The West Wind by Morgan Douglas

Author:Morgan Douglas [Douglas, Morgan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Morgan Douglas
Published: 2016-02-11T06:00:00+00:00

Xander reached the dock almost the same time as a man in his early to mid-forties. The stranger, who he guessed was Hero’s father, beckoned for the rope Xander had coiled in the bottom of the row boat. The young man tossed it to him. It was wet. he climbed out onto the dock as Jared tied off the boat. Jared noticed two bouquets of flowers lying in the boat as he did, one bouquet a sunset of a dozen red and yellow roses, and the second of irises and tiger lilies, his wife’s favorite flowers. The boy had come prepared.

“Thanks. I’m Xander,” he said, offering his hand.

“Jared DiBenedetto,” Jared said, accepting the young man’s hand and shaking it.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. DiBenedetto.”

“What can I do for you, Xander?” Hero’s father asked, bodily blocking the way off the dock. His manner was calm, assertive without being aggressive. “I’m afraid I can’t let you see Hero right now. She’s been grounded until her birthday.”

Xander nodded his understanding. “Actually, sir, I came to see you, or your wife.”

Jared’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh?”

“Yes, sir,” Xander said politely. “I wanted to apologize for keeping your daughter out so late and falling asleep. I should have brought her home when we first started getting tired.”

The older man pursed his lips in thought. After a moment, he nodded. “Thank you, Xander. That’s quite a brave and bold thing to do, owning up to the girl’s parents. You do understand, however, that her punishment will not change because of it. She is still equally at fault.”

“I understand.” The boy smiled wryly. “I guess I’ll have plenty of time to work on the house.”

Jared gave him a curious look. “You and your parents are fixing the house by yourselves?”

“My dad and I, sir. Not all of it, but most.”

“Impressive,” Hero’s father noted. “Is there anything else I can do for you Xander? I’ve just returned from out of town and I’d like to get back to my family.” He leaned his head suggestively toward the flowers.

“Yes, thank you.” Xander fished them from the boat. “If you would please give these to Hero,” he said, handing Jared the bouquet of roses. “And these to your wife,” he continued, handing over the irises and lilies.

“You’re a smart young man,” the elder noticed.

“Just well trained, sir,” the younger replied with a rather roguish smile.

“I’ll see that they get where they belong.”

“Thank you, Mr. DiBenedetto. It was nice to meet you,” Xander said, and left.

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