Page 47
When I turned into the marina in Ventura Harbor, her eyes lit up. “Are we going on a boat?”
“Yes, one of my friends keeps his Boston Whaler here, and I booked a local captain to take us out to Santa Cruz Island.”
“Wow,” she breathed, practically vibrating with excitement. “I haven’t been out there in ages. Thanks for setting all this up.”
“You’re welcome.”
After we parked, I led her down to the boat and helped her on.
“Welcome aboard,” Dave called from the cockpit. “Your supplies have already been loaded, so we can head out whenever you’re ready.”
Celia pressed her hands together and blinked up at me. “Now please.”
“Let’s go.”
He quickly showed us around the vessel, and we decided to use the molded forward lounge seat directly in front of the console, which had a removable table where I spread out the food and drink I’d provisioned from the marina.
As Celia sipped on sparkling water, I handed her the sunscreen. “You should put some on so you don’t burn.”
“You really thought of everything.”
I accepted the tube back when she was done. “I tried.”
The crossing to Santa Cruz Island took about an hour and a half, then the captain circled to the Painted Cave.
When he turned inland, Celia gasped. “Are we going in?”
“There’s no north swell or large breaking waves, and there’s plenty of clearance for us to go halfway into the first chamber,” Dave confirmed.
Celia reached out to grab my hand. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“You mentioned it was one of your favorite childhood memories.”
“I know.” She blinked her eyes rapidly and sniffled. “But there are only two people in my life who’d do something this thoughtful. Megan and you.”
“You deserve to always be treated like this.” I bent toward her and rasped, “I’m sorry I almost fucked this up. I hate that I hurt you.”
She pressed her hand against my cheek. “You were in an impossible situation, too. And it took you less than twenty-four hours to come knocking on my door. Considering everything, I think that’s understandable.”
“Thank you.” I turned my head to press a kiss into her palm. “I won’t make you regret opening your heart to me. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
The transition from the ocean into the cave was visually stunning. It was as if Dave had just driven the boat into a cathedral carved entirely from volcanic rock. I’d never been here before, but I enjoyed the view just as much as Celia. The walls had swaths of red and orange from iron oxides, purple and green from plant life, and white from mineral deposits. None of which I knew until she explained it from memory.
The tall entrance was just as impressive when we left.
“That was amazing.” She twisted around to stare at the cave as we motored away. “Best date ever.”
I had one more surprise in store for her, and I hoped it didn’t change her opinion.
When we were about halfway back to Ventura Harbor, Dave cut the motor and dropped the anchor. Celia sat up and looked confused for a moment, then recognition dawned in her eyes.
“Is this—”
Her throat worked, and I knew she was having a hard time getting the words out, so I answered the unsaid part. “I checked with Megan, and she gave me the coordinates for where you scattered your parents’ ashes. I thought if we were this close, you might want to take a moment.”
“I do.”
