Sanctuary(101)

A little to starboard, Jo Ellen. That's the way. You're a natural.

But Sam had sold it the year after Annabelle went away. All the replacements since had gone unnamed. The family no longer took dizzying rides together.

Still, Jo knew the routine. she checked the fuel while Lexy and Kate released the lines. Automatically she adjusted her stance to accommodate the slight sway at the dock. Her hands took the wheel easily, and she smiled when the engine caught with a kick and a purr.

"Daddy still keeps her running smooth, I see."

"He overhauled the engine over the winter." Kate took a seat, and her agitated fingers twisted the gold chain that draped over her crisp cotton blouse.

she would let Jo pilot, she thought. It would help her stay calm. "I've been thinking the inn should invest in a new one. Something spitter to look at. We could offer tours around the island, stop off at Wild Horse Cove, Egret Inlet, that sort of thing. 'Course that means we'd have to hire on a pilot."

"Daddy knows the island and the water around it better than anyone," Jo pointed out.

"I know." Kate shrugged her shoulders. "But whenever I bring that up, he mutters under his breath and finds something else he has to do. Sam Set-in-His-Ways Hathaway is not an easy man to move."

"You could tell him how he'd be able to keep an eye on things better if he was in charge." Jo glanced at the compass, set her heading, and started across the sound. "He could make sure people didn't trample the vegetation or upset the ecosystem. Put someone else on it, they're not going to care as much, be as vigilant."

"It's a good angle."

"You buy a new boat, he'll have a hard time resisting it." lexy readjusted the knot in her scarf. "Then you mention how you need to find the right pilot-not only one who's experienced and competent, but somebody who understands the fragility of the environment and how it needs to be explained to the tourists so they understand why Desire has stayed pure all these years."

Both Jo and Kate turned to stare at Lexy in astonishment. Lexy spread her hands. "You just have to know how to work people, is all. You talk about educating the tourists on respecting the island and leaving it as they found it and that sort of thing, he'll not only come around, he'll end up thinking it was his idea to start with."

"You're a sly child, Alexa," l(ate told her. "I've always admired that about you."

"The island's what matters to Daddy." Lexy leaned over the rail to let the wind slap her face. "Using that to turn him around isn't sly, it's just basic. Can't you go any faster, Jo? I could swim to Savannah at this rate.

Jo started to suggest that Lexy do just that, then shrugged. Why not? Why not go fast and free for just a little while? she glanced back at the shoreline of Desire, the white house on the hill, then she gunned the throttle. "Hold on, then."

At the burst of speed, Lexy let out a whoop, then threw back her head and laughed. Oh, God, but she loved going places. Going anywhere. "Faster, Jo! You always handled these buckets better than any of us."

"And she hasn't manned a boat in two years," Kate began, then shrieked as Jo whipped the wheel around, shooting the boat into a fast, wide circle. Heart thumping, she grabbed the rail while Lexy shouted out for more.

"Look there, it's Jed Pendleton's fishing boat. Let's buzz them, Jo. Give them a taste of our wake and rock them good."

"Jo Ellen, you'll do no such thing." Kate conquered the laugh that sprang to her throat. "You behave yourself."

Jo shared a rare grin with Lexy before she rolled her eyes. "Yes, ma'am," she murmured, tongue in cheek, and cut her speed. she sent out a short hail to the fishing boat. "I was just testing her engines and response."

"Well, now you have," Kate said primly. "And I expect it'll be a smooth ride from here on."

"I just want to get there." Lexy turned around and leaned back on the rail. "I'm dying to see people walking around. And I've just got to do some shopping. Why don't we all buy something new and pretty?

Party dresses. Then we'll have us a party. Get all dressed up, have music and champagne. I haven't had a new dress in months."

"That's because your closet's already bursting at the seams," Jo said.

,, Oh, those are ancient. Don't you ever have to have something new-just have to? Something wonderful?"

"Well, I have been wanting a new dedicated flash," Jo told her dryly.

"That's because you're more interested in dressing your camera than yourself " Lexy tilted her head. "Something bold and blue for you for a change. Silk. With silk undies, too. That way if you ever let Nathan get down to them, he'll have a nice surprise. Bet you would, too."