Page 45 of Hibiscus Heights

Mason climbed aboard and met with another heartfelt hug.

Today, with the sunshine overhead and the sea as blue as he’d recalled, they were gathered to release Jock Emerson, a man they’d all loved.

To Mason and Teddy, Jock had been the doting grandfather, a man who’d mellowed in his later years. Family had been their anchor after Nicole’s death, so losing their grandfather a few short years later was rough on the boys.

Although Grant and his father had their differences, especially about Deb, Grant respected him. His father only wanted to see him succeed in life.

Shielding his eyes from the sun, Grant admired the vessel’s pristine white hull and teak accents. The name, “Crowned One,” was painted in flowing script on the stern.

“Your father would have loved this,” Kitty said as he boarded.

Immediately, Grant noticed the monogrammed canvas tote his mother held close. His father had loved Crown Island, so it seemed fitting to return him to the waters he’d cherished.

Along with his father, maybe Grant could set Nicole’s spirit free as well.

His sister hugged him, and Daniel did the same. Jen managed a wistful smile. “Are you ready for this?”

“It’s what Mom wants,” Grant replied.

He understood. It had been important to him to have Nicole buried where the boys could visit her, but as it turned out, seeing her gravesite was so utterly heart wrenching for the boys that he limited their visits to once a year. At first, he’d often stopped by Nicole’s gravesite to talk while the boys were in school, but that was before he’d realized he could communicate with her anytime in his heart.

A rugged, middle-aged man approached, wearing a captain’s hat and a crisp white shirt with naval-style epaulets. His weathered face creased with a smile.

“Welcome aboard, I’m Captain Craig. Would you like a tour before we get underway?”

Mason and Teddy beamed at that, and Grant nodded.

“This way,” the captain said, gesturing for them to follow.

The cabin area was spacious, featuring polished teakwood paneling, comfortable seating, and a small but well-appointed galley. An assortment of refreshments and light fare beckoned, and the captain encouraged them to help themselves. Two well-appointed cabins were below.

After exploring, they climbed the stairs to the helm. An array of gauges captured Mason’s attention, while the captain offered a brief explanation.

“May I sit in the captain’s chair?” Teddy asked in a shy voice.

“Why, sure.” Captain Craig lifted the boy into the seat. “Take as many photos as you’d like.”

“With you and Mason, too,” Jen said, motioning for the captain and his older son to join in.

After they were finished, Captain Craig reviewed the safety instructions and distributed life vests to the boys, making sure they fit properly. “The island tour will be underway soon. Please make yourselves at home.”

As they all moved onto the open deck, Grant joined his mother at the stern, where she stood looking out at the water, her hand still resting on the tote bag.

Grant put his arm around her shoulders. “Dad would appreciate this.”

Kitty smiled up at him. “Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting those we loved.”

Grant understood she wasn’t just talking about his father. “I know,” he said quietly.

“The boys seem happy here,” his mother said, leaning on the railing. “They’ve been talking about Deb. Isn’t it strange that of all the people they might meet on the beach and become friends with, it would be her? It’s as if we have invisible magnets attracting us to others we’re meant to know.”

Grant inclined his head. “That’s an interesting thing for you to say.”

“I want you to know that I always liked her,” Kitty said as if making a point. “Your father thought you were very young, that’s all.”

Grant didn’t ask for elaboration. Today wasn’t a day for finding fault but for celebrating a life. Parents did the best they could at the time. He knew that now.

“And you?” Her gaze was penetrating. “How do you feel about seeing Deb?”

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