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Her dad was looking at her with complete adoration. “When did you grow up into such a smart woman? It sounds like you’ve got a handle on it. Make sure you corner Larry or Dave next time they’re in, though. They’ve both circumnavigated Australia and I know they have some good tips on where to position yourself for the best routes near the coast, avoiding those currents that’d work against you.”

“Noted. But yeah, I mean there’s nothing else holding me back here right now.” It felt like a lie as soon as she said it. A guilty feeling tugging at her insides as she thought of Taylor, of what they’d only just started. Why did it feel like every time she solved one big problem in her life, it opened up another one?

“So you think I should accept?” There was hope and still a little hesitation behind his eyes.

“Do it, Dad. You deserve this, more than anyone I know. Go be free. Release those ropes on Carol. Go take her on the adventure she always wanted,” Sam replied with a watery smile. She wished her mum really was here in this moment with them.

He let out a shaky breath. “I’m so nervous… but I’m glad we talked. While I’ve missed this between us lately, I do think the space actually helped me really think about what I wanted to do too, even if it wasn’t necessarily the best way to go about it.”

Sam waved him off. “Don’t worry about it. It’s done now. We’re here, we’re talking and we’ve got a clearer path ahead for both of us. Now, tell me aboutyourtravel plans. I want to know everything!”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Taylor grinned as she spread a dollop of grease on the seacock and worked the handle. She always wondered if a group of drunk sailors had named the parts of a boat—between seacocks and grease nipples, she definitely felt awkward when she had to order spare parts. Thank god for online shopping.

Geoff, the boat’s owner, was on the outside doing the same thing to the external part. This was some of the most important maintenance she did, lubricating seacocks, which was really just an absurd name for a valve that lets water in or out of the boat. Making sure they were greased and in working order meant a safe voyage, reducing the risk of a sunk boat if one failed. Not on her watch.

There was a mountain of maintenance that went into a boat, and being in the water, it was also more frequently required. She was finding herself enjoying the work on boats more than vans, especially with all the extra jobs she’d picked up around the marina thanks to all the word of mouth.

“Done!” Geoff hollered from outside.

“Yep!” Taylor yelled back as she gave the handle one last turn to make sure it was covered well.

A couple of hours later, she was filthy, sweating and in dire need of a shower. The rest of the job had gone well, and Geoff was one very happy customer. He was taking the family out for a sixtieth sunset cruise on the weekend and wanted to make sure everything was set for the big day.

She texted Marie and Hayley to let them know she was running fifteen minutes late as she let herself in the door, trying to scramble past an overly excited Belle, who was so happysomeonewas home to give her some love. She gave her a quick pat.

“Soon, little lady. Just let me get ready.”

She strode down onto the sand only ten minutes late for her beach walk with the girls. Belle was pulling like crazy on the lead as soon as she spotted them waiting by the shore, their feet already in the water. They were holding hands, shoes dangling from their free ones, looking out towards the horizon. Taylor’s heart burst at the sight. These two were absolute couple goals.

“Ladies!” Taylor called out as she got closer, a huge grin on her face.

“Taylor!” Marie turned, bolting straight for her. She almost knocked her to the ground in one of Taylor’s favourite over-the-top cuddles. Hayley strode over and bent down to greet Belle first, keeping her happy.

“I’m so glad we finally get to catch up,” Hayley said, her long blonde hair whipping around her face as she stood back up, swinging an arm around Taylor’s shoulders for a quick side squeeze. Being almost a head taller than Taylor, she did it with ease.

“Same,” Taylor replied as they started their walk off towards the first jetty.

“So, the boat stuff’s been keeping you pretty busy then? You’ve got a smudge of grease on your cheek, by the way,” Hayley said, poking at the spot. Taylor wiped at her face, knowing it was futile. Eh, she’d clean it when she got home.

“Seriously busy. They’ve even taken over my van jobs, but I’m loving it—any excuse to be by the water or on it. How’s everything been work wise for you both?”

“Next question!” Marie declared, running ahead of the group to pick up a shell and present it to Hayley, who just laughed. “Nah, work’s been fine for us, but the better and more exciting news is we’ve just pre-ordered the newDice Throne. So you better start thinking about what characters you wanna play.”

“Aww yeah.” She high-fived Marie. Their love of board games would never grow old.

“Are you bringing Sam again to the next round? She was so lovely—and a good player too,” said Marie.

“I hope you do, becauseIdidn’t even get to meet her,” Hayley pouted.

“Yet,” Taylor finished for her, her cheeks burning thinking about last weekend with Sam.

“Aww look at the little munchkin gettin’ all shy. What, do youliiiiikeher?” Marie tried to pinch her cheek, but Taylor swatted her away, making Belle look up wondering what was going on when she yanked her leash by accident.

“Sorry Belle.” Taylor gave her butt a quick pat and turned to her friends. “We actually… might be dating?” Her voice went up an octave as she finished.

“Get out!” Hayley yelled, eyes blown as she stopped walking.