Beach Lane. Sherryl Woods

      But despite his words, she was the one to turn and walk away. At least she was able to cling to her dignity, if only by a thread, by not letting him see her tears start to fall.

      Back at the house, Susie managed to slip around to the parking area without anyone noticing her. Fortunately she’d driven earlier, and her car keys were tucked in her pocket. Mack could get home under his own steam. It would serve him right, though, if every one of the O’Briens declined to give him a ride.

      She was about to pull out of the driveway when Shanna tapped on the window, a worried expression on her face.

      “Why are you leaving without even saying goodbye?” she asked. “Did you and Mack have a fight? Everybody inside has been speculating about what’s going on ever since the two of you took off together. Add in the fact that Laila and Matthew got into some kind of argument and she left in a huff, and it’s turning into an interesting day.”

      Momentarily distracted by that bit of news, Susie said, “Laila and Matthew argued? What on earth would they argue about?”

      “I have no idea,” Shanna admitted. “But it caused quite a stir when she left. Now you’re doing the same thing. Curiosity is at a fever pitch.”

      “Then is it any wonder I don’t want to come inside?” Susie asked wryly. “I’m not in the mood for talking right now.”

      Shanna studied her face, clearly saw the dampness on her cheeks and sighed. “Then you did have a fight,” she said with real regret. “I’m so sorry.”

      “Not really,” Susie replied wearily. “Mack doesn’t fight. He just makes decisions and expects me to abide by them with absolutely no explanation at all. I’m sick of it. If he has all these secrets he suddenly doesn’t want to share with me, that’s his right, I suppose, but it makes me feel like an irrelevant outsider.”

      “Oh, sweetie, I’m sure that was never his intention. He’s just the kind of guy who’s used to relying on himself. Isn’t that what he’s had to do for years now?”

      It was true, Susie was forced to admit. Mack’s family had been a far cry from the O’Briens. He didn’t even know who his father was, and from an early age he’d been more of a grown-up than his irresponsible mother. As his confidante through a 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

      Jeff 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 hadn’t bothered trying to contradict him, which had only further infuriated Mick.

      Things were easier among the three of them now that they’d wisely decided against working together. Ma insisted that some level of family obligation bring them together on Sundays and holidays and, over time, they’d managed to handle the occasions with a certain amount of grace and goodwill.

      Still, Jeff couldn’t deny that it grated when he’d heard about Mick threatening to interfere in Susie’s relationship with Mack Franklin. Now that Mick’s own children were all happily married, apparently he’d decided to take on Jeff’s.

      Personally Jeff had never understood the need to meddle in someone else’s life. He and Jo had raised Susie with good values and good sense. Whatever was going on between her and Mack, he trusted her to get what she wanted out of it. Susie had never been some shy little wallflower. She was every bit as stubborn and determined as anyone else in the family.

      At least, he’d felt that way until he’d seen her with Mack on Thanksgiving, recognized the sparks flying during that traditional family football game, and then seen his daughter come back from a walk with Mack with tears on her cheeks. For the first time, he’d wanted to throttle a man for making his little girl cry. He’d told Jo about it that night.

      “She has a good head on her shoulders,” Jo insisted. “And she’s loved Mack as far back as I can remember. All we can do is be there for her if things don’t work out the way she wants