Rocky Point Reunion Read Online Free PDF Page B

“He actually came to the picnic on Sunday. He apologized for what happened all those years ago.”
    â€œNo apology’s enough,” her father said gruffly, reaching out to pat her hand. “He hurt you badly, cupcake.”
    â€œI’m over that now,” she said, relishing the comfort of her father’s concern. He alone knew how much she’d grieved that lost love. He and the Lord.
    â€œStay strong. Stay focused on the Lord and He will see you through all the tough times.”
    She nodded, knowing it was true. “I’m fine.” She smiled at her father. His love had always been as steadfast as God’s.
    â€œI might get some more fishing in this week,” he said.
    â€œIf you catch enough, come over and I’ll clean them and cook them for us.”
    â€œWhat’s this if? Of course I’ll catch enough.”
    Marcie laughed. “Of course—what was I thinking?” She tilted her head slightly. “How many did you catch on Sunday?”
    He scowled. “Not enough for a meal.”
    She laughed again and pushed back from the table. “I’ve got to go, Dad. Let me know about the fish.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek.
    â€œYou take care, cupcake,” he said.
    Something in his tone had Marcie pausing. “I will. You sure things are okay?”
    â€œRight as rain.”
    Marcie bid him goodbye and went back to the office. Checking the clock, she realized it was later than she’d thought—and that much closer to time to meet Zack. She couldn’t concentrate on anything. Might as well have stayed visiting with her father.
    At five to one, she closed her office, telling Priscilla Cabot she was going to lunch, and left by the back door. The short walk to the marina did nothing to calm her nerves. She chose a picnic table in the shade with a view of the water and the boats bobbing on the gentle waves. The minutes ticked by. The breeze from the sea rustled the leaves of the oak shading the table. A sailboat moved silently on the horizon.
    The café sack appeared in front of her on the table. She looked up. Zack took the bench opposite, his back to the water. “I thought you’d be at the café,” he said.
    She shrugged. “I came early.”
    He pushed the bag toward her. “Want to do the honors?”
    Glad for something to do, she withdrew the lavish shrimp po-boy sandwiches, the small containers of coleslaw, along with utensils and napkins. The beverages were icy. Dessert was in another small container, which she rested on the collapsed bag.
    Zack took the sandwich she offered, unwrapping it and taking a bite.
    â€œGood,” he said.
    She nodded, feeling all thumbs. She unwrapped her own sandwich and nibbled on it. Her nerves churned. Now that they were face-to-face, with no hope of interruption, she wished she hadn’t agreed to see him.
    â€œI’m sorry,” he said again, laying down the sandwichand gazing directly at her. “I handled it badly and I’ve regretted it ever since.”
    â€œIt’s been ten years. You couldn’t call or write before now?” she asked, setting down her own sandwich. She opened the soda and took a sip, more for something to do than because she was thirsty.
    He glanced away, then looked back. “I should have.”
    â€œOh, Zack, apologies should never be made because they ought to be. They have to be sincere.”
    â€œI am sincere. I did it all wrong and hurt you and I’m forever sorry for that. It wasn’t my intent.”
    â€œSo what was your intent? We discussed marriage for months before deciding to do it. We knew we were young, but we thought we were ready. I thought we were ready. We planned the wedding all spring. Why not tell me you’d changed your mind?”
    â€œI hadn’t. Not exactly.”
    â€œThen exactly what?”
    â€œI wanted to marry you, you know that. We talked about the wedding and