The Bachelors of Blackwater Lake

“And I have to tell you not to do it again.”

April shot Will a grateful look. He shrugged as if to say he didn’t blame them. Kids would be kids. She and Will had been there once upon a time when his father the sheriff had broken up one of their make-out sessions.

The windows of Will’s seen-better-days truck had been fogged up and they felt like the only two lovers in the world. Right up until the moment there was tapping on the driver’s door. April quickly adjusted her clothes and Will rolled down the window. Hank peeked inside and ordered him to get her home on time. She never knew if Will’s dad had said anything to him privately. Hmm.

“Okay, you guys, let’s finish up.” April took her place behind the camera again.

“What should we do?” Lindsay was a junior and incoming student-body treasurer.

“Just be yourselves. Hang out. Pretend I’m not here,” she advised.

“You just told us not to do that again,” Mike reminded her.

Everyone laughed and she snapped a great picture. “I told you not to go walking alone in the woods. Now I want you to relax, have fun. If you think about getting your picture taken, you’ll freeze up and be stiff. So act as if I don’t have this camera trained on you to record this moment in the history of Blackwater Lake High School.”

“Go Wolves,” someone called out.

“Let’s hear it for the blue and gold,” a boy said.

Spontaneously the kids started a cheer. “Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate?”

“Kennedy,” everyone hollered.

Then a chant started. “April! April! April!”

She smiled, watching them have fun. The innocence of youth that she was capturing forever. She got some great unstructured shots, more than enough to provide the yearbook committee with outstanding choices.

“Okay, you guys. Listen up. This is a wrap.” She grinned at all of them. “Great job. Sheriff Fletcher will make sure everyone has transportation home.”

A couple of the girls hugged her and expressed the appreciation of everyone, then hurried off with the group to the dirt area where they’d parked cars. Will brought up the rear and the moonlight allowed her to appreciate what a very excellent rear he had. That reaction was a direct result of pent-up big-girl hormones because she hadn’t had a real date for a while.

She heard the sound of cars starting then driving away while beginning the task of packing up her equipment. It had been fun as always and her threat to discontinue future photo shoots was an empty one because she enjoyed it as much, if not more, than the kids. Maybe because her senior year in high school had been the happiest time in her life.

When the car noises faded she saw Will walking toward her. The anticipation filling her at the sight of him wasn’t too much different than what she’d felt when they’d been together before. Flirting with a toad would be a challenge. But for the purposes of this plan to put him behind her, April knew it was good to be attracted.

“Mission accomplished.” He watched her pack up her cameras and lenses and put them in their protective cases.

“Everyone got off okay?”

“Yes. And I have to say it was like herding cats.”

“I know what you mean.” She looked up at him and her heart stuttered. At some point she was going to have to get a handle on that reaction, but it probably wouldn’t happen tonight. “Seriously, Will, thanks for your help. I’m really glad you were here for backup.”

“I didn’t do much.”

“You did a lot. Not just anyone can stand there and look intimidating, but you pulled it off spectacularly.”

“It’s a gift. Then there were those two who just had to defy authority,” he said.

“And you got them safely back to the herd. Bless you.”

“Happy to help.”

“I appreciate it.” She had packed everything up while they talked and now folded the tripod. “I’m all set.”

“Let me get that for you.” He easily picked up everything that would have taken her two trips to haul.

“Thanks.”

In silence they walked back to where his SUV was parked in the dirt area. He opened the rear liftgate and stowed her equipment while she climbed into the passenger seat. Moments later he slammed the door then settled behind the wheel and turned the key in the ignition. The dash lights illuminated his features and the past came rushing back to her. All the dreams, hopes and hurts of that teenage girl she’d once been.

One of the perks of not being together anymore was that theoretically she no longer cared what he thought of her. That meant she didn’t have anything to lose by asking him whatever popped into her head. And she did it now. “Do you remember that night we were in your truck, parked right here, and your dad found us?”

“I wish I could say no.” The glance he sent her was uncomfortable.

“Did he ever say anything more about it? When I wasn’t there?”

“Yes.”

She waited but he clammed up. “Care to elaborate?”

“If I said no would you let it drop?” This time he looked hopeful.

