Page 73 of Island Protector

“I’m okay.” The boy was floating on his back, his head resting on the life jacket, just as he’d been taught.

Miles came up close, treading water. The boy looked no worse for the ordeal. “Where’s your mom? Molly!”

“She gave me her life jacket,” Bryce said. “She threw it to me.”

“Where did she go?”

“Under.” Bryce pointed, his face scrunching up with worry.

Miles kicked, lifting himself up as high as possible to get a better view.

“Miles!”

Hearing the faint call, he saw Molly trying to drag herself up onto one of the small sailing boats. “Come on, kiddo! Kick your feet.” He caught the handle of Bryce’s life jacket and the two of them made their way over to Molly.

Miles lifted Bryce up on the boat first, then Molly. Digging deep, he hefted himself up beside them. He was shaking with relief and adrenaline. “You’re okay?” He held Molly’s shoulders, looking for any injuries.

“F-fine.” She shivered and then wrapped her arms around Bryce. “Oh, baby. Are you okay?”

“Uh-huh. He was a bad guy.”

“Yes, he was.” Molly kissed her son’s face. “He didn’t hurt you?”

“No. He was mean. And his truck smelled funny. That’s all.”

There were shouts from the shore. Miles saw Jess and Sharon running down the dock to meet them.

Miles knew he needed to get them warm. Let them reunite as a family. And he would in just one more minute. He clung to Molly. Molly clung to Bryce. They were wet and cold and his ribs were protesting the exertion.

And none of that mattered as much as having them safe. “It’s over, Molly. You’re safe. You’re both safe.”

“Thanks to you.” Her voice was muffled against Bryce’s hair. “You were so brave, honey! I love you so much.”

Miles felt her burrowing closer. “And you.” She tipped up her face. “I love you too, Miles.”

The words knocked the air out of his lungs. He thought he was ready to hear it. To say it.

“Me too! I love you, Mr. Miles.” Bryce squirmed between them. “When you knocked him flat it was like a movie.”

“One you shouldn’t be watching,” Molly scolded without any heat. She met his gaze. “You’re our hero. Forever. We’ll never forget this.”

He was still lost. Trying to get the words past the emotions lodged in his chest. Finally, he just kissed her. Kissed her with everything he had until Bryce begged him to stop.

When he did, Molly grabbed his face and kissed him again. Then she grabbed Bryce and peppered kisses all over his cheeks until they were all laughing.

Did she have any idea how beautiful she was sitting on a boat, laughing with joy and relief?

“I love you, Molly.” He blurted it out. Finally feeling free and filled with hope. Her eyes positively sparkled in response. “I love you both so much,” he said. “Will you be my family?”

“You want to marry us.”

He had no idea how the kid knew that. Joey probably. “I want to marry your mom,” he admitted. “And in my heart that would make you my son. But it has to be all right with you and your mom.”

“I would love that more than anything,” she said.

“Does that mean we’re all getting married?”

“Yes,” she and Miles said in unison.

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