Page 98 of Vacation with the Ice Queen

"Are you trying to get me tipsy on the high seas, Ms. Frost?" she whispered as Captain Miguel busied himself with pre-sailing checks.

"Just covering all bases of a proper maritime experience," Serena replied with mock innocence. "Though I've arranged for Miguel to teach us the basics, so we'll need to keep our wits about us."

The idea of Serena Frost willingly putting herself in the position of novice student sent a wave of tenderness through Lila. "You continue to surprise me.”

Serena's expression softened. "Good. That's the plan."

As the captain untied the mooring lines and the boat drifted away from the dock, Lila felt a curious mixture of excitement and melancholy wash over her. They were sailing into perfect blue waters under cloudless skies, creating exactly the kind of memory she'd asked for—one worth keeping long after their goodbye.

The sails caught the wind with a satisfying snap, and the boat heeled slightly, finding its rhythm against the gentle waves. Captain Miguel began explaining the basics of sailing, demonstrating how to adjust the lines and steer with the tiller. To Lila's delight, Serena proved a quick study, her analytical mind grasping the physics of wind and sail with natural ease.

"You're a natural," the captain praised as Serena executed a perfect tack, bringing the boat smoothly about on a new heading.

"I have excellent motivation," Serena replied, shooting a glance at Lila that made her cheeks warm despite the cooling sea breeze.

They took turns at the helm, laughing when things went wrong and celebrating small wins as they learned to work withthe wind rather than against it. When they finally settled into a steady course parallel to the distant shoreline, Captain Miguel excused himself to the bow, giving them privacy while remaining available if needed.

"Happy?" Serena asked, popping the champagne and pouring two glasses.

Lila accepted hers, watching bubbles rise through the golden liquid like tiny wishes seeking release. "Beyond happy."

They touched glasses with a delicate clink that seemed to hang in the salt air. For this perfect moment, there was no countdown, no impending goodbye—just two women on a sailboat, learning new things together while the world expanded around them in impossible beauty.

"To adventures," Serena said, her voice carrying a note of something deeper than the simple toast suggested.

"To adventures," Lila echoed, knowing they both understood what remained unspoken: that some journeys, however brief, leave permanent marks on the soul.

The sun had begun its descent toward the horizon when they returned to the dock, their skin salt-kissed and hair tousled by hours on the water. Captain Miguel secured the boat with practiced efficiency while Serena helped Lila onto the weathered planks, their fingers lingering in the casual contact they'd grown accustomed to.

"Thank you for a perfect afternoon," Lila said as they waved goodbye to the captain.

"It's not over yet," Serena replied, guiding her back to the waiting golf cart. "We have one more stop before dinner."

"There's more?" Lila laughed in disbelief. "You're setting an impossible standard for date planning, you know that, right?"

Serena's expression turned thoughtful as she started the cart. "I suppose I am approaching this with my usual thoroughness."

"I wasn't complaining," Lila clarified, resting her hand on Serena's knee. "Just impressed."

They drove in comfortable silence as late afternoon gilded everything in honey-colored light. The island looked different from this perspective—familiar paths made new by shared experience, ordinary landscapes transformed by the knowledge that each sight was being carefully stored in memory.

The cart climbed again, but instead of the jungle trail to the waterfall, Serena took a wider path that curved gently upward through flowering meadows. They approached another plateau, this one smaller and more carefully maintained than the lookout point.

"The observatory," Lila said, recognizing the distinctive dome structure. "I've heard about this place but never visited."

"It's usually reserved for scientific research and special events," Serena explained as she parked. "But I thought you might appreciate it for sunset. And later."

The small building sat perched at one of the highest points on the island, its silvery dome gleaming against the darkening eastern sky. A resort staff member greeted them at the entrance, exchanging a few quiet words with Serena before departing with a respectful nod.

"Are we...alone here too?" Lila asked, impressed despite herself at Serena's apparent ability to command private access to the island's most exclusive locations.

"Just for tonight." Serena led her inside, where the circular space was dominated by a large telescope positioned beneath a retractable section of the dome. Around the room's perimeter, comfortable seating had been arranged, and a small table held covered dishes and a bottle of wine.

"I thought we'd watch the sunset," Serena explained. "And then stargaze. The consultant who manages the observatory says the viewing conditions are perfect tonight."

"It's perfect," she managed, blinking away moisture rapidly.

Serena studied her face. "You're crying."

---