Against the Tide: High Seas Weddings

by Cheryl Phipps

  Keira whistled, making him grin. She looked away to stop herself from wanting to touch a dimple. Either would do.

  “What if you devised a cheaper event during that period? One that doesn’t even leave the dock?”

  “People don’t want a party on a ship that doesn’t move,” he said as if she were crazy to suggest it.

  “I don’t see why not. After all, if they got married in a church and had a reception on land, it’s a similar thing. The only difference would be having both at the same venue.” She didn’t add that someone like herself would be delighted never to venture forth on the open sea. Luckily the water was calm, but she had to admit she’d been far too busy to feel even slightly queasy.

  He leaned back on the rail with his arms folded across his broad chest. “I’m not convinced it would work.”

  “Where’s the harm in trying? You’ve got nothing to lose if Majestic is just sitting there. Some people love a bargain that would include an interesting venue, and this would surely qualify.”

  He began to pace, his hand clasped behind his back; she could almost see the wheels turning as he pondered her suggestion.

  “Hmmm. I bought Majestic after working on her for a year. The captain ran her for the good months, then vacationed with his family for the rest of the year while we serviced and maintained her. I never thought about it until now, and when you put it that way, I guess I really do have nothing to lose.”

  Satisfied that he was interested in her ideas and not just paying lip service, she continued. “How do you manage your bookings?”

  He stopped in front of her. “I do that part myself.”

  “What else do you do?” Keira had a strong urge to take notes, but she remained outwardly calm.

  He threw his arms out to encompass Majestic. “Pretty much everything except the food and the wedding planning. We do all the behind-the-scenes work for the setup, plus the breakdown and cleaning—which, let me tell you, is pretty substantial. When Majestic’s back in the dock and the guests are gone, I help with both.”

  “I see. It’s very hands on, isn’t it?”

  Aiden shrugged. “It has to be when you have a massive loan to pay.”

  “I wish I did.”

  He snorted. “That’s the first time I’ve ever heard someone say that.”

  Keira turned to look out over the sparkling water, not sure why she felt the need to pour out her troubles, but they fell from her mouth before she could stop them.

  “I had my own wedding planner business until recently. I went bankrupt. Now I’m having to start over from scratch, and it’s going to take a while before I can get a bank to trust me with a loan.”

  He came to stand beside her. “That’s rough. How come you went bankrupt? Sorry, don’t answer that. I shouldn’t have asked.”

  She shook her head. “To be honest, I’m so embarrassed that I haven’t told many people.”

  He waited in silence, and Keira reluctantly explained.

  “My ex-fiancé and I started the small company. He handled the books and dealt with suppliers while I did everything else. I studied business. I knew so much, yet I had no idea he had a gambling problem and spent every penny I earned and then some. It was his idea to go into business together, and it seemed right at the time, so I trusted him. I guess that sounds pretty stupid.”

  She saw his hands clench, but his voice remained calm. “I don’t think you’re stupid. Naïve, perhaps. It must’ve come as a huge shock.”

  “You don’t know the half of it. It took some time to unravel all of Damien's underhanded dealings, and he never admitted anything, even with proof. It’s like he thought he was entitled to it all. The company was in my name. He’d insisted on it. I thought he was being sweet, not that he intended to have me fund his habit indefinitely and leave lumbered with the debt.” Keira's face felt hot. “I have no idea why I’m telling you my dirty secrets.”

  “Hey, don’t feel bad.” His voice was thick as he leaned toward her and ran a finger down her cheek. She shivered, though it wasn’t the least bit cold out there. “We all have secrets. Things happen that you weren’t prepared for, and people you think you know turn out to be… well, not who you thought they were. I saw today how determined and what a hard worker you are. You’ll do it again.”

  His confidence in her helped, but she had a lot of demons to exorcize before she could ever go down the path of owning of a business again.

