AS THE TIDE RISES

Soap Character Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 389

Mason listened intently to lss explain what had transpired on her trip, so far, to New York.

"Sugar, don't agree to anything until I read back through your contract. I'm pretty sure we have a sell out/merger clause in there."

"I thought so. I've tried getting in touch with Carter and only get his voicemail."

"I'll see if I can reach him. Go ahead to the meeting. You know the questions to avoid and you know what to ask. We all know you should have been a lawyer, too."

"No way. I'm not shifty enough," she laughed.

"True. But you could be one step ahead of them with that mind of yours."

"Yep. Well, thanks. I'll give you a call from the hotel later."

"Don't waste a trip to New York and skip shopping and come home. You get those long legs out on 5th Avenue and do some swiping of Jim's card."

lss laughed. "Trust me, I will."

"Be careful, sis. I love you."

"Love you, Mase."

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:38 am Post subject:

lss thanked Thatcher's secretary for the bottled water and then walked into the board room. She looked around the room and exhaled as a gentleman stood and smiled at her.

"I only found out 1 hour ago that you are our featured writer," said Matt.

"OUR featured writer? Since when do you work for a publishing company? What is this, Matt?" she demanded.

He laughed. "I met Thatcher while I was in treatment in Switzerland. He said he was making some changes in his company and wanted to bring me on as a consultant. I'm here today to listen as they review with all their clients on the merger."

"You understand that I don't believe you," she smirked.

"lssy...you have every right not to trust me but I assure you this is not what you think it is."

"So you two know each other?" Thatcher asked as he took lss' elbow and seated her next to the head of the conference table.

"Mmm hmm," replied lss as she sat down.

Matt took the seat across the table from her.

She glanced at him several times and was uncomfortable with his smile and the way he seemed to look at her...it was the same way he looked at her when they first met. She adjusted her seat, took a drink of water and then took out a note pad and began to doodle.

Thatcher started off on a long history of his work and then finally got to the point of why they had moved one portion of his corporation into the publishing business.

"It's a family love. My mother was a writer and my sister. I want this to be a company that is a work of love."

"What other ventures do you have?" lss asked.

"We're exploring alternative energy."

She did not reply but nodded her head and then continued to listen to him explain their advances in wind and solar technologies.

"So that's a driving force in all we do. We are definitely a green company and will make many changes that West End Publishing did not carry out. We are also divesting from many of their stocks that are not green."

"I know that's something you appreiciate, lssy," said Matt.

She smiled and then turned to Thatcher. "I would have preferred to have been told of the merger before coming up here. My attorney will have to review our contract with West End."

"He will find that everything is above board. The only thing is, Mrs. Bryson, we're not willing to publish your book. We'd love to keep you on as a writer but the content of your book is not the image we want for Greenlawn."

"Greenlawn?" she asked.

"Yes, our publishing arm."

"Sounds like a funeral home to me."

Matt laughed out loud. "It's still up for discussion."

"Yes, it seems to be a sore point with many on the board. We are discussing," said Thatcher.

"So you're saying my book is a no go?"

"As it stands now...it's not what we want. We do have people who could work with you to change a few things..."

lss laughed. "Sorry, you can't change the past. A history book is just that...history. We don't have a say in making it better....we just report the truth of the facts."

"lssy...you write wonderful children's stories. Maybe you could supply several in lieu of this book and Thatcher can keep the monetary portion of the contract in tact. The deliverable will be the only thing changed," offered Matt.

"You should have warned me of all of this," said lss to Thatcher. "My attorney should have been here. This is a waste of my time and I will have him looking into the clauses and possibility of breach of contract on the part of West End and this merger. Is there no one from West End now with Thatcher?"

"Uh...no," replied Thatcher.

She nodded her head. "Mason Madison," said lss as she handed him Mason's card. "He will be in touch with you."

The men who sat speechless around the table stood when lss stood. Matt moved around to assist her with her chair. Thatcher extended his hand.

"I do apologize for the shock value of all this...it's not what we were aiming for. I just figured a writer loves to write and will do whatever is necessary to remain published."

lss winked at him. "Trust me, I will remain published...with or without this contract."

"Mrs. Bryson...please, keep an open mind and attitude. You want to be on our team. We are currently looking to merge with several New York publishing companies so you will probably end up in business with us one way or the other."

