Jennifer and Rollin were happily building a sand castle. Rollin laughed at his four-year old’s determination to get each detail just right. He glanced over the top of his Ray Bans at Cinnamon who watched them from a chaise underneath a nearby beach umbrella.
Rollin handed Jen the small shovel, telling her he’d be right back. He walked across the warm sand and sat on the edge of Cinnamon chaise. “Having fun?” She inquired.
“Yeah, she is very serious about Cinderella’s castle.”
Cinnamon smiled. “As she should be.”
Rollin glanced over at Jen. “Why don’t you join us?”
Cinnamon shook her head, “You’re doing fine.”
“Glad we came?” He asked moving a hand across her legs.
She nodded.
Rollin smiled. “I’m glad she likes the beach.”
“You started her early.”
He sighed remembering their times in Malibu together. “Yeah.” He moved his hand up her smooth leg.
“Sweetheart, do you have a hat?”
“Am I burning?”
“A little. Better finish up the castle. We don’t want to be too tired for Margaret’s birthday dinner.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” He said giving her thigh a gentle pat.
Rollin returned to the review Jen’s progress. “Hey Kiddo, you missed a spot.”
Another half hour passed and Rollin and his daughter finally stood looking at their project. “Mom!” Jennifer called to Cinnamon.
Cinnamon laid her book aside and rose from the chaise. Rollin appreciated her bikini as she moved gracefully toward them. She assessed their efforts. “Jen, it is simply beautiful. You have created a masterpiece.”
“Hey, I helped.” Rollin chimed in.
“So you did.” She said taking his hand. “Nice job, Dad.”
He smiled at the twosome. “Come on girls, we’ve been in the sun long enough.”
They gathered up their beach things and made their way back to their cabin overlooking the cliff.
They hurried up the stairs and down the path to the two-bedroom cabin. Jennifer was enthralled with the charming inn. They had to repeatedly keep her away from the rail that ran length of the path between the buildings, for fear of her enthusiasm getting her too close to the edge.
Cinnamon ushered Jennifer into the bath to wash the sand from her. With Jennifer safely in the tub, Cinnamon moved to the doorway of the bath. “She okay?” He asked.
Cinnamon smiled, “Fine, tired though.”
“Maybe she should have a nap.” He whispered, moving closer to her, smiling, “Then we could too.”
She wrapped her arms about his neck. “I bet she’ll go down.”
He kissed her, pulling her tight against him.
With Jennifer bathed and dressed, Cinnamon carried her to bed, tucking her in, telling her that she needed to rest before their special dinner that night.
Jennifer was tired and closed her eyes quickly with a contented sigh. Cinnamon smoothed her hair back as she eased into sleep.
She stepped though the door closing it quietly behind her. She found Rollin in a chair by the fireplace. He pulled her into his lap. “She’s asleep.” She said circling his neck with her arm.
His warm hand moved up her back and loosened the strap of her bikini top. “Rollin!” She exclaimed, her hand going to her chest.
He smiled as he pulled her down to him to kiss her. “Just helping you get ready for your nap.”
“Oh?” She said, moving her hand her down his chest.
His other hand moved up underneath her top to caress her breast. His thumb moved across her nipple, his gentle touch making her quiver.
She met his lips with hers as his hand strayed lower.
“I thought you wanted a nap?” She said as his hand traced the top of her bikini bottom.
“I think I have something better in mind.”
She smiled softly and pushed herself from his lap. “Hey, where are you going?”
“I have suntan lotion all over me.”
He rose quickly and took her by the arms. “So? So do I.” He pulled her to him and kissed her. She responded in kind and his fingers untied the bow of her top at the base of her neck, letting it fall between them.
He leaned back from her and pulled the material from between them and kissed his way down to her now prominent nipples. “You taste like coconut.” He murmured.
She leaned her head back as his tongue danced across her breasts.
She then sought his lips with hers. His hands moved underneath the suit bottom to caress her backside. Her hands moved beneath his swimming trunks and down his firm ass.
She moved her hands along the top of his trunks and pulled them from his hips. She took a half-step away from him as she pulled the elastic band over his erection, letting the trunks fall to his ankles.