  “I don’t know if that’s what I want anymore. It was hard work, which I didn’t mind at the time, but since I’m back where I started, maybe working for a big company in Sunrise Beach is good enough.”

  “If that’s all you want from your job, then do that. I haven’t known you for long—only hours, when you think about it—but I don’t think you’re a quitter, and I don’t think you’d be willing to settle for not realizing the potential you obviously have.”

  Keira couldn’t comprehend how this large and imposing man could see that in her when she was still so confused about what her future held. Sure, she’d dusted herself off, moved cities and started a new life, but that was more than enough to deal with. The hurt of betrayal and embarrassment of her failure in the company plus her relationship was still a fresh wound.

  “Are you living the life you always intended?” she asked softly.

  Aiden took her hand and rubbed his thumb across her pulse, which leaped at his touch.

  “I’m living the exact life I’ve intended for the last couple of years. Before that, I had totally different intentions. That’s how life is. One moment you want a certain thing, and when that proves impossible to obtain or keep, you have to be able to accept alternatives. Or drive yourself crazy wanting something you can’t have.”

  He looked deep into her eyes, almost to her soul, but just when Keira thought he would kiss her, he pulled back, kissing her knuckles instead before letting her hand go. A breeze filled the gap where he had been and licked her heated cheeks.

  “Don’t listen to me. I sound like I know so much when in reality, I’m still trying to figure stuff out for myself.”

  Sure, she was disappointed about not being kissed, but she couldn’t fault his logic or his honesty. Nor could she stay a moment longer without holding him or questioning him on why he wasn’t happy. Because he wasn’t. He pretended, just like she did.

  That thought hit her hard, and she felt an urgent need to escape. “We’re all doing that.” She paused a beat and looked around. “Well, I’d best get back to the Grants before they send out a search party.”

  She left him there, tall and strong, perhaps a white knight, or maybe yet another man who had a smooth way about him and would lead her down the path of self-destruction. Feeling overwhelmed, she raced back to the wedding and busied herself with small tasks she could’ve delegated, forcing herself to be bright and cheery.

  A while later, she could still see him outside the wheelhouse, etched by the moonlight and shadows of the ship. Perhaps he liked to be alone. Some people did. Or was he looking for her?

  “Keira? We hoped to catch you alone. Here you go, and well deserved.” Ray Grant interrupted her musing to hand over another check, with Dawn by his side.

  She took it, saw the amount and gasped. “Please, this is too much.”

  “This was the best wedding ever. Ask any of our guests. And our baby is so happy. You can’t put a price on that, now can you?” Dawn hugged her.

  Ray grabbed her as soon as Dawn made way and squeezed Keira to him. “Funny how things turned out. I’ll be amazed if you don’t get a few calls in the next week or so. Some of Tiffany’s friends are engaged and looking for a planner. We’d be only too happy to recommend you to them, and anyone else who’ll listen.”

  It may have been the champagne talking, but Keira didn’t care. Hearing how great the day had been was music to her ears, and she could listen to that song over and over.

  Aiden’s silhouette had disappeared while the Grants chatted about their lucky escape from Ma
rilyn, the delicious food and the fantastic ambiance. They kept her so long that they were nearing the wharf before she realized it.

  “I’m so glad you’re enjoying everything. Now, please excuse me while I get the last few things done before we dock.”

  Dawn looked at her watch. “Goodness, is that the time? We’d better start the last catch-up with guests.”

  Ray grumbled good-naturedly as he followed her inside, and Keira went in search of the bride and groom before they docked. She was pleased to see that they looked more loved up than they had at the beginning of the day.

  “We didn’t discuss it, but since we’re nearly back, are you planning on getting changed?”

  Tiffany looked at her husband. “I think I’d like to leave in this." Then she winked at Keira. "Especially as you’re wearing the dress I was going to wear.”

  “What? Oh my gosh, you shouldn’t have given it to me. I thought it was something the dressmaker had lying around.”

