Page 46 of Tiger's Voyage

“It’s not about me. It’s about you and what’s best for you.”

“You’re what’s best for me.”

“Maybe I was once.”

“You still are.”

Ren sighed and stepped away. “Shall we head back?”

“No. You promised me a dance.”

“So I did.” He held out a hand and asked gallantly, “May I?”

I nodded, and he wrapped both his hands around my waist and kissed the top of my head. I cuddled against him, and we swayed to the music.

When the fireworks began, we sat on the bench and watched the brilliant colors spark against the dark sky. Ren kept an arm around me but was careful not to touch my skin. At the end, I said, “Thank you for the tree and the flowers.”

Ren nodded and lightly touched one of the blooms in my hair. “They’re lilacs. When a man gives a woman a lilac, he’s asking her a question: Do you still love me?”

“You already know the answer to that.”

“I’d like to hear you say it.”

“Yes. I still love you.” I plucked a lilac from the sprig he’d given me and gave it back to him.

He took it and twirled it thoughtfully in his fingers. “As for me … I don’t think I ever stopped.” He touched my cheek and trailed his fingers down to my jaw. “Yes, I love you, Kelsey. I’m glad we found each other again.”

“That’s all I need to know.”

He looked at me and smiled sadly. “Come on, Kells. Let’s go home.”

“Wait. I’m taking some of your wishes.”

Ren nodded as I pulled five papers from the tree and took his arm. When we drove home, we were both quiet. He helped me out of the car, escorted me to my bedroom door, and pressed a warm kiss on the top of my head before saying goodnight.

After I changed into my pajamas and climbed into bed, I turned on my lamp and read Ren’s five wishes.

I want to give her the best of everything.

I want to make her happy.

I want to remember her.

I want to touch her.

I want to love her.

7

The Yacht

Mr. Kadam announced that we’d be leaving for Mumbai early the next morning, so we should enjoy our last day relaxing on solid ground before we got down to business again. We all slept late. When I finally opened my bedroom door, I found Ren waiting on the other side.

He smiled and said, “I thought you might like to eat together. Want to grab breakfast?”

“Sure.” I smiled back shyly. “Chocolate chip, peanut butter, banana pancakes it is.”

He blinked. “Do I like those?”