Where to Belong

by W.J. Smith

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  Sunrise

  The sky had a different look to it as it stretched across the open sea. Its blue was deeper, truer. At least that's what Madison concluded. She had been staring at it for the duration of the morning hours as the sun slowly emerged from its stage on the horizon.

  The brilliant orb brought warmth with its light. She loosed the blanket that was wrapped so snuggly around her shoulders while one hand still carefully held the four-page letter she had read the prior night. Skyler asked her to look it over to be sure she was okay with all that he had revealed. She wasn't bothered by what he disclosed, but she couldn't sleep after she finished.

  The letter was addressed to the detective who had contacted Skyler several years back, Brock Payne. He assured him that Morgan's group was being investigated and that they would be stopped before long. When Skyler asked why he was approached, Payne simply said that he didn't match the criteria of the rest of the group. He told him that if he helped bring the organization down, he would be exonerated of his own involvement. The detective kept in touch when Skyler agreed to do what he could.

  He'd spent an entire day on the detailed writing. Most of it was news to Madison. Many of the confessed deeds happened during her eight-year absence. He was involved with nearly every job Morgan arranged and his given recount showed it. She didn't doubt a word of it. He probably even toned a few parts down from what she could tell. When he signed it, he passed it to her for approval. If she agreed, she was to put it in an envelope with the diamond that was still dangling from the bracelet on her wrist.

  She did just so. After feeling the bulky jewel sink to the bottom of the thick envelope, she sealed it up and set it on the table beside her. Her hand rested atop it to prevent it from being blown away.

  Her focus shifted from the yellow envelope to the place on her hand that caught the young daylight so beautifully. It was a simple, silver band with a square sapphire cradled above it. It was perfect.

  Skyler said that he would get her a different ring, one that was meant to be a bridal set, when they settled in. She hoped he would not. This one had meaning. They picked out their rings in a little shoppe in New Orleans; two silver bands, neither one knowing what the other had chosen.

  They had two full days in the fascinating city. She'd never been there before, but Skyler knew just where to go. He must have had it all planned. They spent the better part of the first morning hopping from one shoppe to the next until they were ready for the occasion. He donned a charming black suit complete with vest and bow-tie. She found a long white dress with an open back. It wasn't what she had in mind, but she fell in love with it before she even tried it on.

  Skyler took her to a courtyard that had an ivy-covered arbor and two rows of chairs with white ribbons tied to them. Though the chairs sat empty, everyone they needed was there. A man in a simple suit greeted Skyler by name. He was there to officiate the ceremony. Chase arrived soon after they did. He was all spiffed up and bearing a bouquet of white and red roses. Another man came hurrying to the scene. He was balding prematurely and acted nervous, insisting on calling Skyler Mr. Andrew. He brought a folder with an assortment of papers which Skyler gave to the gentleman officiating.

  It was a short ceremony but sweet nonetheless. Madison was so engrossed in the fact that it was happening, marrying her best friend, that she didn't notice a few others come along and sit in the seats and watch. They were strangers, but they wished the couple well when the wedding was over. She appreciated that. It was heartening to know there were those out there who took a moment out of their own lives to share in their happiness.

  Now here they were, sailing off into another sunrise and drawing one day closer to their new home. Home, a place to be. A place to stay. She was sure it was absolutely flawless going by Skyler's description of it. He admitted that it would need some work and that he hadn't actually seen it for himself, but it was theirs.

  Apparently, Skyler's parents invested in a builder friend of theirs long ago with the agreement that when a certain plot was developed a house would be built for their son. It was to be presented to him when he turned twenty-five. He learned about it just shy of his twenty-seventh because of the builder having trouble tracking him down. He couldn't exactly use it at the time since he was in so deep with Morgan's company, so he had the builder lease it out until the time came when he needed it. It had been without a tenant for the past six months.

  It was a home with a view, the small, two bedroom cottage with a wraparound porch. The back yard was a white sandy beach. Their new home was situated on the shores of North Caicos.

  "You're up early." Skyler's quiet voice brought her back to the present before he kissed her cheek. He sat next to her and gazed around at the open waters as the aroma of his coffee drifted on the breeze. "And up here all by yourself? Someone's getting comfortable."

  It was only the third time she sat on the upper deck and the first time she went on her own. She didn't think that she was getting any more comfortable with the boat. She was more in a daze when she wandered that way before the sun came up and reminded her where she was. "I was waiting for someone to come and help me back down," she said with a light laugh at herself.

