached Nic, Mr. Jacobs’ eyes were misty. “Thank you, Mr. Woodland. You saved my girl from drowning.”
Nodding, Nic wiped away the mixture of water and sand still clinging to his face. “I’m just relieved I was here to help.”
Mr. Jacobs looked at Tabitha and gave her a grateful smile. “I thank you for your assistance as well, Miss Tabitha.” He switched his attention to Sally. “And yours, of course.”
“Would you like us to help you back to your house?” Tabitha moved her attention to Joanna. Tabitha’s expression softened as she stroked the girl’s cheek. “We would be more than happy to help you both.”
“That’s very kind of you, Miss Tabitha.” Jacobs beamed. “I’d greatly appreciate your help if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all, Mr. Jacobs. Sally and I would be very happy to.” Tabitha looked at Nic, sweeping her gaze over him from head to toe. “Mr. Woodland, how are you faring? Since you have just recovered from being ill, I fear you are probably very weak right now.”
His heart lightened to know she was worried about him—even if only a little. “I’m actually fine now. I thank you for your concern.”
“Well, thank you for taking the time to talk with me earlier. I think you should return home and get changed before you catch your death with a chill, as well.”
“Indeed, I will.” He offered a small smile.
And with that, she and her maid walked Jacobs and his daughter back up the trail, toward the other man’s home. Dripping wet, Nic stood and watched them until they disappeared from sight. She was right, and he should hurry home to get out of these wet clothes, but he wasn’t sure he liked the way she had so easily dismissed him and then walked off with another man as if Nic had never been standing here at all.
Grumbling, he stomped back up the trail all the way home. When he opened the door and walked inside, he closed the door so hard the walls shook. Frederick scrambled from the kitchen, his eyes enlarged with surprise.
“What are you doing—” Frederick gasped. “Why are you wet?”
“Because I rescued a little girl from drowning.” Nic raked his fingers through his hair, removing more of the wetness and sand.
“Oh, dear. Who was it?” Frederick hurried to Nic’s side, helping him remove his overcoat.
“Jacobs’ daughter, Joanna. She fell in a hole near the beach and the tide came in and filled the hole quickly.”
Frederick wrinkled his forehead. “A hole? Are you sure?”
Nic rolled his eyes. “I’d think by now I’d know what a hole looks like. And since I was nearly trapped inside with her, I can assure you, it was a hole.”
“But there aren’t any holes that large near the beach.”
“Nevertheless, she fell into one and I climbed in to help her out.”
“Unbelievable.” Frederick shook his head in amazement. “Is she all right?”
“Yes, she’s a little shaken, but she’s fine,” Nic snapped.
