A Star Tribune serialized novel by Jane Fredericksen
Chapter 22
The story so far: Ronnie reveals that she donated blood to Kinney.
"I am grateful," Kinney said softly. But his heart ached.
"I haven't told you the worst part," Ronnie continued. "Pet wants to come back next year. Says she won't sail with anyone but you."
"I feel sick …"
"She wants to spend a week."
"The room is spinning …"
"And she's bringing all her friends. And luggage."
"I'm dead."
"Of course, that all depends if you're planning to be here next year," she said, her tone suddenly serious. "Are you?"
The ache began again. Just say goodbye, he thought.
He couldn't bear it.
Instead, he stared at Kacie's pirate poster. "How's Redemption?" he asked. And then, colder, "How's Vince?"
From the corner of his eye, Kinney caught her start. It brought him grim comfort. She might have options, but his were limited. He was tired of chasing the wind.
"I don't know," she answered cautiously. "Redemption's kind of banged-up. Missing radio, wrecked engine, torn mainsail. Slight bash in the hull that probably happened at Cat. And you were right about the dry rot."
She paused. "Like you said, Vince isn't that good with repairs. He might let her go. Dry-dock her permanently."
"What?" Kinney turned to her, horrified. "How could he? He's a fool, Ronnie. Some boats are worth saving."
"No matter how damaged." She gently touched his chest and he flinched.
"Don't," he whispered, trembling. "I'm bad with surprises."
"Then why do you sail?" she asked.
He could see it coming.
She placed her hands on both sides of his face and moved in. Her lips met his and he felt like a shipwrecked sailor who'd fought his way to shore.
He could hear the heart monitor beat faster, but he didn't care. He could die of a heart attack right here, right now, and die happy.
"Ronnie," he gasped, and he noticed her gold chain dangling. It was simply a chain and nothing more. "You're not wearing your ring."
She smiled. "Options open. Your move next, sailor."
It was a gift, he knew. A second chance.
His eyes fell on Kacie's glass of water, now almost empty.
Another gift, he realized. He would make the most of them both, this time.
He cupped Ronnie's face in his hands and leaned forward. He drew her close to him, ignoring the pain in his ribs.
He kissed her as if she held the very breath of life itself.
* * *
Later that week, he sat in the reception area, fingers nervously tapping the chair's arm.
He had told Kacie what he planned to do, and she had agreed. Offered blood, even. But the glass of water would do.
She had wanted to be with him, but he told her, no. He would find her when the time came.
The door opened and a pretty young nurse appeared.
"Mr. McKinney? We have the test results. Won't you come in, please?"
Kinney picked up his crutches and hobbled after her.
Tomorrow: Chapter 23.
It’s too soon to tell how much the immigration crackdown is to blame.
