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“There used to be an old pontoon decorated with red and green fish hooks…I remember the man had one of those singing fish on the wall, but this one wore an elf’s hat and sang Jingle Bells.”
“That one right over there,” Jessica said, pointing to the one at the end.
Mitch shook his head and laughed. “I probably shouldn’t be surprised that he still participates.”
“It’s a yearly tradition.” She stared up at him. “You must find it so hokey, though.”
“Why’s that?”
“The fact that every year it’s the same thing. Life doesn’t change much around here,” she said.
It was actually the thing she enjoyed most about small-town life. Things didn’t change too quickly. There was a security in the familiar, knowing there were things—like these holiday traditions—that she could depend on. But after their discussion that morning, she was starting to wonder if maybe security in the familiar and never experiencing the world beyond her front door wasn’t the right way to live. She didn’t think she buried her head in the sand and ignored what was happening in the world, but maybe by being so removed from it all, she was essentially living in a privileged oblivion.
At first, the idea of traveling with Mitch had been solely based on him, her attraction to him, the idea of being with him. But the more she thought about it and researched it, the more her motivation had changed.
“I’m starting to see the appeal,” he said, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it.
They continued to walk in comfortable silence, enjoying the lights, pointing out funny decorations, and sipping their mulled wine. But when they reached the fishing pontoon boat, Mitch stopped.
Jessica laughed. “This one really is your favorite, huh?”
“Follow me,” he said with a grin, heading down the dock toward the boat.
She hurried after him. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” He tossed a wink over his shoulder.
Captain Eli nodded in greeting as they reached the boat. Dressed in his usual fishing gear—overalls and large rubber boots—but he’d added a Santa hat to the ensemble. “Jameson?” he asked with a welcoming smile.
Mitch nodded. “That’s us.”
Us? What was he up to?
“Great, climb on board,” Captain Eli said.
Jessica frowned. “We’re getting on the boat?”
“I may have reserved a private marina tour. Hope you don’t mind.” Mitch looked slightly panicked. “Shit, you don’t get seasick, do you?”
Lovesick was the only illness she had right now. She shook her head. “No, this is great.” More than great. It was an unexpected surprise. Something he’d arranged for her to make the evening even more special.
She accepted Captain Eli’s hand to climb aboard, and he handed her a life jacket. She slid into it and Mitch zipped it up, his fingers gently grazing her chin. Then he put on his own as the captain started the boat.
“Best place to see the lights is in the stern. Feel free to use the blankets under the seats,” Captain Eli told them.
Jessica’s sea legs adjusted to the sway of the vessel as they made their way toward the back. Mitch opened the seat and retrieved a thick checkered blanket and then sat, motioning for Jessica to sit next to him. She cuddled into his body and he draped the blanket over them. “Comfy?” he asked, his breath warm against her cheek.
She nodded. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“What better way to see the lights?” He kissed the side of her head. “Sometimes for the best experience you have to leave the safety of the shore.”
She heard the double meaning loud and clear. She turned to face him and his expression searched hers. In that moment, she knew she wanted to explore more of these opportunities with him. She’d stayed safe on the shore long enough. Being there in his arms was making her feel like that might be where she belonged. The old saying “home is where the heart is” may have some merit. Her heart was definitely with Mitch. In such a short time, she’d fallen hard and fast and he’d opened her eyes to different possibilities. A different future. A different happiness.
“What’s going on in there?” he asked gently, and she sensed he knew exactly where her thoughts were.
“If I wanted to come with you…when would I have to decide?”
He brushed her hair away from her face and kissed her forehead. “There’s no pressure. We leave December twenty-fifth, but you can join us over there anytime.”
