[In Dark Waters SIM 01] • In Dark Waters by Burton Mary

Author:Burton, Mary [Burton, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9781743697429
Goodreads: 38768246
Publisher: MIRA
Published: 2005-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Norman Rockwell couldn’t have painted a better family picture.

The Garrett clan was gathered under an old oak tree on a collection of blankets and patchwork quilts. There had to be a dozen children, from ages one to sixteen, running around. The littlest one, a towheaded boy, had his mother shadowing him as he toddled about. When he stumbled she scooped him up and kissed him on the cheek. Giggling, the child arched his back, anxious to be set down again.

Kelsey’s heart tightened.

Mitch’s hand touched her lightly on the elbow, drawing her gaze up to his. “That’s my sister Caitlin and the Tasmanian Devil she’s chasing is Robbie. He just turned a year old.”

Caitlin shared Mitch’s dark hair and her blue eyes sparked with curiosity as she glanced between the two of them. “Hey, guys.”

Mitch winked at Robbie. “Caitlin, this is Kelsey.”

“Good to meet you,” Caitlin said, as if she genuinely meant it. “Mitch says you’ll be joining us for dinner.”

When had he said that? “Oh, right. Thanks for having me.”

“The more, the merrier,” Caitlin said. Robbie arched again. “I better let this fellow burn some steam. Hopefully, he’ll run out of gas soon. Then I can rejoin the adult population and have a civilized conversation.”

Kelsey laughed.

The news of Kelsey’s arrival washed over the group like a wave. She and Mitch had barely taken steps when they were surrounded by all the Garretts. She met Mitch’s oldest sister, Brenda, mother to Jeff and Rick; his two younger brothers, Quinn and Redmond, both home on leave from the Navy; and his youngest sister, Anne.

When all the siblings, nieces and nephews had been introduced, Mitch’s parents moved from their post at the grill.

Mr. Garrett was as tall as Mitch and his shoulders just as broad. His black hair had thinned but he remained trim. He wore an apron that said Reelect Garrett. Mrs. Garrett was almost as tall as her husband. She was dressed in crisp white shorts and a blue denim shirt. Her salt-and-pepper hair complimented her blue eyes and olive skin.

“So who do we have here?” Mrs. Garrett said.

“Dad and Mom, this is Kelsey Warren.”

Mrs. Garrett smiled warmly. “I was sorry to hear about your aunt and your mother.”

For the first time, Kelsey felt as if the condolences were heartfelt. “Thanks, Mrs. Garrett.”

“Oh, dear Lord, call me Sue. My mother-in-law is Mrs. Garrett.”

Kelsey laughed.

Mr. Garrett held out his large hand and when she accepted it, he wrapped warm strong fingers around her hand. “Good to have you aboard, Kelsey. I’m Ken. As you can see, things get a little zooey around here so just dive in and make yourself at home.”

Sue glanced at Kelsey’s camera. “I hear you are a photographer.”

“Yes, underwater shots mostly. But I always carry my camera with me.”

“How do you like your burger?” Ken said. “Medium,” Kelsey said.

“Medium it is,” Ken said flipping a burger onto the grill.

“Help yourself to sodas,” Sue said. “There’s a cooler by the picnic table.”

Kelsey felt as if she’d been pulled into a current.

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