“We have to hurry.” His gaze darted left, then right. “I just left the watchman. He’s on the portside of the hurricane roof. But we don’t have time to dawdle. Everything’s clear.” He ringed my wrist with a delicate grip, tugging me outside. I quietly closed the door, and we rushed along the roof.
“In here.” He hooked my waist and ushered me into his cabin.
His cabin! “Jack!” I said in a shouting whisper. “I can’t be here.”
He eased the door shut and faced me. “I’m sorry, my love, but this is the only place I can be assured of privacy.”
My love. I tried to keep my head from floating like driftwood in the river, but his adoring tone made it impossible. A ragged snore startled me, and I spun on my heel. “Clem’s right there.” I sliced my finger through the air, pointing, the sight of the dozing steamboat pilot adding to my distress.
Jack smiled. “You and I both know the man could snooze through a typhoon.”
That was true. Once a shanty had caught fire where we’d been wharfed, and Clem had slept through all the siren bells and men’s shouting.
Jack’s gaze dipped to my nightgown, and his smile slid from his face. In my haste, I’d forgotten my robe. I tugged the lacy collar tighter, but I wasn’t sure how much that helped. Given Jack’s averted gaze, not much.
“Here.” He grabbed a blanket from the edge of his bed and draped my shoulders. “I wish I could’ve thought of a better place, but Ludwig was on the stern smoking a cigar and Face was rummaging the pantry. So much for curfew.” Jack grumbled, even though we both were offenders as well.
My toes curled against the cold planked floor. My courage deserted me. It had taken reaching this precipice to realize I couldn’t go through with it. I would never betray the man who cared for me when no one else wanted to. Who’d protected me for twenty-one years. No, I’d carry this secret to my grave. “Jack, I…I don’t think…” My chin wobbled, my heart heavy with the weight of it all.
His thumb smoothed over my jaw, settling in the dip underneath my lip. “Don’t think what, Hattie?”
“Never mind. I feel like a terrible person for even suspecting. He’s been nothing but good to me.” A tear leaked from the corner of my eye. Then another.
“You could never be a terrible person. Tell me, sweetheart. Tell me, so I can bear the burden with you.”
At those words, I broke. Silent tears poured, and Jack gathered me into his arms. His hand smoothed over my back, his lips either whispering words of comfort or kissing the crown of my head.
I drew strength from the security of his embrace. He adjusted his grip but held on to me with a fervent protectiveness.
“Jack.” I sniffled. “It’s about—”
The door opened, and I pressed into Jack’s chest, clinging. Duffy shuffled a step into the room, scowling fiercer than I’d ever seen. He must have been making a surprise round of the boat and spied us through the door window.
“It’s not what you think, Duff.” I released Jack, and the blanket fell from my shoulders, revealing my nightgown.
Duffy’s eyes narrowed.
Drat.
Jack braved a commanding step toward his superior. “Sir, I take the blame for tonight’s events. But I can assure you nothing untoward has occurred.”
Duffy’s glower had a dark glint to it. “Not yet.”
I gasped. “Not at all.” I shoved my hands on my hips. “You raised me with more morals than whatever outlandish thoughts you’re having about us right now.”
Duffy’s jaw clenched. “Young lady, back to your cabin. We’ll talk in the morning.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but Jack set a hand on my back. “Captain, right now I want to make you aware that I intend to, with your blessing, pay court to Hattie. I’m in love with her.”
My heart soared within me, but one look into Duffy’s stern face, and all my elation plummeted.
Duffy’s rigid shoulders curled forward on a heavy exhale. “I’m afraid that’s impossible.”
Jack’s head reared back as if Duffy had punched him.
Panic seized me with a numbing grip. “Duffy, nothing happened here. I still have my virtue. And I’m in love with Jack. Can’t you see that?”
Something crossed his face. Something terrifying. “You can’t, Hattie.” His leveled gaze was half sorrow, half adamance. “You are betrothed.”
Chapter 26
Devyn
Devyn had just concluded a tour of the Belle for a newly engaged couple planning a late-summer wedding when her boss entered the banquet hall, a stylish younger woman in tow.
