Page 45 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

“The ancient Egyptians would use boats with oars and sails. The Austronesian peoples were the first to build boats that were capable of sailing on the ocean. They developed the trade route that would later become known as the Maritime Silk Road,” Eli said, his focus moving between Nash’s hands on the wheel and the direction they were headed.

“Is that right?” Nash replied. He’d been patient with Eli’s commentary since they’d climbed in his truck. “What’s your favorite ship?”

Isabella’s heart squeezed. It wasn’t often Eli had someone who was willing to talk about boats constantly. But to see Nash putting in the effort to take them out and spend time with them showed how much he was trying. Maybe this co-parenting thing would work out after all.

Her stomach rolled. She swallowed and focused on the horizon in front of them, hoping it would help ease the nausea that crept up on her from the swaying ocean.

“The Merchant Royal, an English merchant ship carrying over one hundred thousand pounds of gold—it sunk near Cornwall County, England, in sixteen forty-one, but they discovered the anchor off the coast of the United Kingdom in twenty nineteen.”

Isabella smiled. Eli never ceased to surprise her with all the facts stored in that unique mind of his.

“Sounds like I’m in the wrong business. Maybe I should become a treasure hunter,” Nash joked.

Eli was quiet a moment. “Maybe I could buy your boat, then. You’ll need a bigger ship for hunting treasure like that.”

The rumble of Nash’s laugh stirred something warm and pleasant in her chest. The boat swayed up and down again over a bigger wave. Isabella grabbed the edge of the seat, holding her breath as she staved off the nausea as best she could.

It will pass. Eli’s having too good of a time to turn around now. Sweat dotted her forehead as bile rose in her throat.

“I think I’m too old for a change of careers. Think I’ll stick to what I know.” Nash added, “Why don’t you take the helm?”

“Me?” Eli asked.

“Of course. If you’re gonna captain your own boat one day, you’ll need to practice.”

Eli jumped to his feet and swayed to the right. Isabella reached out to steady him as Nash got up from his seat and offered it to her son. Eli’s hand flapped in excitement as he beamed.

“One hand here, and the other there.” Nash pointed.

Eli listened, focused intently on the horizon ahead. Nash’s hand rested on his shoulder, steadying him.

Another wave of nausea crashed over Isabella. She squinted her eyes closed, but it only made it worse.

“How much farther are we going out?” she asked, trying to keep her voice even.

“Another few miles or so,” Nash answered before turning towards her, his head tilting to the side. “You okay? You don’t look too good.”

“I’m fine.” As soon as the lie left her mouth she was scrambling for the edge of the boat. Clasping onto the metal rung, she bent over the edge and vomited her lunch.

The engine switched off and the boat bobbed in the ocean as she threw up again. The sound of the door to the cabin below opened and then shut a moment later. A large warm hand rubbed her lower back.

“Here’s some water.” Nash handed her a bottle and a paper towel.

She gratefully accepted it, wiping her mouth before rinsing it out. She did that a few times before attempting a few small sips.

“I’m sorry. I’ve never been seasick before. Must be this baby.”

“Nothing to apologize for. But you should have told me you were struggling.”

She glanced at Eli who was watching them with wide, worried eyes before focusing back on Nash. “He was having so much fun. This move has upended his whole life. A lot of change for a boy who likes routine. And he’s always loved boats so much.”

“Come on. Eat these and I’ll get us back to the marina. I’ll take him out another time if that’s alright with you. He can come with me and Anthony.” Nash handed her a few ginger candies.

She reached out to grab his arm. “Nash?”

He tensed. Stormy dark eyes moved from where she touched him to meet hers. “Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

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