“Mom is here,” she shivered. “I haven’t felt her presence in a while.”

“Where it’s quiet and you’re able to escape the noise, to connect with what’s important and what matters most.” Wyatt slowed again, navigating around the bend of the island and the rocky jetty jutting out into the water.

Locke Pointe, similar to Easton Estate, sat perched atop a cliff, a magnificent, elegant, and regal property. Because of its position, Morgan could clearly make out minor details.

They coasted along, continuing around the bend for a side view. “Locke Pointe is postcard pretty.”

“It’s an impressive place,” Wyatt said. “Your grandparents picked a prime piece of island real estate to build their home.”

Morgan snapped several photos, visualizing every square inch of what was behind the walls. So many memories. So much history…and a promising future. “This puts it all into perspective, how much real estate the Lockes and Eastons own along the island’s shoreline.”

“Some of which now belongs to you. If not for your family, on both sides, Easton Island wouldn’t be what it is today.”

Continuing on, they reached Lilac Inn, the Coates’ property. Morgan snapped another photo and texted a copy to Grace.

She promptly replied.Where are you?

“Date night with Wyatt, on a boat cruising along the shoreline.”

“Beautiful!” Grace sent a meme of a smiling dot with hearts for eyes.

“There’s not much beyond Grace’s place other than trees and wilderness.” Wyatt swung the boat around, speeding back toward Locke Pointe.

He slowed again when Morgan’s cottage and Easton Estate appeared. “This looks like the ideal spot.”

“For what?”

“Smooching.” Wyatt made googly eyes.

Morgan giggled. “You want to make out here?”

“Sure. I mean, it doesn’t get much more romantic than this.”

“True.” She flung her arms around him. Pulling him toward her, she kissed his lips. The kiss deepened and Morgan abandoned herself to the moment. She wasn’t sure how long it lasted until finally…reluctantly pulling away.

“I’ll take thank-yous like this all day long.” Wyatt offered her his slow, sexy smile, the one that made her heart pitter patter. He ran a light hand across her cheek. “I’m glad you’re having a good time. Now.” He playfully tugged on his jacket. “Before we get too carried away, it’s time to eat. We don’t want our food getting cold.”

“Food?” Morgan blinked rapidly. “I thought you were joking.”

“No way. You’re getting the Friday night special. Aiden and his wife left our dinner at the warming station.” He grasped Morgan’s hand and escorted her down the narrow steps.

At first glance, the catamaran seemed compact, but on closer inspection, Morgan realized it was actually quite spacious, sporting a lounge area, a bedroom and even a bathroom.

A second set of steps led to the fully equipped galley. Sitting in the warming stations were plates filled with filet mignon, smashed potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, crusty rolls and even peach cobbler.

He finished pouring two glasses of sparkling water and they carried their food to the outdoor table, covered by a striped awning to protect them from the elements. While they ate, they made a game out of guessing what was on shore.

When the subject of Mr. Ryze came up, Morgan felt a niggling of concern over what the man’s next move might be. Despite her anxiety over the situation, Wyatt quickly distracted her.

The meal ended, and Morgan insisted on clearing the table while Wyatt navigated them past the harbor. He kept going until they reached Sunset Beach.

Lowering the anchor, he grabbed a blanket from the bin and invited her onto the bench seat. The couple snuggled, talking inquiet voices, soaking in the view and admiring the special island they called home.

All too soon, it was time to head back to the harbor. Aiden and his wife stood waiting for them and made quick work of securing the vessel.

“Well?” Aiden asked. “How was it?”

“Magical,” Morgan sighed. “Thank you for letting Wyatt borrow your catamaran. We had the best time.”