Chapter 17
From the game stool Josh watched the carny from the corner of his eye. He’d already dropped ten tickets on this game, but
he’d drop a hundred more if it meant solving this mystery. He’d only made small talk since arriving, trying to warm the guy
up. Trying to act naturally.
But all he could think was, Could this guy be my brother?
Josh didn’t know what he’d do if that were the case. But he needed answers. Once he got them, he’d decide what to do with
them. The last thing he wanted was to cause irreparable harm to his parents’ relationship. But then, if his dad had stepped
outside the marriage, he was technically the one who’d done that.
Had Josh’s prolonged illness driven his dad to such a low? Josh tried to deflect the dart of guilt. Common sense said he was
in no way responsible for falling ill. But sometimes emotions had little to do with reason.
A couple in the throes of helping their son fight for his life might cling to one another—or they might be driven apart by
disagreements over critical health care decisions. Josh didn’t remember any acrimony between them at the time. But maybe they’d
put on a brave face for the family.
Had his dad sought comfort in the arms of another woman?
Josh knew all about falling for the wrong woman. He was practically an expert on the subject. Watching Maggie fall for his brother had been a cruel form of torture. It was a wonder he hadn’t gone mad years ago.
In his younger days he’d practically made dating a sport. He could admit now that he’d made a show of it around Maggie, desperate
to make her jealous. He’d eventually grown out of his stupidity. He still dated, of course, but it never took more than two
or three dates to realize the woman could never compare to Maggie.
Eventually he gave up on ever finding another Maggie and just tried to find someone he could love. Someone who could replace
her in his heart. For a time he’d thought that might be Samantha. But it turned out there was no room for anyone else in his
stubborn heart.
And somehow he’d managed to hide it from everyone. Everyone but Samantha, that was. He’d devastated her and as a result she
lashed out at him. She harangued him in those last months, filled him with shame, tortured him with insults. “ You’re pathetic—sniffing after your brother’s wife. Disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
And he was. He never should’ve married Samantha.
Stupid.
He remembered the way Maggie had palmed his face on the porch earlier. His heart raced at her touch. She had such a soft,
gentle way about her. She was compassionate and caring. Sometimes she had a look in her eyes that made him think she might
feel something for him. Something other than friendship. Something more than a familial bond. After all, she had returned
his kiss on that long-ago night. Maybe it hadn’t just been loneliness and grief.
He’d been determined to find out for certain this summer—but now all that had been put on hold.
The game started and Josh mechanically aimed the gun at the target, while his thoughts, already a million miles away, returned to his father.
Maybe his dad had believed some other woman might heal a broken part of himself—a part wrecked because his younger son’s life
hung in the balance. Maybe he sought relief from his own heartache. And that relief resulted in a pregnancy, another son.
It was even possible Dad knew about this boy.
Josh shook the idea away. He couldn’t bear the thought of it. It was somehow worse even than his potential infidelity. Contrary
to everything he knew of his father. He hoped somehow none of this was true. That this guy’s resemblance to Ethan was just
some random fluke. But what were the odds?
The bell rang, ending the game.
“And number four is our lucky winner! Come claim your prize. And that’s our last game of the night, folks. Y’all have a good
evening and come back soon.”
Josh lingered as the twentysomething winner picked out a prize for his girlfriend. When they wandered off, Josh approached
the carny. “Guess my luck ran out early tonight.”
“You had a couple close calls. The guy who won those three in a row—he’s a regular. I’d avoid playing him if you’re hoping
to win.”
“Thanks for the tip. Hey, I meant what I said earlier. You really have a way with people. I like your energy.”
“Thank you.” He slid behind the counter with a wide grin and went about the business of closing down. “I’m a people person,
always have been.”
“That much is obvious. I know you haven’t been working here long, but I’m looking to hire someone to run concessions on my boat.” He withdrew a business card and extended it to the guy. “Someone personable and able to manage the area independently. Is that something you might be interested in?”
“Island Tours. You’re the owner?”
“Owner and captain, Josh Reynolds.” He stuck out his hand.
“Will Jennings.” They shook hands. “Nice to meet you.”
“We could really use someone like you on board the Carolina Dream . It’s a small crew, good people, fun environment. The pay’s good.” Josh paid his crew well, but he’d gladly pay even more
for this kid. He’d do a nice job in the position, but more importantly it would give Josh a chance to get to know him. To
feel out the situation so he could decide how to proceed. “No pressure, though, if you’re happy here.”
“Well, I’m saving for college and I don’t mean to sound greedy, but when you say the pay’s good...”
Josh named a dollar figure that was two bucks more an hour than he’d paid Conner.
Will’s eyes popped wide. “You’ve got my attention. I’ve never worked around boats before, though.”
“Well, listen, that’s not a problem. The position is just selling food and drinks to our guests, keeping the snack bar stocked,
running a register, taking credit cards, pitching in where needed.”
“That sounds manageable. I worked the drive-thru at Wendy’s last year.”
“Perfect. That’s great experience.” The games around them were going dark, the carnies abandoning their posts. “Hey, if you
think you might be interested, you’re welcome to come aboard for one of our tours next week and observe, see what you think.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, no problem. Just give me a call and I’ll set it up.”
Will pocketed the card and shut off the game lights. “Thanks, man. I just might do that.”
“I think you’d like it. Well, hey, I’ll let you close up. It’s been nice meeting you, Will. Hope to hear from you.”
“Yeah, you too, man. Thanks.”