  She watched him as he took in their surroundings. He was looking better with each day. His bruises were fading, no longer the purple and blue that hurt just to look at. But the cut on his cheek was going to leave a scar. It was taking much longer to heal.

  He turned his coffee mug in vague circles on the table as he eyed the envelope under her hand. "I won't send it if you don't want me to."

  "Do you trust this detective to keep his word that you're done with a written statement?"

  His eyes narrowed as he shifted. "I can't say that I trust him, but I think I need to try. I don't want it following us around."

  "Then let's be done with this." She passed it to him with an encouraging smile. He took it hesitantly, tapping it on the table for a few beats before slipping it into the inner pocket of his jacket. She waited until he finally looked to her and then leaned toward him. "Good morning, Mr. Andrew."

  He chuckled and took her hand in his. "It sure is, Mrs. Andrew."

  Madison got up and walked around behind him and hugged his neck, resting her chin atop his head. He held her arms and pet the ring on her finger. "Have you checked on Chase yet?"

  "I was on my way," he said. "Got a little sidetracked."

  The two climbed the stairs to the top deck and the wheelhouse. Chase welcomed them with his usual cheer. Madison didn't know how he could keep so upbeat since he'd been up all night yet again. Yes, he slept during the day, but he hardly slowed at all.

  He peered at Madison. "You still don't look any different."

  She laughed at him. He had said the same thing each time he saw her since they got back on the Faran in New Orleans. Skyler looked at him with a questioning expression.

  "I've heard married women look differently. She hasn't changed a bit," Chase explained, his tone doubtful.

  "Ah," Skyler nodded. "How's this?" He wrapped one arm around her, pulled her to him, put his other hand beneath her left, and presented the ring-ornamented hand to his friend.

  Chase smirked and laughed out. "I see it now. Definitely taken."

  He hung around a little while longer before heading off to bed after asking them to make sure and wake him for dinner. Skyler took the wheel and checked over the instrument gages. Madison wandered between the windows for a time before standing beside him as he kept the cruising yacht on course.

  "Want to try?" He stepped back from the wheel and motioned for her to come closer.

  She surveyed the controls, then looked to him and let her uncertainty show.

  He smiled and ushered her in front of him. "It won't bite, I promise." Skyler took her hands and placed them on the wheel. "It's easier than it looks. You might even like it."

  There really
wasn't much to it. She watched straight ahead and held tight to the wheel. She expected more feedback from it or more of a fight. It was smooth and uncomplicated. She recalled all the times Skyler spoke about piloting a boat and how he enjoyed it. It was his escape from the real world. Even though she wasn't thrilled with it, she knew it was something he treasured, and he was sharing it with her. That made her think she could grow to like it.

  "See, you've got it." He ran his hands up to her shoulders, wrapped his arms around her, and hugged her to his chest. "Take us home."

  His words were whispered in her ear and sounded in her heart. She was already there. It didn't matter where they went or how long it took them to get there. She was right where she belonged in his arms. That was her home. "Forever," she said as she rested her head against his shoulder.

  "Always."

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to take a moment to thank a few of those who have proven themselves to be essential throughout this entire experience:

  My parents, Tracey and Gary Decker, for making us play outside when we were kids, even if it was to get us out of your hair. I think my imagination has survived to this day for it. And thank you for all the books you encouraged me to read. I still have the first novel you gave me on my nightstand.

  My husband, Colt Smith, for tolerating my unceasing hobby. And thank you for saving my manuscripts from the clutches of the evil hard drive, my valiant knight disguised as a computer technician.

  Beth Smith for your enthusiasm. It is heartening to know someone else cares for my characters and their stories as much as I do. And also for the endless supply of amazing reads to keep me thinking.

  My brother, Dillon Decker, for reminding me often that there is still a world outside my own small piece of it. Much appreciated.

  Rita Dubard for your excitement about everything. I've learned much from our adventures, and still more from watching you explore your own tireless and brave journeys that I will always envy, in a good way. You're as true as they come.

  Jared Twomey, of my original support group. Your nod in the very beginning meant more than you know. My longest running friend, you deserve an award for that.

  Brett Tyler for your honesty and telling me point blank what I needed to hear, whether I knew it or not. Always ready with advice and perpetual understanding.

  Grady Newton for sampling and enduring my rough drafts. I know it wasn't easy. Your input was indispensable.

  Dr. Robert Myers and Sharon Nabours, thank you for keeping my day job a dream job. You have provided a work atmosphere that is upbuilding, to which I am grateful.

  All the folks in and around NaNoWriMo for the amazing and invigorating challenge. Looking forward to next time. Only sorry I found out about you late in the game.