“Hurry,” she cried. “The water’s starting to flood the cave.”
Gripping Juliet’s hand tighter, he made his way the last twenty feet. “Lower yourself into the water. I’ll catch you.”
Charlie shook her head. “I can’t.”
Juliet slid between him and the rock, coming to his other side even as waves crashed into them. “It’s all right,” she said reassuringly. “You’ll be between us. We’ll keep you safe. Your feet will still touch. Don’t worry.”
She reached for Charlie and took her hand as Charlie jumped into the water. His sister let out a scream even as he grabbed her other hand, pulling Charlie
against his body.
“Don’t let her go,” Dane looked into Juliet’s eyes.
“I’ll keep her safe,” Juliet said as they started moving.
“I know you will,” he answered, his heart still hammering. “I’m worried about you.” They formed a human chain, him slowly pulling both women through the freezing water. Twice, the waves hit them so hard they smashed their joined hands into the rocks, drawing blood. He gritted his teeth, angry he hadn’t done a better job of protecting them. Charlie was his responsibility and Juliet…
Juliet was everything. Chase, Ophelia, and Bianca stood on the sand watching them. Some of the tension in his chest loosened. Rathmore waved and sprinted toward them, splashing into the water. Without a word, Dane pushed Charlie toward their cousin. Chase scooped his sister from the water, turning back toward the sand.
Dane didn’t say a word as he grabbed Juliet’s waist, lifting her into his arms. His legs burned with effort but he swung her up out of the water, pushing through the churning waves toward the sand until he was finally on dry ground again. She snaked her arms about his neck and buried her face into his shoulder. He dropped to his knees as Juliet sobbed.
She’d been so calm throughout the entire rescue, she deserved to cry. Suddenly Charlie had her arms about both of them and she let out a wail herself. Before he knew it, Bianca and Ophelia had joined into the hug even as Juliet broke into wracking sobs. Chase was last, wrapping his arms about the outside of the group.
He looked at his cousin even as he grazed a kiss across Juliet’s head. “I understand now.”
Chase gave him a small smile. “Good.” Then his smile grew. “Damn but you’re thick.”
“I am,” he answered. Juliet had been so brave and strong. And she’d executed a perfect plan when he might have been seized with worry. This was his woman…the love of his life. He didn’t need time. Dane didn’t need to know anything else. His heart had known the answer all along. He had fallen in love with Juliet.
Chapter Fourteen
Since the moment in the dining room when she’d realized Charlie was down on the beach, Juliet had pushed her feelings aside. It had been like any other plan she’d developed. Think of the parts, possible outcomes, and account for them.
But now, with Charlie safe, the fear and worry had overwhelmed her. She drew in a deep breath of Dane’s skin, diluted by salt and pressed against his heat. He softly shushed her, over and over. “Shhh. It’s all right. We’re all, all right.”
“You found her,” Adrianna called from the path. “Thank goodness.”
She managed to unwind one arm from around Dane’s neck and reached about Charlie. “Are you hurt?”
Tears streamed down Charlie’s face. “I’m fine. I…thank you.” Then she pressed her cheek to Juliet’s. “You warned me. I am so sorry. I…”
“Charlie.” She held her tighter, one arm around Dane and the other about Charlie, tears still spilling onto her cheeks. “We all do those silly, foolish things.” She squeezed the woman tighter. “That’s why you need a good family about you to help keep you safe.”
She squeezed her eyes shut as Charlie pressed closer.
“We are all richer for having you here, Juliet. Not one of us hasn’t benefitted from your level head.” Ophelia reached in her hand. “You know when I told you the other day that your plans weren’t wanted?”
Juliet opened her eyes to look at her sister. Those words had stung deeply. “Yes?”
“I was so wrong.” Ophelia touched her hand that was around Dane’s neck. “Say that you forgive me.”
She drew her brows together. “Of course, I forgive you.” She reached for her sister’s hand letting Charlie go to pull one more person into their tight circle.
“Let’s get back to the house and out of these wet clothes,” Dane said, though no one made a move.
Juliet wasn’t certain she cared about the soaked garments. His heat radiated out of his body through his clothing, keeping her rather warm despite the crisp breeze.
“Dane’s right.” Ophelia pulled at her hand. “If we don’t move soon, the water is going to overtake us.”