Page 39 of The Forever Promise

Bryce put his arm around my waist and led me toward the ramp from the dock. “Captain Johnny seems like good people,” I said.

“He is.” Bryce glanced out at the water. The police craft was next to the largest of the paparazzi boats; a uniformed officer was talking to their captain. “I wonder if they’re going to get a ticket for loitering or disturbing the peace.” He whipped out his phone. “I’m texting Olivia so she knows this is going to be an issue. We’ll have to inform the authorities that our team’s authorized.”

“I’ve never seen a police boat before.”

He nodded. “They have a very active presence up here. Usually they enforce fishing rights, but I guess these guys are under their jurisdiction, too., as long as they’re on the water.”

“It’s nice to know they’re looking out for us.”

Bryce palmed my hip. “Itisnice to know.”

We walked up the ramp to the landing. The restaurant was a long structure that jutted out into the harbor. More than a dozen well-dressed people were waiting for tables outside, but I didn’t recognize anyone. Children threw rocks into the water, people were laughing and taking pictures, and one older couple had drinks from the bar and were toasting each other. It was a happy, relaxed vibe. Everyone seemed grateful to be on the island on such a gorgeous night.

I squeezed Bryce’s hand. I knew I was lucky to be here, too.

The hostess came outside and scanned the crowd. When she spotted Bryce, she waved. “Mr. Windsor! Your table’s ready.”

The other customers eyed us, maybe wondering who Bryce was. A young couple whispered to each other as we passed. I straightened my shoulders, wondering if the photographers were already taking pictures of us or if the police were still questioning them. The hostess led us through the restaurant, which was packed.

“Bryce! Chloe!” Kelli and Kenji Nguyen waved to us from their table, and we waved back.

“Hey there, Bryce!” boomed another voice. It was Donald, the gentleman who had lost fifty-thousand dollars on a bet that Bryce would never get married.

Bryce pulled me closer, grinning, as he waved back. As we made our way to the restaurant’s deck, we said hello to several other diners. “You literally know everyone here,” I joked.

“Like I told you, there’s only one restaurant.”

The hostess sat us at a secluded table outside with a spectacular view of the water. “This is perfect,” Bryce said as he pulled out my chair. “Thank you.”

She beamed at him. “Of course, Mr. Windsor. Our pleasure. Your server will be right with you.”

Bryce sat down next to me and for a moment, we were both speechless as we stared at the view. The moon was rising, three-quarters full, a bright shiny white. One side of the sky was dark, nighttime just beginning; the other, where the sun had just set, was streaked with pink. The mountains rose majestically in the distance. The ocean stretched out before us, dark, mysterious, yet somehow still peaceful.

“I love it up here. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.”

Bryce nodded. “I’ve traveled the world, but these islands have my heart.”

“It even smells good.” I inhaled deeply, enjoying the pure scent of unspoiled nature. “I noticed that when we came up the first time. It’s no East Boston, but I’ll take it.”

“I”m glad. Once I moved up here full-time, I couldn’t imagine going back to live in the city. I like to visit, but this is home.”

“I liked the Bahamas, too.” Bryce’s family had a gorgeous home there. I shivered, remembering the sexy vacation we’d spent on the island. That trip held a lot of firsts for me. It was the first time I’d ever been out of the country, ever been anywhere tropical—and most importantly, the first time Bryce and I had made love. It had been incredible. I would never forget it. “But this is my favorite view ever.”

“Me too.” But Bryce wasn’t looking out at the ocean and the majestic mountains—he was looking at me. “I’m so glad we’re here.”

I melted a little. In spite of my better judgment, I reached for his hand. “Me too.”

The server came. We hastily looked at the menu and ordered crab cakes, a lobster roll, and at Bryce’s insistence, lobster fried rice. “You’ll love it,” he declared. He also ordered us two Maine Wild Blueberry sodas.

I blinked at him once the server left. “You’re drinking a blueberrysoda? Whatever happened to bourbon, huh?”

He shrugged, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I guess hanging with my underage wife has me in more of a soft-drink frame of mind.”

“Ha.” But the sodas, and the rest of dinner, were no laughing matter. We feasted on the crab cakes, and I tried aioli dipping sauce for the first time—it was insanely good. Our blueberry drinks tasted like the berries had been hand-picked moments before. The lobster roll was excellent. Despite being intimidated by its kimchi and shallots, I even enjoyed the fried rice. Whatever they were, they tasted great. Our server returned and lit the candles at our table; their glimmers echoed the winking stars appearing above.

Throughout our meal, which was excellent, Bryce kept his hand either on mine, around my shoulder, or on my thigh. We never lost contact. He gleefully ate with one hand. With the moon reflecting on the ocean, the excellent food, and the attention from my husband, I was high as a kite. I leaned over and kissed him automatically, without thinking it through.

“Ah.” Bryce nuzzled his face against my neck. “I’m so glad you’re back. I missed you, Chloe.”

---