Page 79 of Sand in My Boots

“What day were you looking at?”

“It doesn’t matter. We’re here until Thursday. Any day there’s an opening.”

I pull up the schedule for the marina. “Where are you joining us from?”

“Oregon.”

“Wow. Far.”

“Too far. He didn’t listen when I suggested Hawaii. But since he’s the one footing the bill, I couldn’t argue too much.”

“Right. So all those complaints about the length of the flight wasn’t you ‘arguing’?”

She rolls her eyes. Damn, she’s spunky. “That was me voicing my opinion about how much I can’t stand to travel. Something you somehow magically forget every time you get grand ideas to take a vacation.”

I can’t help laughing, and when I try to cover it up, it comes out more like a snort. “Sorry.”

“Don’t mind her. She hasn’t had her nap today. The combination of traveling and lack of sleep makes my wife a bit of a crab. She can’t help it, and better yet, I still love her.” It seems like an odd comment to make, but surprisingly, the wife looks up at him adoringly. Even when he adds, “Flights to Hawaii are comparable to South Carolina.”

I want that.

To have my woman look at me like that, even if I’m poking fun at her.

And by “my woman,” I mean Juliana.

“How long have you been married?” It’s not my business in the slightest, but I hope they take it as mere small talk. Getting to know the guests at the resort a little better.

“We’re celebrating our tenth anniversary.”

“Congrats.” I turn to the woman. “Another reason you’d want to go to Hawaii.”

“See, Jacks? Even this stranger agrees.” She swats his chest, but he barely moves.

I can’t help but laugh at their repertoire, their level of comfort with each other.

“Thanks, man. Now she’ll be harping on me even more about my choice of location. Which, by the way, you should sell us on more, since we’re here and all.” His eyes narrow, less in anger and more in mischief.

“You’ll love Whispering Tide. It’s not Hawaii.” Not that I’ve ever been to Hawaii to compare, but our little resort in Magnolia Cay, South Carolina, surely can’t compare with resorts in Waikiki or Honolulu. “And if you encounter any problems, please let us know, and we’ll make it right.”

“Jackson will be sure to complain if there’s an issue,” the wife observes.

The guy seems laid-back as all heck, though the rock on her finger is on par with the clientele here.

“Make sure you ask for Silas for any issues. He’ll make things right.” He’ll be pissed as hell at me, but he’s getting my wrath today. I focus back on the screen, noting the days and times for the cruise. “Tuesday looks like the best day weather-wise. Morning or afternoon?”

“Morning, please.”

My fingers click through the reservations. “It’s about a ninety minute ride. Ferries/cruises leave on the hour. It’s pretty open.”

“Ten sounds good. Won’t have to rush breakfast.”

The woman groans. “Um, that’s like seven a.m. our time. That’s kind of early.”

“Noon suit your fancy better?”

She goes to disagree but thinks better of it by his look. “Perfect.”

“If you can hold off lunch, try the Lowcountry Tasting Room. It’s an excellent choice for local food.”