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I’m concerned for Magnus because I don’t want him to suffer, but he just has to get through it. The other issue is how am I going to get through the Manatee Jubilee knowing that inside cottage one at Boo’s Battle Bros, there’s a man who wants to marry me.
I know what I heard but am having a hard time wrapping my head around it.
After checking his vitals on the hour, refreshing his ice water, making sure he has clean towels (showers seem to help), and applying a cool compress, I freshen up and go into town. The best thing to do is for him to sleep when he can, so I leave him in peace.
Meanwhile, I’m in pieces.
His phone is charged if he needs anything. I tell myself everything is going to be okay. I’ll check in throughout the day. He’s survived war and battles. He can handle this.
But can I?
The morning at the Manatee Jubilee is a stark contrast to Magnus purging his body of neurotoxin. The entrance is a massive bamboo arch with a sign that saysCoco Key 27thManatee Jubileeleading to a closed-off Main Street.
I wasn’t here for last year’s event so this is all new to me. I missed the parade this morning, but the floats flank the nearest cross street. Meanwhile, stalls set up with crafts, games, and local businesses offering specials on their services line the sidewalk.
Beans & Books gives out free chocolate samples and coupons. Rosalie has her new flower cart poised proudly on the corner. Royal and Isla host a table with information on the Driftwood along with a bunch of games and prizes.
Families with children wearing face paint and holding manatee balloons race around the kiddie pool, which is a chalk circle on the ground—inside are loads of fun activities.
And then there are the food vendors. I only went to the Plundering Pelican once, and have not returned for...reasons. However, other local restaurants and bakeries from nearby islands set up shop.
There’s everything from fresh fish to all kinds of savory and sweet fritters. Mango popsicles and ice cream, at least five different kinds of key lime pie, and coconuteverythingare featured. I’m suddenly starved.
And slightly overwhelmed because this afternoon, we’re supposed to cut the ribbon and officially open Boo’s Battle Bros.
There is no world in which Magnus will be feeling better in time. No way. No how.
And yet, later that day, he staggers out of the cottage, looking like he was battered and fried like a conch ball, dragged through the sand, stayed out all night long, and then left to dry in the sun.
Okay, he doesn’t look that bad. It’s just that usually, he looks really, really good. Exceptional. The most handsome man on the planet. You can fight me on it. But it’s true.
His brown eyes truly see what he’s looking at. He listens and has the most deliberate touch. His words are meaningful. His actions always align with what he says.
Magnus McGregor doesn’t let life happen to him. He’s solidly lived it...and would like to continue to with me.
I’m not sure how that makes me feel other than cautiously optimistic. My dad used to tell me not to count my chickens before they hatched. I never had chickens, but I get the message.
Magnus asked me to marry him when he was down and out with the spider bite. Was it desperation? Delusion? A very unique proposal?
I don’t know and am afraid to ask.
The corner of his lip lifts in an uncharacteristic, if not slightly forced, smile. His dimple doesn’t pop and he doesn’t look at me. Instead, he greets family, friends, and festival visitors who crowd around the ribbon I set up in front of the cottages. They form a long line down the beach like soldiers standing at attention. The doors are on the ocean side along with new porches.
On this side are picnic tables, a campfire ring, a grilling space, and a few other outdoor areas along with a small pavilion for gatherings that’s sheltered from the rain. Magnus has a few ideas for expanding it to have a full kitchen, additional bathroom, and bunkhouse for him. As it is, he’s staying in cottage one.
“Thank you, everyone, for joining me today as we pay tribute to Sean Haskins, a great patriot, husband, friend...” He scratches Boo’s head. “And dog’s best friend.”
He goes on to talk about battles, both on the field and in life. It’s touching and powerful. Instead of taking my hand, as I’d hoped, and introducing me when he mentioned the in-house veterinarian and dog whisperer, he opens the scissors around the ribbon. That last part might be a little self-indulgent, but I recently met with some of the dogs we’re going to match with the vets, and it was pretty amazing. I thought we were partners in this.
After Magnus slices through the ribbon, everyone claps, and he chats with various friends and his brothers congratulate him.
Nora gets a huge hug. Alex, a double high five, and, well, I’m not even an afterthought when things wind down and Magnus returns to the cottage.
I spend a few minutes catching up with Nora and explaining about the spider bite. A shadow crosses the window of cottage one. I don’t know how he kept it together for the last hour, considering black widow venom is vicious, but I imagine he needs some rest.
The friendly chat with Nora turns into a lengthy conversation while Alex has a field day with the dogs.
“He missed Boo a ton.” She goes on to say how much they both miss Sean, but that Magnus has been great, pinch-hitting as a male role model in her son’s life.
