She hated it when Ronan was right, as he’d always seemed to be in their younger years. Continuing to walk, she noticed the dip in the floor beside the coffee table. “Fine, you're right, I guess. I hate it when you're right. But I want to be on the boat with him when he learns.”
Glancing at Ronan, he smiled. “I thought you weren’t getting on a boat.”
“There is nowhere I wouldn’t go for my son.”
He nodded. “Understood, as it should be. Who knows, you might actually enjoy it again. You mean to tell me you’ve never been on a boat since she disappeared?”
“Nope, not once.”
“Wow.”
The next week was filled with activity as Ronan, Shaun, his family, and Nicky joined in helping repair the boats and prep the dock and marina for the two boats. After tirelessly working day and night side by side, Luna and Ronan were ready to cast off on the first boat.Phoebe, The Sea Queen, as she was renamed, was ready for an early morning cruise into calm waters on Tuesday.
Everyone gathered around. Luna was surprised Ronan had talked to James and his wife, as well as a few other community members, to join them. “Alright, everyone, we're really glad this boat is finally ready. With any luck, she won’t sink in these waters, but I’m confident she’ll continue to ride smooth and strong for years to come. Jonah, you've been a big help to us, and I have a lot to teach you. Shaun, Emma, Nicky, and Bonnie, you’ve been an amazing help. Luna, what do you say we baptize this boat and let her set sail? The wind is calm, the waters smooth, and there is no better time.”
Before Luna caught her breath, she and Ronan were toasting with everyone before the exciting boat trip. With butterflies in her stomach, Luna thought of her sister as the land faded away. It was the first time in ages that she’d been on water.
Fear trembled deep inside her as Ronan put Jonah at the wheel. “Don’t be afraid of her, Jonah. She’s sturdy. You're in command. Just let your instincts take over like I told you.”
Panic gripped Luna as her hands clutched the railing of the large boat. Seats on either side of her, guests could sit and enjoy the view as the boat slipped through the gorgeous waters.
“Easy, love, don’t do that. Let me help you.” Ronan gently tugged her hands free and clasped them in his own. His body was behind hers, and she felt the gentle thudding of his heart against her back as she looked out to the land.
“It's all fading away. I never realized what she found so appealing about that. It always made me afraid. What if it never reappeared? What if the land was gone forever, and you couldn’t get back?”
“Just breathe, Luna. Breathe and enjoy. This was what your sister loved most about being on the water. It’s what I love and what your father loved most, too.”
He kept talking, the sound of his voice soothing the turmoil within her as she closed her eyes and leaned back. Time slipped by, as everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
Luna wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to it as they returned to the marina. “You know that young man has the gift. Your father and sister would be proud.” Shaun jumped out to tie them to the dock.
One by one, the guests piled out before Shaun called attention to everyone. “Well, that was a delightful ride. You will find pamphlets here for you and your friends and family. Spread the word because more tourism from this means more business for all of you and the community.”
He smiled and winked at Luna. “And as a thank you for coming along today, I’ve prepared a beachside barbeque for lunch. If you follow my lovely wife, she will show you the way.”
As if swept up into some plot from one of her stories, Luna allowed Ronan to lead her down the sandy path to the tables and chairs that hung back a small distance from the shore.
“This is lovely.”
“We can thank Shaun and Emma. They’ve worked so hard for this. They are really going out on a limb to get our business up and running.”
“Luna! Ronan! I have great news. I posted a video when we were on the water, and a party of thirty people are coming out on Friday for a boat tour. A few of them are other social media influencers. We are going to bring this town and boat charter back to life.” Nicky laughed. “Before you know it, Luna, the money will roll in by the barrels full.”
“Well…thank you, Nicky!”
“Oh, you're welcome. I told you I’m not good at cleaning, but I’m good at some very important things like social media. Thank me later.”
People came and went throughout the day, and Luna watched as Ronan took small charters of people from the community out onto the water. They ate and talked. It felt like the longest picnic she’d ever been at.
“This is wonderful, Emma! Thank you so much!”
“Sure, sure, thank her! Don’t forget about your good buddy Shaun.”
Luna gave him a big squeeze, laughing. “As if I could ever forget you.”
“Are you going in the water, Luna?”
“Not a chance.” Luna knew better than to trust Shaun, keeping her distance from Donnie, too. She backed up a few steps and held her hand up to stop him. “I’m good. Don’t even think about it.”