“Devyn.” Steph approached, her wedge heels a clunky cadence against the wooden floor. With manicured fingers, she swept her red bangs from her forehead, and Devyn caught the slight twitch of her thin brow. “I’d like you to meet Jenna Henry. She’s from Once Upon a Wedding magazine.”
The judge!
The ball was less than three weeks away. Devyn had assumed the judges would visit on a day closer to the event, since they’d already be in town to attend. And even then, anonymously. Why make two trips? Clearly, to catch the finalists off guard.
Well played.
Adopting a warm expression, Devyn stretched out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Ms. Henry’s mocha-brown eyes flickered with recognition, then any traces of warmth melted cool. She shook Devyn’s hand. “Likewise, Miss Asbury.” Her bracelet poked Devyn’s finger, but that wasn’t what made Devyn stiffen against a wince.
No, the woman had called her Miss Asbury. Steph had only said her first name, and Devyn hadn’t submitted her information on the contest entry. Only Steph’s. So how would this woman know Devyn’s surname? Unless she remembered Devyn from Space Station.
Maybe in Devyn’s absence, Steph had leaked her full name to the judge. If that was the case, Devyn’s heart rate had spiked for no reason.
“If you have time, could you show me around and answer a few questions?” Ms. Henry’s perfectly glossed lips pulled into a conspiratorial smile.
Nope. She knew. “Of course.”
“Very good.” Steph shot Devyn an encouraging look and settled her gaze on the judge. “I’ll let you two get to it. Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Henry.”
Now her boss was abandoning her? You could bet Steph’s eighties shoulder pads that Jenna Henry was practically bouncing in her Louboutin heels, ready to catapult questions at the rogue social media queen.
Steph descended the grand staircase and the twentysomething judge faced Devyn, her perceptive brow arching. “We’ve switched roles, Miss Asbury.” Her tone was calculating. “Now you need something from me.”
Looked like Devyn had been wrong. It appeared Ms. Henry had mistaken Devyn for somebody else altogether. But just to be certain… “I’m sorry, have we met before?”
Dark, long lashes framed probing eyes. “You really don’t remember me?” She tugged the hem of her chic blazer with a sardonic smirk. “Last year I was assigned to contact you to see if our magazine could cover your nuptials. I worked late nights creating an entire promotional package.” Her pointed gaze remained fixed on Devyn. “Then it was made clear that our little publication wasn’t popular enough for your Royal Highnesses’ wedding, and I was dismissed before I could even present my proposal.”
“What? I had no idea.” Devyn’s jaw unhinged. “Who told you that? Never mind. I know who.” Travis. Wasn’t surprising. Might as well tell Ms. Henry to forfeit their entry, because there was no way this woman would look favorably on the Belle. Her heart twisted. Even now, Travis Leeman was ruining her dreams. And true to his mode of operation, Devyn was totally blindsided. Again.
Though unlike with her breakup, Devyn could get in the final word. And she’d better make it good. “I’m sorry about what happened.” She paused, making sure she had the young woman’s attention. “Travis was a complete jerk in how he treated you, but in a way, he did you a favor.”
Ms. Henry made a disbelieving sound, but Devyn continued. �
�Think about it. You would’ve put in so much more work interviewing, writing every detail, reserving prominent space in the magazine, all for nothing. Because we broke up. You were spared a heartache. I wasn’t so lucky.”
The rigid lines framing her pinched mouth held firm for a few heartbeats then eased. “I’m sorry about your breakup.”
Devyn welcomed the delicate olive branch with a friendly smile. “I need to remind myself of that too. Travis treated me badly, but he really did me a favor. We wouldn’t have lasted.” Realization dropped anchor in her heart. “Did you know that the Belle’s engine is older than the boat itself?”
Ms. Henry tilted her head at the turn in conversation, but Devyn could see it so clearly.
“The engine was built twenty years before the Belle, making the heart of the boat over one hundred and thirty years old.The Belle’s different than other landmarks because she navigates the waters. She’s voyaged a million miles. Faced storms. Faced sinkings. Has seen more than other sites that are stationary. She’s taken risks. But she’s weathered it all, because she is made from strong stuff. She’s something that lasts.”