His hands went to her hips and pulled the bikini bottoms down until she stepped out of them. He kissed her kneecap and stood to face her. “You are so beautiful.” He whispered as he pulled her to him.
She felt his hard organ against her. He quickly scooped her up and deposited her on the couch and crawled over her.
“So much for napping.” She said, her voice husky with desire for him.
They spent the next hour loving one another, until they dozed blissfully, holding each other.
“Mommy.” Jen said quietly as she stood beside the couch looking at her mother.
Cinnamon’s eyes shot open at her daughter’s voice. ‘Honey?”
“Did you need a nap too?” She asked.
Cinnamon stretched against Rollin who lay behind her on the couch. She was thankful he’d pulled the afghan from the back of the couch over them.
He raised his head from his arm. “Hey kiddo, you didn’t sleep long.”
“I sleep fast Daddy.” She stated.
He chuckled at his daughter as Cinnamon moved to sit up. Rollin followed her to sit on the couch as Jen climbed up between them. Cinnamon pulled her into her lap. “Did you have a good nap?”
Jen nodded. “Did you?”
Cinnamon smiled as she glanced over at Rollin who was reaching for his trunks with his foot, dragging them toward the couch. “Yes I did.”
“What are we having for the party, Mom?”
“I don’t know, whatever Miss Margaret puts together.”
“I bet it’ll be good.” Rollin added as he pulled on his trunks under the afghan.
Cinnamon nodded as her daughter wiggled down from her lap. “Daddy can we go for a walk?”
He looked at Cinnamon, who nodded. “Sure.” He shrugged, moving to stand. “We can let mom get ready for dinner. Get your shoes.”
“Yea!” Jennifer called.
Rollin laughed as the little girl ran to her room to get her shoes. He bent down and kissed Cinnamon softly and gave her a wink as Jennifer returned. She looked up at him reaching for his hand. “Ready Daddy?”
He smiled down at his daughter. “Yeah, just let me get a shirt.” He grabbed his polo shirt from the chair and slipped it on as they headed for the door.
“We’re best pals, aren’t we, Dad?” She slipped her hand into his.
“We sure are, Pumpkin.”
“Have fun.” Cinnamon called as the moved through the door. Rollin blew her a kiss before he pulled the door closed.
Cinnamon was dressed when they returned and helped Jennifer get ready as Rollin showered and shaved. Margaret had volunteered to organize a special dinner when she learned it was Rollin’s thirty-seventh birthday.
It was the first weekend they had spent at Cliffside with Jennifer since she was a newborn. Stan and Margaret loved having them at the inn. Their own children lived in the Midwest and they rarely got to see their grandchildren. They doted on Jennifer.
Jennifer ran ahead as Rollin and Cinnamon walked, hand in hand, up the path to the main house. “Watch the edge, Jennifer!” Cinnamon called nervously.
“She’s okay.” Rollin reassured her.
“I know. I guess I like it better having her here flirting with disaster than being here without her.”
Rollin brought her hand to his lips. “I know you do, darling.” Cinnamon had been miserable on their first weekend away from the baby almost four years ago at Cliffside. Paula had prompted her to have a weekend “just with her man” and Maria had happily agreed to stay with Jennifer at the apartment. Cinnamon had no idea separation from her daughter would be so tough. It made for the longest night of her life.
Jennifer waited for them patiently at the bottom of the stairs. They took her hands and carried her between them up the steps.
Margaret was waiting at the door to the dining room. Jennifer saw her. “Miss Margaret!” She called as she ran to her.
Margaret swept her into her arms. “Jennifer. Don’t you look pretty tonight?”
Jennifer laughed as Margaret twirled her around the porch. Cinnamon beamed as Margaret sat Jen down. Rollin reached to steady them both. “Margaret, you have as much energy as she does.”
“That’s her old trick with the grandsons. Nice to see you staying in practice, dear.” Stan turned his attention to the guest of honor. “Rollin, I understand that not only is it Father’s Day tomorrow, but it’s also your birthday.”
“It’s true Stan. I’m a lucky guy.”
