Page 115 of Cavern of Silence

Julieta moves the pole up and the fish tries to swim faster, creating a tighter tension.

It takes over two hours to get the fish near the boat, and James and William both put giant fishhooks into the water and spear it. "You've got yourself a tuna."

"How much does that weigh?" I ask.

"Guessing over two hundred pounds." William puts it on the scale. "Three-hundred-eight pounds, six-point-five ounces," he declares.

Julieta gapes.

I kiss her and proudly say, "That's my girl!"

"That was awesome!" She beams.

"Yes, it was."

"Stand by your fish. It's picture time." James motions for Julieta and me to step on either side of the fish William is holding up. The fish is taller than Julieta and my six-two frame.

"Say tuna," James says.

"Tuna," Julieta and I giddily repeat.

James snaps a few pictures.

"Wish we could have those," I say.

"Tell you what, I'll send them over to Tinker once we get back and he can forward them on to wherever you land."

Julieta says, "Thank you."

"We're going to have to start a bucket list album. This will be our first picture," I say.

"Looks like we have some live ones." James's pole bends and so does mine.

We spend the next few days fishing and catching tuna, grouper, and mahi-mahi. For dinner, we eat raw tuna, and we play cards with James and William at night.

We get to the Bahamas and are traveling toward Nassau when I pull James aside. "Any chance we can make a pit stop?"

"Where?"

"Julieta has it on her bucket list to swim with the pigs."

He grins. "Ah. Big Major Cay is where they are."

"Is it a big detour?"

He glances at Julieta, who's talking with William at the front of the boat. "Nothing we can't make happen. We're only ten minutes away."

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

He pats me on the back. "Get your suits on and sunscreen up."

I almost leave but ask, "Is it okay for Julieta to wear the fishing shirt while she swims?"

"Sure."

"Thanks."

"Julieta." I motion for her to join me in the cabin.