"Is that a threat, Mr. Thatcher?"

"Please, call me Jason."

lss raised an eyebrow, nodded to the board and then headed to the door.
As she reached the elevator, she turned to see Matt following her.

"lssy...hold on. We need to talk. Let me get through these meetings today and then I can give you more informaiton on what all is going on. Will you meet me for supper?"

"Are you saying you had no idea that I was one of West End's contracts?"

"I did not. I swear....just an hour ago did I get the meeting agenda with the names of the people they are meeting with today."

"What's your deal in all this, Matt...just a consultant?"

"Yes."

He knew her look meant she did not believe him.

"Please, let me meet you for dinner and we'll talk. OK?"

"You have my number. Call me later," she replied.

"I will."

Soap Character Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 608

"Gracie, come on sweetie...time for supper."

"What we habin?"

"Ribs, onion rings and salad."

"Did you cook all dis, Daddy?"

"Sure did. I'm a ribs and ring cooker from way back."

"You funny," she giggled.

"Want to eat on the deck?"

"Yep. I get da pwates."

"And some napkins. I'll grab the forks and bowls for the salad," he replied.

"Otay...and we's need a table cloff."

"Pick one out...but nothing girlie."

"But I a girwl, Daddy."

"Gimme a break...nothing pink."

"How abouts lime grween?"

"Yeah, that's good."

"Can we swim after supper?"

"In the pool."

"Dat what I mean, Daddy. I know we can't swim in da Gulwf."

"One day, sugar...one day."

"Yep. Otay, I gots all my stuff for da table. You gets da food," she ordered.

"Got it. Looks like we are ready to roll."

Gracie laughed. "You and all my uncas always say dat."

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:24 pm Post subject:

lss knew they had driven by most of the popular areas for eating in New York. She was getting anxious, once again, of being with a driver that seemed to be on his own agenda or someone else's. While she knew Matt had sent him to pick her up, she could not imagine that Matt would pick anything so off the beaten path for dinner.

"One more turn and we'll be there," said the driver.

"Where are we?"

"Near the pier, ma'am."

After another turn, the limo pulled to a stop and the driver quickly came around to open her door.

"He's the third yacht on the left..."

"I see him. Thank you."

lss made her way down the pier and took Matt's hand as he helped her down the steps to the yacht.

"This is not your's is it?"

"Bought it two weeks ago."

"Wow...Matt...it's gorgeous."

"You know I always wanted one like this," he replied as he slid open the salon door.

"Oh my God, Matt. This is...Jim would die and think he'd gone to heaven."

Matt laughed. "I know. I can't wait to get it to Florida and take him out."

"This is just magnificent...and the view here from the pier....oh my, God!"

"I thought you'd like it. Have you talked to Jim since the meeting this morning?"

"Yes. He knows I'm having supper with you."

"How's Gracie without you there?"

"She's good. She's very adaptable to mine and Jim's schedules and, of course, Letty is with her when we are not."

"I've never doubted that she is well adjusted, adaptable and safe."

"She's also loved beyond measure and nothing is ever going to rock her world if I can help it," lss said sternly.

"You still don't trust me...that I want the very best for her."

"Matt, it's really not your call but, yes, I do believe you want the best for her."

"Listen, let's not try to dig and find faults in everything we say...let's have a nice dinner, enjoy the view and talk about the merger."

"Can we eat on the deck?" she asked.

Matt laughed. "Always ahead of me. Yes, we are eating on the deck. I thought I would surprise you but since you asked..."

"No, that's wonderful...we can't waste this gorgeous skyline"

Soap Character Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 608

"I told her you'd be home tomorrow but she still cried," said Jim as he talked with lss and caught up on the evening.

"Poor sweetie...bed time is always hard on her when one of us is not there."

"It's hell on me, too. I just want to wrap you up in my arms and kiss you until I can't breathe anymore," he whispered.

"Ohhh, I know...I missed you the minute I had to kiss you goodbye this morning. And then all this crap...I just wanted to be in your arms."

"Why don't we all head to the Keys this weekend. I can have things ready to go and you could just come by in the jet and pick us up," he suggested.

"Oh that's a great idea. Call Ranger and Tsand and see if they want to join us, OK?"

"I will. I'm having breakfast with Ranger in the morning, already. All the guys are meeting at Creed's."

"Anything up?" she asked.

