Coast Guard Sweetheart by Lisa Carter Page B

just talk to him, let him explain—”
    â€œNothing to explain except he’s a...a...” Her lips twisted. “Mom taught me not to say words that adequately describe Sawyer Kole.”
    Seth Duer stalked around to the driver’s side. “Your mother would be ashamed—as am I—at the way you’re behaving. You’re not the only one who’s suffered pain. Ever ask the boy about where he grew up? And with whom?”
    Honey pivoted in the seat. “What’re you talking about? If you’re trying to justify his past behavior with some sob story about—”
    â€œStorm’s a-coming. I’ve got a boat to dry-dock.” Seth cranked the engine. “And you’ve got a wedding to orchestrate tomorrow. But after that, baby girl, you’ve got a date with destiny. A destiny by the name of Sawyer Kole. And one way or the other—easy way or the hard way, take your pick—you’re going to settle this thing that’s been tearing you apart for over three years.”
    Honey pursed her lips. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve barely thought of him in three years.”
    Seth thrust the gearshift into drive. “Whatever you say, baby girl. But talk to him you will. If nothing else,” he headed out of Kiptohanock toward Seaside Road. “You can thank him for his service.”
    He laughed. The sound without mirth. “Sounds like a long, awkward night to me. But your choice, baby girl. Your choice. You want to stop being treated like a baby? Then grow up, darlin’. Time to grow up.”
    * * *
    â€œThink the seawall will hold, Chief?”
    Wednesday morning, Sawyer took a gander out the station window as concerned Kiptohanock citizens made emergency preparations for the incoming storm.
    Lining the seawall assembly-style, the ROMEOs filled sandbags against the storm surge, which would accompany the Category 4 storm barreling up the eastern seaboard.
    Braeden took a sip from his coffee mug. “Floyd, Irene, Superstorm Sandy. The Eastern Shore is used to hurricanes and what’s usually worse, the flooding. Our problem will be convincing residents to evacuate to higher ground if landfall becomes imminent. They’re so used to riding out these storms, their bravery can be misplaced in the event of a worst case scenario.”
    Hammering filled the air as business owners boarded over windows. The Sandpiper waitresses and owner busied themselves tying down the awning and anything with the potential to become a storm-propelled missile during the high winds sure to come. Reverend Parks staked chicken wire around the church to prevent debris from battering Kiptohanock’s small sanctuary.
    Dragging his eyes from the white steeple, Sawyer angled, a smile twitching his lips. “So you’re saying they’ll be stubborn.”
    Braeden shrugged. “Not a news flash, I know.”
    â€œI also want to apologize again about what happened last weekend at the duck race, Chief.”
    Braeden sighed. “For the record, I’m aware Honey instigated the noodle war. My sister-in-law is nothing if not stubborn. We’ll have our work cut out for us convincing the rest of them to leave, too. And then as soon as the winds die down, rescuing the ones who took the chance and lost.”
    Sawyer scrutinized the plans littering Braeden’s desk. “We’ve done everything we can to prepare before the storm hits. The crew’s on alert. We’ve trained for this. They won’t let you down, Chief.”
    Hurricane Zelda had blazed a path of destruction across the Pamlico Sound of North Carolina before zeroing in on coastal Virginia. Norfolk was prepared for a direct hit, but a cold front nudged Zelda farther east in a direct line toward the Delmarva.
    â€œWe’ll coordinate our efforts as always with state and local responders. Our mission will be two-fold.”
    Sawyer nodded.