Beach Lane by Sherryl Woods Read Free Book Online Page B

troubled adolescence, she knew better than anyone how tough it had been on him to maintain a facade of good cheer when his home life was a shambles.
    College would never have been an option if it hadn’t been for an athletic scholarship. He’d taken any odd job available to pay for extras, and he’d worked as an unpaid stringer for the Baltimore paper just to prove himself. His work ethic as much as his knowledge of sports and his writing ability had earned him his coveted column.
    “You’re right,” Susie reluctantly admitted to Shanna. “I know Mack isn’t used to leaning on anyone, not even Will and Jake. I guess I just hoped I was different, that he trusted me enough to let me help. He used to.”
    “Maybe that was before you were the problem,” Shanna suggested gently. “Besides, what did you do the second he trusted you enough to say he needed time? Instead of taking him at his word and giving him time, you got in a snit and bolted on him.”
    “I’m not in a snit,” Susie said, not liking the characterization.
    “Really?”
    She sighed. “Okay, maybe a little bit of a snit.” She regarded Shanna plaintively. “You’re not saying I have to go over to his place and wait for him and apologize, are you? I don’t think I could do that right now.”
    Shanna laughed. “Heavens, no! That would definitely be asking too much. I’m just saying that when he does come to you, and he will, you should keep an open mind. Really listen when he decides to talk.”
    “I’ve always listened.” She regarded her friend curiously. “I don’t suppose you have any idea what’s going on, do you? Has Kevin said anything?”
    “Not a word, but he’s the last to know anything. He’s so wrapped up with his work with the foundation and their attempts to protect the bay, he has no idea what’s going on with me and the kids, much less the rest of the family or this town. Trust me, when I do manage to snag his attention, local gossip is not on my mind or his. We’re trying to make a baby.”
    Susie finally had a reason to smile. “Really?”
    Shanna nodded, though she didn’t look especially happy. “Sadly, accomplishing that requires two people to be in the same room, preferably in the same bed, and awake. It’s not as easy as you’d think.”
    “It will work out,” Susie assured her. “You two are such wonderful parents for Henry and Davy. Any child you have together will be totally blessed.”
    “Thanks. Now, as for you and Mack, be patient, Susie. I know things will work out with the two of you the same way you know Kevin and I will find a way to make that baby. It’s just destined to happen.”
    “Patience isn’t my best trait, but I suppose it won’t kill me to give it a try,” Susie replied.
    “Mack’s worth it, don’t you think?”
    “I’ve been waiting all these years, so I must believe that,” Susie said.
    But after a thoroughly frustrating day like today, it was really, really hard to remember why.

4
    J eff O’Brien felt as if he’d always lived in the shadow of his older brother. Mick was like a force of nature, the kind of man who was confident in his own skin, a talented architect with amazing vision. Though Jeff had worked with him on the development of Chesapeake Shores, he’d merely overseen the construction details and ultimately the sales. The town had been built according to Mick’s specifications and modified to fit with Thomas’s ideas on doing the least harm to the bay. They were the visionaries behind it.
    The three O’Brien brothers had butted heads repeatedly. Mick won most arguments through an absolute sense of self-confidence that couldn’t be shaken by law or reason. The only time he’d been trumped was when Thomas had used legal means to ensure that Mick adhered to the strictest interpretation of environmental regulations. Mick had never entirely forgiven him, or Jeff for siding with him. He’d labeled Thomas a traitor and told Jeff he had no backbone. Jeff