Ms. Henry folded her arms, her expression unreadable.
“What I’m trying to say is, if Travis hadn’t broken things off, we obviously would’ve gotten married. And the wedding would have been stunning. My gown was to be custom-sewn by an elite designer.The venue was luxurious. The cake we chose was to be gilded with 24-karat gold flakes. Every detail gorgeous. No expense spared.” Her gaze connected with the judge’s. “But we wouldn’t have lasted. Because the heart of our relationship wasn’t strong enough.”
“I know what you’re trying to say, but celebrity weddings are popular with our audience. When we feature them, our readership grows.” Her professional facade proved challenging to break through. “Plus everyone loves a beautiful wedding.”
“But what about an enduring marriage?” Devyn posed the question even to herself. “I can’t sell you on the Belle’s beauty, because she wasn’t built for that purpose. She was built to endure. To outlast. During the first half of the 1900s, there were other steamboats, like the J.S. Deluxe, that were more decorated. Showy. They received accolade upon accolade for their extravagant furnishings. But…” She paused for emphasis. “They’re not around now. They didn’t make it half as long as the Belle. Carrying that point over, what’s the use of an elaborate wedding if the marriage won’t last?”
“And that’s why you think the Belle deserves the timeless wedding award?”
“Her heart is strong, durable. And every couple who holds a wedding here is surrounded by that reminder. This boat has survived life’s challenges with noble grace, and that’s what makes her timeless.”
Ms. Henry glanced at her tablet and then to Devyn. “How about you show me around for a bit?”
“Certainly.” She showed Ms. Henry everything from the pilothouse to the engine room and everything in between. The judge only asked Devyn four questions during the tour, making Devyn doubt Ms. Henry’s interest. They reached the bottom of the main staircase, and the wedding expert said her thanks along with an “I’ll be in touch.”
With the judge gone, Devyn retreated to her office, finally catching a deep breath.
“How’d it go?” Steph rushed into the room in a whirlwind of Vanilla Fields perfume and exuberance. “What’d she say?”
“She recognized me. Worse yet, Travis was a total jerk to her. I think she harbors a grudge against me.” She pressed a hand to her pounding heart. “Steph, it would’ve been better if you’d shown her around.”
“No, it wouldn’t.”
“Why?” Devyn plopped into her desk chair and sunk her face into her hands. “I no doubt just cost us the contest.”
“Did you speak your heart?”
“Yeah. A little too much.”
Steph placed a motherly hand on Devyn’s shoulder. “You can’t have too much heart. I’m proud of you. I wanted the judge to see the Belle through your eyes. And I’m not sorry for that decision. Neither should you be.”
Devyn blinked. “I don’t know what to say.”
“I do.” Steph beamed, her bright blue eye shadow sparkling beneath the fluorescent lights. “Go celebrate with that hunky boyfriend of yours.”
“Celebrate? The judge hates me, and we still have the ball to pull off.”
“You did a big thing today.” She patted her shoulder. “If you aren’t going out to celebrate, at least bring him over so I can look at him. It’s been a while. Maybe I should invent another mystery for you two since you solved the one about the photo.”
“We didn’t solve it.” No new information had surfaced about Hattie. Seriously, the woman had no trail on the internet, past newspapers, any record. Devyn wished she could learn her vanishing secret! As a dutiful daughter she had shared what they’d learned at the cabin with her parents, and both of them had been as surprised as she. “I think we’ve dug up all we can. The H and J hunt has hit a standstill.” But while the search had gone to nothing, Devyn and Chase’s relationship had been escalating.
It had been two weeks since their day at the waterfall. That day had turned out memorable in more ways than one. They’d spent more time than necessary picking the paw paws, because they’d gotten immersed in conversation, resulting in more than a few kisses.
Devyn had scored a sunburn, but it’d been worth it. Since then, they’d both been busy with work but still managed to see each other almost every other day.
