Page 62 of The Rookie

“If you don’t sit and follow the rules while I’m piloting this boat, I’ll make you wear a life jacket.”

I laugh as we go back to our first time on the boat, and recite the same words. “Can I sit in here?” I ask, as I glance at the bench.

“Fine, as long as you don’t distract me. I need to get out to open water without running into any other vessels.”

I sit, and can’t take my eyes off my beautiful fiancée, soon to be bride. I let my gaze fall over her, take in the small smile permanently on her face. As I study her, I note some small changes. The slight flush of her cheeks, the thickness of her hair, the new plumpness in her body. Seattle has been good for her, for both of us.

“Now that Jules and Rider know Brier Island, does that mean they can tour on their own, so I can keep you in the dome all to myself, all weekend?”

She grins. “You know it’s all about customer experience, Wes.”

“And you know what this customer wants to experience, right?” I stand, and step up behind her. Unable to keep my hands to myself, I slide them around her body, and cup her breasts, take in their fullness.

“We’re about to get married. I don’t think that qualifies you as a guest anymore, but I think there are special provisions for husbands.”

She glances at me over her shoulder, and my heart swells. “I love you so much, Charlie.”

“I love…” her words fall off, and her body goes completely still.

“Charlie?” I move to the side to see her face. “You’ve lost your sea legs,” I tease, but my smile falls when she pales, puts her hand over her mouth, and backs up. I quickly take control of the boat and slow it down when she darts from the cabin.

“Charlie are you okay?” Jules asks, and I stop the boat and run to Charlie’s aid. I find her bent over the side of the boat, ill.

I hold her hair back as she empties her stomach, and worry zings through me. She hasn’t been on a boat in a while. But I wouldn’t think someone as seasoned as her would get seasick upon returning.

“Where’s your bag?” I ask, and run my hand along her back. “I’ll get you some Dramamine.”

She shakes her head no, and I glance at a very worried Jules and Rider. “Can you grab us a bottle of water?”

Rider comes back with the water and I open it. Charlie takes a big drink, and rinses her mouth. She sits on the bench and wipes the moisture from her brow. When she realizes we’re all watching, she frowns.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry.” I press my hand to her forehead. “You’re sick.”

I glance at Jules, who is a nurse. “Do you want to check her temperature?”

“No need,” Jules says a slight grin on her face, like she suddenly knows something I don’t. I mean, I know I can be dense at times, but I’m really worried about Charlie here. Why won’t she check her temperature?

“We need to turn back.”

I’m about to stand, and turn the boat around, when a hand on my arms stops me. “No, Wes.”

She pulls me closer, and holds my hands. “I wanted to wait until we got to Brier Island to tell you, but I guess the cat’s out of the bag…” She laughs. “So to speak.”

“I’m lost, babe.”

“We’re pregnant Wes.”

The world stops moving around me, and I’m sure the sea just went completely calm as I stare at my beautiful fiancée, her words pinging around inside my brain. My heart suddenly speeds up, and the world begins moving again as I absorb and digest her words.

“We’re…pregnant?”

Her smile is wide, and her eyes are sparkling as she nods.

“We’re pregnant!” I shout, and jump up, pulling her with me. I throw my arms around her and start spinning her, but that’s when I realize that might not be a good idea. I set her down. “I’m sorry,” I say quickly. “Did I make you sick again?”

“It’s okay. I feel better.”

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