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“We’ll sit this one out.” Cedar repositioned herself while keeping the baby pressed against her chest. “You have a blast and enjoy. Oh, happy birthday by the way.”
“Thanks. Same to my nephew.”
Libby slowly walked the deck, listening to the music playing below, and glanced out to the coastline where the lights flickered on the edge of the sea. It was breathtaking and beautiful, and overhead the night sky was filled with a thousand wishing stars. Staring up, she found the one that twinkled the brightest and made a wish, and shivering from the cool ocean air, descended the stairs to the main deck.
Landon waltzed over, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her like she’d been gone for weeks. “So, how is he?”
“I just saw the top of his head, but it looked nice.” She shrugged and glanced back to the coastline, squinting at the flickering red and blue lights. “Is that a small boat coming?”
Landon flipped a quick peek out to the water. “Yeah. The captain radioed in, and a water ambulance is on its way here from Tofino to take Cedar, Mitch, and the new baby back to land and make sure everyone’s in good hands.”
“But they were with Chloe.”
He kissed her head. “I know. It’s a precaution. I’m sure everything is just fine.”
“I know it is. This day has been the best day ever.”
“And it’s only going to get better.”
The first warning firework filled the air with its thundering boom.
“Eek,” Libby squealed, “this is my favourite part of the festivities.”
Everyone, aside from Mitch, Cedar, and Chloe came to the back deck to line up along the railing and stare toward the shoreline.
The first firework flew into the air and exploded in a dazzling array of golds and greens.
Libby pushed back against Landon’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her. “Aren’t you cold in just that dress?”
She shook her head. “Not at all. I think all the excitement from today is keeping me warm.”
He rested his chin on the soft spot between her neck and shoulders after planting a quick kiss there. “It has been an incredible day.”
Fireworks continued to fill the sky, sending bright streaks of reds, golds, and greens across the darkness. As the last intense display of colours exploded and the aftershocks of the fireworks reached the back deck, someone tapped on Landon’s shoulders, and he, in turn, whispered into Libby’s ear. “They’re leaving.”
“What?”
She pulled out of his warm embrace and walked over to her sister, who was wrapped in several blankets. She was following an EMT, with Mitch on her heels, and Chloe just behind her.
“Well guys, it’s been a slice.” Cedar waved to the small crowd. “We’ll see you all back in Cheshire Bay shortly.”
Libby gave her big sister a wave. “Happy New Year.”
Cedar blew a kiss with her free hand and slowly followed the EMT to the front of the yacht where the gangplank was extended down to the waiting boat. Once they were inside the small boat, they pushed off and headed back to land.
“Now, let’s finish off this night in style.” Landon reached for Libby’s hand, and pulled her into a spin, landing against his chest. “I love you, my sweet Libby.”
She ran her hand down the side of his cheek. “I love you too, Landon.”
He tugged her back toward the open back deck of the ship. “I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise? For me?” She shouldn’t have been caught off guard as Landon loved to give her unique surprises all the time. It never failed to cause her to squeal with delight at each and every one. It was like he was trying to make up for all the years where surprises never happened.
“I hope you’ll love it.”
“No doubt, if you had your hand in it, I’ll love it.”
Wide-eyed, she followed his lead down the length of the boat and rounded the wall. All the interior lights had been shut off to see the fireworks better, so when they flickered to life, Libby’s jaw dropped.