“Daddy is older than Mommy.” Jennifer told Margaret.
“Is he now?” Stan laughed as he leaned down to meet Jennifer eye to eye. “Miss Margaret and I have a little present for him.”
“Come on, sit down here.” Margaret led them to a table for three overlooking the cliff. There was a wine cooler with champagne on ice in the middle of the table. “Now Rollin, I don’t know if you remember, but after you were here for a long run you sent us a case of vintage champagne as a thank you. When you and Cinnamon came to visit with Jennifer just after she was born, we thought it was all gone.”
“But I found a bottle last week!” Stan interjected.
Margaret smiled. “We want you to enjoy it tonight with your family.”
“That’s wonderful. Thank you both very much.”
Stan leaned over Jennifer’s chair as she sat between her parents. “How about some seven-up as a special bubbly treat for you, young lady?”
“Can I have a special glass too?” Jennifer asked eagerly.
“May I,” Cinnamon corrected her softly. “You have to be very careful, Sweetie.”
“Daddy, will you make it pop?”
“Sure, Jen.”
Margaret smiled. “We’ll leave you now. All your favorites are on their way. Enjoy your birthday dinner.”
Cinnamon smiled at Stan. “Thanks for everything.”
Rollin rose to kiss Margaret’s cheek and shake Stan’s hand. “Thank you.”
Jennifer loved to toast. Cinnamon smiled thinking that it actually made sense. It would be more unusual for Rollin’s child not to get excited about popping corks, clinking glasses, and bubbly drinks. They were a pair.
Dinner was delicious. For dessert, Margaret served Rollin’s favorite cheesecake with three candles. Without prompting, Jennifer burst into Happy Birthday and the other patrons indulgently joined in.
Walking back in the moonlight, Jennifer swung between her parents. “Daddy, you didn’t get to open any presents.”
“Dad’s birthday presents are at home, remember?” Cinnamon reassured Jennifer.
“When will we open them Mom?”
“Well, Dad will open them tomorrow night – probably after Maria makes him another cheesecake.” Her eyes met Rollin’s and she could not hide her smile.
“Tomorrow is Father’s Day.” Jennifer pronounced.
Rollin opened the door to the cabin. “Not all dad’s get to have a birthday and father’s day on the same weekend.”
“You’re a lucky guy, Dad.” Jennifer nodded as she walked under his arm and into the cabin. Rollin struggled to contain his laughter. Cinnamon squeezed his arm as she passed.
“Jennifer, how about pj’s and teeth brushing, then as a birthday treat for Dad, why don’t you read him a bedtime story?”
Jennifer approved the plan and was quickly “reading” one of her all-time favorites, “Horton Hears A Who,” to Rollin.
Cinnamon watched from the couch in the living room. Rollin had taken off his jacket, tie and shoes and curled his long frame around Jennifer as she propped up against the pillows at the head of the bed. His shirtsleeves were rolled up and he helped Jennifer balance the book. With only the bedside light on, the shadows played across both their faces – the faces that meant more to her than anything else in the world. She moved between the two with her eyes, delighting in seeing his full lips and arched brow echoed in her daughter’s features.
They laughed playfully. Rollin pulled her closer. Jennifer was retelling the story, trying out new voices for not just Little Susie Lou Who, but for all the Who’s down in Whoville. Yes, she was her father’s daughter.
At the end of the story, Cinnamon heard Rollin thank Jennifer for her reading and for helping make his birthday special. She joined them for goodnight kisses. They softly closed the door behind them and moved arm in arm to the couch.
Rollin sank contentedly onto the couch, pulling Cinnamon against him. “Thanks for a great day.” He nuzzled her neck and playfully bit her ear.
“Hmmm. You’re very welcome.” She caressed his chest through his open-necked shirt, unbuttoning two more buttons. “You miss Malibu, don’t you?”
He took her hand and brought it to his lips to nibble her fingers. “Some.”
“Maybe we should come here more.” She caressed his cheek.
Rollin leaned her back across the couch, kissing her exposed cleavage. “Just tell me what I need to do to convince you.”
Cinnamon sighed, luxuriating in his attentions. “Well… that will almost always work.”
