Page 59 of Key West Promises

As the video ended, Elena stepped forward again. "That's why we're here. And that's why we need your support tonight. Below this deck, you'll find all the various silent auction items. If you have any questions, there will be people down there to help you. Please enjoy the party and thank you all again for coming to support Paradise Harbor House."

A round of applause followed, and soon, the event moved into full swing. Guests laughed and mingled, enjoying the ocean breeze and the picturesque view of the setting sun over the Gulf. The bartenders kept drinks flowing—glasses of white wine, tropical cocktails, and fresh citrus-infused water.

The polished teak deck gleamed under the string lights as Leah made her way toward the stern, the gentle sway of the boat beneath her feet matching the rhythm of the waves. Salt-laden air mingled with the sweet scent of tropical flowers arranged in crystalline vases along the railings.

She spotted Jack at the stern, his profile outlined against a sky that had deepened from coral to indigo, the first stars beginning to peek through the darkening canvas above.

"This is quite an event you all have put together," he said, offering her a fresh glass of wine. The crystal caught the light, sending tiny rainbows dancing across the polished deck.

"Thanks." She accepted the glass and moved to stand beside him at the railing, the metal cool and smooth beneath her palm. "Though I can't take much credit. This was all Kaitlyn and Elena's vision."

"Don't sell yourself short." His voice was soft but firm, barely carrying over the melodic strings of the live band and the gentle lapping of waves against the hull. "I've seen how hard you've worked these past few weeks."

Leah took a sip of wine, enjoying the cool breeze that played with loose strands of her hair. "I suppose I have been burning the candle at both ends lately."

"Which is why," Jack said, turning to face her fully, "I was thinking maybe you'd let me take you away for a weekend. Nothing fancy—just a quick trip up to Marco Island. I know this great little place right on the beach."

Leah's pulse quickened. She wasn’t sure whether he was moving too fast, but the idea of their first real getaway together scared her. "Jack…"

"Before you overthink it," he said with that knowing smile she'd grown so fond of, "it's just a suggestion. No pressure. But I thought it might be nice to have some time, just us, away from work and responsibilities." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "I care about you, Leah. A lot. And I'd like the chance to show you that without having to share you with the rest of Key West for a couple of days."

"I'd like that," she said softly. "Let me think about it, okay?"

“Absolutely,” he said, as he placed a hand on her arm.

She leaned into his touch, savoring the moment until a burst of laughter from nearby reminded her they weren't alone.

The subtle rock of the boat beneath her feet kept Kaitlyn aware of their position on the water as she wove through the crowd. The string lights overhead cast honeyed shadows across the faces of contented guests, while tea lights in mercury glass holders flickered on each table like captured stars. She paused near the buffet, where the aroma of grilled mahi-mahi drizzled with mango-lime sauce mingled with the sweetness of caramelized plantains and the bright scent of fresh herbs.

"Getting good footage?" she asked, sensing Will's approach before she saw him, the familiar scent of his cologne carrying on the breeze.

"The best." He lowered his camera, giving her a warm smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Elena's speech really moved people. And when Melanie came on screen…" He shook his head. "I saw at least three people writing checks right after."

Pride swelled in her chest. "I still can't believe we pulled this off."

"I can." Will's voice was soft but certain. "You're kind of unstoppable when you set your mind to something."

She turned to face him, struck by the sincerity in his expression. The string lights overhead cast a gentle glow across his features, and for a moment, she forgot about the fundraiser, the guests, everything except the way he was looking at her.

"Will…"

"The silent auction's going great too," he said quickly, as if catching himself. "I got some great shots of people bidding. The marketing team's going to love this for next year's promotional materials."

Kaitlyn nodded, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach. "Good thinking. We should probably check on the auction tables again."

"Lead the way." He gestured forward with his camera, falling into step beside her as they headed below deck.

Tess made her way to the dessert station, where crystalline serving dishes displayed Jamie's creations like jewels in a case. The air was rich with the scent of vanilla, caramelized sugar, and fresh-baked pastries.

She spotted him directing his staff, his chef's coat, sleeves rolled up to reveal tanned forearms as he arranged delicate chocolate decorations on a tray of key lime tarts.

"The food is amazing," she said, breathing in the mouthwatering aromas. "Everyone's raving about it."

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, tiny laugh lines deepening in a way that made her heart flutter. "Well, I had good motivation to bring my A-game tonight."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, steadying herself against a nearby table as the boat gently rocked. "And what motivation would that be?"

"You know what motivation." He wiped his hands on his apron before removing it. “When the fundraiser is over, I’d like to take you to dinner.”

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