Ruth and Talley quickly followed him over to the driest kindling, and he reached in his pocket for the silver lighter engraved with another person’s initials. He flipped open the top and flicked his thumb over the flint. Several times sparks snapped until finally one caught and a flame danced to life. “Get me some twigs.”

Ruth bundled dried weeds with the smallest branches and held them close to the flame. The brittle ends quickly caught, and Daddy took the bundle from her and placed it on the pile. The fire hungrily bit into the wood and then licked along the branches arranged into a tripod.

Henry excused himself from Carlotta and loaded up his arms with logs. He knelt by the pit and carefully fed the flames with wood. Soon the blaze danced tall and crackled as it devoured the driftwood.

Mama came down over the dune carrying a basketful of marshmallows and long twigs sharpened at the tips. Her gaze cut to the flames and Ruth’s proximity to the fire. A brow rose. Daddy shrugged, winked at his wife.

Mama shook her head as a smile tried to break free.

“Go on, girls,” Daddy said. “Back away from the flames, or she’ll skin all our hides.”

The heat of the blaze warmed Ruth’s skin like the midday sun. “You just charm her like you always do.”

Daddy chuckled. “I’ll do my best.”

Mama had changed her dress and put on lipstick, making her look younger and less tired than earlier today. The children gathered around her asking for sticks and marshmallows. Ruth hurried toward her mother and took the basket as she handed out supplies. The girls dutifully centered their marshmallows on their twigs, whereas the boys appeared more interested in sword fights.

Ruth watched as Carlotta and Henry stood by the wreck, their bodies relaxed and their smiles easy. It didn’t take much to see that they liked each other. Ruth had always wondered who her mama was but never thought much about her real daddy. She reckoned it had to be someone tall and good looking like Henry because Carlotta wouldn’t settle for less.

Mama approached Carlotta and Henry, and the three spoke a moment before Mama clapped her hands and got everyone’s attention. She introduced Carlotta, and everyone applauded. Her popularity had grown each night, and tonight’s performance had drawn several locals and visitors from other hotels.

Mama smiled, doing her best to look relaxed, and she welcomed everyone to the Seaside Resort beach. When it came to tasks, logistics, and hard work, Mama was in her element. But in front of everyone, she looked unsure, timid even.

“You did not come here to see me,” Mama said over a few lingering conversations. “I have two special guests for you tonight. First, Carlotta DiSalvo, fresh from the showboat the Maisy Adams.”