Page 12 of Hearts Aweigh
U P . D OWN . U P . D OWN .
Abby realized she was bouncing on her heels like an over-sugared preschooler and forced herself to remain still. It was difficult when the Shippers stood before her with a man who might very well be the love of her life. She approved of their choice.
An attractive face with glossy brown hair flopping on his forehead.
A friendly, open expression that invited her to unburden her soul.
The precise pleats in his cotton pants were geek chic at its best. Abby’s optimistic heart pounded at the possibilities.
He resembled the appealing but overlooked nerd in a rom-com.
Would she be the perceptive girl who gave him a makeover?
He held out a hand. “How do you do? I’m Reverend Boynton, the onboard chaplain, but you can call me Norville.”
“Hello, Norville.” Abby took his hand, careful not to grasp too hard or shake too vigorously. Must appear ladylike.
Emily nudged him. “We’ve told Norville all about you, Abby.”
He tapped his index finger against her skin. “Were you the lady in the beautiful ball gown on embarkation day? With that crown on your head, I thought a queen was on board.”
Throat clearing behind Abby reminded her of Mr. Masterson and his daughter. She stepped to the side and included them in the group. Even with her movement, the pastor kept hold of her hand. A promising sign. The Shippers must have really talked her up to him.
A spontaneous party broke out in the karaoke room as the music blared and colored lights flashed. Kids jumped to the driving bass that rattled the glass windows surrounding them. They hooted and sang at the top of their lungs.
Norville gestured with his head at the barely controlled enthusiasm. “I wish I could get that energy in my Sunday morning services. You think they’d come if I invite them?”
Abby mimicked their movement. “I don’t know about the kids, but I’ll be there with my dancing shoes on.”
A rumble like thunder sounded. Mr. Masterson’s throat clearing rivaled the pounding beat of the music. He held out his own hand.
“I’m Spencer Randolph Masterson.”
“Hello, Spencer.” Norville released Abby.
Spencer shook the man’s hand once and dropped it. “What brings you to the Kids Kingdom? Do you have children?”
“Oh no, I’m not married.” Norville turned to Abby. “Yet.”
Her inner thermostat shot up ten degrees. He didn’t waste any time. She valued the minister’s forthrightness but wished their first meeting wasn’t being witnessed by three senior citizens, an attractive father, and his child.
Norville clasped his hands behind his back in a posture more fitting for a grandpa than a man in his thirties. “Tell me, Spencer, will I see you in the chapel too?”
Althea tugged Spencer’s sleeve. “Yes, baby. Are you on speaking terms with the Good Lawd?”
A brief but genuine smile lifted the corner of his lips. “Let’s just say, he and I are getting acquainted.”
“Glad to hear it.” Emily elbowed Gerry, who scribbled something in her notebook.
“I’ll have a decent-sized congregation for my first service.” Norville bent and looked around Spencer to where Maddie stood. “If a beautiful young lady with golden hair came, I’d count myself doubly blessed.”
Abby appreciated his attempt to include the shy girl. Some adults treated children as if they were invisible. His acknowledgment of Maddie’s presence gave him extra points in Abby’s book.
Norville straightened. “I may have a larger audience on the MS Buckingham than I do at home. Glad I polished my sermon before I came. My preparation leaves me time to explore the boat.” He leaned his head toward Abby. “Now if I can find a guide who knows her way around, I’ll be all set.”
“That sounds—”
“Excuse me, Ms. O’Brien.” Spencer checked his watch.
“I apologize for interrupting, but I have a business call in fifteen minutes. You mentioned Madeleine seemed uncomfortable today. It appears the governess will be unable to perform her duties this evening. Are there any other options for childcare besides this public area?”
Technically, her shift had ended five minutes ago, but she couldn’t pass Mr. Masterson to another employee when it involved Maddie’s welfare. Abby loved kids in general, but there was something about this darling girl that pulled at her deepest heartstrings.
“Yes, sir. Monarch provides one-on-one childcare service for an extra fee, but as a VIP, two hours a day is already included in your vacation package.”
He waved to the side. “The cost is of no consequence. What matters is that Madeleine is well cared for and I can trust the person supervising her.”
“Rest assured. Every one of our specialists has been through extensive training, including first aid and CPR.”
Spencer’s jaw firmed. “I don’t care how many certificates they’ve earned. I don’t want a random specialist.” His head tilted forward, and his voice lowered. “I want you.”