Page 26 of Unveiled

“Thank you.” Overwhelmed, I peered around the large vessel.

Valentino muttered a smallthank youunder his breath. He guided us toward the front. Shortly after we had gotten settled near the railing, another woman approached, handing us blue plastic ponchos to wear during the tour.

Valentino took it, sighing.

“Enjoy the ride.” She chirped, skipping away as she pulled her hood up.

Unfolding the poncho, Valentino arched a brow as he inspected it.

“What’s wrong?”

“This is not something I normally do.”

“You have to slide it over your head.” I mocked him. “Also, need I remind you, you chose this activity.”

Rolling his eyes, he pursed his lips. “I know that, Isabelle.”

I giggled as he slipped it over his button-down shirt and dark-navy jeans. Movement to my right caught my eye. I glanced over at Joseph and Noah, who were already wearing theirs. Noah was adjusting his earpiece with a concerned expression.

Joseph, adjusting the hood, met my gaze. “What’s so funny?”

“You both no longer look tough.” I chortled.

Noah slid his Ray Bans on, then held his hands out.

I shook my head. “Still no.”

He smirked and backed against the railing nearby as people piled on. The entire tour, the four of us laughed and joked around. Valentino surprised me by letting his guard down and was even friendly with Noah. Usually, he acted reserved for fear of what they would release in the media the following day. Now, he was being human and having fun like he should. It was times like this, I would observe his softer side and appreciate the moments where he felt free.

The boat stopped by the waterfall and inched closer. The wind blew hard against us and the mist from the bottom of the falls splattered everyone on board. Kids squealed with excitement as parents yelled loudly over the noise of the water plummeting down the rocks.

A child backed into Valentino’s leg, causing the little boy to slip down. Valentino leaned over, helping him up before assuring he was okay. The mother thanked him and apologized before she dragged her son the other way. A part of me wondered how Valentino would be as a father. Would he be tough and aloof, or would our child have him wrapped around their little finger? He was a completely different man with William and Tanya’s son and, Carissa, his niece. Kids loved him, and he was always their favorite person in the room. I never would have guessed that from our first meeting.

Isabelle stood at the railing, staring ahead in her own world. Though everyone was watching the scenery, I was watching her. I knew something was on her mind. Despite the wheels turning in her head, she looked happy, which was all I ever wanted for her. I was so thankful to have her in my life.

My phone kept vibrating in my pocket but I ignored it. It could not have been important because they would have called Joseph or Noah. Anyone else could wait. After the seventh time of nonstop pulsation in my pocket, I turned my back away from the falls and yanked my phone out to turn it off. Lindsay was the one who had called and texted every single time. I could not be bothered to deal with her right now.

I motioned for Joseph, who stepped to my side in one quick stride as the boat swiveled to return to the dock. I gestured to the screen. “Would you please call Lindsay when we get back and ask her what she wants?”

Noah’s sunglasses hid where his eyes were focused, but the moment I said her name, he angled his head in our direction. I flashed him a quick glance before handing Joseph my phone. He slid the poncho up and tucked it away in his pocket.

Snaking my arms around Isabelle’s waist, I tugged her against me, breaking her trance. She looked up for a moment before laying her head back against my chest as she watched the water.

“It’s so beautiful.”

Leaning forward, I pressed my lips to her cheek. My attention was soon drawn to a woman with a cell phone pointed toward us while everyone else had theirs directed at the scenery. Withdrawing one of my hands, I tapped Noah on the forearm twice. Two taps indicated suspicious behavior nearby. Instantly, he scanned the crowd, swiftly zoning in on the woman. Silently, with his head held high as he strode over to the stranger. Her gaze lifted, only to be met his threatening figure. Crossing his arms, he planted himself in front of her, glaring down.

Though I did not hear what he said, her face turned red and she handed her phone over to him. His fingers stroked the screen several times, then he handed it back to her. She stiffened up as he was clearly scolding her. The moment she averted her gaze, he spun around and marched back over with a conceited smirk.

He leaned over to my ear. “Done, boss.”

“Thank you.”

The ferry came to a stop away from the dock. A voice came over the speaker.

Folks, this is the perfect photo op for anyone who wants to get a great photo of the falls. We’ll pause here for a few moments for anyone who wants to take pictures or video.

The guide soon spewed out facts about both Canada and New York dividing the river, and the history of the falls.Isabelle dug her phone from her back pocket and held it up, snapping many photos of the picturesque backdrop.

---