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She nodded and took a long swig, forcing a smile at the concerned faces. “Sorry.” She turned to Ange. “Can we go now?”
After carefully swallowing the last of the cone, she followed her aunt and Helen to the Lucy Maud Montgomery museum. It was a fascinating place, filled with period furniture, a huge collection of first-edition books, and many things connected to Anne of Green Gables. The couple that ran it were Anne fans who’d discovered that the turn-of-the-century building had been a dining house for travelers, including the esteemed Canadian author and her young family, in the 1920s. This discovery had prompted extensive renovations, transforming a rundown house into the pretty, friendly museum it was today.
Almost two hours later, laden down with gift bags, they made their way down the lovely tree-lined street beside the Moon River, meeting up with the men at the assigned location—a picnic area near the famous waterfalls.
“Gee, Mom, did you buy the gift shop out?”
Sarah swallowed laughter as Helen sent Sam a look she’d seen her own mother wear. “I’m afraid most of it is for me. Well, actually, for my nieces and my mom and my sister.”
“Admit it—and for you.” Dan’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “You look like you had way too much fun in there.”
She smiled. He was getting to know her pretty well.
As they ate some of the delicacies purchased from Don’s bakery—Helen and Ange were right: the scones and butter tarts were delectable—Sarah excitedly filled them in on all treasure they’d seen. “They even have the boat from the movie, the one Anne is sinking on when Gilbert rescues her!” The men stared at her blankly. “You know, in the first movie?”
Dan seemed to take pity on her. “Sorry, Princess. Never seen it.”
“Don’t think he ever will. Not a good look for his image.” Sam’s smirk at his brother faded as he sent her a considered look. “Although someone here might be able to persuade him.”
Sarah’s cheeks heated as all eyes fixed on her. “Uh, these éclairs are yummy, aren’t they?”
* * *
Where had the time gone?Dan flicked open his phone and checked the date. Phone calendars didn’t lie, did they? It was amazing how fast his vacation had sped by. Surely he didn’t have to go back so soon. Now, with only a week to go, there was this weird feeling of incompletion. Normally by this time he’d be raring to go, the weeks of lakeside living so conducive to utter rest and deep refreshment that he was almost glad to get back to pre-season training and city busyness.
But not this year. He wanted to stay.
He glanced across at Sarah, engrossed in the James Bond film playing on the big-screen TV. Today’s cooler, showery weather had meant fishing wasn’t so enjoyable, and they still had quite a few James Bond movies to get through.
“Check out the shoulder pads.” Sarah laughed. “Is that like what you guys have to wear on the ice?”
Sam snickered. “If we did, it’d be straight to the penalty box for reckless endangerment. Those corners could take out an eye.”
Dan relaxed deeper in the chair. It was nice to see Sarah getting on so well with his favorite brother. Sam had stayed for a few extra days after their parents had gone back to Sunnybrook, and much of the time had been spent with Sarah.
Of course, it had led to the exchange of anecdotes he’d not always appreciated, such as when she’d read a newspaper article rating Dan’s defensive skills near the top of the League. She’d made some comment that’d had Sam grinning.
“Dan has always stuck his neck out to try and protect the helpless.” Sam had gone on to tell some embarrassing story about a broken-winged bird Dan had tried to help one summer long ago when he was a kid.
Sarah had turned to him, a soft expression on her face. “You’re so sweet.”
His heart had skipped even as he’d scoffed.
“He’s so embarrassed.” Sam had chuckled. “But then, Dan’s always liked to be a hero.”
“A hero who does Pilates,” she’d said with a teasing grin.
“Bro, seriously?”
Dan had shrugged. “Keeps me flexible.”
“Flexible for all sorts of activities, right?” Sam had said with a wink.
Dan had sharpened his gaze, shaking his head slightly. He was a different man now. How long until Sam realized?
Soft laughter from Sarah drew Dan’s attention back to the screen as the camera panned around the décor of one of the villain’s hideouts. He leaned across the empty space between them on the three-seater couch and poked her gently in the side. “What is it?”
“The movie just reminded me. I never asked you about your antlers.”
