Chapter Twelve #2
From the moment Atticus entered the room, it seemed as though a spotlight shone on him.
Everyone in the room paused in his or her conversation to look toward the door.
Mamaw’s hand rose to her throat as she took in the young man in his well-cut navy suit, a crisp white shirt, and navy tie, worn with every bit as much style and panache as Taylor and the other young men in the room showed.
Mamaw felt a rush of pride at his poise and polish. This was her grandson.
“You’re here!” Harper exclaimed after opening the door, then reached up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.
Atticus greeted Harper with a warm smile and said something Mamaw couldn’t hear. He handed Harper a bouquet of yellow roses. Taking them in her hands, she ushered him into the room.
While Harper put the flowers on the side table, Atticus adjusted his cuffs, turning his head at a slight angle to let his eyes glance discreetly at the people in the room.
Mamaw caught her breath. This was a typical movement of Parker’s.
Atticus caught her eye, and his smile at seeing her lit up his blue eyes and transformed his face from merely handsome to astonishing.
“Atticus!” she exclaimed, rushing forward to greet him. Her gaze devoured him hungrily. “I’ve been waiting for you. How handsome you look.” She took his hand and held it tightly for a moment. Then, looking into his blue eyes, she said with meaning, “We’re all so happy you’re here.”
He stood beaming at her, their secret sizzling between them. “I’m sorry I was delayed.”
“You’re here now, that’s all that matters.” They hugged and Mamaw inhaled the subtle scent of sandalwood and felt the creamy cashmere wool of his jacket. “Come, let me introduce you around.”
“Mamaw,” Harper cut in, almost breathless with happiness. She placed her hand on Atticus’s sleeve. “Please, allow me.”
“Of course,” Mamaw replied. She caught the warmth in Harper’s expression and was delighted at her and Atticus’s rapport. Mamaw released his hand and clasped hers together, enjoying the view from the sidelines.
Carson came rushing forward with long strides, her silk gown sweeping the floor. Atticus smiled broadly, glad to see her again.
“Rev! There you are! At last. I was worried I’d have to chase after you again.
” Carson leaned forward and kissed Atticus on the cheek.
“Come on over here. I want to introduce you to Blake.” Grasping Atticus’s hand, she turned and looked over the room, chewing her lip.
“Where did that man go?” she said with a hint of frustration. “Hold on one minute. I’ll go get him.”
Carson released Atticus’s hand and went in search of her missing fiancé.
Atticus chuckled at her nickname for him.
It touched a soft spot for the friendliness implied.
Beside him, Harper raised her hand, signaling someone.
He didn’t stand alone long. Taylor came forward to vigorously shake Atticus’s hand.
Taylor was a big man, as big as Kwame and with as stern a face and as powerful a grip.
Atticus wondered what sport he’d played in college.
“This is my Taylor,” Harper said, introducing them.
Taylor smiled and his eyes warmed, revealing that the big guy also had a big heart. “So you’re Atticus,” he said, seemingly eager to be friendly. “I was right glad to hear the news.”
“News?” Atticus was taken aback. He darted a look to Mamaw laced with suspicion that she had told them their secret.
Mamaw discreetly shook her head, indicating she had not told anyone of his identity.
“That you’re marrying us,” Taylor explained.
“Oh. Yes,” Atticus said, catching himself. “Hey, man, it’s my pleasure.”
Carson came hurrying back, Blake in tow. Blake stepped forward with his hand extended. Both men were about the same height, though Blake was more slender in frame. They shook hands firmly.
“Carson’s told me that she’s found a great new friend,” Blake said. “A confidant.”
“Did she? Well, then, I guess I am,” Atticus replied good-naturedly. “I hope I’ll be your friend, too.”
“Let’s see how you feel about me after those pre-wedding chats,” Blake joked.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be easy on you. You’re the one who works with dolphins, aren’t you?”
“That’s me.” Blake took a sip from his drink.
“The weirdest thing happened to me the other day. I was standing by the inlet, Breach Inlet I think it’s called, just looking out, when this dolphin came closer to the shore. It stopped right in front of me. Is that normal?”
“It depends,” Blake said. “The water’s turbulent there and it makes for great fishing for the dolphins. It could’ve been after one.”
“I don’t know if this one was. I swear it seemed to look me right in the eye. And I gotta be honest with you, it was a pretty powerful moment.”
Carson stepped closer. “How big was the dolphin?”
Atticus shrugged. “I don’t know anything about dolphins, but average I’d guess. There was something unusual, though. This one had all these scars along its body.”
Carson gasped. “Delphine.” She looked to Blake and they shared a long meaningful glance.
“You know that dolphin?” Atticus asked.
“Yes,” Carson said.
“Did the dolphin stay close or move on?” Blake asked, more interested now.
“It moved on. Really, the whole thing probably lasted only a minute, but I’ll never forget it.”
“That’s good,” Blake replied. “It’s only a problem if they stay and beg for food.”
“Nope, no begging.”
Blake was called by his mother from across the room. He excused himself. Soon after, Taylor and Harper went off to do some host duty. Atticus was left standing alone with Carson.
She looked over her shoulder as though scoping out the whereabouts of Blake, then leaned closer and said almost in a conspiratorial whisper, “Do you know how to paddleboard?”
The question surprised Atticus. “Uh, yeah, I can manage a board.”
“Good. Come by tomorrow morning. At dawn. We’ll go paddleboarding. There’s something I want you to see.”
The invitation seemed entirely innocent, but looking into her eyes, he saw them dancing as though she were up to mischief.
Carson spotted Blake waving her over. “You can let me know later,” she said, and hurried across the room to join Blake with his parents.
Atticus felt uncomfortable with the seemingly clandestine invitation. Sometimes women formed attachments to their minister, especially after a personal conversation. It was always wrong, but in this case with his sister, it was egregiously wrong.
Mamaw stepped up beside him. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Do go with Carson. You’ll have a wonderful time. No one knows these waters better than Carson. I’m so pleased to see you getting along.”
“I like her enormously. But”—he hesitated—“the way she was looking over her shoulder, it seemed she was making sure that Blake didn’t know about the invitation.”
Understanding flashed in Mamaw’s eyes. “She doesn’t want Blake to know because she wants to check on Delphine. Your story about the scars prompted this, I’m sure.”
“You mean the dolphin?”
“Yes.” Mamaw noticed Carson returning. “Ask her to tell you the story,” Mamaw hastily added, then walked away.
Carson returned, anxiously awaiting his answer. “So? Can you make it?”
Atticus smiled. “Absolutely. I’m in.”
“Good.” Carson leaned closer to give him the specifics of what he’d need to bring.
While they were speaking, Harper clapped her small hands together for attention.
She licked her lips, then spread out her hands.
“If you look on the cocktail table, you’ll see Taylor brought out a tray of champagne flutes.
Would you all please take one? We have a toast .
. . or rather a few toasts we’d like to make. ”