Beckett and I share every meal together now, and it’s so nice waking up beside him, not having to rush off somewhere. He didn’t even book himself a room at the hotel, which I tease him about. He must have been pretty sure of himself, I joke. But, really, a public declaration of love twice in a lifetime?I’m the luckiest girl in the world,I decide over Dutch pancakes and the world’s most delicious coffee.
Hugoberto is still there. Apparently, he’s a permanent fixture, unlike the hotel manager, whose name I can’t remember anymore.
He recognizes me when Beckett and I board the boat on our second day in paradise. His face softens. “Hola,” he says, holding out a hand to me.
“Hola, Hugo,” I say, smiling.
He’s a man of few words, but his expression is empathetic. I want to tell him how grateful I am, how much I appreciate the kindness he offered my mother. Instead, I have a moment of clarity. I tell Beckett what I’m thinking. “It’s perfect,” he agrees.
So, on the third day, after several hours at the adults-only beach, alovely lunch at Papagayo’s, a nice nap in the late afternoon sun, and some time relaxing on rented floats, Beckett and I head to the dock. I have the paper with the request folded in my bag. When Hugo pulls up in his boat, he ties up and welcomes passengers on board. He extends a hand to me, but I don’t take it. Instead, I fish the paper out of my purse and hand it to him. He unfolds it.
Puedes llevarnos solo en el barco? it asks.
His face looks confused. “Si. Porque?”
I open my tote bag and show him the contents.
“Su madre?” he asks.
I nod.
He places his hand on mine, pursing his lips together in compassion. “Absolutamente. El proximo barco,” he promises.
He drives the passengers away from the dock and back toward the hotel.
Beckett and I take a seat on the bench. “Are you sure about this?” he asks.
I nod. “I know it’s not very fancy, but it would have made her happy.”
“You made her happy,” he says.
“So did you.”
We hold hands, silently observant for the moment we’re about to share.
Hugo returns about ten minutes later. “Vamos,” he welcomes us. He holds out his hand to help me into the boat, and I take it. When I’m safely inside, he raises it to his mouth and kisses it. “Lo siento, señorita.”
“Gracias, Hugo,” I reply. “Ella te ama.”
And she did. She thought he was lovely.
Beckett and I move to the very back of the boat. The engine roars, making any real conversation impossible without yelling. But that’s okay. I can still hear her through the noise.
“You got your happily-ever-after, sweetheart. Just like you deserve. Justlike I always dreamed for you.”
“I wish you were here,” I whisper.
“I know, Melody. But you have everything you need. You’re stronger than you’ve ever known. You have an incredible life ahead. All you have to do now is go live it.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll be watching. Just from a little farther away now.”
“I’m sorry for everything, Mom.”
“No, my love. Don’t you dare be sorry. Everything worked out just the way it was supposed to.”
I unscrew the cap of the travel urn and swallow.
