Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

hungry?”
    Both girls responded with shouts and jumps as Shelby retrievedthe insulated tote from the wagon and spread a blanket in the shade near the bend in the creek.
    â€œWe came a long way, didn’t we, Mommy?” Elizabeth plopped on the blanket.
    â€œWe sure did.” Not that far really as the crow flies. But because of the wagon, she had to skirt the woods and follow a fencerow through a pasture. The house was hidden by distance. “But worth it, don’t you think? Isn’t it nice out here?”
    Elizabeth gazed at the sun-dappled water of the broad creek as if in deep thought. “I like it.”
    â€œI like it too.” Tabby dropped next to Shelby and folded her hands. “I pray.”
    Shelby and Elizabeth echoed Tabby’s amen. After they ate their sandwiches and sliced apples, Shelby washed their juice-stained lips and sticky fingers.
    â€œTime for wading.” She helped Tabby take off the top and shorts she wore over her bathing suit while Elizabeth undressed herself. “Leave your tennis shoes on,” she instructed. “No walking barefoot in the creek.”
    As they splashed in the cold water, their laughter and squeals warmed Shelby’s heart. She sighed as a contentment she hadn’t felt in years soothed her spirit. This was why she had pleaded with AJ to sell her the land, why she had uprooted her children from the only home they had known.
    To create memories in this place where their ancestors had created memories. To add their laughter to the merriment of those who had been here before them.
    Perhaps even to find romance. Brett had sent a huge basket of fruit, snacks, and candy as a housewarming gift. Though she hadn’t seen him since their arrival, he called or texted almost every day. Nothing would probably come of it—and she definitely wasn’t in a rush to marry anyone—but the flirtatious attentions from such a handsome and successful man made her pleasantly lighthearted. Flattered by his interest in her opinions, she appreciatedtheir grown-up conversations. Even when they disagreed, he didn’t make her feel naive or uninformed.
    A turtle about the size of Shelby’s fist crawled onto a rock jutting from the creek bed. Tabby clapped her hands in delight as it waggled its head, apparently curious about its visitors.
    â€œDon’t get too close,” Shelby warned. “We don’t want to frighten him.”
    â€œCan we take him home?” Elizabeth asked.
    â€œThis is his home, honey. He wouldn’t be happy anywhere else.”
    Hearing a soft whistle behind her, Shelby twisted around. AJ Sullivan, a fishing pole slung across his shoulder, approached the bend. Tan cargo shorts and a high school T-shirt revealed muscular arms and legs. He had tanned since she last saw him that evening at the Dixie Diner. Such a fun evening it had been with their juicy cheeseburgers and thick milkshakes.
    At least she had thought so. But without meaning to, she’d upset him. It bothered her more than she cared to admit.
    Ever since she and the girls moved in, she had expected him to pop in. But there’d been no sign of him. Maybe she shouldn’t have been surprised. After all, he was still a Sullivan. Probably more like his grandfather than she knew.
    The less contact with him the better.
    He halted when he saw them, as if uncertain what to do. She gave a hesitant wave and self-consciously pushed loose strands from her face as Elizabeth stepped behind her. Slender damp arms encircled her neck.
    â€œNice day for wading,” AJ said, coming toward them. “Looks like you’re having fun.”
    â€œWe found a turtle,” Tabby spoke up before Shelby could answer.
    â€œThat so?” He waded to the rock and bent down by Tabby. “I know this turtle. He always comes out here on a good hot day to get a suntan. And then when the moon comes up, he slides back into the water and swims home to his