and sending her into coughing spasms. Her eyes and throat burned as the tiny flakes settled into every open orifice in her body.
As she scrambled to get up, strong hands caught under her arms and lifted her from the sooty debris, setting her on her feet.
“Sit down!” Rick bellowed, and the place came to an agitated silence around them. He swiveled her toward him. “Are you okay?”
Her eyes were too blurred to see his, but the tone was one she recognized. She’d heard it often from her dad—a mixture of anger and relief after what could have been a disaster. She nodded, unable to stop coughing long enough to answer.
He wrapped her fingers around a water bottle. “Rinse your mouth first a couple of times, and then try to drink.” Summer took a gulp. The cool water was welcomed.
“I’ve got eyewash in the first-aid kit.” Charlie’s voice faded in the distance.
With one hand enclosing hers and the other arm around her shoulder, Rick guided her out of the group. “You can spit behind this tree.”
She rinsed her mouth a couple of times, and after a few tentative sips assured her she wouldn’t get choked, she took a drink, and then another and another. The water calmed the irritation until she was able, at last, to croak out a “thanks.”
“No problem. I’ll help you to your cabin.”
The weight of Rick’s arm around her shoulders and the strong grip on her hand sent a familiar, pleasant sensation rippling through her. Letting her body associate that sensation with Rick Warren would be a major blunder. She practically jerked her hand from his grasp.
Her eyes still burned, but the tears began to cleanse away the debris enough to allow forms to take shape. “I can see well enough to make it by myself. Thanks.” His disgruntled sigh followed her as she stumbled toward her cabin.
Charlie met her at her door and followed her to the bathroom with the eyewash. “You know how to use this stuff?” She nodded and filled the cup with liquid, rinsing each eye repeatedly until her vision was, at last, restored enough to make her gasp at the hideous mess she saw in the mirror. Restored enough to see Charlie’s face contorted by worry.
“Quit worrying, Charlie. I’m fine.”
“I’m not worried about the ashes, sugar.” His mouth drooped farther at the corners.
“What, then?”
“Well, I’m not so sure this is gonna work out.” He lowered his voice, confiding in her. “I know how much you want the camp to continue.”
At last! When he’d yelled at the kids, Rick Warren had finally shown his true colors to everyone—including Charlie. Her heart leaped at the thought. “More than anything,” she said.
“You’re trying hard. I know you are.”
A bubble of pride swelled in her chest.
“But you just don’t seem to know how to keep the girls under control.”
“What?” Had she heard him correctly? Charlie was questioning her ability? The bubble burst and rushed out of her lungs.
“Rick got them under control, but he shouldn’t have to do that. They’re always running around, pushing and shoving and loud.” He waved his hand as his eyes skimmed her from top to bottom. “What if there’d been a fire in that pit?”
“But there wasn’t.”
“But what if there had been? We would’ve had a tragedy on our hands. One I never could’ve forgiven myself for.”
His words weighed down her heart, sinking it to the bottom of her stomach. “You’re right, Charlie. I’m sorry. I’ve been way too lax. It won’t happen again.”
“I don’t know, Summer. The children’s safety is at stake.” Charlie let out a deep breath and rubbed his hand down his face. “Your mom and dad are coming down Saturday. ...”
A surge of panic coursed down her spine. She’d promised herself no more strain on her dad because of her. “Please, Charlie. One more chance. I can do this. I know I can.”
“Nadine might still be willing. ...”
“No! Don’t call her yet. Please?” She laid a hand on his arm. “Give me tomorrow to try and make things right?”
Charlie’s chin wrinkled as his lips pressed together tightly. He shook his finger at her in warning. “Tomorrow. That’s it.”
Summer swallowed hard as she watched him leave.
Twenty-four hours to get the girls under control. That feat would take some real fairy princess magic.
* * *
“MMM. THESE COOKIES ARE fantastic.” The tension had finally left Rick’s jaws enough to let him take the first bite out of the cookie in his hand.