Page 78 of Royal Agenda

Grace touched her arm, concerned.

“Don’t mind me. I always cry at–” she cut off. “--dinner cruises.”

“Where’s Grandma?” she asked, anxious to show her the tiny tassels that brushed her legs.

“I’m here.” Grandma stepped out of her room wearing the blue and green dress they’d bought on their shopping trip. Her chin-length hair was sleek and her eyes bright.

Grace rushed to her. “You look so beautiful!” She threw her arms around her and hugged her tight.

“Thank you, dear. You’ve inspired me.” Grandma’s eyes shone with tears. The bracelets—yes, more than one!—clanked on her arms. She reached up and tucked a flower over Grace’s left ear. “You’re ready.”

“Ready for what?” Grace asked, soaking in the love in Grandma’s embrace.

“The dinner cruise—of course!” Winnie clapped her hands. “We’re all going.”

Polly led the way out to the curb, where Don waited with his golf cart. He offered his hand to help them each in. When he got to Grace he paused and gave her a side hug. She appreciated his kindness. Maybe Sean had told him about the breakup?

The golf cart had them at the docks in no time, and they were soon zooming across the water on a boat. Don drove. The ladies insisted Grace sit behind the windshield so her hair wouldn’t be messed up. They were too kind, and it made her want to cry all over again.

Elizabeth had told her that there was magic in Diamond Cove. As far as Grace could see—the magic was in the residents and their big hearts.

Don pulled alongside a larger boat called Bluebell and tied off. A rope ladder came over the side. “Sorry, ladies.” He grumbled. Tipping his head back, he cupped his hands around his mouth and called, “I have ladies aboard!”

A moment later, a swing lowered. Don grinned. “Whose first?”

Grandma jumped forward. “I’ve always wanted to try one of these.”

Grace’s mouth fell open. “You have not!”

Grandma laughed with abandon. “I have! And I’m checking it off my bucket list tonight.”

Don held the seat steady as Grandma climbed on. Then she was hoisted up, kicking her feet as she went, her dress tucked under her legs for modesty.

“I'm taking the stairs!” Polly declared.

“Right behind you.” Winnie grabbed onto the rope ladder, and the two of them made steady—albeit slow—progress.

Once Grandma was over the side of the boat, the swing came back down. “Are you ready?” Don asked.

She nodded. “Thank you for helping me feel better.” She sat down, tucking her dress in as Grandma had done.

“It’s all going to be okay,” he assured her. His dark brown eyes were full of empathy and sparked with mischief.

She looked up at the bar hanging over the side of the boat, the rope holding her chair wrapped over it, and hoped it held.

As she rose into the air and was able to look out over the sparkling sea, she breathed in the salt and water and the beauty of the moment. She wasn’t healed—not by a long shot— however, she could let this moment be one of peace. Maybe being in the present was a gift Ryker had given her that she could use every day as a way to remember their time together.

As the swing cleared the side of the boat, she twisted toward the deck and almost fell out of the swing.

“Elizabeth!” she exclaimed, launching herself at her sister. Right behind her was Maisie and her mom and new step-dad. They surrounded her with their arms wide open, gathering her into their protective and loving circle. She began to cry. “I can’t believe you’re all here.”

“Believe it,” said Chad. He was a head taller than the rest of them. His bronzed skin glowed in the late evening light, and his pearly whites stood out.

Grandma must have arranged for them all to be on the dinner cruise. She searched for their matriarch but couldn’t see past the cluster of people around her.

“Are you looking for someone?” asked Elizabeth, her eyes twinkling with delight.

“Grandma. I want to thank her for getting you all here.” She hugged Maisie again. Her sister had put on some weight, finally getting back the roundness in her cheeks. The hollow, sunken-in phase of grief had scared Grace. “Did she have to use a crowbar to get you out of the house,” she teased.

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