The Gauntlet

Uncomfortable with Molly’s openness, Cam called Miracle to his side. The black Lab hesitated, licked Molly’s hand one more time, then slowly rose and trudged hesitantly to his side. Cam felt like a heel. He wasn’t able to give Miracle the kind of open, loving warmth Jeanne had bestowed on her. Now Molly was offering what Miracle so missed. He wondered hotly what it would be like to be stroked by Molly’s small, graceful hand. For a moment, he envied Miracle.

“I’ve got to get going,” Cam stumbled. “I’ll see you at school on Monday.”

“Sure…” Molly tried to smile, but it was impossible. She’d totally embarrassed herself in front of Captain Sinclair, who was obviously uncomfortable in her presence. Miracle hesitated at the top of the dune, turned toward her and barked. Then she spun around, disappearing down the other side with her master.

Packing up her items, Molly thought she’d never felt as alive as she had in those few minutes with Cam and his dog. At least he hadn’t been icy with her, as he was at school. There had been a change in him, although it was subtle. Why was he so unhappy? As Molly shrugged into her knapsack and folded her towel, she cringed at the thought of going home. The weekend stretched in front of her. On Saturday her father would call, demanding a detailed verbal report of her week’s activities.

Slowly, Molly walked through the sand. The sun hovered on the horizon, the sky a pale pink tinged with lavender. Its setting was going to be spectacular, and the beauty momentarily raised her plummeting spirits. How she longed for the kind of freedom Miracle had.

Cam’s face swam in front of her. All her worry lifted, and a ribbon of warmth spread through Molly. What kind of magic did he hold over her to lift her unaccountably from her own private hell? Whatever it was, Molly thanked the Fates for bringing them together this evening. That had been a miracle in itself.

* * *

“Stop whining.” Standing in the living-room doorway, Cam scowled. Miracle stood at the front door, as if waiting to be let out. Cam knew the dog was thinking of Molly. Wasn’t he, too?

Running his hand through his hair, he entered the living room, sat down on the overstuffed couch and picked up a newspaper. The six o’clock news was on TV, and Cam watched it with disinterest. Miracle came over to sit primly near his feet. She whined again.

“Stop,” Cam pleaded, putting the newspaper aside and patting the Lab. “I know you liked her a lot. And yes, she played with you.” Cam frowned. “I’m sorry, I should play more with you. Maybe I’ll try from here on out. Okay?”