A Daisy's Prerogative

Chapter 4

"I thought we could go to Fisherman's Wharf first and walk around," Shawn suggested after a few minutes.

"Okay, sounds good," Daisy agreed.

She leaned against the passenger door, looking out the open window, and for the first time since her arrival took the opportunity to observe her surroundings. Although the picturesque town of Shelly Cove has been battered by bitter storms and a tumultuous ocean for over 200 years, its weathered structures have never lost their rustic, quaint charm.

Surprisingly, she found herself relaxing and the tension and nausea slowly faded to a dull ache, and by the time Shawn parked the truck, only a small tight knot in her stomach remained.

"Not really so far, is it?" Daisy remarked.

"That is the benefit of a small town, most everything is within walking distance."

"Why didn't we walk?"

"Because it is summer and it's hot! Besides, I want to take you somewhere else when we are done."

Daisy twisted around to Shawn, "Oh? Where?"

"You'll see," he winked and jumped out of the truck.

Daisy pulled on her door handle and grunted when it refused to budge.

"Sorry, only opens from the outside," Shawn apologized, opening the door for her.

"This truck is a wreck," she stated, sliding forward to climb out, but before she realized his intentions, Shawn lifted her out. She grabbed his shoulders to keep herself steady as he gently set her on the ground. She noticed the way his chest muscles flexed and strained against his t-shirt.

Shawn had a well-toned muscle structure, indicating he was avidly into sports or worked out daily.

"You good?" He asked, releasing her.

"Huh? Oh, yes," she nodded and hastily moved away.

Shawn reached into the truck for her bag, before pulling another bag from under her seat. He took a moment to compose himself, once again her scrutiny had made him extremely uncomfortable, but the funny thing was, this time he enjoyed it.

He locked the truck and then held out his hand.
"Coming?"

Daisy took her bag from Shawn and slipped her hand into his. She exhaled when the comfort she had hoped for would be there washed over her.

He squeezed her hand and led her along the path toward the boardwalk.

All the shops were lined up on one side, each rewarded with a spectacular view of a never-ending blue horizon. The boardwalk was still relatively empty, with only a few people standing admiring the ocean and some enjoying a drink at the coffee shop.

Her eyes were drawn to the roar of the waves crashing against the poles that somehow, miraculously, held the long wooden walkway together. She froze when her eyes caught what she had barely glimpsed on Friday night.

Shawn felt the tug on his hand, and he smiled. She had spotted the lighthouse.

"Oh my Gosh, Shawn, can we go there?" Daisy asked, unable to quell the bubbling excitement in her voice.

"I was going to take you there later, after lunch."

"Lunch?" Daisy tore her eyes away to look at Shawn.

"Yeah," he beamed and nodded. "Come on, the library is on the end, although I don't think it is open yet."

Daisy followed, listening to Shawn introduce all the various shops along the boardwalk. As predicted, the library was still closed when they came to a stop.