Page 61 of Changing Tides

“Leia takes after you,” he states.

“You think so? I think she’s her father’s spitting image,” I say.

“You mean physically?”

“Yeah.”

“Physically—I’ll take your word for it. But she loves boats and the water and fish, so she’s your mini me in every other way. A neat kid. You’ve done a great job with her.”

His praise washes over me like warm honey.

“Thanks. She’s my world.”

“As she should be.”

“As she should be.”

The words mean more to me than he realizes.

“You’re so lucky you get to do something you love every day,” I say, changing the subject.

“I know. I bet you’re gonna love working with the turtles too.”

“I’m sure I will. But it’s just a temporary contract.”

“Yep, then it’s back to the desk job. Yuck.”

“Exactly,” I agree.

“So, don’t go back,” he states matter-of-factly.

“It’s not that simple.”

“Sure it is. You are the boss of your life. Like the tides. Low to high, high to low. Ever-changing. That’s how you should live your life. Ebbing and flowing and never staying static and getting bored.”

“Easy for a fisherman to say,” I quip.

He shrugs. “Seems like a simple choice for everyone to me.”

We fall into a comfortable silence as we both enjoy our plates. All the rave reviews of this place were on point. The food and drinks are amazing, but the real star of the evening is the magnificent view.

When the server shows up with a dessert menu, Sebastian makes two decadent selections and orders them to go.

His gaze meets mine across the table. “Breakfast.”

Anticipation bubbles inside of me at the declaration.

The check can’t come soon enough.

Avie

He walks me to my car.

“My place is down the road. It’s in the middle of a renovation, but the views are amazing if you want to check it out,” he says as he opens my door.

“I’d love to,” I say as I take a seat in the Corvette.

He leans down into the window.