Page 51 of Island Protector

“We’re putting on life jackets because?—”

“We’re near the water,” Bryce finished. “Safety first.”

“Yes, exactly.” He caught Molly’s gaze. “I’m only letting the line out a little bit. We won’t actually be sailing.”

“Why not?” Bryce asked while Molly silently rejoiced.

“Because I haven’t taken her for a real test yet,” Miles explained. “But I thought it would be fun to have our picnic out here in the marsh. We can watch the stars come out and eat all the hush puppies your tummy can handle.”

Bryce patted his stomach. “My tummy can handle a lot.”

Molly wasn’t sure her tummy could handle a single hushpuppy right now. Her loyalties were divided between making her son deliriously happy and making herself utterly miserable.

Of course, Bryce’s joy won out.

With life jackets on, Miles stepped down into the boat first. Molly held her breath as he helped Bryce. Once the boy was seated, he turned back and reached up to Molly.

“Trust me,” he whispered.

She did, damn him. Gripping his hand, she let him steady her as she stepped on board. The boat was remarkably stable under her feet as she settled next to Bryce. Miles slowly let out the line and they glided seamlessly away from the dock.

“Still tethered,” he said.

She only nodded, afraid her voice would reveal her stress to her son. Instead she focused on the sounds drifting around them, the soft changing sky as the sun set. She could hear more of the marsh at dusk—birds, insects, and frogs—than the busy hum of the busy restaurant a few hundred yards away.

Miles flipped a switch and suddenly the rail and rigging sparkled. It was like sitting inside a constellation. The beauty of it made it easier to breathe.

“That’s cool!” Bryce pumped his fist in the air. “How did you do that?”

“I’ll show you sometime,” Miles said. “How about you come over here and help me unpack our picnic?”

Bryce scampered over to the insulated bags and coolers, leaving Molly to watch in awe. The slight rocking of the boatdidn’t bother him in the least. Her nerves settled down knowing the line was secure and she was in the company of apparently two competent sailors. Soon, she was almost as relaxed as they were and able to enjoy the hushpuppies and the rest of the meal.

“This is awesome,” she admitted as they ate, finally echoing her son’s earlier enthusiasm.

“Glad you approve.”

She smiled, sheepish. “I’m sorry I didn’t at first.”

“No problem,” he murmured. “Thanks for giving me a chance.”

She started to reply, thinking again about limits and bad timing, but Bryce interrupted. “What’s for dessert?”

“Key lime squares. Check the cooler,” Miles urged.

Bryce passed out the treats for all three of them and when they finished, Miles pulled out a tablet, so Bryce could search the sky for constellations as the stars came out.

“Wow.” Molly was impressed. “You know how to entertain and distract my son.”

Miles sat back on the bench and pulled her closer to his side. “Thought maybe I could get in a kiss or two while he wasn’t looking.”

“That’s a very grown up Valentine’s Day idea.”

“I thought so.” His lips brushed lightly over hers and his smile was nothing short of triumphant. “You still like me enough to kiss me back.”

“Mm-hm.” She curled a little closer. Her thigh pressing along the length and strength of his. “You thought I’d be mad.”

He grinned. “You weren’t happy. Thanks for trusting me anyway.”

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