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“Not yet.”
We walked a few more steps and then I heard a bark.
I opened my eyes to find a tiny black and white terrier sitting in front of me, his head tilted to one side, and one paw reaching out.
“What the—”
“Merry Christmas!!” Charlie yelled.
“Who is this?” I crouched down and held my hands out to the pup.
He raced over and licked my hands and I picked him up, cradling him in my arms.
“This is Rocky. I adopted him from the animal shelter on Tortola, the one that George and Rafe recommended. He’s a year old and was rescued from an abandoned farm.”
“He’s adorable. And he’s ours?”
“Yup. George has given us permission to bring Rocky aboard when I’m on charter.”
Charlie had secured his captain’s license six months ago and was now taking over half the charters onNow, Voyager. George, in turn, was happy to have more free time to spend with his husband and their extended family, including their niece, baby Charlotte.
Charlie and I lived and worked on the yacht from November to May and spent the rest of the year mostly in Ireland with visits to Florida. We’d bought a sailboat together, our second home, and docked it here in BVI in the same marina asNow, Voyager. In fact, we were due to head back to the ship later today for Christmas dinner with our crew family.
My mum was still undergoing cancer treatments back home but so far, the prognosis was good. She was responding well but she still had a long battle ahead. And her fight made me take nothing for granted.
Not good health, not family, not love, nothing.
“Love, this is—”
I was too choked up to speak. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at Rocky and then at Charlie.
My family. My heart.
“The best Christmas ever.”
I leaned down and kissed my boyfriend.
And soon to be (hopefully) fiancé.
“Let me get your gift.”
I handed Rocky over to Charlie and suddenly I was sweating profusely, and it had nothing to do with the heat of the morning sun.
I climbed down the stairs and through the narrow galley to our bedroom at the stern.
Opening my duffel bag, I pulled out the wrapped box.
I’d been terrified Charlie would find the ring before today and ruin the surprise. Also, I was a little bit terrified that when I presented it to him, he might not say yes.
Then I remembered the look in his eyes every time he told me he loved me. And all my doubts were left behind.
I ran back upstairs to find my love and my dog relaxing on a lounger.
Walking over, I sat down beside Charlie and offered him the gift. Rocky jumped off his lap and lay down on the deck at our feet.
As soon as Charlie opened the wrapping paper, I slid off the lounger and went down on one knee.
His shocked gasp and sudden tears when he opened the lid on the box had my own threatening.