"Nothing that I know of. Mason called the meeting. Said we were all getting old and worn out chasing kids and he needed to claim some manhood."

"At BREAKFAST," laughed lss.

"It's a planning session. Major poker playing is needed, smoking...scratching..."

"Oh, so the breakfast is phase one."

"Exactly."

"I miss you and I wish you were here right now. Nothing like spending the evening with Matt to make me want you even more," she sighed.

"Hey, he's suave and handsome..."

"He's Matt and I was over that shit a long time ago. I just want to be with you and Gracie."

"I'll get you all packed and ready for the Keys. Call me with an ETA and we'll be at the airport waiting tomorrow."

"I will, Sugar...love you."

"I love you. Can't wait to make love to you on the beach in that little cove...remember?"

"Oh yes...ohhhh...why did you have to mention that now?"

"Just to stir you up and get you really ready to see me."

She sighed and laughed. "I love you. Nitey night.

"Nite, babe. Sleep well."

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 1:40 pm Post subject:

"Baby I know...Mama is so sorry that she had to stay one more day but I have work to do. I promise, promise, promise I will see you in the morning and we will fly to the house in the Keys that we love, OK?"

"Well I wanted to be dere now," Gracie grumbled.

"I know...me too."

"No you did not. You dis like to work!"

"Gracie, now you know that is not true. Daddy will explain it all to you and we will be there tomorrow, OK?"

"Otay...but I not happy."

"I love you...let me talk to Daddy."

"You've got one sour lump standing here with her arms crossed and her lips pouting," said Jim.

"I know. I'm sorry...it's just that there's more going on here than meets the eye and I don't feel comfortable leaving New York until I can talk with these two people that Mason told me to see."

"Understand. He called me earlier and I figured you'd need some extra time."

"I could fly tonight but Tom says there are bad storms between here and Pensacola."

"You stay put until the morning. Then we'll head to the Keys."

"I love...thanks for understanding."

"I'm going to take Ms. Gracie to Sonic and then we are going to have an afternoon in the pool."

lss laughed. "I heard the squeal of joy."

"Hang on," said Jim.

"Mama, I sorrwy I pouted with you. Daddy and me go to Sonic and then play in da pool and he said if da beach is still clean we can walk with flwashlights tonight and find crwabs."

"Sounds good, baby. I love you. I'll see you tomorrow, OK?"

"Otay...love you, Mama...here's Daddy."

"Who knew the power of Sonic today," laughed lss.

"I do need to run by our worksite for just a few minutes. Andy said he found Gracie a little pink hardhat and tool belt."

"Oh no...she willl love that!"

"She will. I guess you'll want one, too?"

"Definitely!"

"I love you. Be careful and call me later."

"Love you. Bye."

Soap Character Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

Ranger eyed the black, white and lime green bag she placed on the bar, raised an eyebrow and said, "Really babe? Haven't you bought Carly's and Avery's store out yet?"

"No smarty pants, I haven't. They get new inventory in each week."

"Of course they do. You can never have enough rings or bracelets and necklaces can you?"

She leaned over and gave him a kiss. "I love that I'm married to a man who understands these things."

He laughed. "I really don't understand it but, I do understand you. Have you thought any more about heading to the Keys with lssy and Jim?"

"Yep. I think we should go. It's killing the kids to be on the beach and unable to get into the water. Did you talk to Sam today?"

"I did and he said there's been several water tests done and the water is fine."

"Did you ask if he would let his own children in the water there?"

"Yep and he said absolutely. It's beautiful, the fish are biting hard and we should come on down."

"I guess I need to start packing and call lssy."

"I've already called Jim and told him what Sam said about the water and that you'd be in since it's okay."

"They're renting the same house as before right?"

"They are and he said there's no need for us to get a hotel or try to find a place since it's more than big enough for all of us. And before you ask, I spoke with Maria and she's home packing right now."

"You've been a busy man."

"Yes m'am I have. While you've been out getting your shop on, I've been taking care of business.", he told her with a grin.

She took a sip of the tea she'd just poured, cocked her head and asked slyly, "Did you get around to packing our stuff too?"

He threw his head back and laughed. "You are such a stinker! I haven't put anything in our bags but, I did set out Tanner's and my clothes. They're laid out on our bed waiting for you to approve."

She grinned and leaned in for another kiss. "I knew there was a reason I married you. Now, what have you done with our son?"

