"Oh, Robbie..." I whispered. He turned back to the window to stare at the water.
I knew what sailing meant to him. I knew how much he loved to be out on the water by himself, reliant on only his skill and strength. The idea that he might never sail that way again, or even the time it would take to regain that independence, broke my heart. He was a bird with a broken wing, staring at the open sky and wishing he could once again fly.
"It's okay. We won, right? And I can still sail. I just won't be able to use my arm like I used to. I'll adapt." Robbie turned and put his hand on my shoulder, his face serious in the dim light. "I wanted to ask you something, though. Would you still be with me if I could never sail again?"
I put my hands on either side of his face, looking deep into his eyes so he would see the truth in my words. "Yes. I love you, Robbie. Not your sailing ability. If it were a choice between you and sailing, you would win every time." I smiled at him. "The reason I fell in love with sailing in the first place is because I got to do it with you. I would love anything as long as I'm with you.
Robbie's eyes sparkled with heartfelt tears like the ocean in the sun. He leaned forward and kissed my lips softly.
"I love you, Samantha Conners. More than you will ever know. I am a lucky man to have you," he whispered, reaching up to caress my cheek.
I leaned into his hand, feeling the hard sailing calluses against my skin. "You're damn right, you are." I took his hand in mine and kissed it, smiling up at him. "I think I'm pretty lucky, though, too."
Robbie's mouth opened in a wide smile, and he gently curled his hand around the back of my neck and pressed his smile against mine. My heart ached with happiness. I was made of moonlight and joy when I was with Robbie.
"Let's get back to the party," Robbie whispered as we broke apart. "I'd like to dance with you, and since you never let me lead anyway, I think I'll be fine with just one hand."
I laughed and took his hand in mine, the two of us walking away from the dark window and back toward the bright hallway. "You're the one who taught me how to dance in the first place. I only learned the leading part because you taught it to me. You were just too good of a teacher."
The ballroom spilled out light, soft music, and a gentle murmur of laughter. Robbie raised his hand, and I spun in a neat twirl as we stepped through the open doors. Together we waltzed into the ballroom, whirling and dancing as one.
***
The water splashes against the hull of my boat, a soft, comforting sound. The sky is bright blue without a cloud in sight. I am at peace. This part of the dream is always pleasant. I like this part of the dream. Evan is alive and happy with Grace. Mom and Dad are safe at home, and we are going to have meatloaf for dinner.
I frown. Mom and Dad are not at home. They are in Heaven. So is Evan. I have never had this happen in the dream before. I always lose them.
The wind plays with the sails, the soft, flapping sounds of the canvas merging into a gentle lullaby with the waves. This isn't right either; the wind is usually a hurricane gale that I can't control.
"Come sail with me, Sam." Robbie's voice echoes through my dream, deep and masculine.
I turn to see him sitting in my boat. The breeze ruffles his sandy hair, and his green eyes are as deep as the ocean. He's perfect. He smiles at me, and the world grows brighter. The blue sky is somehow more vivid, and the water is somehow richer.
"Come sail with me," he repeats, his smile brighter than the sun. There are no storms when I'm with Robbie.
I smile back at him, and take the helm. Together we sail into the horizon on calm waters.
Chapter 22
The October sun was warm on my skin, complimented by a cool breeze coming in off the lake. It felt good to be on Avery's Hope, even if I was still docked. The gulls cried overhead and the boat bumped occasionally against the dock, creating a strange harmony that I loved. I checked my watch again, wondering when Robbie was going to get here. He was already ten minutes late, but I figured he had just gotten stuck talking business with Jack.
I frowned, going over the sails once again just for something to do. Robbie had hired a local to clean up the boat after the storm since neither one of us had been in any condition to do it. The entire cabin had been strewn with food, clothing, charts, and gear; the local had cleaned the inside and put the sails and sheets back in order on deck. The cabin still smelled slightly damp, but it had mostly dried out after the storm. Robbie and I had wanted to take the Hope out one last time before shipping it back to Winchester, just to make sure that everything was in order.
My watch said he was now fifteen minutes late, and I didn't have a phone message, so I decided to just take the boat out and check it myself. There was no reason I couldn't do it alone, and it would be a nice surprise for Robbie not to have to worry about it.
I untied the boat and turned on the motor, taking the helm and heading into the breeze. Soft white clouds floated on the clear blue sky as Avery's Hope cut through the green water scattered with golden leaves. It was a perfect fall day, and my heart was light when I heard a shout.
I turned to see Robbie waving on the pier. I shook my head. Of course he would show up just as I left. I waved back to him and started to turn the boat around. I was only about a pool length from the shore, but instead of waiting for me to return, Robbie took a running start, dove smoothly into the water, and began swimming to the boat.
I opened my mouth in shock, quickly trying to stop. I worried for a moment about him swimming with his arm in a sling, but he used a lazy side stroke that used his good arm to propel him through the water. As he came around to the back of the boat, I killed the motor and dropped the ladder into the water to let him up. As he hoisted himself onto the deck, I grabbed a couple of towels from below to dry him off.
