Page 78 of Stranded

“Eep!” Ronan finally squeaks when he realizes he’s starting the second round of goodbyes, and we’re on a time crunch. “Are we good?”

“We’re good,” I promise, taking him by the hand and squeezing it firmly. “I promise.”

Right on time, we’re walking toward the harbour, our fingers laced tightly together. Each of us is rolling along one of the suitcases in the other hand.

It’s a clear, crisp night, but Ronan seems perfectly warm. He’s still practically bouncing at my side, high on life.

Meanwhile, I just feel… calm.

Deep, calm, and still, like the harbour waters. The storm has settled, and the whitecaps are long gone.

Everything’s going to be okay.

Ronan perches on the wooden bench in the ferry waiting room, peering out over the water. He sighs with contentment, finally settling down as he looks at me.

“Happy?” I smile at him.

Ronan nods. “I’ve got everything I need. My skipper right here, and his ferry. Ready for a starlight tour, all the way home.”

I smile sheepishly at him and clear my throat. “Actually, that reminds me… I’ve been waiting to tell you something.”

“Oh?” Ronan peers up at me.

I clear my throat. “Yesterday morning, Berty and I signed off the paperwork on something I’ve been wanting to do for a while.”

Ronan perks up. “Ooooh. An electric ferry?”

“No,” I laugh, squeezing his hand. I’m impressed at his memory. “Well… not yet. He’s agreed to let me run a tour. Once a week in the winter, to iron out the wrinkles. If it goes well, more often in the summer. If it goes really well… yes, an electric ferry.”

Ronan stares at me, clutching my hand in both of his. “You’re really doing it?” he whispers. “You’re going for it?”

I clear my throat and nod. “You’re looking at the new, official owner of Sunrise Island Tours.”

“Oh my god!” Ronan squeaks. He launches himself at me, flinging his arms around my shoulders. I catch him and laugh, waiting patiently for his face to turn to mine—and then I kiss him.

Our lips slide together gently, but the passion in our kiss is a barely-restrained fire.

I’m only keeping it in check because the ferry is about to dock. I want to save all that fire for when we get home, and I can show Ronan what he means to me.

“I’m so proud of you,” Ronan breathes out when he finally scrambles off my lap so we can stand up.

“Me, too,” I admit with a grin. “Feels good to go for what you want.”

Something pinches my ass, and I gasp with surprise as Ronan giggles mischievously.

“It sure does, hot stuff.”

After a quiet late-night ferry crossing, I’m a little bit overwhelmed by the noise and laughter spilling from Sunrise Island’s bar. Part of me wants to head straight up the ramp.

But I think there’s one more thing Ronan needs to know before I bring him home for good.

“Let’s stick our heads in for a minute,” I tell him. He pouts up at me, and I laugh. “Don’t worry. I really do mean a minute. I know how much sleep you got last night.”

“Okay,” Ronan murmurs.

I park the suitcases outside the bar’s door and push it open. “After you.”

The moment Ronan walks in, he’s greeted with cheers from all our friends and neighbours. He stumbles to a halt and stares around at everyone, a blush creeping up his cheeks.

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