Loving Hearts by Gail Gaymer Martin

Author:Gail Gaymer Martin [Martin, Gail Gaymer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2003-10-19T20:00:00+00:00

The sailboat moved along the channel, and Ian watched the three others enjoying the perfect late-summer day. While Rachel and Esther leaned back with their legs stretched out along the bench, Jeff sat perched on the cabin top, scouting the shore through binoculars.

Ian had decided to make the best of things. If Esther had no interest in him, maybe God’s purpose had been to help her get over her fear of sailing. Or maybe it was to make things right for Jeff and Rachel. As Esther had said a couple nights ago, the Bible said for everything there was a purpose. Maybe he’d been misguided, thinking he and Esther might have a future together.

Ian looked into the sky. Though the sun glistened off the water and its rays warmed their skin, a dark cloud hovered off in the distance. He’d have to keep an eye on it. He realized if Esther noticed she’d want to turn back.

Without frightening Esther, he’d mentioned a few safety rules to all of them in passing. He really had no concerns about Esther or Rachel. They’d both sailed when they were kids. But Jeff had never been on a cutter. His cocky, playful manner alerted Ian to keep a watchful eye on him.

Ian’s attention drifted his way. Jeff lowered the binoculars and winked at Rachel. “Sitting here, I’m missing out on you…and some sunshine romancing.”

Jeff discarded the binoculars on a bench and eased his way over to Rachel. Sliding his arm around her shoulder, he gave her a quick kiss, then tilted her head against his. Nestled together, they murmured to each other with an occasional chuckle or a teasing poke.

Esther sat alone, looking into the horizon. A hint of concern tugged at her mouth, but she covered it well, and Ian pushed away any thought of asking her if they should head to the marina. If she wanted to go back, she’d say so.

“Hey, Esther. Why are you sitting there alone?” Jeff asked. “How about cuddling up with the captain?”

She pulled herself up straight. “Remember the rules of the road. No matter what vehicle, drivers keep their hands on the steering wheel,” she said, a faint grin brightening her face.

Ian caught her subtle look and beckoned to her. If they were trying to convince Jeff and Rachel they were falling in love, they’d have to look the part.

Esther accepted his offer. She rose and nestled beside him, resting her back against the cockpit coaming.

Ian noticed Rachel’s watchful gaze and slid his arm around Esther’s shoulders. “They’re watching us.”

Esther leaned toward him. “Do you know what I just realized?” she murmured. “Jeff’s a little immature, don’t you think?”

He grinned. “They’re younger. I guess it’s expected.”

Without alerting her, Ian studied the sky, realizing the dark cloud had grown high overhead. Wisdom told him to start back before a storm whipped up, and he prayed they would reach the marina before it became serious. Already the swells had risen, and he feared the wind against the tide, not a good situation for his small cutter.

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