Rollin stopped abruptly. “Almost?” He scooped her up and carried her toward the bedroom. “Almost?”
“Okay, you win! Always always.” She pushed the bedroom door shut behind them with her toe.
Cinnamon woke suddenly. Something had penetrated her subconscious.
“Mom! Mommy?”
She heard Jennifer crying, distressed and fearful. She bolted for the door, grabbing her robe.
Rollin felt her move off his chest, stirred, and followed her. By the time he reached the living room Cinnamon had Jennifer in her arms. She stroked her daughter’s forehead, checking for a fever, whispering soothingly. “Sweetie, it’s okay.”
Rollin was groggy as he turned on a light. “What’s wrong?”
Jennifer turned toward Rollin’s voice. When she saw him, she immediately tucked her head against Cinnamon. “No! Just Mom. Not Daddy!”
Cinnamon caressed her daughter’s head, holding her against her shoulder and turned to give Rollin a wide-eyed glance. He raised his arms hesitantly.
Jennifer looked up and saw him. “No! I want Daddy to go away.” Cinnamon signaled with her eyes for him to stay put and he watched her carry Jennifer into the bathroom. Soon, he heard the bath water running. He paced and felt his worry wake him quickly. Even as a baby Jennifer never really had a phase when she only wanted Cinnamon. What had he done?
His pacing brought him back to the bedroom and he tugged on a tee shirt. He moved closer to the bathroom door, but realized he might upset Jennifer further. In frustration he turned away. Cinnamon came out as quickly as she could.
“She’s okay.” She said softly.
“What was wrong?”
“She woke up because she needed to go to the bathroom, but she got confused about which door. She had a little accident and she’s feeling embarrassed.”
Rollin sighed, “But –“
“She’s okay, Darling.” She knew she could reassure him about their daughter’s well-being, but she couldn’t take away his hurt.
“Why…”
“I think these things are more mortifying with your father than your mother, especially when you are four and a half.”
Rollin tried to smile, appreciating Cinnamon’s effort. “Should I strip her sheets?”
“I think the bed’s okay. She just needs new pj’s.”
“I’ll get’em.” Rollin turned quickly, wanting something to do to make himself useful.
“Rollin-“ He turned at Cinnamon’s call. “She’s only embarrassed. This isn’t anything more.”
“She must have been so scared. I should have left a light on.”
“We’ll know for next time, but really she’s fine.”
“Can we bring her in with us?”
“Let’s ask her what she wants.”
Rollin nodded and went into the smaller bedroom and found another pair of pj’s and panties in Jennifer’s tiny overnight case. When he returned to the living room, Cinnamon was seated on the couch, Jennifer wrapped in a towel on her lap. Cinnamon rubbed her daughter’s arms with the towel, lovingly drying her off. She saw Rollin stop beside them.
“Hey, Dad found your pink pj’s and pink panties. Won’t you be coordinated!”
Jennifer looked at Rollin shyly. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Sure, Pumpkin.” Rollin wasn’t sure what to do. Cinnamon reached over and he slowly released the clothes to her.
“Jump down, Jen. Let’s get you warmed up.” Cinnamon quickly dressed Jennifer who cooperated fully. “Jen, do you know what time it is?”
“Is it late?”
“It’s after midnight. So what day would it be then?”
Jennifer’s eyes lit up. “Father’s Day!” But then a look of confusion crossed her face. “Is it, Mom, already?”
Cinnamon nodded. Jennifer’s smile grew. Cinnamon smiled back and tipped her head toward Jennifer’s bedroom. The four year old took off on a tear. She returned, rushing straight to Rollin with a long cylinder in hand. “Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!”
Rollin reached down to scoop her up. Not only did she not resist, she hurled herself into his arms. “Thank you, Jennifer.” He kissed her cheek, filled with relief.
“Open your present, Daddy.”
“Wow!” Rollin sat next to Cinnamon, Jennifer squirming across both of them as he popped off the end to the container tube. He carefully pulled out a coiled sheet of paper and unrolled it slowly.
