Calamity Mum. Diana Palmer

struck out for shore, carrying the victim she’d appropriated along with her.

      It wasn’t that far to shore, but she was out of practice towing another person. By the time they reached shallow water, she was panting for breath along with the boy.

      They flopped onto the beach and he coughed up water for several seconds.

      “I thought I was a goner.” He choked. “If you hadn’t come along, I’d have drowned!” He looked at her and then grinned. “I’m sure you’ve heard the old axiom about saving a life.”

      She frowned. Her brain wasn’t working. “What axiom?”

      His grin grew even wider. “Why, that when you save a life, you’re responsible for it as long as you live!” He threw his arms wide. “I’m yours!”