The Mickelson family cottages—fifty years old or more by this time—sat side by side on a large lawn. One cottage had belonged to his mother Mary’s parents, a long time ago; JJ had always liked hearing his father tell of the summer he got back from the war and the first time he’d noticed Mary down on the dock. Surrounded by tall cedar trees on three sides, both cottages faced out toward Green Bay. Each had a large porch, perfect for watching the sunset through the trees.

JJ. felt peaceful, being here, despite the pain in his leg as he limped across the lawn. He shoved his hands in his pockets, and slowed his pace a little. There was no reason to hurry. No one was even watching to see whether he could.

He had just reached the bottom porch step at his grandmother’s when the screen door banged open and out rushed Anne. She was looking down, adjusting the ribbon around the waist of her bathing suit.

He staggered, and almost lost his footing.

She didn’t see him until she had reached the bottom of the porch steps and nearly run into him, and she screamed, pressing her hand to her heart. He grabbed her elbow to keep her from falling backward onto the steps.

Recognition flickered in her eyes. But she didn’t move, or lose her look of fear.

He forced out his best smile. His ears were still ringing from her scream. “Sorry, Anne. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“What—what are you doing here? Jack said you were in Pine Rapids.”

He flushed a little, pleased, though she clearly wasn’t happy to see him. At least she had been paying attention to what was said about him. “I was until just a couple days ago. I decided to come visit. I didn’t know you were here.”

“Yes, we’re here, Harry and the children and I.” She still didn’t smile.

“So I’ll finally get to meet my little cousins.”

She blinked. Blinked again. “Yes.”

A moment passed.

“Would you let go of me, please?” she said.

He hadn’t realized he was still holding her elbow. He dropped it, took a step back. “Sorry,” he said. His heart pounded.

“I’d better get back to the children.” She squeezed past him.

He took a step after her. “Can I come? Meet them?”

She acted as though she hadn’t heard him. Hugging herself tight, she walked quickly, with her head bowed, toward the steps that led down to the dock.

When she was out of sight, he slammed the banister with his fist, and cursed.

“JJ?”

He looked up. It was his grandma, poking her head out the cottage door.

“JJ, I thought that was you! I saw you out the window. For heaven’s sake!”