Page 3 of Too Far To Sea
“I don’t think it will come to that.” Cheyanne would want her to stay even if she was in a wheelchair. Her mother didn’t want her there to begin with, but Chey would win.
“With all the stuff Sheila has done the last few months…” Brit shook her head. “I thought our family was messed up, but your mother has elevated pettiness to a new level.”
The ice cream or her friends were working, at least on her mood if nothing else. And bonus, she wasn’t thinking of how she’d injured herself when none of her principals were in danger. “Worst case, I will have to go explore Bath. Maybe I’ll find my Mr. Darcy.”
“Captain Wentworth is better. Just look at those eyes.” Brit fanned herself over the actor coming on the television screen.
Dana studied the man. It wasn’t his eyes. It was his almost smile. No wonder Louisa Musgrove jumped off the Cobb into his arms. If only he wasn’t fictional.
2
The pale lightof the rising moon reflected off the calm waters. McKay leaned against the upper deck railing of the cruise ship, enjoying his favorite time of night. The pools and hot tubs were closed until sunrise. Most passengers had taken to the bars, casinos, or rooms. Lights flickered along the departing coastline, stretching into the distance. Tomorrow would be the final at sea day before reaching the port of Southampton. His radio crackled to life, jerking him from his reverie.
McKay tensed, waiting for the call that would send him running to break up a fight or deal with an over-indulged passenger. The radio sputtered again and fell silent. Even after five years working ship security, he never quite got used to the way trouble could shatter these peaceful moments.
As Deputy Security Officer, he wasn’t on duty for the night shift, but as long as he was in uniform in a public area, he kept his radio on.
McKay’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out to see his sister’s name flashing on the screen. Most nights Jen called so her daughter Gracie could say good night to her uncleMcKay. With no one around, he answered the call. He felt the corners of his mouth lift into a smile.
“How are my favorite ladies?” he asked, holding the phone out so they could get a clear view of his face.
“Uncle Mac! Guess what?” Gracie bounced up and down, moving the phone with her. The boundless energy overflowed through the screen.
McKay couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. “What?”
“I get to go to Robyn’s Place this summer. The doctor said my new heart is a good ticker.” Gracie’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she shared every detail about the theme park. “I get to be a princess for two whole days. I get a special dress and everything!”
McKay’s chest tightened at the mention of her heart. Two years ago, they’d nearly lost her. Now here she was, planning theme park adventures like any other child.
“Wow. That is the new indoor theme park near you, right?” Like everyone in northern Indiana, he’d read dozens of articles about the new park built by billionaire tech mogul Colin Ogilvie’s wife for children with special medical needs.
“No, it is far away. We have to drive a long time. Longer than going to school.” Above all else, Gracie hated being strapped in a car seat even for a short fifteen-minute ride. The new park was only seventy miles away.
“But it is still in Indiana, which is close.”
“You only say that because you are on the other side of the world.” Behind her thick glasses, Gracie rolled her eyes.
Jen chimed in. “See how dark it is there? It is time for Uncle Mac to go to bed and we have swimming class in the morning.”
“But I am too excited.” Gracie’s lower lip jutted out, signaling the onset of a tough night for his sister.
Jen widened her eyes and mouthed, “S.O.S.”
“Then you need to listen to the special music playlist I sent you. I listen to it on the ship when I can’t sleep.”
“Can I mom?”
McKay knew what his sister would answer. He’d teamed up with her during his last visit home to make Uncle Mac’s special music playlist full of quiet instrumentals.
Jen turned Gracie in her lap to make eye contact. “If you hurry and brush your teeth.”
A mischievous grin spread across Gracie’s face. “Deal!” She blew him a quick kiss before disappearing off screen.
Jen leaned closer to the camera, a mix of gratitude and exhaustion evident in her eyes. “Thanks. I thought she’d never go to bed tonight. The invitation from Robyn’s Place came in a huge envelope today. I’ve had the email for weeks. I already received permission and have the days off. They put a countdown calendar in it so she won’t have to ask me every day how much longer until she goes.”
“I’m so glad you can go. I wish I could be there.” Once, McKay doubted his niece would live long enough to go on any vacation. The new Robyn’s Place, built especially for children with special medical needs by childhood cancer survivor Candace Ogilvie, was an answer to prayer. The best part is it didn’t cost his sister a single penny.
“I wish you could be here, too. I know you have three months on this contract left. We will take lots of videos.”
