Page 23 of Hook, Line and Mystery

“Let’s enjoy the festival while we can.” She gave him a tentative smile. “We have today, and we’ll tackle tomorrow when it comes.”

Kit nodded as if in silent acknowledgment of their shared resolve. They turned back to the celebration, allowing themselves to be swept up once again in the whirlwind of colors and sounds that seemed tainted by the knowledge that something was off-kilter—something that could harm Badger’s Drift and everyone in it.

CHAPTER11

KIT

Afew days later, Kit’s boat, the Sea Whisperer, sliced through the waves, leaving a trail of foamy white in its wake. The smell of saltwater permeated the air, mingling with the distant aroma of seaweed. Kit’s fingers gripped the worn wooden handle of the tiller, the strength of his hands apparent in his grip.

Abby sat on a bench near the stern, looking out over the railing, taking in the beauty of the sea. Her tawny hair swayed in the breeze, and he realized somehow, when he wasn’t looking, he’d fallen in love, and he was comfortable with that. Clara would always be a part of his life, but she belonged in the past. He could look away from the past and ahead to a future with Abby.

A gull cried out overhead, breaking the silence. Kit glanced at the horizon where the sun dipped towards the watery expanse, painting the sky with vivid hues of orange and yellow. Abby stood and approached him, desire luminous in her green eyes. She sat next to him, looking out toward the expanse of ocean that seemed to exist between the boat and the sunset.

“It’s breathtaking.”

The warmth in her voice flowed between them, taking up residence in his soul. Kit nodded, unable to find words.

An almost overwhelming feeling came over him to try and explain what being on the water meant to him.

“Clara and I, we were inseparable,” he said without preamble, his voice soft. “We shared a passion for the ocean, for its beauty and its mysteries. We dreamed of exploring its depths, protecting its life.”

As if sensing his turmoil, Abby reached out, gently placing a hand on his arm. He met her gaze, losing himself in the depths of her emerald eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, “I know this must be hard for you. We can go back if you like.”

He shook his head and managed a small smile, appreciating her sympathy. “It is... but it’s also comforting, in a way.”

Her brow furrowed in confusion, but she remained silent, giving him space to gather his thoughts.

He took a deep breath, then exhaled. “Clara loved the ocean. We had our life mapped out and had such big dreams.”

Abby’s eyes softened, her hand still resting on his arm. “Want to share them with me?”

Kit nodded. “We dreamed of exploring the oceans together.” His voice was tinged with a mixture of fondness and sorrow. “We had it all planned out and then it was gone,” he snapped his fingers, “just like that.”

“What happened?”

He took a moment to steady himself. Kit’s gaze grew distant as he remembered a painful memory. “The last expedition with Clara—it was supposed to be a milestone in our careers. We were out at sea, studying a rare marine phenomenon. Everything was going according to plan until a squall came up; it hit us unexpectedly.” He paused, his voice growing softer, yet somehow stronger. “Clara was fearless—always. That day, she was trying to secure some crucial and expensive equipment during the storm. But the sea was merciless...” Kit’s voice trailed off, laden with unspoken grief.

“Go on,” Abby said gently.

He cleared his throat. “The seas were pretty high and then a rogue wave came out of nowhere and hit us. All anyone could see was a wall of water. When it retreated, Clara was nowhere to be found—she’d been swept overboard. We couldn’t find her, much less save her. She was lost to the sea. The very thing she loved most in the world had snatched her away from me.” His eyes met Abby’s, filled with a haunting mix of sorrow and remembrance. “I didn’t just lose Clara that day; I lost a part of myself. That’s why this place, the ocean, it’s both a sanctuary and a reminder of all that I lost.”

The words hung in the air, a testament to the profound impact of that tragic expedition. The memory still stung, a raw wound that hadn’t yet healed. He felt a lump form in his throat, but he swallowed it down.

Abby reached out, her hand gently touching Kit’s arm, offering comfort. “Kit, I can’t even begin to imagine how hard that must have been for you. Clara’s passion and courage, the love you both shared for the ocean—it’s a beautiful, yet heartbreaking story.” She gave him a compassionate look, her voice soft and empathetic. “The strength and courage it took for you to share that with me is only part of what makes you special. I’m truly honored that you trust me enough to do so. But I have to believe that a part of Clara’s spirit, her dedication to the ocean, lives on through your work, through your commitment to preserving what you both loved.”

He nodded. “And you’re all right with that?” Abby nodded. “I have to say telling you and knowing you understand has lifted a weight off my shoulders. It’s as if I can finally finish healing. I got through those first stages of grief, but then I just sort of stopped and couldn’t move forward. Being out here today, talking to you, it’s helped me in ways I didn’t expect. Thank you.”

Abby’s stare held a depth of empathy as she spoke. “We can’t change the past, but we can honor it. You’re not alone in this, Kit. I’m here, and I care about you more than I would have ever dreamed possible.”

Kit could see the compassion in her gaze, and it made him feel less alone. He found himself appreciating the moment, the ocean’s vastness stretching before them, and the promise of new beginnings.

He stared at Abby, her gaze fixed on the horizon, a soft smile playing on her lips. In that moment, he realized that he was ready to embrace the present, to allow himself to let Abby in. Kit took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She gazed at him, questioning, and he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her lips.

He leaned back and smiled at her. The boat bobbed gently on the water’s surface, its hull creaking in rhythm with the waves. Kit ran his hand over the worn wooden railing, the texture comforting under his fingers. The salt air filled his lungs, the smell of the sea a constant reminder of his shared past with Clara and the future he would have with Abby.

She stayed beside him, her gaze scanning the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the water. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. She turned to him and smiled. Then she leaned in, her lips meeting his in a gentle kiss. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He lowered his head and kissed her deeply, clinging to her soft body that yielded to his. Finally, Kit broke the kiss, his gaze lingering on Abby’s face. He felt a connection with her, a bond that went beyond words.

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