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As soon as she finished dressing, she saw Alex’s jeep coming up
the gravel road and she drew a long breath as he pulled to a stop
in front of her house. Now or never, she thought to herself as she
stepped out onto the porch.
“You need to put on your seat belt, Miss Katie,” Kristen said from
behind her. “My dad won’t drive unless you’re wearing it.”
Alex looked over at her, as if to say, Are you ready for this? She
gave him her bravest smile.
“Okay,” he said, “let’s go.”
They reached the coastal town of Long Beach, complete with
saltbox houses and expansive views of the sea, in less than an
hour. Alex pulled into a small parking lot nestled against the
dunes; saw grass billowed nearby in the stiff sea breeze. Katie got
out of the car and stared at the ocean, breathing deeply.
The kids climbed out and immediately made for the path between
the dunes.
“I’m going to check the water, Dad!” Josh shouted, holding up his
mask and snorkel.
“Me, too!” Kristen added, trailing behind.
Alex was busy unloading the back of the jeep. “Hold up,” he
called out. “Just wait, okay?”
Josh sighed, his impatience obvious as he shifted from one foot to
the other. Alex began pulling out the cooler.
“Do you need some help?” Katie asked.
He shook his head. “I can handle this. But would you mind
putting some sunscreen on the kids and keeping an eye on them
for a few minutes? I know they’re excited to be here.”