“Hey!” Cindy's voice carried across the water. “That boat's coming really fast!”
Jack's hand shot out, grabbing Rachel's. “Listen to me. Stay seated and hold on to the sides. I'll keep us steady.”
Rachel's fingers tightened around the edges of the rowboat. Through the spray, she could see a larger boat with several teenage boys, the driver barely older than Jack. The boat was barreling toward them, and it wasn't slowing down.
“They're not stopping!” Brian yelled.
The motorboat came too close, and the wave hit them like a wall. The rowboat rocked violently, tilting. Rachel felt herself sliding, her hands scrambling for purchase. Then the world turned upside down.
Cold water engulfed her, stealing her breath. Panic clawed at her throat as she thrashed, unable to tell which way was up. The life jacket pulled her to the surface, but the fear didn't recede.
“Rachel!” Jack's voice cut through her panic. “I'm right here!”
She gasped, sucking in the briny water, then panicked.
His arm wrapped around her waist, solid and sure. “I've got you. Just breathe. The life jacket's doing most of the work.”
Rachel clung to him with desperate strength as he hauled them both toward the nearby shore. When her feet finally touched sand and she could see her legs beneath the water, a sob ripped from her chest.
Jack helped her stand, his hands gentle but secure on her arms. “You're okay. We made it. You're safe.”
But she couldn't stop shaking. Jack stayed close, blocking her view of the bay, his presence the only thing keeping her from completely falling apart.
Cindy called her dad, the chief of the Virginia Marine Police based in Baytown. The VMP arrived quickly in silver boats with men in uniforms she’d never seen before. Chief Ryan Coates helped a trembling Rachel onto the boat, and Jack climbed on behind her, immediately draping a blanket over her shoulders.
At the VMP station, she was overwhelmed, unable to shake the feeling that they were in trouble. Rachel could barely speak as officers asked questions and took statements. Jack stayed beside her the entire time, his quiet presence anchoring her. When Shiloh finally arrived, Rachel ran into her aunt's arms and let herself cry. But even through her tears, she was aware of Jack standing nearby, waiting, making sure she was okay.
Later, after statements were given and they were cleared to leave, Jack walked Rachel and Shiloh to their car.
“Ms. Wallen,” Jack said, his voice earnest, “I'm so sorry. I never meant for Rachel to be in danger. If you'd allow it, I'd like to teach her how to swim. At the Y's heated pool.”
Shiloh looked at her niece, then back at Jack. “Rachel and I will talk it over. But thank you, Jack. For keeping her safe.”
Rachel squeezed Jack's hand, grateful beyond words.
Over the next weeks, Jack kept his promise. He met Rachel at the YMCA and patiently taught her to swim. He never pushed, never made her feel weak for her fear. Eventually, Rachel could swim the length of the pool, and the accomplishment felt like more freedom.
“I'm proud of you,” Jack said, treading water beside her. “You're amazing, you know that?”
Rachel's heart swelled. With Jack, she felt like she could be brave. Like she could be anything.
Rachel sat on the low brick wall near the school parking lot, Jack's arm touching hers from shoulder to elbow. The afternoon sun was taking the December chill off, and everything felt right with the world. She and Shiloh had spent part of the last weekend with Tori and her friends, who were decorating the Sea Glass Inn for the holidays. Shiloh had also insisted on a small tree in their attic apartment, and each morning, Rachel woke to twinkling lights just a few feet away from the view of the bay. She couldn’t believe she had landed in her own version of paradise.
Jack’s shoulder bumped hers. “Whatcha thinking? You seem far away, but you have a smile on your face.”
“I was thinking I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
“Yeah?” He smiled, and her heart beat faster.
“I don't want you to get in trouble with the coach,” Rachel said softly. “I could wait in the office until Shiloh gets here.”
Jack grinned. “Coach likes me. We've got time.” He slid his arm around her back, his hand cupping her shoulder, and pulled her slightly to his side.
Rachel relaxed against him. She knew with every fiber of her being that she was safe with Jack. And each touch sent the butterflies inside flitting all about.
When she turned her head, their faces were only inches apart. Jack's confidence seemed to falter slightly, and Rachel saw the question in his eyes.
“I'm not glad for the reason you and your aunt had to move,” Jack said quietly. She had eventually told him about her past. “And I'm sorry about your parents. But I'm glad you're here ’cause I really like you, Rachel.”
