Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Patrice Lewis (best large ereader .txt) 📕

She knee-walked over to the side of the slide opposite Ross with the water swirling around her neck.

“Do they ever do anything other than slide?”

“Eventually. Sometimes we play Marco Polo if it’s not too crowded.” There were only six other kids at the moment. Jayda and Cooper took turns with the twins on the tube slide since Lexie had taken over Charlee duty in the kiddy pool. Two older kids took turns on the bigger slide next to them, and two boys tossed a ball back and forth in the swimming end.

“Is it always this peaceful?”

“Depends on the time of day. Usually this early, it’s not crowded. More people come after lunch and in the summer, most people go to the outdoor pool.”

A huge splash sounded behind them and they both turned.

Water cascaded their faces as a boy surfaced after an obvious cannonball.

“Is it just me, or is he too old for the big kid pool?”

“Maybe he’s really big for his age?” Along with rambunctious—and no parents seemed to be watching him. “It’s hard to say. But if he gets out of hand, the lifeguards will take care of it. They’re really good about keeping things safe here.”

“Still, we better keep an eye out. Brutus could hurt someone.”

She chuckled at the nickname. But the big kid was living up to it as he grabbed the smaller kids’ ball and turned it into a game of keep away against their will.

The lifeguard blew a whistle. “Give them their ball back, Jimmy.” His voice came through a megaphone.

The twins and their friends slid several more times, but then Brutus joined them, causing more wait time in between slides, especially since he ran in front of the smaller children and ended up with more turns.

Another whistle blew. “Jimmy, no pushing other kids aside. Wait your turn. One more infraction and you’re out.”

“Let’s play Marco Polo.” Mason swam for the other end of the pool. “Come on Cooper.”

“Okay. Come on, Uncle Ross, you can play too.” Madison followed, her strokes smoother than her brother’s. “Come on Jayda.”

Stacia stood and started after them, glad to escape Jimmy.

“Jimmy wait! Watch out, miss!” A whistle blew the alarm.

Something slammed into her back just above her waist. She pitched forward, tried to scream. But nothing came out. She couldn’t breathe.

Strong arms came around her, kept her from going under. “I’ve got you.” Ross pressed her face into his chest. “Kids, get out of the pool, and stay where I can see you.”

“Aunt Stacia!” Madison screamed.

Panic squeezed her empty lungs.

“She’ll be okay.” Ross sounded so calm.

“I’ve got Madison and Mason,” Larae called. “Don’t worry.”

“Relax,” Ross murmured near her ear. “Just got the wind knocked out of you. Try to take some deep breaths.”

Blessed oxygen returned as her breathing stabilized. But now that her chest didn’t hurt, her back sure did.

“Ma’am, are you all right?” The lifeguard had entered the pool, not the young college-aged girl, but a man.

“I think so.” She pressed her hand against her back. Madison and Mason sat on the side of the pool, their faces panic-stricken.

“I’m so sorry, ma’am. I thought he’d wait until you got past the slide.”

“I’ll be fine. I shouldn’t have walked in front of it.”

“We’ve had trouble with Jimmy all week, which is why I took on lifeguard duty. His parents are staying at the ranch and they send him down here by himself. He’s twelve, but he’s so big, and he won’t follow the rules.” Irritation edged the lifeguard’s tone. “But he’s out now. He can’t come back unless his parents come with him.”

“Maybe we should go to the doctor, get checked out,” Ross suggested.

“The ranch will pay for any doctor bills you incur. Just have them send me the bill.” The lifeguard offered his hand. “Chase Donovan, owner.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. I think I’ll just be sore for a few days.”

“I’m really sorry this happened.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I should have kicked Jimmy out before now. But I feel sorry for him. He craves attention and his parents don’t seem to give him any.”

“That’s sad.”

“Poor kid.” Ross frowned.

“I’ve seen thousands like him here over the years.” Mr. Donovan sighed. “I’m just sorry you got caught in the crosshairs. I’m serious about the doctor. Go get checked out and give them the dude ranch number for the bill.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m just glad it was me and not one of the smaller kids.”

“It could have been much worse. Well at least take advantage of the hot tub. Works wonders on sore muscles.” Mr. Donovan scanned the swimmers lingering around the pool or with their parents. “I better get back to work.” He blew his whistle. “Y’all can get back in the pool now. All except Jimmy, you come with me.”

The boy stood off to the side with one of the male lifeguards. He fell in step behind Mr. Donovan but mocked the way the owner walked. Obviously still not taking the situation seriously.

She’d always wanted to relax in the spa, but she was always too busy on twin patrol. Standing at the side of the pool with Larae, Madison and Mason were calm now that they’d seen she was okay. Patiently waiting. Even though they had the owner’s okay to get back in the water, they were waiting for her.

The round swell of Larae’s nine-month pregnancy lodged a twinge in her chest. Something she’d never have.

“Here’s an idea.” Ross gripped her shoulders, turned her toward the large round tub full of bubbling water. “You go relax, I’ve got twin duty.”

“But—”

“You can watch to make sure I don’t abscond with Mason and Madison. And besides, you’ve got your posse over there watching me.”

Oh so tempting. Especially since the spa was empty at the moment. She wasn’t the communal hot tub type, unless she knew the other people in it.

“Okay, here are your choices—go sit in the spa while I swim with the kids, or I’m taking you to the doctor.”

“I’m not going to the doctor.”

“Then get in