And standing in the boat at the end of the rope keeping me tethered, Beckett, one hand lifted, shading his eyes so he can see me.
I should shoot him an angry glare. I hate that he left me last night. But… I don’twantto feel that way today.
So I shakily let go of the bar I’d been clutching and wave.
My husband waves back.
My husband.
Still mine. For now, at least.
I swipe at my eyes and then grab the bar again.
Maybe this isn’t forever, not the way it used to be, but right now? Right now I want to bottle this.
This view.
This feeling.
I’m too high up for the what-ifs to reach me.
And as they start reeling me back toward the boat, something clicks into place—quiet and simple.
Maybe when you stop bracing for everything to go wrong, you finally start noticing what’s going right. I didn’t just survive this, I… had a blast!
When the crew unclips me from all the straps, my legs are shaking, and the second my feet hit the deck, I fly straight into Beckett’s arms.
Not because I’m scared. Not out of desperation.
Because I’m exhilarated. And he’s there. And because he’s always been my person.
He catches me without hesitation, arms wrapping around me tight, lifting me just enough to make me laugh. I press my face to his neck and breathe him in.
We’re laughing.
God, we’re laughing.
Later, once I’m back on the cruise ship—once the adrenaline wears off and my feet are flat on solid ground—I’ll overthink this. I’ll dissect every second of it, the way I always do.
Just…
Not right now.
SANDCASTLES
ASHLEY
“That’s enough sun for me. How about you ladies?” Josie announces, already gathering up her arsenal of beach-day essentials: a straw basket crammed with travel-size sunscreens, half-crushed granola bars, and not only her phone, but also her tablet. She sends me a wink. “I need to post the pictures of you kids doing that paraflying thingy.”
Denise stands to join her, brushing sand from her thighs. “I think I’ll head back too,” she announces, adjusting her visor. Then she pauses, tilting her head theatrically and pressing a hand to her ear.
“Wait… do you hear that?” She gasps. “Oh yes. That’s Lucky Lulu’s Double Diamond Deluxe calling my name.”
“Lucky Lulu’s Double what?” I ask.
“Her slot machine. She’s determined to hit the big one,” my mom explains.
“Mama’s coming, baby.” Denise sends me a wink.
