Page 65

65

CONNOR

I don’t know how, but we made it onto the sunset booze cruise without anyone getting arrested. And when I saw anyone, I mean Gram.

Allie’s in a flowy little sundress that keeps riding up when the wind hits just right.

I’m one tequila shot away from marrying her again just to remind everyone on board she’s mine.

She’s perched on the edge of the boat, sipping some fruity drink with a flower in it, laughing at something Gram just said. The sight of her sun-kissed skin, wind-tangled hair, and eyes crinkled with genuine happiness hits me square in the chest.

I want to bottle this moment and save it for when the world starts to suck again.

Unable to resist her a second longer, I approach and crouch beside her.

Gram grins at me and stands. “I’ll be right back.”

That’s never a good sign. But I don’t dwell on whatever mischief she’s up to.

Like a magnet, my gaze shifts back to my wife, drinking her in.

“You’re staring,” Allie says, eyes twinkling.

“Damn right I am.”

She flushes. I love that she still gets shy when I look at her like she’s everything.

Before either of us can say another word, Gram reappears—now wearing a plastic pirate hat and holding a half-empty margarita.

“I found the conga line. And a man named Captain Jimmy who says he’s sterile and owns three condos. I’m considering it.”

“Gram,” I deadpan, “this is a family cruise.”

She winks. “Then it’s a good thing none of us brought the kids.”

Allie nearly spits out her drink.

As Gram sashays off to inspect the dance floor, or possibly hijack the DJ booth, I pull out my phone and fire off another text to Ford.

Gram just said she’s considering marrying a sterile pirate named Jimmy. I hope your protein powder is laced with regret.

LOL! My protein powder is perfectly fine.

She’s your problem now.

I will end you.

I slip my phone in my pocket and slide closer to Allie, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

“You having fun?” I ask.

She sighs, leaning into me. “I am. I thought you were going to plan another insane adrenaline-junkie marathon, but this… This is kinda perfect.”

“The adrenaline-junkie marathon was this morning. You balance chaos with calm. It’s an art.”

She rolls her eyes but smiles, resting her head on my shoulder as the boat coasts across the water, bathed in golden light.

The sky turns soft and pink. The kind of unreal color you only get at sea.

The music fades into a slower beat. People start dancing. Some stumble. Some sway. Some fall over entirely and laugh from the floor of the boat.

“Dance with me?” I ask.

She lifts her head, surprised. “You hate dancing.”

“I hate bad dancing. And Gram’s themed dance-offs.” I hold out my hand. “Also, I want to hold you somewhere that’s not a bed.”

Her cheeks turn pink. “I can get behind that idea.”

She takes my hand, and I pull her up.

We sway slowly, chest to chest, the ocean breeze wrapping around us like a secret. Her arms loop around my neck. My hands settle on her hips.

“I love you,” she murmurs against my neck.

I tighten my hold. “I’d marry you again right now if I could.”

“We already did that. Twice. In Vegas.”

“I’d do it again. Every damn day.”

She kisses me, soft and deep, and I melt into her.

When we part, I release a sigh of pure contentment.

This is the kind of night you build a life around. Not because it’s perfect. But because we survived the storm to get here.

From the upper deck, Gram’s voice echoes down to us. “GUESS WHAT? I’M ABOUT TO FLASH CAPTAIN JIMMY!”

Allie lifts her head, eyes twinkling. “Still perfect?”

I kiss my wife. “Even more so.”

When the song ends, I release her so she can grab another drink.

I pull out my phone and text Ford.

Your grandmother just yelled about flashing her pirate boyfriend.

Hope your houseplants die.