Jennifer couldn’t contain her excitement. “It’s the beach, Daddy. That’s me and that’s you and that’s Mommy and that’s Maria. Those are the waves and we’re jumping. And those are shells. These are fish and a octopus. It has eight arms.”
“They’re beautiful.” Rollin admired her painting. “What’s this here?”
“This is the sun and it made Mommy pink.”
Rollin chuckled. One of the figures was indeed pink while the other three were varying shades of yellow and brown. He’d never been to the beach with Maria, but wasn’t surprised that she turned up in Jennifer’s view of the world. “Jen, this is a terrific painting. I’d like to get it framed so I can hang it up someplace where I can always see it. Thank you, Sweetheart.” He kissed Jennifer’s head and pulled her back into his embrace.
Cinnamon was enjoying watching them. “Jennifer, are you going to tell Daddy what you wrote down here about your painting?”
Rollin tried to follow. He saw the lines in black Cinnamon was apparently referring to. Some were legible as letters, now that he looked closely. Jennifer pointed to each scratch specifically, moving her hand from left to right very majestically. She read it out slowly, “I love my Dad. We go to the beach and jump over the waves.” She was very proud of herself. “I did it all by myself!”
Cinnamon nodded, “This is true.”
Rollin admired the painting. “I really like these blues and greens and grays that you used for the water.”
“Yeah, because that’s the color of the ocean.” Jennifer said matter of factly.
He looked over her head toward Cinnamon and saw that she too was near tears. Laughter, joy, relief, and love filled him. He kissed Jennifer’s cheek. “I am a very lucky dad to have such a talented daughter.”
“Thanks. What should we do now?”
Rollin could barely contain his laughter. Cinnamon tried to keep a straight face. “How about some sleep, young lady?”
“Well, what else could we do?” Jennifer squirmed off Rollin’s lap and onto the floor, standing before them. “What do you think, Dad?”
“Kiddo, we have a big day tomorrow – lots of waves to jump. We better get our rest so we have enough energy. Will you hold the tube for me so I can keep this safe inside?”
“Sure.” Jennifer picked up the tube as Rollin quickly re-coiled the paper.
Cinnamon moved to the bathroom and turned on the light, leaving the door ajar. “Jennifer, just tonight as a special treat for Daddy, would you like to sleep in our bed?”
“Sure, Mom. ‘Cause it’s already Father’s Day.”
“It sure is!” Rollin scooped her up and dipped her over his shoulder so she was hanging upside down behind him. He held her there by her ankles and turned to Cinnamon, his piercing blue eyes holding her transfixed. Over Jennifer’s peals of laughter, Rollin said softly, “I love you both more than you can know.”
Cinnamon moved toward him, caressed his cheek and brought her lips to his. “Happy Father’s Day, Darling.”
Rollin woke gradually. Jennifer was pulling on his tee shirt and whispering. “Dad, let’s go get the shells that the waves brought in the night.”
He looked past his daughter and saw Cinnamon sleeping peacefully. “Shhh, okay, let’s be quiet and let Mom sleep.” He rose nimbly and pulled Jennifer into his arms. He carried her into the bathroom and grabbed both their suits, which had been hung to dry. “Sweetie, use the bathroom then put on your suit.” He ducked back into the living room to swap his boxers for his trunks.
“I’m ready.”
“Okay, go get your sandals from your room.” Rollin took advantage of the free bathroom and also grabbed two towels and her red sand pail.
Jennifer scampered down the path, stopping at the top of the steps down the cliff side to wait for Rollin. He caught her hand as he passed and she grabbed the rail with the other. She double-stepped to keep up with his long stride. Once they reached the sand, Jennifer dropped his hand and bolted for the water’s edge.
Rollin loved early morning on the beach. The sun was low, but bright enough to bring a sparkle to the choppy surf. The air was brisker than he expected. He wished he had brought a long-sleeve shirt and some kind of wrap for Jennifer, but she seemed undeterred by the wind. A lone jogger detoured around his daughter scrambling across the rocky sand. The runner continued south toward the town pier. An older couple was walking two boisterous black Labradors who were delighted to find something to chase: Jennifer Hand.