  “I wanted you to think that. Otherwise, I’m sure you wouldn’t have worn it, would you?”

  “It wouldn’t have been right. It’s still not.”

  “I wanted to do something for you, and that was the only thing I could think of.”

  “Which is one of the reasons I love you.” James dropped a kiss to her lips, and she giggled.

  Keira smiled at the couple. “Well, I guess I’ll send it to you once I have it dry-cleaned, unless you want it back now?”

  “Don’t be silly,” Tiffany replied. “Keep it as a gift.”

  “Your father is paying me well enough.”

  “I’m glad, but this is from me,” she insisted.

  Keira was still hesitant.

  The bride touched her arm. “Please?”

  This was a young woman used to getting her own way, but she was also thoughtful and generous. In the end, it really was a no-brainer.

  “I do love it, so yes, and thank you very much.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “You’ll be leaving first, and the boat just docked. Do you need anything from the rooms apart from your bags? Ryan will take them to the limousine for you.”

  “Not a thing. If I’ve left anything behind, one of the bridesmaids can bring it.”

  “Excellent. If you make your way to the gangway, I’ll announce your departure.”

  After their effusive thanks to everyone, the guests took petals from bowls a couple of crew members held and threw them over the happy couple as they departed down the ramp. Then they waved from the railings until the limo left.

  After that, the guests began to trickle off the ship in groups until only Ray and Dawn were left.

  As Keira stood with them on the gangway, Aiden appeared. He shook hands with them, and when they left in the last taxi, he turned to Keira and handed over her bag with a small smile.

  “You did a great job, and I thank you for all your hard work and professionalism. I think your career is well and truly back on target.”

  “I hope so. Thanks for getting me involved, despite my reluctance. It was actually a lot more fun and less stress than I anticipated.”

  He laughed, his dimples flashing in the moonlight. “I bet you didn’t want to thank me at the time.”

  Keira felt the connection between them spark once more, and she tried to laugh too, but to her dismay, it turned into a massive yawn.

  Aiden took a step back. “You’d better get home and get some sleep. This was a huge day for someone who planned on being here for less than a couple of hours.”

  Regretfully, Keira had to agree. She was exhausted, and a little disappointed to leave just yet. But she also had something to look forward to.

  “Good night, Aiden. See you in a few weeks.”

  He nodded, but his face was in shadow as she moved down the gangway, so she couldn’t tell if he was happy at the prospect.

  Chapter Eight

  It was two weeks before Keira could get back to the pier. Two very long weeks. Jane and Margaret were making life difficult. Neither had been interested in the wedding cruises that Jackie pre-booked and had clearly anticipated Keira’s failure with the Grant wedding. So much so that they had barely acknowledged her or her efforts until Chloe showed them the local newspaper with the wedding being touted a success. And the check was deposited.

  They brushed it off as a fluke, even though Keira had brought in more money than either of them over the last month, and with a wedding she wasn’t even supposed to be doing no less. It actually seemed to enrage them. They told her she was irresponsible and that she should’ve called them to check if she could do it. Not only did they shun her in the office, but they still expected her to do more of their work while they started late, got their nails and hair done, went out every day for lunch, and left early.

  “Sorry to interrupt.” Chloe held a file out to her.

  They were the only ones there, yet again, and Keira sighed. “Not more work?”

  Chloe grimaced. “Jane wants you to get her florist to drop the prices on this order for next week. The profit margins aren’t good enough.”

  “You have got to be kidding me.” Keira flicked through the file and found the contact details. “I’ve never met this woman, and now I have to ask for a discount? This really is getting beyond a joke.”

  “I know. I wish I could do something to help, but I’m snowed under with all their other stuff.” Chloe looked upset.

  “Please don’t think I’m having a dig at you. I know how hard you work.”

  “You’re the only one,” she sighed. “If I could get another job, I would.” Chloe put a hand to her mouth, her large brown expressive eyes wide at her audacity in voicing this to a relative newcomer.

