Chapter 14
“You’re awfully quiet.” David released the dock lines and pushed the sailboat out into open water. “Are you sure you’re up to a boat ride? We can go another day.”
“No. I’m feeling a little better.” Physically, she silently added. Her heart, on the other hand, felt as if it had been ripped from her chest, tossed on the ground and stomped on. She was beginning to believe Robert didn’t love her. If he did, he would be there, would help care for her like a loving husband who had taken the vows for better or worse seriously.
“Don’t worry about the physical therapy,” her father said. “You’ll do fine. You’re a Wynn and tough as nails. ”
“It’s not that.” Harlow absentmindedly scratched Mort’s ears. “I talked to Robert.”
Her father’s head shot up, giving her his full attention. “Did he finally get you out of the movie deal?”
“No. In fact, he talked them into giving me an extension. I have a few extra weeks.”
“What?” David roared. “You can’t work.”
“I’ve tried telling him there’s a chance I won’t be able to handle the grueling pace. Robert is in denial.”
“He’s also MIA.”
Harlow swallowed hard and lowered her head, not wanting her father to see the tears welling up. “He thinks I should avoid going out in public. He said it looks bad.”
David’s eyes flashed with anger. “What kind of garbage is that? Instead of being with you, he’s halfway across the country issuing orders. Sign this. Don’t go out in public. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sent you a list of what you can and cannot eat.”
“In his defense, I was the one who left California.”
“It’s not much of a defense.”
“Agreed. I’m thinking…hoping he eventually comes around and realizes I’m not exaggerating.”
“I wouldn’t hold my breath. What he’s doing is showing you his true colors.”
“Can we talk about something else?” Harlow whispered.
“I’m sorry.” David’s tone softened. “I didn’t mean to make matters worse. A scenic cruise around the island is just what the doctor ordered. I’ll show you what’s new since you left.”
“New? You mean there’s new stuff to see on Mackinac Island?” The island had remained the same for decades, long before Harlow’s grandparents arrived and staked a claim to a pristine piece of property which would eventually be home to one of the island’s finest resorts.
Wynn Harbor Inn and the property was in the top five privately owned parcels as far as acreage, making it a desirable chunk of land. Passed down to Harlow’s father, her parents had carried on the family’s legacy, easily becoming a highly sought-after vacation destination.
A sudden thought popped into her head. “Do you think they’ll ever allow cars and trucks on the island?”
“It’s been considered once or twice but met with strong resistance,” David said. “Allowing emergency and city worker vehicles out of necessity and snowmobiles in the winter is all we’ll ever have, thank goodness.”
“Motorized vehicles would ruin the charm.” Harlow grew quiet, remembering the story she’d heard in grade school, how the first “horseless carriage” arrived on the island via ferry back in 1898. It was promptly banned after a harrowing encounter between a horse and motorized vehicle. “You mentioned new stuff. I can’t wait to see what’s changed, although I hope it’s not much.”
“To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I took Winnie all the way around the island, so maybe we’re both in for a surprise or two.”
Mort, who was sporting a spiffy tangerine orange life vest, stuck his head over the side of the boat and peered into the water.
“Mort likes to cruise around, although it seems like a lot of work for the two of us.”
“What about fishing?” Harlow asked. “I noticed your bass boat tied up near the dock. It looks like it hasn’t been out in a while.”
“Nope. Like I said, it seems like more work than it’s worth.” David’s eyes lit. “Unless you have a hankering to go fishing. I’d be more than happy to get her back out in the water.”
The look on her father’s face was so excited…so full of hope, Harlow didn’t have the heart to tell hi m no. “I would love to go fishing. I’ll need to find something to do now that I’m not allowed to go out in public.”
“Promise me you aren’t going to listen to his malarkey. You’re a grown woman. You can go anywhere you want.”
“If I don’t mind subjecting myself and anyone who is with me to relentless harassment. I feel terrible about what happened earlier.”
David waved dismissively. “Eryn and I both figured it could…eventually would happen. We’re in this for the long haul, Harlow. We love you and want nothing more than to see you completely healed, dancing around the living room, chasing after Mort.”
“Chasing after Mort?” Harlow grinned. “He moves at a snail’s pace.”
“It’s true. Unless it involves treats.” David patted the pup’s back. “He’s been a good dog. I think God brought him to my doorstep, knowing I needed a companion.”
“Because Mom was gone and your daughter all but abandoned you,” Harlow said softly. “I’m sorry I made the rash decision to leave. Looking back, I should’ve stayed here to help figure out what happened.”
Her father tightened his grip on the rudder, steering the sailboat along the shoreline. “It was a tough…a rough time we all went through. I know I’ve said it before and we’ve tiptoed around the subject since you got here, but I want you to know I did not set the fire that took your mother’s life. I’ll be the first to admit we were going through a bumpy patch, but I loved Ginger with all my heart.”
“The fire chief…the investigators…ruled it arson. Who would have done such a thing?”
“I wish I knew. Believe me, I’ve spent many sleepless nights trying to figure out who was behind it. Was it a disgruntled employee? Another inn owner? Someone who had an axe to grind? I wish I knew.”
“Maybe it’s something we should pursue. I’ll have some free time. I wouldn’t mind doing a little poking around.”
“But not until you’re back on your feet.” David changed the subject, showing Harlow the points of interest. Although she knew many of them by heart, it was like seeing them for the first time, and her heart sang. She had missed home…missed it more than she ever could have imagined.
Once again, she couldn’t help but think the automobile accident was God’s way of resetting her life. It seemed as if the more successful, the richer, the more popular she became, the more miserable Harlow was. She’d reached the pinnacle of her career…a career filled with long stretches of emptiness.
It had been nearly a year since Harlow had broached the subject of having children. Her husband was dead set against it. She could see clearly now Robert was all about Robert. A baby, children, would ruin what he believed was their perfect life.
Harlow had let it drop, thinking the timing was off and they could discuss it later. She was still young and had plenty of time.
“Over there. Do you see Arch Rock?”
She craned her neck, eager to glimpse the island’s treasured landmark. Seconds later, it came into view. Harlow shaded her eyes, marveling at the towering formation and feeling emotional all over again.
The boat ride was a trip down memory lane. A wonderful, glorious journey rediscovering who she had been…and reminding her who she was. An islander. A Michigander. “I can’t wait to hike to it again.”
“Soon, Harlow.” Her father tapped the side of his forehead. “Something tells me you’re going to be running circles around me before you know it, but on a more realistic timeline, not the one Robert is trying to impose.”
“I’m going to do my best.” Harlow stared at Arch Rock until it was no longer visible. Yes, she would walk again. Her thumb would heal. Her bruises would fade, and then what? Would she return to the rat race or step back and take stock of where she was and where she wanted to go?
Changes would have to take place. Her career. Her marriage. She was no longer content with the direction her life had taken.
One thing was crystal clear. Harlow would eventually find herself standing at a crossroads.