Page 97 of Vacation with the Ice Queen

For memories worth keeping. Thank you for teaching me to be present.—S.

Lila ran her fingers over the words, emotion tightening her throat. "It's beautiful."

"I know digital is more efficient," Serena said, a hint of her old self-deprecating humor surfacing. "But some things deserve to be written by hand."

"When did you even have time to get this made?"

"I have my ways." Serena's mysterious smile faded into something more vulnerable. "I wanted to give you something that would last beyond these four days. Something that represents what you've given me."

The simple gift held more meaning than the most expensive jewelry or lavish present. It acknowledged what had grown between them and recognized the impact they'd had on eachother, yet made no demands about what might come after their goodbye.

"Thank you," Lila said, leaning forward to kiss her gently. "I'll treasure it."

Afterward, they packed up their picnic and swam one last time, diving beneath the waterfall to discover a small air pocket behind the curtain of water where sound changed quality, becoming both muffled and amplified simultaneously.

"It's like being in another world," Lila said, voice echoing strangely against the rock wall.

Serena pulled her close, water cascading just inches from their shoulders. "That's how I feel every moment I'm with you."

The simple truth in her voice made something expand in Lila's chest—not quite pain, but an ache of sweetness so intense it bordered on unbearable.

They left their hidden oasis reluctantly, bodies pleasantly tired from swimming as they retraced their path up the steep trail. The golf cart waited where they'd left it, but Serena made no move to start it immediately.

"What next?" Lila asked, combing fingers through her damp hair.

Serena smiled, that new, unguarded expression that transformed her entire face. "The day's just beginning."

The golf cart wound its way back down the hillside, Serena navigating the steep path with newfound confidence. Lila leaned back in her seat, the journal pressed against her chest, her still-damp hair lifting in the breeze. The morning's perfection had left her feeling almost buoyant, as if the island's gravity had somehow lessened.

"So where to now?" she asked as they approached the main resort area. "Or is that still classified information?"

"Still classified," Serena confirmed, that playful smile returning. "Though I will say it involves the ocean."

"The ocean narrows it down to roughly seventy-five percent of possible activities on a tropical island."

"Patience isn't your strong suit, is it?" Serena teased, taking a turn that led toward the eastern side of the island.

"Says the woman who answers emails at 3 a.m. because waiting until morning is unbearable."

Serena laughed. "Fair point."

They rounded a final curve in the path, and Lila spotted a small dock extending into a sheltered cove where resort staff rarely brought guests. Bobbing gently against the weathered wood was a sailboat, its white hull gleaming in the midday sun, sails furled but ready.

"You're kidding," Lila breathed, sitting up straighter. "We're going sailing?"

"I had a feeling you might enjoy it." Serena parked the cart and turned toward her, studying Lila's reaction with evident pleasure. "Maika mentioned that you sometimes watch the sailboats from the beach."

The small detail touched her deeply. This wasn't a generic luxury experience; it was personally crafted with her in mind.

"I've always wanted to learn," Lila admitted as they approached the dock. "But I’ve never had the opportunity."

A man in crisp white shorts and a navy polo spotted them and waved. "Ms. Frost, Ms. Skye, welcome! I'm Captain Miguel. Everything is ready for your afternoon sail."

Serena shook his hand. "Thank you for arranging this on short notice."

"My pleasure. It's a perfect day for it—steady breeze, clear skies." He gestured toward the boat with pride. "The Silver Whisper is one of our finest vessels. She'll give you a smooth ride."

As they boarded, Lila noticed the small table set up in the cockpit, complete with a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket.

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