“From the perspective of a girl who never knew her father and missed that experience, it’s my opinion that you should be grateful your dad cared enough to get involved. To risk alienating you.”

“I get that now. At the time he really ticked me off.”

“What did he say to you?”

“He told me not to disrespect you.”

She smiled. “That sounds like Hank. Did he give you the don’t-get-her-pregnant speech?”

“Don’t remind me,” he groaned, his reaction confirming her guess.

Considering they eventually broke up, it was a blessing there hadn’t been an unexpected pregnancy. That reminded her of what Mike had said and she wondered how Will felt. This was as good a time as any to bring it up.

“Can I ask you something?”

“As long as it has nothing to do with my dad making me feel twelve years old.”

“No.” She laughed. “I don’t know if you heard what one of the boys said. You were herding stray cats.”

“What?” he asked.

“I said the graduated seniors probably didn’t care but I was going to end the passing-the-torch tradition if they didn’t follow my rules. He, Mike, confirmed that he didn’t care and couldn’t wait to get out of this small town, get a taste of the big city.”

“Young and stupid,” Will muttered.

“So you didn’t feel that way when you were around his age?” she asked.

“No, I did.”

“But you just said he’s young and stupid. Do you regret moving to Chicago?”

He was quiet for several moments. “I just meant the big city isn’t just about excitement.” His mouth pulled tight for a second. “In a place with so many people there’s a lot going on, both good and bad. The years give you perspective to see both sides.”

“I guess so.”

April had the oddest sensation of disappointment, as if she’d hoped he would admit he had regrets about leaving Blackwater Lake, and her, behind. And wasn’t that just silliness. It was a reminder of why she was here with him in the first place and romance was definitely not involved.

She’d foolishly believed that she and Will would be together always and deliriously happy. They would have kids and be the family she’d always longed for. He was right about years giving you perspective because she no longer had stars in her eyes. As far as she was concerned the only stars on her radar were in the sky and that’s where they were going to stay. There was no way she would get sucked in to romance again.

Her assignment was to have a fling with Will and this time be the one to end things. High school had been happy because of Will, but now she had to put it, and him, behind her.

It was time for phase two of the plan. “Do you want to stop at Bar None for a drink? I’m buying. Call it a thank-you for your help tonight.”

He didn’t say anything for a few seconds and she braced for rejection. Finally he said, “That sounds good.”

Here goes nothing, she thought. A friendly drink and that was it. She wasn’t going to blow this chance for closure.

* * *

The morning after helping April with her teenage photo shoot Will was still trying to forget how beautiful she’d looked in the moonlight. And how eager he’d been to have a drink with her. There’d been a part of him hoping it would lead to more, but no such luck.

“You didn’t have to come with me to see the doctor, Will.”

“Hmm?” His father’s voice pulled him back to the moment.

“I said, I could have brought myself here to the clinic. You didn’t need to tag along.”

“If I didn’t, you know as well as I do that Kim’s head would explode.”

His dad laughed. He was sitting on the exam table in one of the patient rooms at Mercy Medical Clinic, waiting to see Adam Stone, the family-practice doctor on staff. Adam had consulted with the cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon who’d performed the bypass surgery and was now handling the follow-up checks. In fact, he’d stabilized Hank after the initial heart attack, before transport to the medical center in Copper Hill, which was over an hour away.

“Your sister is something of a control freak.”

“That makes it tough when she can’t be in two places at once.” Sitting in a chair against the wall, Will grinned at his dad. “It was either doctor duty or her appointment with the manager at Fireside restaurant to consult on the food for her wedding reception.”

“I’m glad she picked that one,” Hank said. “This wedding is really important to her. And she’s been through a lot of tough times. She’s way past due for a chance at happiness.”

“Yeah.” Will couldn’t agree more.

“The thing is, she would have put wedding prep on hold to come to this appointment with me if you weren’t here, son.” His dad’s gaze was unflinching.

Will did his best not to squirm like a twelve-year-old in the hard plastic chair. Since coming back to Blackwater Lake it seemed guilt was his new best friend. His sister had carried all the family stuff, including being a teenage single mom while going to college and becoming a teacher.

