“No. He’s spent a lot of time with a wild dolphin by our house in South Carolina.”

He turned his head, suddenly interested. “You’re from South Carolina?”

“I was born there. But I spent most of my life in California.”

“Whereabouts?”

“LA.”

“No, I mean where are you from in South Carolina?”

“I was born on Sullivan’s Island. But I lived in Charleston as a girl. On East Bay,” she said, dropping the name of the tony street in town. “We spent summers at my grandmother’s house on Sullivan’s. That’s where I’m living now.”

“Sullivan’s Island is a pretty spot,” he replied, unfolding his arms to stretch one over the top of the bench. It seemed their mutual South Carolina connection had somewhat loosened the tense guard he kept around himself. “We used to go there sometimes, to the beach. My family lives not far from there. In McClellanville.”

“Oh, sure, I know McClellanville. A real pretty spot right on the water. Where the shrimp boats are, right?”

“What’s left of them.” He leaned back and crossed his leg over his knee. “My dad was a shrimper. He had to get out of the business, though. Like most of the boats.”

“Is that where you’re living now?”

“No, I live hereabouts. But I’m thinking of heading back home. When I’m ready.”

Carson wondered about that comment but didn’t want to pry. She didn’t get the sense this was a man who gave out personal information readily. “So, we’re neighbors,” Carson said, glad for the icebreaker.

“Almost,” he added drily.

“We’re just down here for the week,” she said. “Nate, that’s my nephew, came down for the Pathways program.”

“He’s working with Joan?”

Carson tilted her head, curious that he knew Joan.

“That’s right.”

Again, he only nodded, not divulging any more information. There followed another long silence during which they watched Nate giving more commands to the dolphins, to the loud cheers of the team. Carson whistled and clapped in support of Team Nate. After a final rousing cheer, the team climbed to their feet and began gathering supplies. The session had ended.

Carson rose to her feet as well and stooped to gather her camera equipment and pull out a towel from the huge canvas bag. She turned again to the man on the bench.

“It was nice talking with you. I’m Carson.” She reached out her hand.

He took it readily and returned a firm shake. “I’m Taylor. Nice to meet you, too. He seems like a good kid,” he added, motioning toward Nate.

The compliment filled her with pride. “He is.”

Chapter Ten

Sullivan’s Island

The following morning’s wake-up call was sharp raps on the door and the rallying call “Rise and shine!”

Dora threw her pillow at the door. “Go away, Harper!”

“Delivery!”

Despite herself, Dora smiled. Harper had moved into Carson’s room while Carson was away, but despite the fact they weren’t roommates, she was making a concerted effort to get closer this week. Dora was moved, even flattered, by her little sister’s persistence. Feeling a boost of energy, she kicked off her cotton blanket and walked across the room to open the door.

“What are you . . .”

Harper wasn’t there. On the floor in front of the door lay a shoe box and a shopping bag. Dora picked up the parcels and carried them back to the bed. She sat on the bed beside the loot, feeling a bit like it was Christmas in July. Inside the shoe box she found a new pair of walking shoes, the fancy brand that Harper wore. Dora ran her fingers across the white shoe with the pink trim to check the size—perfect. Excited now, she dug into the bag and gasped as she pulled out a pair of white stretchy running shorts, a running bra, and a pink-patterned tech running shirt. She checked the tags and her mouth slipped open at the prices. These were from the upscale company from which Harper purchased her athletic clothing. And . . . Harper had selected them in Dora’s favorite pink color.

Dora held up the shirt, then set it back on the bed. Looking at the clothes, she felt a little embarrassed. Did she look that bad in her old T-shirt and shorts? Lord, Devlin saw her in them. Maybe she didn’t want to look all fashionable when she exercised, she thought mulishly.

Looking at the clothes, Dora knew that wasn’t true. She’d just never been involved in an exercise program before and didn’t know what to pick out. She’d always been a tad jealous when she saw women jogging by in their athletic gear.

Stapled to the bag was a handwritten note: Meet me out front at 7 sharp!

Dora glanced at her alarm clock. It was ten before seven. Feeling a surge of adrenaline, Dora peeled away her pajamas and slipped into the new running clothes. She sighed with relief when everything fit. Before she left she quickly checked her reflection in the mirror. The woman in the reflection didn’t look the least bit dowdy in old gym shorts and her husband’s baggy T-shirt. Dora felt buoyed by the sporty look and hurried out of the room with a spring in her step.

Harper was waiting for her with a bottle of water.

“Look at you!” she exclaimed as Dora trotted near.

Dora ran straight to Harper and delivered a big hug. “Thank you, thank you! I love them. But it’s too much. My Lord, I could buy an evening gown for what these cost.”

“You’re exaggerating. It’s nothing,” Harper said, waving away the comment. “I have a back debt of birthday presents, so consider this an installment. I enjoyed picking them out.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything. Save your energy. We’re losing daylight. I’m going to teach you a few stretching exercises that you need to do every morning before you head out. You don’t want to get any injuries. Okay, ready?”

As much as she enjoyed the stretching, Dora enjoyed doing them with Harper more. Harper took Dora through the routine. Then, with a wave and a wish of luck, Harper took off. Dora watched her trot away, her ponytail bouncing perkily from left to right, and sighed, guessing Harper would probably run some five miles.

Undaunted, Dora took off on her own path.

Florida

Carson was surprised to see Taylor standing by the front lagoon again this morning. He turned his head and half smiled as she strolled up.