Sand Castle Bay (Ocean Breeze) - By Sherryl Woods Page 0,9

a feeling that B.J. just might be the key to a reconciliation between Emily and Boone. The boy needed a mother. Oh, she knew that Boone was doing the best he could and would disagree with her about that, but in just the past hour she’d seen how B.J. responded to the attention of her granddaughters.

Over the years she’d been fortunate to have these three girls with her most summers. They’d been closer than many grandparents and grandchildren. She thought that was, in part, because she hadn’t done a lot of meddling in their lives. Oh, she’d given advice, given the occasional nudge when called for, but in general she’d let them make their own mistakes, their own decisions.

Now, though, they were older and showing no signs of settling down. Each of them had professional successes to be proud of, but not a one of them had a life. At least that’s how she saw it.

That needed to change. And though none of them had grown up here in Sand Castle Bay, they’d spent enough time here to earn the right to call it home.

She sat back and listened as B.J. peppered Emily with excited questions about Hollywood. Her granddaughter answered patiently, a smile playing about her lips.

“What about Disneyland?” B.J. asked. “Have you been to Disneyland? I’ll bet you’ve gone like a thousand times.”

Emily laughed. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but not even once.”

B.J. looked stunned. “Not once?”

“Afraid not.”

“Me and Dad will come and we’ll all go,” he announced excitedly. “He’s been promising to take me, and Dad never breaks his promises.”

Emily looked taken aback by the suggestion, as if she weren’t quite sure how to respond. “I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time,” she said eventually.

“You, too,” B.J. reminded her insistently. “I’ll go tell Dad now.”

He bounded away from the table, leaving all of them grinning.

“I think you’ve made a conquest,” Gabi said.

“Like father, like son,” Samantha chimed in.

“Stop it,” Emily said, blushing. “He’s at that age when he loves everyone.”

“You have a lot of experience with eight-year-old boys?” Gabi teased.

“No, but isn’t it obvious? He was chattering away to Grandmother and you before Sam and I even walked in the room. He’s comfortable here.”

Gabi’s expression sobered. “Be careful with him, Em. He’s been through a lot.”

“What are you talking about? I’m here for a few days. It’s not as if there’s time for him to get attached or something.”

“Just keep that in mind,” Gabi persisted. “You are leaving, and he might not understand that.”

“Well, I think it’s sweet the way he’s taken a shine to you right off,” Cora Jane said. “To all of you. He can use a woman’s influence.”

Emily chuckled. “You don’t think Boone is capable of teaching him manners?”

“Boone is capable of that and much more,” Cora Jane chided. “But it’s not the same as having a mother’s touch, that’s all I’m saying.”

“Grandmother, you’re not harboring any illusions about Boone and me picking up where we left off, are you?” Emily asked, her gaze narrowed. “Because that’s not in the cards. My life’s in California.”

“Such as it is,” Cora Jane muttered.

Emily frowned. “What is that supposed to mean? I have an excellent life. I make a ton of money. I’m respected in my field.”

“And who’s there to share in all that success, I ask you?” Cora Jane retorted. “No one, that’s who. Or is there someone special you haven’t bothered to mention to any of us?” She glanced at Emily’s sisters. “Samantha? Gabi? Have either of you heard about anyone?”

Emily ignored the sarcasm. “Plenty of women have happy, fulfilling lives without a man,” she said, turning to her sisters. “Am I right?”

“Men do have their uses,” Gabi said, grinning.

“Amen, sister,” Samantha chimed in.

Emily just shook her head. “Thanks for the backup. Wait till she starts on the two of you.”

“That’s not going to happen, because our lives are perfect,” Gabi said, standing up to give Cora Jane’s shoulder a squeeze.

Cora Jane glanced up at her. “Well, now that you mention it...” She let her voice trail off, leaving the unspoken implication to hang in the air. It would give them something to think about. She, indeed, had plans for all of them, and, God willing, she’d been unexpectedly blessed with the perfect opportunity to see them carried out.

3

Seeing Emily had rattled Boone, no question about it. His hand was shaking as he replaced the lightbulbs that had blown when the power was knocked out and a few that had been shattered by debris blowing