He shook his head like a dog, sending water droplets flying across the deck, but a leaf still clung to his hair. I laughed and wrapped one of the towels around him, picking the golden leaf from his sandy hair.
"What are you doing?" I asked him, looking him over. "I was coming back to get you!"
He laughed, his eyes full of a boyish light. "I couldn't wait."
Robbie leaned forward, putting his hand under my chin and kissing me soundly. Crystal drops from his hair fell onto my face, his tongue sweet with the freshwater. It reminded me of our first kiss, sweet and warm, and I smiled as he kissed me.
"What is with you? You look like a puppy getting ready to go for a walk!" I giggled as he danced across the deck. His eyes were greener than I had ever seen them, and he moved like he was dancing with joy. He grinned and headed to the wheel.
"I'll show you. Turn on the motor."
His smile was contagious as I revved the engine, making water spurt behind us in a thin stream. An incredibly happy Robbie took the wheel and began navigating to a point further down the beach. He looked almost gallant in the sunshine, the towel hanging off his shoulders like a cape.
I could see a boat, sails still down as it floated gently on the water. It appeared as though there was a party going onboard, with multiple people walking around on the deck. Robbie seemed to be heading toward them.
"Go stand on the bow," he said, grinning like a kid on Christmas.
"Okay..." I answered, not sure what exactly was going on, but trusting him completely. The boat in front of us was now close enough to read the words printed in big, bold letters down the side: R&S SAUNDERS SAILING ACADEMY.
"R and S Saunders? Who is your new partner?" I asked, shading my face with my hand to try and read the words more easily. I heard Robbie turn off the engine, and I turned around to find him down on one knee, a jewelry box open in his hand.
"Hopefully you are. Samantha Conners, will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?" His eyes were big as he waited for my response.
"Yes." The word escaped without me even having to think about it. I loved him more than anything. My heart was dancing a happy jig in my chest, and I was smiling so broadly it hurt. "
Yes, I will marry you!"
Robbie's face lit up with bliss. He rose in a smooth motion, and our mouths found one another easily. The world was full of so many colors that I could barely see for my joy. He tasted sweeter than honey, the rough stubble of his unshaven cheek against mine making every sense come alive. His lips were warm and inviting, begging me to kiss him for eternity.
"SAY YES, AUNT SAM!" A small voice called out from the other boat. I broke from Robbie's kiss as he laughed, turning to see the other boat come alongside us. Aboard was a very smiley Avery, Grace, Jack, Emma, Rachel, and Dean.
"So that's why you were late," I murmured softly. Robbie nodded.
"She said yes!" Robbie called out, waving at the other boat. A cheer went up from the deck.
I pulled Robbie in for another kiss, eliciting a second cheer from our family.
"So a sailing school, huh?" I asked between kisses.
"I was hoping you'd be my partner for that too." He grinned at me. "The winner of the Champion of Champions Invitational sure would help convince people to come sail with us."
"I still get to race?"
"You now are fully sponsored by R&S Sailing," he answered, kissing the tip of my nose. "You in?"
"With you, I'd do anything. I'm all yours."
He kissed me then, filling my world with freshwater kisses and love.
Epilogue
The big yacht sways gently under my feet. It feels strange to be on a boat without sails, but it was the best way to be out on the water for the wedding. The boat is so large, I would never want to sail it alone. I smile. After today, I'll never have to sail alone again.
I check my makeup in the mirror, making sure my veil is still straight. I barely recognize myself in the mirror, I look so beautiful. Robbie is going to be amazed.
Grace takes my hand, a soft smile washing over her pretty features. She adjusts my veil, not really moving it, but making sure that it is absolutely perfect. I love her, and I'm so glad she is here with me for my big day. She and Avery are all the family I have left. But after today, I'll have family again.
"It's time." Grace smiles and pulls me gently to the door. I take one last look at my white dress, the mermaid cut accenting every curve. I still can't believe it's me in the mirror.
We walk to a door where Avery is waiting patiently. She grins from ear to ear as soon as she sees me. "You look pretty, Aunt Sam," she tells me, using her indoor voice for once in her short life. I smile and bend over carefully, kissing the top of her head. She's wearing a real princess dress today.
"Remember, just like we practiced," Grace advises her daughter. Avery nods smartly, takes a big breath, and steps out into the aisle. I peek around the door to watch her as she takes careful, measured steps and throws her flower petals just so. She stops at the end of each row to turn and smile at the guests.
I can see Robbie from behind the door. He's so handsome. His arm is no longer in the sling, and he holds himself with pride. His sandy hair is falling in his eyes as he looks expectantly at the doorway. He's waiting for me.
"Our turn," Grace whispers, taking my arm in hers. I realize that Avery has made it to the end of the aisle, her small face beaming with pride. Robbie's mother guides her to a seat in the front row, and the little girl waves to her adoring fans as the song changes.
Grace and I step out into the aisle, the slow music coaxing us forward. Robbie and my eyes meet and I lose myself in the depths of his eyes. It seems to take forever to walk to him. Grace has to hold me back at a more sedate rhythm and keep me from simply running to him. I thank her silently for always looking out for me.
