Free Killer Knots by Nancy J. Cohen Page B

about any underlying issues between the pair. “You came on this cruise with us,” she pointed out.
    “That’s different. We wanted to be with you. We’re even thinking of buying a place in Florida so we can come down during the winters. John’s been talking to a real estate agent.”
    Kate halted beneath an overhang of a tree with broad green leaves. “You know, if you get married in December, I could come down early to help out. Unless you want to use the chapel on this cruise ship.” She grinned broadly.
    Marla took a step backward. “That wouldn’t be fair to my mother. She’d want to be at our wedding. It doesn’t have to be any big deal. Dalton and I have been through this before.”
    Kate’s face softened. “Anyone can see how taken you are with each other. You keep looking at him and vice versa. I’m so thrilled for you both. You’re a delightful young woman, and I know you’ll make him and Brie so happy.”
    “Thanks.” Her cheeks warmed. “I find I’m liking this mothering thing. I can never replace Pam, but I’ll do my best to love her child and look after her husband.”
    The older woman chuckled. “As if Dalton would let anyone look after him. He can be stubborn, but he says the same thing about you. You’re a perfect match, even if you do butt heads on occasion. I suspect he finds that stimulating.”
    So did Marla. She smiled inwardly as she urged Kate to move ahead. They rejoined the group for the trek along the mountain path that ended just as the heavens opened up and it poured. They made it inside the bus just in time.
    Once they reached the downtown area, the sun had dissipated the clouds. Heat reflected off the pavement, intensifying the odor of exhaust fumes and garbage overflowing from a nearby can. A gentle sea breeze stirred the hairs on Marla’s arm and freshened the air.
    Checking her watch, she realized they’d better hurry to do their shopping. John excused himself to return to the ship, while the rest of them scooted toward the recommended shops.
    “Daddy, can we go in here? They have Reef sandals,” Brianna said, darting into a store along Calle de la Tanca.
    Marla strolled in after her, browsing the souvenirs, opal inlay jewelry, beachwear, and T-shirts. Vail studied the Bacardi rum selections, while Kate checked the blackboard with lucky cabin numbers to see if any of them had won a tanzanite pendant.
    “Today isn’t our lucky day, at least not in this place,” Brianna’s grandmother said, eyes twinkling. “Where to? You and Dalton could shop for wedding rings at A Touch of Gold,” she told Marla in a bright tone.
    “That’s okay,” Marla said, backing toward the exit. Time to go, before Kate showered her with any more nuptial tips.
    “I’ll take these,” Brianna said, dumping a decorated shirt, sun visor, souvenir shot glass, and sandals on the counter.
    Vail gave Marla a bemused glance as he pulled out his wallet. “It’s a good thing we didn’t spend all day shopping,” he remarked.
    “Oh yeah? Wait until tomorrow, when we’re in St. Thomas,” Marla said, with a grin.
    Outside, they headed uphill, past a shop selling Tommy Bahama clothing, a Payless ShoeSource, and the San Juan Fitness Club. Veering around a red motorcyle parked at the curb, they reached Galle Fortaleza. Families with strollers, tourists, and pigeons competed for the right-of-way against noisy buses, motorcyles, and older-model cars.
    Pausing at a shady square on Calle de Cristo, Marla consulted her map. A woman slept on a nearby bench, close to where a street worker collected trash. Plants in large ceramic pots lined the cobblestone street. A horse and carriage trotted past, carting a young couple on a romantic ride.
    “Let’s go in here,” Marla said, indicating a jewelry store a few doors away from the Coach outlet. “They offer free pina coladas. I’m dying for a drink.”
    “Oh, good, I can look for ankle bracelets,” Brianna cried, rushing inside.
    “Look who’s