Page 36 of Winner Takes All

“It doesn’t have to. We can find these moments no matter where we are.”

“I love the idea of that.”

We finish our meal then move to the bow of the boat, just the two of us with nothing but ocean ahead. The sky darkens and we see our first stars. It doesn’t get more perfect.

Nikki turns in my arms and I take her mouth, our kiss lingering, our hearts beating as one with a perfect canvas of stars backlighting us. This is us with nothing but the sky and sea in a normally crazy world. I’m in love. There’s no doubt about it. Now I have to figure out what I’m going to do about it.

Chapter Eighteen

Nikki

We’re on the plane heading back home after two unforgettable weeks in paradise. I gaze out the window, watching as the island slowly disappears beneath the clouds, feeling a strange mixture of sadness at leaving and excitement at seeing my loved ones.

A part of me is sad to leave, and a little fearful of returning to the real world. But I’m more confident in my relationship with Victor now. I’m excited to see what comes next. I don’t think either of us has any desire to run.

Victor sits next to me, his hand resting on my knee, his thumb tracing gentle circles that send tiny sparks up my spine. I glance at him, his eyes closed, his head tilted back against the seat. Even with his eyes shut, he looks alert, like he’s ready to jump into action at any moment. It’s what I love most about him, his sheer talent and willingness to do anything.

I lean my head on his shoulder. “What’s on your mind?”

He squeezes me. “Nothing in particular. I’m happy and enjoying the last day of our fantastic vacation.”

“I don’t know if we can call it a vacation. We did work,” I tell him with a laugh.

“It’s why I want to be a chef. Then my work is never something I want to run from.”

“I agree with you. I think too many people get into careers they regret. I love working, and I will to the day I die. We’re very lucky we chose our career paths young.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more,” he says.

“I’m excited to come home and see Sia and everyone else, but I’m sad to let go of paradise.”

“We’ll continue to find excitement in our lives. We’ll always find paradise no matter where we are in the world. We’ll bring paradise to us with our experiences. We can even recreate the Bahamas in our own back yard. What we do in life influences how we feel,” he assures me.

My heart does a little flip, making me feel warm. We’re interrupted when drinks are served. We continue talking as they serve a meal. We’re over halfway through our flight when there’s a commotion on the plane. I sit up to try to see what’s happening. A woman, maybe in her thirties, is clutching at her chest, her face pale and strained.

After a few minutes the flight attendant’s voice cuts through the cabin, rising in urgency. “Is there a doctor onboard?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Victor jumps from his seat, moving his way down the aisle with purpose. I’m confused. I listen as he approaches the flight attendant.

“I’m not a doctor, but I did medical training with the Marines if there’s nobody else onboard,” he tells her, his voice steady and calm.

They both wait and no one else steps up. The flight attendant nods quickly, ushering him to the woman’s side. I watch, my heart in my throat, as he kneels beside the woman, taking her wrist and checking her pulse. The woman’s children, a boy and girl, look terrified as they stand back from the commotion, tears streaming down their pale faces. My instinct kicks in, and I unbuckle my seatbelt, moving to their side.

“Hey,” I say softly, crouching down to their level. “It’s all going to be okay. My friend Victor is a really good man and will do all he can to help your mother.”

The little girl clings to her brother, her eyes wide with fear. “What’s wrong with her?”

“I don’t know, sweetie, but we’ll figure it out. She’s in good hands.”

I glance at Victor, his face a mask of concentration, his hands quickly moving with efficiency. He asks the flight attendant for a first aid kit, then checks the woman’s breathing and starts giving instructions. The way he takes control, calm and confident, makes my heart swell with pride. I already knew this man was amazing, but seeing him like this is something else.

He speaks softly to the woman, asking her questions about any medications or pre-existing conditions. She nods, clutching his hand like it’s a lifeline. The passengers around us are all quietly watching, praying for the woman and her children. Soft whispers can be heard, but Victor tunes all of this out, and stays focused on the task at hand.

I turn back to the kids, trying to keep them distracted. “What’s your name?” I gently ask the boy.

“Ethan,” he says with a sniffle. “This is my sister, Monica.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ethan,” I say, keeping my tone light. “You too, Monica. Do you guys like superheroes?”

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