Page 44 of Deadly Waves

Mandy ducked her head under the water to track the shark and James had to suck in a calming breath to slow his heartbeat. She was fine, he reminded himself. No, she was better than fine. She was ecstatic.

When Mandy surfaced a few seconds later she wiped the water from her eyes and slipped her arms around James’ neck. She was giggling and gasping like crazy.

“It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” she gushed. “It’s … magical.”

James met her gaze. “You’re magical, my baby.”

“Thank you so much,” Mandy said, a tear slipping down her cheek. “I … thank you.”

“Oh, wife, I love you,” James said. “There’s no thanks required.”

“But there is,” Mandy argued. “You let go of your fear and came with me instead of trying to protect me. That deserves a big thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, baby,” James said. “Just … enjoy yourself. We both need this.”

“We do,” Mandy agreed. “That doesn’t mean I don’t want you to know how much I love you.”

“I love you right back,” James said. “Now, watch your shark. You’ve earned it.”

“We’ve earned it,” Mandy corrected, grabbing his hand. “Come underwater. The view is even better there.”

James smiled. “Where you go, I go.”

“Then let’s go.”

So they went … and in the simple act of holding hands underwater, James and Mandy managed to put a bit of the fear plaguing them aside. It was a good day for everyone.