"He went home with Maria who called a little while ago and said she's going to keep him for the night. They'll be here by 9 in the morning."

Her grin widened as she stepped between his legs and wrapped her arms around his neck. "So, it's just the two of us?"

He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. Lowering his head, he nuzzled her neck and nipped her earlobe. "Yep."

Lowering her arms, she slid her hands down his chest until she reached the hem of his t shirt. Gripping the fabric in her hands, she started pulling it up, sending him a saucy smile as she did. "I guess this means I can have my wicked way with you."

He returned her grin and said, "Damn sure does."
_________________
Love asks not, understands all, forgives and reaches out to those in need. We wander much in our ways to find a place that lives within our heart.

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 8:17 am Post subject:

"Thanks for meeting me here, Matt," said lss as she sat down at the table in the Palm Court of the Plaza.

"No problem. I'm thinking of heading back today myself."

"On the yacht or flying?"

"Oh definitely with the yacht. I'm really looking forward to it."

"Tim is doing such a good job at the Boat Works. That was the best thing you ever did," she said as she took a drink of coffee.

"I'm not worthy of the two great kids I have...but I'm trying my damnedest to make things right."

lss felt a tug at her heart that he was speaking truly from his heart.

"Tim and Gracie will have a relationship with you. Maybe not like what Jim, Delayna and I have with them but you will have a relationship and you make of it what you can."

"I suppose," he replied. "So...where do you stand with the book?"

"I met with the two attorneys that Mason lined up for me yesterday who handled the merger for Carter. Carter is out of the country on safari so I haven't been able to talk with him. Anyway, they said it's all out of their hands and they gave contracts went over with the same conditions as with West End Publishing. So, basically, I'm sitting here with a book they don't want to publish and a contract they have to pay me for...I don't know...I'm looking into a couple of options."

"lssy, I swear if there were something I could do. I talked again with Thrasher and he told me my consulting services were no longer needed."

"That's odd," she said with a furrowed brow.

"I thought so, too."

As the server brought their omelets, a young woman from the front desk of the Plaza brought lss an envelope. "This came for you by courier."

"Thank you," said lss. Matt tipped the young woman.

lss opened the small blue envelope and unfolded the note.

Back off the book, bitch. What's done is done. Continue with it and you'll lose family and friends.

lss tossed the note to Matt. "This is shit."

Matt quickly read the note. "You've got to give this up, lssy."

"This really pisses me off! This is not a reveal all, tell all...it's simply a history of the Agency. I swear...this really makes me angry!"

"Lssy, you've been threatened. You can't go on with this. Your priority is Gracie...you can't put her in danger. Nothing...no book contract is worth this!"

lss felt as if the words were Jim's. She knew he would react the same way.

"I'll send this to Ranger and Mike. They'll get to the bottom of it."

"Get to the bottom of it? This is NOT a case for you! This is your life, Gracie's, Jim's and all your friends."

"It's a damn history book! What is the big deal?" she asked again.

"Doesn't matter what the deal is...you need to let it go."

Soap Character Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 608

"Get your tail home and say goodbye to that book...you got that?" demanded Jim after lss filled him in on the mornings events.

"I'm at the airport and don't tell me what to do," she retorted.

"NO BOOK, lss! There's no more talk about this. NONE!"

"I've scanned the note to Ranger and Mike."

"Big FREAKIN' deal! You're not going off on an investigation into this. You are simply DROPPING THIS!"

"I should be in Pensacola in around 2:00. Call Ranger and Tsand."

"We're set. And don't blow me off about this book, lssy...it's OVER."

"We'll talk later."

"NO! We will NOT talk later. This is a done deal...no book. You're going to go to the Keys and we're going to relax and we are not sitting around trouble shooting and analyzing how you are going to continue with this book because YOU WILL NOT!"

"OK, Jim...I hear you. Stop yelling at me."

"Damn, lssy...I'm tired of this shit. I want to know my family is safe. I won't put up with this. Ranger warned your ass to begin with that this book would stir up trouble...and I sat back and supported you when you said it wouldn't. Well, it has. I don't want this kind of life. I'm not going to live in fear of what could happen to you and Gracie or to our friends."

"I know...I know..."

"I'm ready to see you and have some down time with you and Gracie and our friends...please don't bring this mess into our lives again. Let it go."

