Anna's Courage (Rose Island Book 1) by Fischer Kristin Noel

Author:Fischer, Kristin Noel [Fischer, Kristin Noel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
Published: 2015-06-01T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Anna

Every year in December, the elementary school hosted a holiday carnival with games, entertainment, and delicious home-baked goods. I finished my shift at the face-painting booth, then purchased several raffle tickets for the silent auction.

Taking my time, I walked up and down the hallway, carefully studying the baskets and deciding how to spend my tickets. In the end, I divided my chances between the scrapbooking basket and one entitled, Organize Your Life.

“Put a ticket in the jar for the Jet Ski,” Travis urged, pointing at the shiny red vehicle donated by Island Water Sports.

I thrust a hand to my hip. “No way! Do you know how dangerous those things are? Honestly, they’re like motorcycles on water.”

PTA president Kate Tate, who’d obviously overheard the conversation, scowled. “Here’s an idea, Anna. If you don’t want to win the Jet Ski, don’t enter. But don’t ruin the prize for the rest of us. As a member of the PTA, and a concerned parent, you should be happy for the donation.”

I blinked. Kate’s words stung, especially given the fact they were true. “I’m sorry, Kate. You’re right. For my penance, I’m going to allow Travis to put my last ticket in the Jet Ski jar.”

Kate rolled her eyes. “Let’s not get radical.”

Travis grabbed the ticket and shoved it into the jar before I could change my mind. “Done! Now I just need to keep my fingers crossed until we win.”

“Oh, dear.” Kate rapidly tapped a pen against her clipboard. “We’d rather the winner be someone who is excited and not opposed to the Jet Ski.”

I shook my head. “Don’t worry. Statistically, winning would be impossible.”

A deep voice from behind spoke with mock sincerity. “Anna Morgan, I never pictured you as one for adventure on the high seas.”

Anticipation shot up my spine as I spun around to see Nick grinning down at me. Gabby slept in the baby backpack, her thumb shoved deep into her mouth and her head resting on Nick’s shoulder.

Putting a stranglehold on my emotions, I straightened. “I think we both know my name and high adventure don’t belong in the same sentence, but I’m all about the cause.”

He leaned so close I caught the faint scent of laundry detergent on his T-shirt. In a challenging voice, he asked, “What are you going to do if you win?”

“When we win,” Travis said, breaking the moment, “we’ll show our appreciation by using the Jet Ski every day. Maybe even twice a day.”

“Heaven help us,” Kate said, walking away.

“Will you keep it if you win?” Nick asked.

I shook my head. “No, if we win, which isn’t going to happen, we’ll sell it and use the money for braces or some other sensible purchase.”

“Mom,” Travis said, horrified. “You can’t be serious.”

Nick shifted the straps on the backpack, causing Gabby to pop open one eye before falling back asleep. “Don’t you think if you win, it means you’re supposed to have more excitement in your life?”

“Yes,” Travis agreed. “That’s exactly what it means.”

I lifted my chin, refusing to be railroaded.

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