Page 72 of Mail Order Splash

“Of course, I do. I’m marrying her.” I threw my arm over my eyes. “I can’t stop seeing that one gigantic shark charge her. If it wasn’t for Netty, she’d be gone.”

“Are you being a little dramatic, Dalton?”

“No, I am not. I should have videoed it. You would see what happened out there.”

“Well, once things are up and running, she may not have time or choose to be the one out in the ocean.”

“No way, she’d rather be out there every second of every day. I can’t stop her, either. I wouldn’t, but I want to.”

“Give it some time. It was your first experience in her real world.”

“I know. I’m glad I’m getting her out of here for at least a week.” I sat back up. “Did we finish the wedding plans?”

“We did, enough anyway to know I can proceed. She’s the perfect pick for you. She likes adventure. She’ll keep you going.”

“She’ll give me a heart attack, or I’ll get killed trying to be her saviour.” I chuckled. “I proposed today and I’m already changed. I have on yellow sweatpants.”

“You’ll be alright, I promise.” She clicked off, still laughing.

I made a few notes for the next day then carried my laptop to the dining room. I’d had enough of looking at the dark water for the night. Delores had sent me at least fifteen emails pertaining to work issues for the next week and nearly the same regarding the wedding. I replied to each of them then sent her a list of duties, starting with buying two motorhomes- one for us and one for the security.

“Dinner is ready, sir. Will you be dining inside tonight?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Did I make it back in time?” Bobby entered the room, rubbing his hands together. “I’ve been drooling over a steak since I left you here.”

“Impeccable timing. Chef literally just announced it was ready. Is indoors alright for you?”

“Any table and chair will do. All was quiet over there, by the way. Charlie came out to get the bags, said food had been delivered and they were settled in for the night.”

“Thanks. Did you do much diving in the Navy?”

“I did my fair share. I don’t mind being down there, never have.”

“I dive too, but not like tonight. It was a reality check for sure.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’ve had extensive training and Kleine has too. She probably knows what she’s doing.” He took a bite of steak. “So good.”

We conversed for another hour. I wanted to know more about him and how he got to where he was. The time I’d taken to get to know the captain more made me see I’d been too absorbed in myself and the business. I’d seen my brother keep his team at arm’s length, but I didn’t want to be him. I wanted to be more like Kleine.

She’s gotten in my head. I’ve changed so many things about me because of her.

“Bobby, make yourself at home. I need to get some sleep.” I stretched. “If you want more food, hit that button on the wall.”

“What time will we be leaving in the morning? Mr. Hawthorne usually is out the door by seven.”

“My brother is a very serious individual. I don’t need to be there before nine, so be ready to go by eight forty-five.”

“How do you want your coffee?”

“Chef will have breakfast ready by eight-fifteen, including coffee. Be sure to join me. We can go over the day’s schedule.” I nodded to leave. “You may find my schedule to be quite different than Kellan’s. Good night.”

Morning burst into my room through every window. I’d forgotten to close the blinds. Gazing out across the marina from my bed, watching people move about felt peaceful, so peaceful that I woke again two hours later when Captain Ben knocked on my door.

“Is everything alright sir?” he called out.

What time is it? He never knocks on my door in the morning. Holy cow, it’s nine o’clock.

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