And then there was April and how he’d treated her. At least he’d squared one out of those two guilt trips. She didn’t seem to be holding a grudge about the past. He’d had a great time last night and it seemed as if she had, too. Bygones went bye-bye. She was friendly and, if he didn’t miss his guess, a little flirty.

Since that lightning-rod moment all those years ago when her full mouth and curvy body had grabbed him by the throat, she’d always had the power to get his juices going. As much as he wished that was a bygone, too, it had happened again last night.

But this doctor’s appointment was about giving his sister a break so she could finalize details for her summer wedding.

“I’m happy to help, Dad.” Will really meant that. “And I hope Kim enjoys everything—up to and including her wedding day. She deserves all the good stuff.”

“Who’s holding down the fort while you’re here with me?”

Will had no doubt this was small talk because Sheriff Hank Fletcher still knew exactly what was going on in his jurisdiction. “Clarice and Eddie. They know how to get me if something comes up they can’t handle.”

“What do you think of Eddie? Professional assessment.”

“Hard to tell. I haven’t been here long enough to see him function in a crisis. But he seems bright, eager. He brings a lot of energy.”

Hank nodded. “I thought so, too. Things are going to change when the resort and building development are finished. More people will move here, which is a blessing and curse. We’ll do our best to anticipate potential problem situations but life has a way of throwing the unexpected at you just when you think you’ve got it all figured out.”

Will didn’t miss the sadness in his father’s blue eyes and knew he was thinking about losing his wife in a car accident. He’d come home for the funeral but couldn’t stay long. He had to get back to his job and proving himself to the seasoned veterans in the Chicago Police Department. Or was that just what he’d told himself to shut down the guilt he’d felt for leaving the people he loved?

He and April had hooked up and it was the last time they were together. Considering they’d just buried his mother, it was probably the best and worst night of his life. She had made him forget the pain for a little while.

“It’s good for Eddie to have you here,” Hank said.

“Why?”

“You have a lot of big-city experiences. Blackwater Lake won’t be on that scale, but there’s a lot you can teach him that I can’t.”

“I’m happy to do what I can, Dad, while I’m here. But—”

There was a light knock on the door then it opened and the doctor walked in. In his white lab coat over light blue scrubs, Adam Stone greeted them both and shook hands.

“It’s good to see you, Will.”

“You, too.” They’d met a couple months ago during his dad’s health crisis.

“So, how’s the patient doing?”

“Feeling great, doc.” Hank pulled his T-shirt off as the doctor removed the stethoscope worn draped around his neck.

“Take a deep breath.” Adam pressed the round thing to various places on his dad’s chest and back, carefully listening each time he moved it. “Sounds good. Strong heartbeat and your lungs are clear.”

He carefully inspected the scar on Hank’s chest and nodded approval. “This looks awesome.”

“Chicks dig scars,” Hank joked.

“Then you should be very popular, Dad.”

Adam laughed. “It’s healing well.”

“How’s the wife and kids,” Hank asked.

“Great. Couldn’t be better.” The doctor smiled broadly. “C.J. is loving Cabot Dixon’s summer camp and has decided he’s going to be a cowboy when he grows up. Or Robin Hood. He’s been taking archery classes with Kate Scott, actually Dixon now. They got married,” he explained to Will. “And C.J. can’t make up his mind whether he likes riding horses better than shooting a bow and arrow.”

Hank laughed. “And that little girl of yours?”

“Beautiful. Just like her mom.” His voice grew marginally softer when he mentioned the two women in his life. “Although I could do without the terrible twos. If she’s as good at everything else as she is at that, she’ll be incredibly successful in her chosen field.”

“Yeah, I remember that stage,” Hank said wryly. “My wife handled it and that’s why Kim and Will grew up so well.”

Will marveled at how his father got people to talk, to open up. He considered it part of his job to know the citizens of his town and the man was a master. That was very different from Will’s work in Chicago. There was no way law enforcement could spend the time to get to know everyone.

Adam met his gaze. “How is it being back?”

Will figured he should be used to that question by now but it seemed every day in Blackwater Lake made his feelings a little less clear. So all he said was, “Good.” Best to leave it at that and change the subject. “So my dad is doing okay?”

