His coffee finished brewing and he poured a cup, took it outside with him. On his way home from work last night, he’d made several stops to collect everything needed for today and had placed them in the shed. He grabbed a few items from the spare refrigerator out there, put them in the box holding the remaining items, and hid them in the boat’s cabin.
He was rummaging through the cabinets and refrigerator for breakfast ideas when Monica knocked at the front door. “Come in.”
“Do you ever sleep?” Her gaze traveled from his head to feet. “No matter how early I get here, you’re always put together.”
“My internal alarm clock won’t let me sleep late most the time, even when I wish it would.” A savory scent teased his senses and he sniffed. “What smells so good?”
“Your mom made breakfast burritos this morning and sent two for you.” She pulled a foil package from her purse and handed it to him.
“I’ll call and thank her in a few minutes.” He unfolded the creases and offered one to her.
“Your mom made sure I had my share before I left, but thanks.”
“I have everything ready to go.” The light sweater she wore caught his attention. “Do you have a heavier jacket with you?”
“It’s in the car.”
“Grab it before we leave. It’s going to be chilly.”
She leaned her forearms on the counter. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” He wiggled his brows and kissed her cheek. “I need to change first, then I’ll be ready.”
“I’ll bring Chance in and feed him.”
“Thanks.” He rushed down the hallway and hurried to change into the clothes he’d picked out last night—a pair of black twill pants, a sweater, and leather jacket. He’d worked hard to find the balance that suited the occasion but wasn’t too dressy for spending time on the boat.
When he came out, she waited by the door scrolling through her phone. She looked up, saw him, and slipped her phone in her purse.
“Ready?” He reached for her hand.
“Ready.”
“Close your eyes until we get outside,” he instructed, leading her through the door. Once they were down the steps he let go. “Now you can open them.”
Her eyes widened when she saw the boat hitched to the truck. “I thought you said it wasn’t running?”
“I may have lied.” Her blatant enthusiasm bolstered his confidence. “I wanted you to be surprised.”
“Where are we going?”
“We’ll take a road trip, and then launch from Cypremort Point and spend the day in the Vermillion Bay.”
She latched onto his arm for a second. “I can’t wait.”
Throughout the drive, he watched Monica as often as he could while safely navigating the road. She watched in awe as they drove to the bay, having never seen this stretch of land before. “Everything is so green still. It’s beautiful.”
“This is one of my favorite drives. Sometimes when I just need to think, I’ll drive out this way.”
“How much longer until we get there?”
He’d taken this path enough times to answer by landmarks. “Another ten minutes.”
“Will I need to help you launch? I don’t know anything about boating, but it seems it would take two people to get the boat in the water.”
“That’s already taken care of.” He took one hand from the wheel and held hers. “Today is yours to enjoy.”
Forty-five minutes later, with the help of a friend he’d asked to come assist with the launch, they were adrift in the Vermillion Bay. He stood by Monica near the hull, their hands entwined, looking out as the sun reflected on the rippling waters. The scent of saltwater surrounded them and a breeze tussled Monica’s hair. He fought the urge to smooth her tresses.
