Chapter 42

Adam

Icut the engine in the middle of the lake. Calm waves undulate beneath Divine Denise, rocking the boat soothingly. A smattering of watercraft dots the waters around us.

Evie's hair is blowing in the wind, her eyes closed as if she's concentrating on each of her senses. The chill in the air, the smell of the water, the sound of the screeching eagle soaring above. Turns out the long drive was a good move for several reasons, not the least of which is giving Evie a chance to regroup. She looks more relaxed than I've seen her since she was laid off by her boss.

I take the opportunity to enjoy the view. Not the lake or the surrounding mountains, but Evie. She's a natural beauty. I don't know much about the ways of women, but I can tell she wears little if any makeup.

If this is what fifty looks like, I'll take it.

I try to picture her as a mom, doting on her sons. It's hard to envision.

She must feel my eyes on her because she meets my gaze.

The loud motor prevented us from speaking until now.

"Do you have photos of your kids?"

Evie seems surprised at the question. "Of course. Why?"

"It would help me picture another part of your life."

Evie's smile warms my heart. She scrolls through her photos and sidles up closer. She presents her phone, showing a photo of her in a deep-red gown, the dress clinging to her curves. Two handsome young men in tuxes are on either side of her, grinning.

Evie points. "That's Jeffrey on the right and Daniel on the left. They're pinching each other behind my back," she says, a certain glee in her voice.

"Where was this taken?"

"At my friend Caroline's annual charity benefit. Her husband left behind a legacy when he died. A well-endowed foundation to help children with special needs."

"Commendable. Is Caroline the friend who was supposed to come to Yosemite with you?"

"That's right."

I lean over and open the large white cooler beside me, hoping to find what I expect is inside.

Evie asks, "Looking for life preservers? Don't worry I won't shove you overboard."

I picture the two of us holding hands, leaping into the lake, screaming at the tops of our lungs.

I pull out a bottle of Pinot noir, two glasses, and a wine opener. "Jackpot. I'll give Captain Saul a sizeable tip."

"Money is no object to you, is it?"

The question is rhetorical and I uncork the bottle, pouring for each of us. We clink glasses.

"To new adventures," she says, taking a sip.

"How is Caroline's leg?"

"She'll be fine. Guessing her doctor will be her next victim."

"Pardon?"

"When Caroline sets her eye on someone, it's only a matter of time before he succumbs to her wiles. That is, if she ever decides to get back in the saddle."

"Sounds like an interesting woman."

"She's larger than life."

"I'd love to meet her someday."

Evie smiles.

I gesture for her to come forward. "Take the controls."

"Me?"

Evie stands beside me. "I don't know how to drive a boat."

"I'll help you."

We set aside the glasses and I position myself directly behind her, placing my hand atop hers as we push the throttle forward. "Nice and easy," I whisper in her ear.

The wind picks up and I feel Evie shiver. I squeeze closer, offering my body heat for warmth. As God as my witness, she melts into me. I smell the faint scent of her hair, my lips a breath away from her neck. I'm weak in the knees. But I remain steady, not moving a muscle, wishing we could remain this way until sunrise.