Rollin quickened his pace to reach her before the dogs. They sniffed curiously, tails wagging, pivoting on their hind legs trying to entice Jennifer to play. Jennifer laughed at the dogs. “Can I pet them Daddy?”
The older gentleman had followed his dogs and overheard. “They don’t bite, young lady, unless you poke’em in the eye.”
“Be gentle, Jen.” Rollin nodded at the man as he watched Jennifer out of the corner of his eye.
“’Morning. Up for the weekend?”
“Yes. Haven’t been to Cliffside for a couple years.”
“Ah, Stan and Margaret’s place.”
The woman joined him. “You’re not that actor with the beautiful wife and precocious daughter Margaret’s so fond of, are you?” She asked shyly.
Rollin was taken aback. “Well, I guess maybe I am.” He wished Cinnamon was his wife, but that was a long story. “I’m very fond of Margaret. Stan too.”
The man scrutinized Rollin. “You were in that murder mystery at the playhouse seven or eight years ago. “ He turned to his wife, “Remember, Mother? You went with Margaret and liked it so much you went again with me.”
Her hand went to her mouth. “My land! It is you.”
Rollin smiled, delighted to be recognized. He extended his hand to the man. “I’m Rollin Hand, that’s my daughter Jennifer.” The four year old was bouncing between the two labs, one hand trailing along each dog’s back as the trio ran along in the sand.
“Garret Mcgee. This is my wife Agnes.” Rollin beamed at Agnes as he gently took her hand. She looked as though she might swoon. Rollin grinned sheepishly.
Garret Mcgee pointed to his dogs. “That’s Max and that’s Sadie. You up here acting in something now?”
“No, no sir. I’ve been doing more film work recently. I haven’t been on stage in awhile actually.”
“The movies? You hear that Agnes? So they making a movie in town right now?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’m just up here to spend some time … with my family.”
Garret Mcgee nodded. “You’re staying at the best place in Santa Barbara. Margaret is some cook. But I’m lucky because so is my Agnes.” Agnes was still gazing into Rollin’s blue eyes. “Will we see you here tomorrow morning?”
“I wish we could, but unfortunately we ‘re driving back to LA this afternoon.”
Garret shook his head. “Too bad. Your little girl is doing a great job exercising the children for us.”
Rollin turned to watch Jennifer running with the labs weaving circles around her. “She does have an enormous amount of energy. My wife’s sleeping in. I think this makes it a break for her.” Rollin was surprised at how easily Cinnamon became his wife.
“Teamwork. That’s what it’s all about. Right, Mother?” An affirmative nod was all that Agnes Mcgee could muster. “Well, nice to meet you, young man. Please give our regards to Stan and Margaret.”
“I will do. Enjoy your walk. Nice to meet you both.”
Garret Mcgee whistled for his dogs. Both stopped chasing Jennifer to acknowledge their master’s call. He whistled again and both labs turned to run toward him. Jennifer chased after them.
“So long, young lady. Thank you for exercising Max and Sadie.” The dogs ran ahead of the Mcgees, aware that the morning walk was over and headed for home, tails wagging, tongues dangling.
Jennifer ran to Rollin. “But Dad I want to play with them.”
“The dogs need to go home. Wasn’t that fun? You sure are a good runner.”
“But I want to play more.”
“I know, Sweetie. We still need to look for some shells.”
“I’m tired.”
Rollin laughed. “I bet you are. You were pretty fast.”
“Carry me.”
“Carry you? I thought you wanted to look for shells.”
“I can see better from on top.”
Rollin wondered how they had created such a logical child and gave all the credit to Cinnamon. “Okay, Pumpkin. Come here.” He hoisted her onto his shoulders, holding her by one knee, and she contentedly held his head, watching the sand as Rollin walked through the waves.
That was the moment Cinnamon picked them out from the window of the cabin. She sighed happily, watching Jennifer perched on Rollin’s shoulders as he swung the red pail filled with their folded towels. She knew she had the option of returning to bed and decided to indulge herself.
She woke an hour later, surprised they had not returned. She quickly showered and dressed in light blue capri pants and a pale cream top. She decided Rollin must have taken Jennifer straight to breakfast. There was no sign of them on the beach below as she walked along the cliff path. When she reached the dining area she ran into Margaret carrying a basket of biscuits toward a table of guests.