She snapped out of her Chase daze to find Steph looking at her with a strange expression. How long had she been reliving those kisses? A couple seconds? Minutes? “Sorry, I totally zoned.”
Steph held a hand up. “What you said struck me funny.”
Devyn’s nose wrinkled. What had she said? Oh the mystery. “Nothing so odd about it. The woman didn’t leave a trail.”
“No. The H and J part.” She folded her arms, her fingers tapping methodically on her elbow. “You know how the Belle looked when the city of Louisville purchased her? You’ve seen those pictures.”
“Yes. What about it?”
“My uncle was one of the workers. He helped remodel the staterooms before becoming one of the Belle’s officers. I completely forgot until you said H and J. Well, I didn’t know about the J until just now. What does it stand for?”
Devyn swallowed. “Jack.” Or Jonathan. “Steph, I found the other half of the picture. It was at my family’s cabin.”
Surprise splashed in her eyes.
“My great-grandfather and Hattie were both part of the Idlewild crew. And I think they had a romance.”
“Oh, there was a romance. No question.”
“Steph?” She leaned forward. “Why do you say that?”
“It was when you said H and J. The workers found love letters tucked into the wall of the stateroom. They were all addressed ‘To H’ and were signed ‘Yours, J.’”
What? “How come I’ve never heard about this?”
“It wasn’t really made known. I only found out because my uncle was part of the construction crew.”
“The remodel was in the sixties. They’re long gone by now.”
Steph’s gaze turned thoughtful. “There’s a chance.”
Hope billowed, but then deflated like a pin to a balloon. “You don’t mean…”
“Sorry, sweets. If they’re anywhere, they’re in the Graveyard.”
Chapter 27
“Is this the proverbial searching for a needle in the haystack?” Chase adjusted his worn ball cap and peered into the storage unit they’d just opened.
“I’d rather tackle a haystack than this.” It had taken over an hour to go through the last unit, and the one she’d just stepped her Converse into was even more cluttered. Racks of clothes displayed everything from faded Santa Claus costumes to choir robes. Boxes were piled high everywhere. “I think it’s a lost cause. Steph wasn’t even certain the notes would be here.”
Chase shrugged. “We can make a
game of it.”
Devyn’s nose wrinkled at a set of decorative plastic pillars covered in cobwebs and layered with grime. “Like whoever sneezes most wins the sinus headache?”
Chase tugged her hand and led her farther into the unit. “I was thinking more on the line of—every time someone finds outdated Christmas décor, they get kissed.”
Devyn snorted. “This place is packed with holiday stuff.”
“See? This is going to be fun. Should we practice to make sure we understand the rules?” He hooked the belt loops of her jeans and pulled her close, dropping a quick kiss. Then as if realizing one wasn’t enough, he claimed her lips again.
Devyn melded into him, and Chase took that as a go-ahead to up the intensity. His hands roamed the length of her back. His mouth wandered the contours of her lips, the slope of her neck, the edge of her jaw, with murmured endearments in between. Devyn imagined the rack of plush Easter bunnies to her left shielding their plastic eyes with their floppy ears.
She finally broke away, feeling heady. “We’re not getting anything done.”
“I disagree.” His grin unleashed, and he held out the hairband he’d divested her of.
Her shock of laughter bounced off the low ceiling. She had no idea when he’d tugged her topknot free, but her hair spilling over her shoulders evidenced his cunning handsiness. “What am I going to do with you?” She snatched the elastic band from his fingers as he lifted a shoulder in a bogus display of innocence. She worked her locks into a messy ponytail, all while under Chase’s hot gaze.
Thankfully he rallied some self-control and pulled his eyes from hers to drift over the unit. “So the city uses all this space?”
She nodded. “They built this storage complex. We call it the Graveyard because once things are thrown in here, they’re pretty much left for dead.” Devyn had only visited this place twice. The first time was to locate retired wedding decorations Steph had sworn were boxed with the artificial flowers. She’d been wrong. The other was to store leftover plastic eggs used for the Belle’s Easter event. Both times Devyn had felt overwhelmed by the clutter. Today was no different.
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