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Long ago Stacey had concluded it was easier not to even attempt marriage and parenthood. Stay loose and laid-back. Enjoy what came, but not get too involved. She was happier that way. While everything about Cody screamed commitment. That alone should make her keep her distance. She needed to focus on enjoying her time on Maple Island and not go anywhere near Cody Brennan outside the clinic.
From the harbor she made her way into town. Though she’d only been on the island for a week, she could tell the population was increasing. The tourist crowd had started creeping in as the spring weather warmed up quickly. She took a seat on an empty bench in front of the library so she could people-watch for a few minutes.
She looked across the street to see Lizzy coming her way with her hair pulled back at the nape of her neck. The child wore a sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers.
“Hey, Stacey,” the little girl called out.
So much for staying out of Cody’s life outside the clinic. “Well, hey, there.”
Lizzy plopped down. “What you doing?”
Stacey searched the area. “Does your father know where you are?” Surely she wasn’t by herself. It wouldn’t be like Cody to let Lizzy run around the island unsupervised. He was a better parent than Stacey’s had ever been. She spied Cody and Jean coming out of a store. Her heart skipped a beat.
Cody’s dark looks and air of authority made him a fine-looking man. Dressed in a button-down plaid shirt with a navy zippered fleece vest over it and jeans, he couldn’t have been more island casual or handsome. Tall, with those broad shoulders she knew well, he drew responses from all the women passing him. He captivated her for sure. Somehow she needed to get beyond this infatuation with him.
She regarded the charming cherub next to her. “I was just out for a walk.”
“Hey, Daddy. I’m over here.” Lizzy waved.
His tight look of worry eased into one of relief. He started across the cobbled street in their direction with Jean beside him. As soon as he was within hearing distance he spoke sharply to Lizzy. “I told you to wait outside the store.”
“I saw Stacey and I wanted to say hello.” Lizzy seemed to miss how concerned her father was.
Cody stepped closer and leaned down, gaining the girl’s attention. “Next time you ask me before you go somewhere. I need to know where you are.”
“Yes, Daddy,” she said meekly.
Stacey tried to lighten the mood. She smiled. “Hey, Jean, Cody.”
“Hi.” Cody stepped back and looked at her. His voice hadn’t lightened much.
Jean just watched her, not saying anything but obviously curious.
“Well, we need to be going.” Cody looked at Lizzy and offered his hand. “Enjoy your day, Stacey.”
Lizzy took hold of it and jumped to his side. She smiled at Stacey. “We’re going to catch lobster and eat it and build a fire on the beach.”
“That sounds like fun.” And it did.
“It is, so much fun. The best.” Lizzy almost hummed with excitement.
“Come on, let’s not bother Stacey anymore.” Cody tugged on Lizzy’s hand.
“Daddy, can Stacey come lobster hunting with us?” Lizzy craned her neck to see her father’s face.
Cody looked unsure as his eyes cut to Stacey. “Lizzy, I don’t think Stacey—”
Lizzy yanked on his hand. “Daddy, we can show her how to set the trap, and row the boat, everything.”
Getting more involved with Cody and his girls was the last thing Stacey planned to do. “Thanks for asking but I really should go home.” She stood, intending to step away.
“Don’t you want to catch lobster with us?” Lizzy asked, giving Stacey a serious frown.
“It’s so much fun.” She turned to Cody. “Tell her, Daddy.”
It took a moment before he asked, “Have you ever put out a lobster pot?”
Stacey considered him, then Jean, then Lizzy. “No.”
He placed his hand on Jean’s shoulder. “Everyone should have the experience at least once.”
“You need to come.” Jean offered her first words since she and Cody had walked up. “It’s my favorite thing to do too.” Lizzy grinned at her. Cody’s gaze met Stacey’s. She watched his chest expand then he released a breath as if he had made a huge decision. “You should definitely join us.”
Going with them wasn’t a wise move, but it would only be for an evening and it wouldn’t be just Cody and her—his daughters would be with them. Against her better judgment and because she couldn’t resist their urging she said, “Okay.”
Decision made, she planned to enjoy herself.
She joined Cody and the girls on their walk to his house. It turned out that he lived in a home not very far from Paradise Cottage. It was built in the saltbox style that was so common in that area. Yellow with a red door, it implied everyone was welcome. She loved it immediately.