“Hi Cinnamon. First one up this morning?”
“Morning Margaret. Actually Rollin and Jennifer went for a walk a little earlier. I thought they might be here enjoying one of your special omelets.”
“I haven’t seen them, but say the word and three omelets coming up.”
“Thanks, Margaret. Let me track them down first.”
“Whenever you’re ready.”
Cinnamon smiled her thanks and turned back toward their cabin. She quickly met Stan coming the other way.
“Cinnamon, you’re looking for your family.”
“I am Stan. All clues are welcome.”
“You’ll just need one. I put in a sauna – just down there on the right. We just fired it up for the first time this morning.”
Cinnamon looked over the rail to the path one level below them on the cliff side. “Thanks. We’ll be back up for breakfast.” Cinnamon continued down the path as Stan continued up. She stopped when she heard the door below open.
“Okay Pumpkin?”
“Why can’t we stay?” Cinnamon smiled. She certainly was her father’s daughter. They both loved to be warm.
“We need to cool off a bit. You can’t stay in a sauna forever.”
“One more time?”
“Just one, but you have to stay out here and cool down for a minute first. Then after we need to go wake up Mom for breakfast.”
“Dad, it’s like the desert, isn’t it?”
“Hmmm. How is it like the desert?” He asked encouragingly.
“It’s really hot.”
“Yep. What else?”
“There’s no water.”
“That’s right.”
“So is a sauna the same as the desert?” Jennifer asked.
“Well, what’s missing? What’s the desert have that you can’t find in a sauna?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, what’s in a desert?” Cinnamon leaned back against the rail, entranced by their interaction and amazed at Rollin’s patience.
“Lizards!” Jennifer shouted triumphantly.
“True, there are lizards in the desert and some other animals too.”
“Cactus.”
“Uh-huh. What else?”
“I don’t know. What Daddy?”
“Well, what’s at the beach?”
“The ocean.”
“True, but that’s not what I was thinking of. There’s not an ocean in the desert.”
Cinnamon leaned over and watched Jennifer pacing intently, just as Rollin would do. She smiled as her daughter stopped and beamed at her father. “Sand, Dad! It’s sand! There’s no sand in the sauna!”
Rollin swept her off the ground and over his head. “You are the smartest girl in all the land.” Jennifer giggled as he flew her overhead, then popped her gently onto the ground. Soon she’d be too big for him to get her overhead. “Hungry, Kiddo?”
“Nope. Let’s go back into the sauna. You said one more time.”
“Only for a few minutes. Mom might be missing us.”
“Mom might be sleeping.” Jennifer explained.
“Well, I miss Mom, so just a few minutes.” Rollin’s comment made Cinnamon smile.
Jennifer was still negotiating. “Well, Dad, can I go by myself?”
“Go where?”
“Into the sauna.”
Rollin smiled at his little daredevil. “If you want to. I’ll just wait out here.”
“For how long?”
“Til you get dry. Come here, first you need to take cold shower.” Rollin’s palm on her head gently guided her under the spray. After Jennifer danced around in the cold stream he turned it off. “Okay, go ahead in. I want you to come out if you get too hot, when you’re dry, or 5 minutes – which ever one happens first.” He pulled the heavy wooden door open for her.
“’Kay, Dad!” Jennifer scampered under his out-stretched arm. Rollin glowed as he relaxed against the shower to wait for her. Cinnamon leaned over the rail.
“Hey Handsome?” She asked softly. He looked up and met her eyes with a smile. “I miss you too.”
“Want to keep me company while I wait for Jennifer of Arabia?”
For an answer she turned for the stairs that would take her to him. He greeted her on the bottom step with an amorous kiss. His hands drifted from her waist to caress her pert bottom in the well-fitting pants. “Are we really late?”
“Not really, but I’m surprised you’re not hungry yet.”
“I’m starved.” Rollin whispered as he nibbled on her neck. “But not the intrepid explorer.”
“I saw you on the beach awhile ago. Best friends again?”