  “Don’t worry about me saying anything. You and I are friends as far as I’m concerned.”

  Chloe nodded in relief. “I’ve felt that way since you came through the office door. I can’t begin to tell you how I felt knowing I finally had someone to work with who not only saw me but appreciated my work.”

  Keira grinned. “Ditto. You’re the one who gets me through the day with all that coffee. On that note, you don’t have to make my drinks. I’m happy to get off my butt and get my own.”

  “No worries. If I could afford it, I’d get out of here and go to a café every day just for a decent cup.”

  They had the same worry over finances and a mutual dislike of the rubbish instant coffee they were allowed to have in the office. There was a stash of better stuff, but that was reserved for clients, and woe betide them if they tried to use it.

  Keira shook her head. “Ha. Like that’s going to happen when there’s no one here to man the place if we both go out.”

  “Agreed. Working nine-to-five isn’t on their list of things to do.”

  Keira laughed. “ Not even a fraction of that.”

  They were still laughing hard when the owners came back from their two-hour lunch and caught them.

  “You’re not paid to stand around having fun. Either of you,” Jane snarled.

  Margaret came to stand between them. “What’s so funny?”

  Her suspicions were accurate, but Keira still needed the job. “I was telling Chloe how I get seasick.” It was a half-truth.

  “If I’d known that, I would never have hired you. I hope you don’t disgrace yourself.”

  “Me too. On that note, I have a last inspection of the ship, so I’d better go find my sea legs. See you later,” Keira called cheerily.

  Only Chloe smiled at her joke before scuttling back to her desk and hiding out behind a mound of work. The other two watched her with narrowed eyes as if she planned to steal their firstborn—and they didn’t even like children—while she picked up her bag and a file and headed out the door.

  Leaving the office gave her a boost. It was a lovely day, and she was going to see Aiden again. Maybe. She’d emailed him a reminder of their appointment, but disappointingly someone else had replied to confirm it.

  She parked close to the
ship and walked up the gangway. Ryan was washing windows and grinned when he saw her.

  “Hi, Keira. Back for more punishment?”

  She grinned back. “At least this time any faults in planning will be mine.”

  “Right, because the last one was such a disaster,” he teased.

  “No one was happier than me that it turned out so well.”

  “Aiden was pretty happy.” His blue-green eyes twinkled mischievously. “If you’re looking for him, he’s up in his office on the next level. It’s on the other side.”

  “Yes I am. Thanks.” Hoping her voice didn’t reveal how excited she was, she climbed the stairs, willing herself to remain calm.

  She hadn’t noticed the office last time she was there. It was compact but functional, like most things on Majestic. Aiden sat at one of the two desks, a paper in his hands.

  He looked up as she entered, then smiled. “I was just thinking about you.”

  That was a good start. Her cheeks warmed. “In a nice way, I hope.”

  “A very nice way.” Their eyes locked, and Aiden slowly rose to his feet. “The wedding is booked for next Saturday, isn’t it?

  “That’s right. I just want to check on a few things. I tried to contact you a few times, but the only reply I got was from Ryan.”

  “I do all the heavy lifting, but Ryan helps with inquiries and the accounts. He’s brilliant at it.”

  “Oh.”

  He grinned. “Had I known you needed me, I would’ve been available.”

  “No, it wasn’t necessary to speak with you. I was only making sure it was okay for me to come today in case you had another wedding.”

  “We don’t have too many during the week, but thanks for the consideration. It’s not always the case with people I do business with.”

  Keira immediately thought of Marilyn and asked after her.

  “I heard from her company that she was out of action for a few months. I also sent flowers after I was told she wasn’t suing me.”

  He wasn’t even slightly embarrassed by that comment, and Keira was relieved.

  “I’m sure a lawyer would’ve made her see sense. It was her own inattention and anger that caused the accident. Although, I am glad she’s on the mend. Not that it’s any of my business, but did the Grants have to pay her?”