"I understand...I'll see you around 2:00."

"I love you, lssy...you know I do."

"I love you. Give Gracie a hug for me."

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 10:50 am Post subject:

lss stretched out on the couch of the Gulf Stream and put an ice pack on her forehead. She'd taken two Tylenol but knew if she could just relax the headache would go away.

She thought about Gracie and how much she missed her. These next couple of hours of flight would be forever until she could hold her and kiss her sweet face. And then Jim...her heart...she knew he was right and she didn't even have an ounce of argument against what he had told her. The thought of any of her family or friends being hurt because of her need to win...to win over someone who still had some control over a part of her life she had enjoyed but now hated...made her feel lifeless. Her family and her friends gave her life...she knew that and she knew she had to do exactly what Jim had asked of her.

"Damn you, Agency! Who gives a shit about who you are or what you did or did not do," she said as she tossed the ice pack across the plane.

Soap Character Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 608

Jim had just cast his line into the water when he felt her hands slip around his waist.

"Mornin' sugar," he said as he balanced the fishing rod in one had and pulled her around into his other arm.

"Sure is beautiful here," she replied as she hugged him.

"Pure heaven. What's Gracie doing?"

"Helping Tanner, Maria and Letty make breakfast."

"I had leftover Key Lime pie," he laughed.

"Let's move here. I absolutely love this place," she replied.

"Oh...hang on a sec...I've got a bite!"

lss watched his strong arms, muscles rippling, work the line. She loved the way his hair was sun streaked and his tanned body begged for her touch.

"Aww shit...I think that's the same damn bonefish that played me the last time we were here."

lss laughed and took a seat on the pier and dangled her feet in the water.

"I like that new swim suit," growled Jim.

"I'd rather just be naked," she giggled.

"You and that need to be naked on the beach."

"Never heard you complain when we found that little cove last time."

"That was definitely some memory making lovin'."

"I'm starving...are you ready for breakfast?" she asked.

"Sure. Let me set this crab basket and we'll head back to the house."

Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 6:27 pm Post subject:

Gracie was lying on her back on lss' stomach with her legs straddled by lss' hips. Her head was resting on lss' shoulder as they drifted along in the water.

"Dis is da life," sighed Gracie.

"It sure is."

"I so glwad to be back in da prwetty water wif you. I love dis place."

"It's a keeper. Did you have fun on the jet ski with Daddy?"

"Not when him was going fast and made dat big turn in da water. I not like dat at all."

"Daddy wouldn't do anything that would be unsafe, baby. He knew exactly what he was doing."

"Him needs to tell me we's gonna make on a big turn, Mama."

lss laughed. "I guess that would work."

"Hey you two," called from the end of the dock.

"Daddy...get a floaty thingy and float wif us."

Jim snagged one of the mesh floats and jumped into the water. "Man this is great."

"I gots da best seat, Daddy. Me and Mama is staying out here til da stars come out."

"Oh really?" he replied.

"Yep, really. So if you's gonna hang wif us you gots to chill."

Jim and lss both laughed. "OK, Gracie girl...I can chill."

Soap Character Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 608

"I tell you what, sugar...I'm shocked," said Jim as he handed lss a glass of tea.

"About what?"

"That you'd stay here for, what now, a week and a half and you have not even picked up that book, the laptop, or your cell phone."

"Told you I'm unplugged."

"It ain't right. Not you at all."

"It's me and I'm completely content. Who wouldn't be in this paradise?"

"I agree. Where's Ranger and T?"

"They went on an excursion with Sam. I think Ranger is still pretty hell bent on finding a house down here."

"I'll take this one."

"Oh man...isn't this the greatest?" she replied as she sat the tea on the table and leaned back in the hammock. "Letty has Gracie in the pool for a bit and then she's going down for a nap. I'm not going to put up with another day like yesterday."

"She was mean as a hornet," replied Jim.

"Yes she was and I'm just glad Tanner's eye didn't turn black and blue. She really hooked him."

"One day they love each other and the next it's oil and water," laughed Jim.

"I know. I'm gonna take a nap," she replied as she adjusted the pillow behind her head.

"I really don't belive you. You've got to be sneakin' off and texting or talking to someone about the book."

"I'm not. Now...shhhhh...I'm napping."

Soap Character Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

"I wants it.", Tanner said with a decisive nod of his head.

