Chapter Three

Ryan's Gift, Day One

Kate maneuvered her wheelchair up the ramp with a practiced ease that belied the turmoil beneath her calm exterior. Each push against the wheels was a silent testament to her resilience, a battle fought and won against the confines of her new reality. Her upper body strength had significantly improved during months of rehabilitation and continued efforts afterward. Despite her dislike for the chair, she was determined not to let it impede her progress.

The pains she had endured in the first year, stemming from the spinal injury, had largely dissipated, and she hadn't taken painkillers in months. She carried them just in case but doubted their necessity. A glass of wine typically sufficed to alleviate the minor discomforts often overlooked by those not using a wheelchair.

Adapting to a world designed for individuals of average height proved frustrating for Kate. Simply going to the grocery store where everything she needed seemed to be out of reach was beyond annoying. She was overcharged on her last visit and the counter, where she'd gone to get a refund, was made for standing individuals. It made her invisible and the list went on and on. Nevertheless, she had adjusted and remained committed to finding peace in her new world.

The yacht had undergone thoughtful modifications, featuring low counters in the galley, ramped walkways and a chair lift with backup ropes for navigating below deck. A custom wheelchair awaited her there too and would be used solely on the lower level.

The individual responsible for these upgrades was a genius, evident in the addition of a rail around the outer deck to prevent accidents in rough seas. The master berth now housed a luxury shower accessible to Kate in her wheelchair. The yacht, tailored to accommodate her unique sitting height, provided a comforting environment. Even the subtle pitch below her chair calmed her. With a deep inhale that filled her lungs with saltwater air, she allowed her stress to fade.

Ryan's berth had also been reconstructed to cater to a curious five-year-old fascinated by science and water. The space now included a desk and a secure stand for her iPad, so she could communicate with her grandpop whenever he was available.

Sam, having brought in the last of their luggage, engaged in conversation with Dan, the port steward, who provided last-minute updates on weather and tides. The two had developed a rapport since leasing the slip for Ryan's Gift, and Dan had generously shared his extensive boating knowledge.

Before leaving port, Kate took a moment to call her dad and inform him of their imminent departure.

"Great to hear from you," Greg said. "Check in daily and give me an update of your coordinates so I can keep track."

Kate suppressed a groan. Her father's protective nature was both endearing and at times exasperating.

"The yacht is rigged so I can handle it if need be, and you know it," she assured him. He remained silent. "Daily updates it is. Love you, Dad, and we'll see you in a few weeks."

"That's my girl," he replied, his relief palpable.

Having sent her father away a month after the accident, Kate reflected on his persistent concern, recognizing it as an expression of love. They ended their call and she rolled back on deck as Dan helped Sam untie the lines from the cleats.

"We're the sendoff crew!" Bradon, Dan's ten-year-old son, yelled with excitement from the dock as he stood beside his mom who wore a huge smile.

Kate called inside for Ryan to join her, and soon, the stuffed, toy shark-wielding five-year-old emerged. Dan bid Sam farewell, leaping to the dock to stand with his family.

Sam, heading to the control room inside the upper cabin, demonstrated proficiency in navigating the yacht out of its berth. The sky was clear and the day warming up as they embarked on a three-week journey to the San Francisco Bay. Kate breathed in the sea air as she secured her long blonde hair with an elastic band from her wrist, feeling a thrill run across her bare arms as she looked out at the open water and took another deep breath.

"Mom," do you think grandpop will take me diving?" Ryan asked, clutching the tiger shark tooth hanging from her neck.

"If you brush your teeth each night without being told, he just might."

"Mooom," came the exaggerated wail. "Grandpop won't know if I brush my teeth."

Ryan always had a witty comeback, a trait she likely inherited from Kate, leaving little room for complaint.

"A little sea bird will tell him, I promise," said Kate.

"Does the sea bird's name start with K?" Ryan's small hands were at her waist. It was her, "I'm serious and want an answer," pose.

"Smarty," Kate said with a grin. "Come on, we have things to unpack and situate. Once that's done we can make plans for the rest of the day.

They put away the items that needed a home and settled in the galley, Kate's favorite place on board. She watched Sam at the controls, steering the yacht into open water. He'd come so far from his land loving days in a very short amount of time, or so it seemed.

Their discussions about refurbishing a yacht hadn't gone well in the beginning. With Kate's accident money, Sam didn't need to work. He had cut back on his time in the office and worked mostly from home. Kate wasn't sure if that was good or bad.

She remembered the final discussion before he gave into the ocean adventure idea.

"I feel stifled," she'd told him. Hurt filled his expression and she'd had to grit her teeth. "You don't understand," she added. "I need to feel the wind that sweeps in from the sea, and smell the scent of salt and the faint, briny aroma of ocean water."

He'd stared at her, still not understanding. "A boat won't stifle you more?" he'd asked.

"Once we're out of the bay, there's nothing but space."

"Okay," he finally agreed.

The whirlwind of preparations began the following day and started with a call to her father to find them a yacht. He had the connections they needed and two weeks later, it was delivered to the new berth at Chula Vista Marina.

As Kate sat looking outside, the relief she felt overshadowed her misgivings. Her father taught her early in life that the ocean healed.

"Can I go to the deck and watch for dolphins?" Ryan asked, bringing Kate out of her morose thoughts.

"That sounds like a great idea. We can look for sea turtles and stingrays too."

Within a few minutes they were settled on the deck chairs watching the ocean and enjoying the sea spray on their faces. Kate saw Ryan gently squeeze the shark tooth that hung around her neck. The past two years had seen so much turmoil with Ryan caught in the middle. This trip would heal the three of them.

The farther they traveled from land, the glassier the water. Kate looked into its infinite depths and a shiver passed over her skin.