It was impossible for James to believe that Jacob didn’t hear that shout. And then sure enough, the tip of the boat inched forward, and the rest of the boat came into view. James planned to discuss his observations with Joan later, but suffice to say, he noticed Sally tucking her hair behind her ears and smoothing it back into place. Her lips looked a little swollen, and her cheeks were tinted pink. And Jacob…well, he was bearing the widest grin he had ever seen on any man.
But any analysis of those observations would have to wait. And though he felt a small pang of guilt in how he hindered his friend, he more highly prioritized Joan’s safety in this situation.
“Jacob, our boat has a hole in it. Come over here and take Joan to shore.” Now that he saw the size of their boat and eyed the four bodies needing to fit, he wasn’t sure they would all be able to clamor inside the one rowboat. So much for his options. Swim it would be.
“What about you?” Joan asked.
He quieted his voice as he spoke to her, “If there’s room, I’ll join you. But it’s more urgent for you to get to shore safely.”
As he spoke the words, he saw Joan scrunch and unscrunch her face, processing his words. He hadn’t said anything any other gentleman wouldn’t have suggested. Yet he could still see her bewildered expression.
“I’ll be fine. I can swim. It’s not far.” He dismissed the questions he could see forming in her eyes and turned back to Jacob who was quickly rowing toward them.
By the time Jacob reached their boat, James had secured the oars so they couldn’t drift away while they made the transition.
“I’ll hold the boats together,” James instructed. “Jacob, you help her into your boat.”
“What canIdo?” Sally asked, about to stand up.
“You can just sit there,” James said urgently. If Sally even moved a bit it could throw the whole balance of the boat off and instead of James swimming, it would be Joan.
When a small pout formed under Sally’s furrowed brow, he added, “We need someone to stabilize the boat.”
That seemed to appease her, so slowly, Joan lifted herself into the other boat. Even in this small crisis situation he noticed how she moved with intention and grace.
The second Joan was in place, James checked where the leak had sprung. Damn. There was still too much weight in the boat. Water was seeping in.
“James, it’s your turn.” Jacob said, hand extended.
James eyed the rowboat. It was already looking crowded. As Joan shuffled to make room for him, the boat teetered.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll just row this boat back.”
“Don’t be silly. There’s plenty of room. Jump in and we’ll drag the other boat back,” Jacob said.
Warily, James surveyed the boat again. If Jacob thought it would work, he wanted to trust the fellow. Make him look good in front of Sally.
Steadying himself in his boat, he gingerly lifted one leg to plant in the other boat.
Unfortunately, at the same time he stood flamingo-style in his rowboat, Sally took that opportunity to shift back saying, “I’ll just make more room for you here.”
And that shuffle was enough to rock their boat away from James's impending footplant.
It was as if it was happening in slow motion. James watched the edge of the rowboat slip away, out from under his foot. Jacob stood strong in the center to balance his boat of ladies, and Joan was kneeling (again!), reaching out to him.
He was falling into her. The momentum was too much. His head collided with her, but somehow it was only her mouth that crashed into his eye. Then—
SPLASH!
Down into the refreshingly cold water James went.
“James!”
He could hear the screaming from underwater. Thankfully he had shucked his jacket and waistcoat before going under. Swimming in clothing weighed a man down. Heaven forbid a lady fall in with all her layers.
Despite the screaming, and the shock of the water, James was calm. He had already resigned himself to swimming, so when he popped his head out of the water, he flicked his head, sprayingwater at whoever was waiting for him (he hoped he landed a few droplets on Joan), and belted out a laugh.
It was meant to be. “It’s a good day for a swim, wouldn’t you agree, Joan?”
