Destiny's Last Bachelor?. Christyne Butler

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СКАЧАТЬ found that long-established camps often rely on alumni, not only to send their children to the same camp they once attended, but to assist in fund-raising efforts, as well. You don’t have that yet, but there used to be a summer camp in town that ran for over twenty-five years. Their former campers might be interested in learning there’s a new camp here in Destiny.”

      Bobby nodded. “I guess that’s something we could look into. If we can get any information from the Shipmans, the family that used to own the old camp.”

      “It would take a bit of doing,” Leeann added. “There aren’t any Shipmans still living in Destiny that I know of.”

      “Well, I’ve found at least one former camper who’s a big name. Did you know that the San Antonio Alamos’ second baseman, Jax Summers, was born and raised in Chapman Falls, which is only two hours from here? According to his website, he first learned to hit a baseball while attending the Shipmans’ camp. His parents still live up there and he’s often home during the off season.”

      Bobby looked impressed. “I don’t think I ever knew that.”

      “I’ve come up with a half-dozen people who have a history of generous charitable giving and, most importantly, a connection to this area.”

      “Can we see that list?” Bobby asked.

      Priscilla handed them her findings, watching as Bobby and Leeann, heads close together, read it.

      She was pleased that her ideas were going over so well. As someone whose closest experience to kids’ summer camp was English riding lessons at the Beverly Hills Riding Club, Priscilla had spent a lot of time over the past few days learning everything she could about summer camps.

      She’d been surprised to find ones that specialized in everything from sports to technology to the arts, but she’d concentrated on private, traditional sleepaway camps that offered a variety of activities like Camp Diamond.

      “I think you’re onto something here.” Bobby tapped a finger against the piece of paper. “This is an idea the board of directors should explore further, but when Leeann said we were looking at fund-raising, we were actually thinking of something simpler.”

      “Simpler?”

      “And even more local.” Leeann rested a hand on Bobby’s jean-clad thigh. “From the very beginning, we wanted the people of Destiny, our families and friends, to be a part of the camp. We used a local company, Murphy Mountain Log Homes, to design and build all the buildings, and while we had to go outside the area to fill some of the senior staff positions, a lot of the staff, including most of the counselors, are local high-school and college kids.”

      “Yes, well, I’m sure summer jobs are scarce in a town this small, so that’s a good thing, but I’m not sure what you’re looking for as far as—”

      “Hey! Anyone home?”

      A deep, booming voice filled the air, cutting her off. It seemed to come through the trees, but Priscilla guessed whoever bellowed was down below the wraparound deck.

      “Yeah, we’re here. Come on up,” Bobby called out and then offered a sheepish grin when his wife swatted at him. “Sorry about that, Priscilla. A buddy of mine is here for an early dinner. Why don’t you stay and join us?”

      “Oh, I don’t want to intrude.”

      “You won’t. Please stay,” Leeann said. “We have plenty of food and this way I won’t be outnumbered. As usual.”

      “Hey, you’re never outnumbered.”

      “A female dog doesn’t count— Oh, no! Bobby, he’s got Dais—”

      A blur of wiry golden-and-brown hair on four legs raced around the corner of the deck. Before Priscilla could brace herself, she had a familiar furry snout pressed into her hand as the same dog that greeted her yesterday in the river jumped up on the sectional right next to her.

      Which meant her owner wasn’t too far behind.

      “Oh, my, would you look at that.” Leeann’s voice was low. “I never thought I’d see this day.”

      Priscilla’s hand stilled where she spontaneously started to scratch at the dog’s ears. She looked up and found Leeann and Bobby staring, mouths agape. “I’m sorry?”

      “That dog hates women,” Leeann said, “but look at her cuddling up to you.”

      “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Daisy behave this way before,” Bobby added.

      “Tell me about it.”

      Priscilla turned sharply at the familiar voice, instantly recognizing her Good Samaritan and Daisy’s owner.

      The first thing she saw was a pair of battered deck shoes. Her gaze slowly rose over tanned muscular legs dusted with dark hairs to his baggy cargo shorts. His deep green Camp Diamond T-shirt was untucked and stretched taut across his broad, powerful chest.

      When a knowing grin crossed his handsome face, Priscilla realized she’d just assessed him as closely as he’d done to her yesterday. At least he was wearing more than a towel.

      Too bad.

      Surprised at the thoughts racing through her mind and the way her body responded to them, Priscilla forced her gaze to remain locked with the man she hadn’t thought she’d see again. “Well, hello.”

      He bowed slightly and tipped his head, and she couldn’t tell if he meant the gesture to be gallant or mocking. “Hello to you. Again.”

      “Wait, you two know each other?” Bobby asked.

      Priscilla turned back, rushing to speak before Dean could. “We met yesterday afternoon when I first arrived in town.”

      “Down by the Blue Creek. She was pulled over and I stopped to see if she needed any help.”

      “Yes, Mr. Zippenella and his dog were quite the welcoming committee,” she hastily added, hoping Dean wouldn’t mention the details of their run-in, both in the water and later at the inn.

      “To say Daisy is smitten is a bit of an understatement,” the man added, walking toward the bar.

      “Boy, I’d say. Look at her. She’s never been that friendly with me or any woman in town.” Leeann’s voice was still filled with awe. “What’s your secret?”

      “I don’t quite understand it, either.” Priscilla found herself once again moving her fingertips along the dog’s neck. “I mean, I’m a fan of animals, of course, but even I was a bit surprised at how outgoing—”

      “Yeah, speaking of animals, where’s that pint-size yip factory of yours?” Dean asked. “What did you call it? Snack?”

      Priscilla glanced at her bag, surprised the pup hadn’t made an appearance yet. “Snake is taking a nap at the moment— Oh!”

      His tiny pointed ears popped up first, and then seconds later, Snake hopped from his hiding spot and landed on the deck at Priscilla’s feet. The dog growled deep in his throat, causing СКАЧАТЬ