Page 375 of The Romance Adventure

“Lola the Sassy Sea Cow,” Harley says.

I point at the little bubbles on the surface of the water. “Just wait, she’ll breach so she can take credit for her crime.”

“If I could charge her, I would,” Jolie says, shaking off the water.

“She only does it to people she loves...and who love each other,” Lally says, walking up to us with the dogs.

“Consider it a rite of passage,” Magnus adds.

“We’re going to get plenty wet today, anyway. Meet us back here in half an hour,” I tell Magnus and Lally.

“Good luck,” Ryan hollers.

“And Godspeed,” Royal adds, reminding me of Chip’s will.

Jolie and I mostly dry off in the open-air Jeep on the drive back to Palm Cove Villa and we chat easily about the morning and the one we shared in Malaga when I proposed.

“I’ve seen they make rubber wedding bands for people who’re in the water or work with tools that could damage the ring,” she says.

“Or rip off a finger.”

“Would you wear one, though?”

“Do you want an engagement ring?” Of course, it occurred to me to propose with a diamond as per tradition, but we were caught up in the moment. We just went for it and said I do. Neither one of us brought it up after that. She didn’t ask why I wasn’t wearing mine. I didn’t question her either.

My heart sinks a little because couples who do couple things wear the symbol of their union.

Jolie lifts one shoulder. “I wouldn’t mind an engagement ring.”

I make a mental note to work on that and dig out my wedding band to wear.

An hour later, the dive boat is ready and waiting at the dock in town, where Magnus and Lally wait. The conditions aren’t ideal with a little chop on the water and a westerly wind, which doesn’t hasten our progress, but before long, the Keys gradually diminish in size before becoming little more than sandpiles. I’ve been out here numerous times, and just when you think there’s no more land to be had, Land’s End rises out of the water in the distance.

It isn’t much of an island with little more than a general store, a few houses, and a church on it. I don’t plan to make landfall.

Magnus, Lally, and Jolie help me navigate to where the barque should be buried under several tons of water.

Using the instruments in the state-of-the-art Munson dive boat, I detect a few discrepancies in the ocean floor, but it could be nothing more than a rocky outcropping. Best not to get my hopes up.

I put the boat in neutral and peer overboard.

“Do you think this could be it?” Jolie stands behind me, and her citrus blossom scent teases my nose.

“There’s only one way to find out.” I kiss her on the cheek for good luck and then get into gear. I could free dive, but this area is known for strong currents, and I would rather not have to focus too much on my oxygen.

The sun is behind a cloud and the wind is at about twelve knots, which isn’t bad, but could be more favorable.

From growing up with Chip and his time in the military, Magnus is more than competent with the boat, so that leaves diving up to me.

Leaning on the gunwale, I lower my dive mask and insert the breathing mouthpiece before waving and dropping into the water.

I let myself bask in the peace just beneath the surface for one blissful moment. The discoveries when diving and pushing my limits are always exhilarating, but the silence and stillness keep me returning to the water.

And my work with the agency as I get closer to dismantling the Pirate Guild, but I digress.

I adjust my gear and, with one more glance toward the boat’s hull, I turn my attention to the hunt. My mother was an expert deep-sea diver, and although I wasn’t old enough to dive with her, she did teach me to swim.

Somehow, down here, it’s like she’s with me. No, that’s not quite right. People say things like that about loved ones who are deceased. It’s more like she’s been here before and I’m just following her trail.