“Pretty remarkable actually. Pulse, heart rate, breath sounds, blood pressure are all where we want them. Anything you think I should know?” Adam asked.

“No. I’m feeling good,” the patient said.

“I’m going to order some blood work.”

“Heaven forbid I should get out of here without someone sticking me with a needle,” his dad joked.

“Man up, Hank. You should be used to it by now,” the doc said.

“Not really.”

Adam glanced through the chart. “You’re still exercising and watching your diet?”

His dad’s expression was wry. “Have you met my daughter, Kim? You know, the pretty, bossy one?”

“Okay. Point taken. I’m betting that skill was sharpened by working with teenagers.” Adam laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes. So keep it up. At this pace you’ll be ready to go back to work when your medical leave is over at the end of summer.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

“I want to see you again in six weeks. You can make an appointment with the receptionist on the way out.” He shook hands with both of them again. “Take care.”

Twenty minutes later they were in Will’s SUV and headed home. After leaving the clinic his dad had grown unusually quiet, a stark difference from the gregarious man who was keeping up with the personal life of someone who lived in his town. The checkup couldn’t have gone better. So what was the deal? Will was a police officer and trained detective but without clues he was unable to draw a conclusion.

And then there was this dandy technique that cops used to find out stuff. It was called interrogation. “What’s going on, Dad? You’re pretty quiet over there. The doc gave you high marks and said you’ll be back to work soon.”

“Yeah.” The flat tone was a clue.

“Is this about work?”

“In a way. I’ve been thinking about retiring. I knew it was creeping up on me but didn’t give it a lot of thought until the heart attack and surgery. Now...”

“What?”

“It’s been on my mind. And you know that pretty, bossy sister of yours? She’s been relentless about me slowing down. Taking it easy. Traveling.”

“You’ve always wanted to,” Will reminded him. “I remember you talking about it when Kim and I were kids.”

“Not so much after your mom died.”

Will felt a jab of guilt again that he hadn’t been around much after the funeral. “I know that was a hard time for you.”

“It was. And I’ll always love her. But I’m not grieving the loss anymore.” A big sigh came from the passenger seat. “Since Josie—”

“The widow who rents a room from Maggie Potter. I met her when you were in the hospital.” Nice woman, he thought.

“Yeah. She stayed in Copper Hill to be there for your sister until I was out of the woods.”

“I liked her.”

“Kim does, too. And if she didn’t—”

Will laughed. “It wouldn’t be pretty.”

“No kidding.”

“You should take a trip,” Will said. “With Josie.”

“I’d like that, but I feel a responsibility to the folks here in Blackwater Lake. Can’t just turn their welfare over to a rookie deputy, no matter how smart and eager he is. Not with the hotel and condos getting closer to opening every day.”

“Yeah, I can see where you’re coming from.”

Will knew this was his dad hinting for him to make this temporary sheriff thing permanent. He remembered what that kid at the photo shoot had said about his hurry to get to the big city. In fact Will had told April he understood where the kid was coming from. But it felt like forever since he’d been obsessed with excitement, getting away from this town to do something more important.

“I know you do, Will. And I always knew you wanted me to be proud of your accomplishments. You have no idea how proud I am of you, the man you’ve become.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“And you’re older now. Age has a way of making you look at things differently. This town really has a lot to offer a man.”

Just like that an image of sassy April Kennedy popped into his mind. She wasn’t that skinny little girl anymore, but had grown into a beautiful, confident, accomplished woman. So many of his good memories were wrapped up in her, but she was the girl he’d left behind. It hadn’t worked out for them and no matter what Will accomplished in his career the failure in his personal life would always bother him.

“Blackwater Lake was a good place to grow up. Tim is thriving here.”

“Yes, he is. He’s a great kid.” There was grandfatherly pride in his voice, but there was something flat in the tone.

Will glanced over to the passenger seat and saw the look of resignation on his dad’s face. He should have known the man wouldn’t miss the way Will had deliberately changed the subject. There was no point in taking the idea any further. He would be going back to Chicago at the end of the summer.

That was just the way it was.

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