One for the Gods by Gordon Merrick

Author:Gordon Merrick [Merrick, Gordon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 2014-09-30T07:00:00+00:00

Peter had intended his thanks for Charlie but he wasn’t surprised that he spoke for Martha, as well. They had ministered to him as a couple. “She’s really sweet, isn’t she?”

“She is. She’s come through damn well.”

“Talk about driving people crazy. You’re doing all right.”

Charlie chuckled. “Whatever she feels, she’d never be a nuisance. I’ve never known a girl like her.”

“You tempted?”

“Maybe. Every now and then, when she makes it so obvious what she wants. You wouldn’t mind, would you?”

“Not really, so long as you don’t leave me out in the cold.”

Charlie put a hand on his arm and stroked it. “Don’t worry. I doubt if anything will happen, but if it did, it wouldn’t have anything to do with us.”

“That’s silly. Anything you do has everything to do with us, but I know what you mean. I’m hardly the one to talk.”

“That’s silly. It’s all forgotten, baby. We’re off on a whole new phase.”

“What—” New phases could be dangerous, but it was thrilling to hear the note of total forgiveness in his voice. It carried them a step beyond their talk in Capri. He longed to hear more about the new phase, but Martha was coming up the companionway.

As she approached, she saw Charlie’s arm encircling Peter’s shoulders so that he could hold the ice on his eye. She saw his other hand moving idly, caressingly, along Peter’s arm. They were so beautiful together. She was filled with tenderness for them. Charlie’s gentle, loving care of his friend sometimes made her knees feel as if they would give way. His touching him and holding him so openly in front of her admitted her to an enchanted circle of love. She put the food she was carrying on the other bench.

“Now then.” She took the basin and emptied it over the side and handed Peter a towel. “Did that seem to help?”

Peter flexed his fingers. “A lot. Thanks, lovey.”

“I’ll heat another batch for later.” She held out a plate of food and a bowl of soup to them. Peter took the icepack from Charlie and they drew apart. All of Martha’s attention was for Peter. She sat beside him. “I just warmed up the bouillon. I didn’t want your mouth to get burned.”

“It’s perfect. You’re a dream.”

“The eggs will be ready in a minute.”

“Wine, too, please ma’am,” Charlie said.

“Oh, of course. I’ll get it. I don’t want Peter to talk, but you’ve got to tell me what happened.”

They spent another hour or two on deck, with Peter very much the center of attention. They discussed a truncated version of the incident. Martha came and went with salves and healing baths. Charlie and Peter got a bit drunk on wine. They all went below together.

Martha snapped off the deck light. “Jack said we didn’t have to show a riding light here.”

“Save the batteries,” Peter and Charlie chorused, and they all laughed. Martha kissed them both on the cheek in the roomy saloon cabin and wished them goodnight and went forward. Charlie stripped down to his shorts.

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