"Are you going to help pay for it?", Ranger asked.

"No. Dat is what Mommies and Daddies do."

"Oh really? Who told you that?"

"I heared it somewhere."

T laughed and shook her head. Sometimes the things that came out of his mouth simply amazed her. "Why do you like this one?", she asked Tanner.

"It have evweething we need."

"Like?"

"A pool and a dock for da boat and lots of places for me and Gizmo and Sassy to run and play."

"So the kitchen and media room and game room and the big bedroom you really liked aren't that important?"

Tanner nodded. "Yep but I wike da outside and da playhouse da bestest."

T gave Ranger a questioning look. "I think he is referring to the guesthouse."

"Oh.", she said, finally understanding. "What do you think?"

Ranger stood in the middle of the great room and looked through the massive floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the pool, small backyard area, boat dock and endless ocean beyond. "I think it's perfect. What do you think?"

"I love it. I just wish I could find a room that would work as a studio."

"I'll build you one. This place sits on 4 acres so we have the room."

"I'm not sure I want something like I have at home."

"We'll make it work."

She did a slow turn and looked around the room and at the beautiful wrought iron staircase that gracefully swept up to the second floor. When she walked toward the kitchen, Ranger and Tanner followed and watched as she slowly walked around the room, running her hands along the granite counter of the massive center island as she did.

"This kitchen is perfect."

"It'll be a great place to cook Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner in.", Ranger offered.

"And we's can haf da whole famwee down and they can sleep in da playhouse.", Tanner added.

She paused in front of the double subzero refrigerator and nodded. "We would definitely have room for the family and all of the gang."

"We can't beat the price babe. The realtor said the owner is anxious to sell and dropped the price another ten percent yesterday."

"Really? You didn't tell me that."

"Why would I? I want you to have a house that calls to your heart, not your economic side.", he told her with a grin.

She looked around the kitchen and said with a sigh, "I really like this house."

"Do you want it?", he asked.

"It's big. Do we really need a 6700 sq foot house and a 4000 sq foot guesthouse?"

Tanner nodded eagerly. "We do if evwee one is gonna come seed us."

Ranger smiled at him and said, "That's right little man." Looking over at T, he asked again, "Do you want it?"

She was quiet for a moment before slowly nodding her head. "I do. I love everything about it."

He smiled and softly said, "Then it looks like we've found our home in the Keys."

Tanner threw his arms in the air and started dancing a little jig. "YES! I wuv dis house!", he cried.

T looked around and said, "Oh man, I have a ton of furniture shopping to do."

Ranger just smiled and didn't even groan about the damage he knew she would be doing to his credit cards very soon. Instead, he told her, "Call Red and let her know she gets to help you spend me into the poor house. It'll make her week."
_________________
Love asks not, understands all, forgives and reaches out to those in need. We wander much in our ways to find a place that lives within our heart.

Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 12:53 pm Post subject:

"Can I take dis vess off it too hot," compalined Gracie.

"Nope. But we'll paddle to this little beach over here and go swimming...how about that?" asked lss.

"OK...dat would be good."

They had spent the last hour kayaking in the inlet near the house. It flowed by mangroves and they had seen manatee and also had a family of dolphin swim along side them.

"I love dis...but I need a brweak."

lss laughed. "You can't be tired. I'm rowing you."

"I know but I needs to move."

Knowing Gracie's need to wiggle and run out energy, lss made their way quickly to the beach. She got out of the kayak and told Gracie to stay seated until she had them beached. She then helped Gracie take off her vest.

"Let's go ahead and picnic here...I'm hungry," said lss.

"Me too. Daddy is gonna wish him came wif us today."

"Yes, he is. But you know him and fishing. I bet he brings back some fish for supper tonight."

"Yep. Look, Mama...it one of dem big pink birds!"

"A flamingo. Hand me my camera," said lss.

lss quicky took a few shots and then snapped a few of Gracie as she worked to spread out their large beach towel.

"Dis is so much fun. I could live here forever."

"It's very nice," said lss as she took a drink of water. "Now, do you want chicken salad or ham?"

"Mmm, can I have one half of chicken and the other ham?"

"Sure, we can share that way. You're pretty smart there, chica bonita!"

Gracie laughed. "Dat what Unca Mase call me. I miss him."

"He might be coming down this weekend."

"Oh boy!!!"