Rollin smiled softly. “Yep. We ran with some dogs; found a couple shells; rolled down the hill sideways; watched a guy fish; talked him into letting us cast the line…”
“She didn’t.”
“She was relentless. And actually a pretty good caster.” Cinnamon chuckled. “Let me get her out of there.” Rollin gave Cinnamon a squeeze as he released her and opened the sauna door. “Come on out, my little red chili pepper.”
Jennifer bounded out, flushed from both the excitement and the heat. “Mom! I was in the sauna by myself!” She ran into Cinnamon’s arms.
“I saw.” She knelt by her daughter, smoothing her hair from her pink cheeks. “You’re very brave. Are you hot?”
“Yes!” Jennifer answered enthusiastically.
“How about hungry?” Rollin asked hopefully.
“Yes!” Jennifer exclaimed grabbing a hand of each of her parents and tugging them toward the steps. “And thirsty!”
The threesome made their way back up the stairs and to the main house where breakfast was being served. Margaret had them seated quickly as she and her helper were seeing to the morning guests.
Cinnamon wrapped a towel around Jen as she sat between the two of them. Rollin poured them each a cup of coffee from the pot on the table.
Margaret was back soon with a basket of biscuits and a glass of milk for Jennifer.
“And how are you this morning, Jennifer?” She asked leaning between she and Cinnamon.
“Terrific!” She exclaimed.
The group all chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Where you on the beach this early?”
Jennifer nodded and reached for the glass. “Two hands, sweetie.” Cinnamon cautioned.
She took a big sip and she watched Cinnamon buttering her biscuit. “I played with some dogs, casted a fishing pole and went in the sauna, by myself.”
“You did all that?”
Jennifer nodded enthusiastically. “It was fun.”
“I bet it was.”
Jennifer took the biscuit from her plate and took a big bite.
“Can I get omelets for you?” She asked.
“Please.” Rollin answered.
Cinnamon nodded her agreement.
Margaret left them to tend to her other guests.
Cinnamon looked across at Rollin and Jen. “You two did have a big morning.”
Rollin moved his arm to the back of Jen’s chair. “We sure did, didn’t we?”
Jennifer looked up at her Dad. “Happy Father’s Day.”
He kissed her cheek. “Thanks Honey and thank you for the present.”
Jennifer smiled brightly. “You have more presents at home you know.”
He nodded and met Cinnamon’s eye. “But the two of you are enough presents for me.”
She gave him a wink and a smile.
“I like presents, Daddy.”
Rollin chuckled. “You can help me when we get home, okay?”
“Kay Daddy.” She said finishing her biscuit.
They enjoyed their breakfast on the porch and soon they made their way back to the cabin to pack for their trip back.
Rollin was setting Cinnamon’s case outside the door as Stan came up the stairs.
“Figured you could use a hand.” He said.
Rollin smiled. “Yeah, thanks. They don’t exactly travel light.”
Stan returned his smile and Jennifer came up behind Rollin. “Daddy, where is my bucket?”
Rollin turned to his child, “Out here, ready for the car.”
“Kay.” She said, returning inside.
Rollin looked at Stan and shook his head.
“Don’t worry, it only gets worse.” Stan said with a chuckle.
“Great.” Rollin said turning back inside for more of their things.
With Stan’s help Rollin had the car loaded and ready in half an hour.
Jennifer and Cinnamon were in the lobby talking to Margaret when he returned from the car for the last time.
Jennifer reached up to him and he picked her up. Margaret patted her back. “Now Jennifer, you be good and come back and see me real soon.”
Jennifer nodded. “We will Miss Margaret.”
Margaret smiled at the blonde headed child.
“Thanks for everything Margaret.” He said reaching to kiss her cheek.
“Anytime Rollin, anytime.”
Stan moved behind his counter. “Young lady you take care of your folks now.”
“I will. She said.
Rollin and Cinnamon exchanged a smile and Cinnamon moved to his side, looking up at Jen. “Ready to go home?”
“Yes ma’am.”
The threesome moved to the front door and Jennifer waived good-bye to the couple.
The End
Elena Vorska and Kristine Zensky