Page 43 of Romantic

“It seemed fitting. The Queen of Faeries, birther of dreams.”

“‘She gallops night by night through lovers’ brains, and then they dream of love . . .’”

I quote the line from Romeo and Juliet.

“Yes, exactly. Is it any wonder Queen Mab brought me to you?” I don’t answer; I just think how much my Dad would’ve loved Jack.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” I ask as Jack makes himself busy rigging the sails and doing all sorts of impressive things with ropes that apparently aren’t called ropes, but something like halyards and sheets.

“No, not this time. I’ve got a system for single-handing the boat. All you need to do tonight is relax and enjoy the view.”

On a sailboat, laid back Jack transforms into alert, driven, and capable Jack. The wind whips through his hair as he stands at the helm, guiding us out to sea. “I should have asked,” he says casually, “You don’t get seasick, do you?”

“No, not all. I love being out at sea.” And I do—I love the wind whipping through my hair and the slight sea spray misting my face. All the worries I have on the mainland seem to be carried off by the wind as we glide across the glittering water.

Big Sur is even lovelier from a distance. We sail south along the rugged coast washed in golden light. Twenty minutes or so later, Jack maneuvers the sails so we are at a standstill. He unpacks our dinner: lobster rolls, fennel salad, and potato chips. It’s all delectable. Jack did an incredible job planning this date. The water is calm, and there’s only a light breeze. As the sun lowers, the sea turns the color of champagne. The sky above is a soft pink.

“It’s all so unbelievably lovely.” I say, kneeling on the bench with my face toward the water.

“So you like sailing?” Jack asks, sitting beside me.

“I love it! Though this isn’t my first time on a sailboat. J.J.’s husband had one, and they often invited us. But it’s been a long time. I forgot how much I love it,” I say, watching distant waves crash against the coast.

“I’m glad you like it.” Jack wraps his arms around me from behind. “Annie,” he whispers in my ear, “let’s take a trip, just the two of us. We can sail down the coast and then to Hawaii.” I turn my head a little so I can see him. Jack is obnoxiously handsome at all times, but in the pinkish golden light of the setting sun, he is breathtaking. I find myself raising a hand to his face just to make sure he is not a mirage. “How long would that take?”

“Three months—maybe four.”

“What about my job?”

“Don’t take it. You don’t want to be tied down. After Hawaii, I want to take you home to meet my parents. Spend a snowy Christmas with me in Maine.”

“I have always wanted a white Christmas,” I murmur to myself, my eyes drifting back to the ocean.

“You will love Christmas with my family.” I can picture it all. Snow covered pines, Jack in a fishman’s sweater. I bet he looks incredible in a sweater. My hair pulled up in a green velvet bow.

“Do you think your mom will like me?”

“Everyone will love you.” Jack says giving me another kiss.

“What if I skipped Hawaii? I could still keep my job and just fly out for Christmas, right?”

“Imagine a whole continent between us. I don’t think I could handle it. I’d crawl on my hands and knees just to be with you.”

“I don’t know. This is sudden.”

“Is it? The moment I met you, I knew. I thought you did too.”

I think of Jack pulling me from the water in the moonlight. I’d been so frustrated and embarrassed by Brandon’s rejection. Then Jack appeared as if he’d walked right out of one of my daydreams.

But was it love at first sight? I’m not so sure. I can’t help but think of Brandon. He won’t approve of me not taking the job, and Pepper will be crushed. You need to let go of that idea. It’s never going to happen.

“You know,” I say, turning back around to give Jack my full attention. “I think I will go. I’m ready for a grand adventure.”

You will be setting your cap at him now, and never think of poor Brandon. —Sense and Sensibility

13

Brandon