Page 31 of Second Chance in Charlevoix (Charlevoix Dreams #3)

When they got back, Seth was at the grill and the smell of burgers and brats made Izzy hungry. “You were amazing on those skis,” Sam told her, giving Izzy a hug. “Better than I could ever be.”

Although it was still warm, she felt chilled by the breeze. With everyone’s eyes on her, Holly was having a great time crawling around on a plaid blanket.

“Mrs. Malone gave her a paper cup with Cheerios,” Sam told her. “Plus a bottle.’

“She did?” Izzy glanced over and Skipper’s mom blushed.

“You bet,” Sam said. “Once a mother, always a mother.”

“I saw you playing badminton with the kids,” she murmured. Hayden and Mia were still at the net.

“Yes, they let me.” Sam said with a little smile.

“Let you?” Izzy said it too loud and crouched when Aunt Cate glanced over.

“You know how it is. They’re leaving before we eat because his family is getting together at his sister’s today.”

“What? And they didn’t invite you?”

“Oh, they did. But I don’t know.”

What’s this?” Izzy didn’t buy this indecision. Not like her sister at all. “His family might remember you from high school.”

“They probably will.” Sam shrugged. “That’s the problem. Look, it’s fine. I’m better here.”

“Josh went away to Notre Dame and you stayed home to go to a local college. A lot of couples don’t do well with long distance relationships.”

“I know. We both moved on.” Sam looked so sad. Izzy knew her sister probably had a few regrets. But what else could she have done?

“Did Mia say anything about the dress for her dance?”

Sam perked up. “Yes, said she’d had an awesome time at the dance and everyone loved her dress.”

“That’s a win-win.” Izzy felt so glad for Sam. That shopping day must have been stressful. Sam was trying so hard with Josh’s kids. “By the way, you look awesome in that skirt.”

Her sister blushed as she smoothed one hand over the denim. “Thanks.”

Another breeze kicked up and Izzy’s teeth began to chatter. Grabbing her beach bag printed with shells, she make her way to the house. But first she had to make sure Holly was going to be watched. Aunt Cate was busy at the buffet table. “Mrs. Malone?”

Skipper’s mom turned. “Oh, you’d better change, dear. You’ll catch your death of cold.”

“I’m on my way. Is it okay to leave Holly here?”

“Of course. We’re great pals.” And she smiled down at Holly who was talking to what looked like a Cabbage Patch doll. Maybe this was another one of Ainsley’s dolls. Izzy had never seen it before. “You go on now,” Mrs. Malone told her. “Oh, and Izzy?”

“Yes?” Izzy pivoted.

Pale blue eyes sparkling, Skipper’s mom leaned forward. “You can call me Irene. ”

They were on a first name basis? “Okay, sure. Irene.”

The name even felt strange on her tongue.

Izzy was still marveling over that state of affairs when she reached the first floor.

Skipper came out of the powder room wearing a pair of cutoffs and a white T-shirt.

He’d slicked back his wet hair, but his natural curls resisted.

A few sprang over his forehead. It was a good look.

“You did great today,” he said.

“It was fun. But maybe I should stick to two skis.”

“Hey, don’t be silly.” Skipper leaned against the wall. “You would have been fine except for that other boat.”

“Maybe, but you didn’t have to get in the water for me.” She closed the gap between them just so he could hear her.

“Look, Izzy.” Skipper’s eyes had something serious going on, as if he was explaining calculus to her. He’d tried doing that when they were still in high school. She never did learn calculus, although Skipper had been a patient tutor. “I didn’t want to see you hurt. Is that a bad thing?”

“I know, but I can take care of myself.” How many times had she told him that?

Skipper’s eyes darkened, like he’d made some great decision. “Look, I still care for you, Izzy. And I always will. Let me care for you, okay?”

She took a deep gulp. “No woman from Paris in your life?” After seeing Camille that day she still was curious.

“Absolutely not.” Skipper had never lied to her and maybe she’d always felt jealous when it came to him.

Footsteps sounded coming up the stairs and Izzy backed away. “Gotta change. See you outside.”

As she peeled off her wet suit, his words echoed in her head.

Letting him care for her was easy, or so she supposed.

But where did that leave her? She’d been relieved to see him swim toward her.

Did she feel more than gratitude? By the time she made it outside in dry jeans and a red T-shirt, everyone was heaping their plates.

She had a chance to meet Jeb. He was working on the kitchen cabinets and Aunt Cate quickly took him under her wing.

Most of the people had found places at the picnic tables.

Izzy didn’t see Sam anywhere and she took that as a good sign.

Maybe she’d gone with Josh after all. By the time Skipper drove them home she had stored away more memories.

But it wasn’t her past that kept her quiet and preoccupied.

No, she was thinking hard about her future.