I can see my future so close at hand I can almost touch it. I know in my heart that this is exactly where I was always meant to be. I was always Robbie's, and he was always mine.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" the minister asks.
"I do," Grace responds in a clear voice. A ball of tears wells up in the back of my throat. I wish my father and mother could have been there to walk me down the aisle, but I know they would be happy to have Grace take their place.
Grace wraps her arms around me, her lips barely grazing my cheek. Her eyes sparkle with tears, and I know she is happy. "I love you, little sis," she whispers. She shakes slightly as she places my hand in Robbie's and then lets us both go.
Robbie's hand is warm and strong around mine. He isn't shaking or sweating; everything about him was calm and collected. As he helps me up the small step, he whispers, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life." I blush because I know he means it.
The minister starts to talk of the importance of marriage, but I'm no longer paying attention to him. My entire focus is on the man in front of me. My best friend. My past and my future. He smiles at me, and my world shines with happiness.
Robbie promises to love me. He has already promised that, but this is for everyone to hear. The ring is warm against my skin, heated by Robbie's pocket. His hand shakes here, but his eyes are steady.
The minister has me repeat after him, promising to love this man I have already loved my whole life. It is an easy promise and one I know I will be able to keep. I nearly drop his ring, making Robbie smile and laugh. He steadies my hand as I put the ring on his finger, just as he steadies me through life.
I'm trying to remember every detail, but everything is going so fast. Before I know it, the minister is proclaiming us husband and wife. I have been waiting for this moment since I was a small girl. I beam a smile at Robbie as he reaches for me.
This kiss is sweeter than candy. Happiness flows like honey between us, thick and wonderful. For now until the end of my days, I will remember kissing this boy, a bucket rolling at his feet, and the taste of freshwater kisses.
A special thanks to Marina Maddix
Marina Maddix was consulted for all the sailing scenes. I could not have done this without her.
Marina Maddix is a romantic at heart, but hates closing the bedroom door on her readers. Her stories are sweet, with just enough spice to make your mother blush. She lives with her husband and cat near the Pacific Ocean, and loves to hear from her fans.
Visit Marina's Amazon page for her books!
If you enjoy bad boy billionaires, you might also enjoy:
Vegas Knights
After a passionate public encounter with a mysterious and very sexy biker, big girl Kelly Saunders finds herself on the ride of her life. Her 'Knight on shining armor'—Rick Knight, billionaire heir to a motorcycle legacy—whisks her away from her soul-sucking corporate job to Las Vegas, where she finds the road to love is treacherous.
As urgent business matters demand more and more of Rick's attention, Kelly is left to wonder about the future of their relationship. A ruthless betrayal throws her life into turmoil, and a devastating discovery threatens to pull them apart. Is their love just so much Vegas glitter or is it strong enough to survive beyond the dazzling lights of Sin City?
About the Editor
Krista Lakes' editor, Mel Finefrock, is a recent graduate from the University of North Texas. She has worked behind the scenes with Krista during the making of both Rainwater Kisses and Champagne Kisses. In addition to being a grammar Nazi, Mel is a total lit nerd and always enjoys a good love story. When she isn't in Red Pen Mode, Mel dabbles in a bit of art herself. She sings and plays guitar, as well as writes songs and poetry. She even takes pictures, despite the fact that she can't see! You can find her music on her Youtube page and her other artwork on DeviantArt.
Check out my other works!
Novels
Saltwater Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
Rainwater Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
Champagne Kisses: A Timeless Love Story
Burned: A New Adult Love Story
The Woman of the Billionaire's Dreams
Teasing the Billionaire (free)
The Woman of the Billionaire's Dreams
The Woman of Her Enemy's Nightmares
Curves of the French Riviera
Curves of the French Riviera (free)
Curves of the French Riviera Trilogy
Worthy of the Billionaire
Worthy of the Billionaire's Attention (free)
Worthy of the Billionaire
Don't forget to join my mailing list as well for updates! (clickable link)
Did you love Freshwater Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story? Then you should read Champagne Kisses: A Timeless Love Story by Krista Lakes!
What's more important to a soldier- his love of his country, or his love of a woman?
In the summer of 1990, Rachel Weber spent a week down on the Florida coast, soaking up the sun's rays while she waited for her life to begin. It was there that she met Dean Sherman, a handsome, muscular soldier with blue eyes. The two spent a week together full of champagne kisses that only ended when Operation Desert Storm forced Dean to choose between his duty and his love. He chose duty.
Twenty years later, Rachel figured it was just summer love, but she never forgot those eyes. As personal assistant to powerful billionaire Jack Saunders, she never expected Dean to walk into her office after being hired as Jack's personal bodyguard. Even though she had spent the last two decades trying to forget Dean, she found herself falling for him once again.
When fate forced both Rachel and Dean to choose yet again between love and duty, Rachel had to decide between the man she had always loved and the family that had become her life. She knew she couldn't have both, but she knew she wouldn't be happy with just one. Would she choose love, or be forever haunted by the memory of those Champagne Kisses?
This thrilling romance novel brings the cast of the bestselling novels Saltwater Kisses and Rainwater Kisses back for an epic and timeless love story.
