Meet Me At Sunrise (Destined for Love: Europe)

by Lucinda Whitney

  “You didn’t even tell me I had family here.” Vanessa gestured to Grandfather, who’d turned from the window and sat at the farthest chair. She’d been only three when Mom had died, and any memories she might have had were too fleeting to remember. “He had to wait until I was twenty-one to see me on an iPad, and Grandmother had to wait until I came here. How do you explain that, Dad?”

  Vanessa walked to the window and squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. Even if he’d had the best intentions, the result of Dad’s very one-sided decision had affected more than himself and his child. Over twenty years later, the repercussions had a heavier impact in their lives than he could have predicted. What could she do to move forward from this situation? She was a grown woman now, one who could make new decisions and try to repair some of the damage done.

  She unclenched her hands and took a deep breath, then another. When she turned around from the window, both men looked at her. One whom she knew and had grown up with; the other, someone whom she longed to know better, someone who could tell her more about the mother she didn’t remember. So much of her past and her present intertwined.

  And what of her future? For the first time in a long while, she didn’t have anything planned—not for the week or even the rest of the month.

  She was open and free to all the possibilities.

  Her expression softened. “Dad, I think it’s time you let me decide what I want to do.”

  Dad looked at her and, after a moment, nodded at last. “What are you going to do then?”

  Vanessa offered him a small smile. “Would you like me to show you around Porto before you leave?”

  Matias approached the reception desk. “Captain Romano to see Senhor Valadares.”

  The secretary nodded at him and lifted her phone. “Captain Romano’s here, sir.” She put the phone down. “He’s ready for you, Captain.”

  Matias thanked her and walked down the hallway flanked with floor to ceiling windows. The view from the twentieth floor on a hill opened to the city before him and reminded him of the reasons he loved Porto so much. Below, down the river, three of the company’s ships were lined up in a single file, the Princess Catarina at the rear, floating unperturbed on an early autumn day. How were the repairs coming along?

  The folder weighed in his hand, a reminder of his failure in his position over the Princess Catarina during the most recent trip. He still didn’t have all the facts about what had happened, but hopefully he’d get some answers of his own today.

  It had been a while since his last visit to the Gold River company’s main office. And this would be the last.

  He’d tried to come the day after arriving at port with the towed ship, but after a brief interview with the investigators, he’d received a message rescheduling his meeting with Senhor Valadares. It had given him the time to write a detailed report of the trip. His version, anyways. Maybe not 100 percent accurate, but to the best of his knowledge. After reading his own words, he’d also included a resignation letter. As hard as it had been to write it, it was the right thing to do. It was time to move on.

  Vanessa had come and gone from his life in the same manner, one day there and one day gone. They’d never gotten around to exchanging contact information; he’d been too busy with the accidents aboard, and he didn’t think to ask until after she was gone. Was she still in the country, or had she returned home with her father? As much as he tried, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

  When he knocked on the door, Senhor Valadares opened it himself. “Captain Romano. Thanks for coming to see me.” He shook Matias’s hand.

  Matias quickly assessed Senhor Valadares— the wide smile, the friendly voice and bright eyes. Not what Matias had expected after the events of the last trip. For sure, Senhor Valadares would change his demeanor after reading Matias’ report.

  “How are you, sir?” He walked over to the desk and placed the folder on the surface.

  Senhor Valadares sat down and indicated the chair across from the desk. “I’m doing well. What’s this?” He reached for the folder.

  “My report of last week’s trip. And my letter of resignation.”

  Senhor Valadares frowned as he opened the folder and scanned the papers. “Letter of resignation? You got a better offer? From whom?”

  Matias stared at Senhor Valadares. “A better offer? No, nobody has offered me a job.” And nobody would after word got out.

  “Then why are you resigning?”

  “It’s all in the report, sir.” Matias gestured at the stack of papers in the folder. “I’m taking full responsibility for what happened.”

  Senhor Valadares arched an eyebrow. “Are you saying you’re responsible for the sabotage?”

  “No, sir, but as the captain it’s my duty to be aware of what goes on aboard my ship, and I failed.”

  Senhor Valadares watched him for a moment. “I can see why you’d feel that way, but you’re not responsible for the damage to the hydraulics.” He reached in a drawer and handed Matias a sheet of paper. “The preliminary report is in, Captain. As you suspected, the damage was purposeful sabotage.”

  Matias scanned the report. It lacked the details that would come in the comprehensive report, but the main causes were listed, just as he and the engineer had thought. “Are there any ideas as to the perpetrator?” He returned the report.

  “Perpetrators. We don’t have any concrete proof, but we suspect two crew members.” He hesitated before going on. “What can you tell me about Anabela Rialto and Afonso Cortez?”

  Matias’s eyes widened. “They’re suspects?” The surprise in his voice was hard to hold back. “I can tell you only good things about either one. Anabela is one of the best cruise directors I’ve worked with and Afonso always behaved professionally as a pianist and emergency response specialist.” Matias paused, thinking of all he knew of his former crew members. “Why would they do this? It doesn’t make any sense.”

  “We don’t know all the reasons yet. The investigation is ongoing and it will take some time to unravel everything. As part of the initial inquiry, we requested interviews with each member of the crew. These two disappeared and we couldn’t locate them. Then two days ago Afonso Cortez came forward with very specific information about the sabotage and his and Anabela Rialto’s involvement.”

  “What kind of involvement, if I may ask?”

  “She’s mainly responsible for several accidents aboard plus the sabotage to the hydraulics. Afonso Cortez knew of her plans and didn’t tell anyone or try to stop her. He’ll be prosecuted accordingly, but so far his story corroborates, and there’s enough evidence to support he’s telling the truth. Just wish he’d done it sooner.”

  Matias did too. He was glad to know there was an explanation for the accidents that happened aboard, but he still had so many questions. “Do you know where Miss Rialto is?”

  “Not yet, but I have a private investigator tracking her down.”

  More than seeing justice served, closure to the case was important as well.

  Senhor Valadares picked up the resignation letter. “Captain, let’s talk about this letter.”

  “Yes, sir.” Matias straightened in his chair.

  “What do you say we forget you brought it in?” Senhor Valadares pushed the paper across the desk to Matias.

  Matias looked at the paper but didn’t move to pick it up. He hesitated for only a second before going on. “Sir, even though I wasn’t directly involved with any of the accidents or sabotage, I still feel it was my responsibility to have been more aware. The truth is, I let myself be distracted with my growing feelings for your granddaughter.”

  Senhor Valadares raised an eyebrow. “I was the one who asked you to watch Vanessa. Did you neglect any of your duties as a captain?”

  “No, sir. I delegated to other crew members who effectively carried out my orders whenever I couldn’t be present.”

  “Did you personally see to Vanessa’s safety?”

  “I did, but I’m afrai
d I may have enjoyed my time with her on a more personal level than what you had in mind.”

  Senhor Valadares’s mouth rose in a small smile. “Don’t apologize, Captain Romano. From where I stand, falling for Vanessa was inevitable, even if I am a little biased.”

  Matias frowned. “Are you saying you’re okay with it?”

  “You’re both adults and unattached, aren’t you?” He picked up the letter of resignation and handed it to Matias.

  Matias held it for a moment before folding it and slipping it in this pocket. He wasn’t about to argue again.

  Senhor Valadares stood and came around his desk. “Why don’t you go home and enjoy the rest of your leave? We’ll have plenty of time to discuss the rest when you return.”

  “I’ll do that, sir,” Matias said and shook Senhor Valadares’s hand. “Sir, if I may ask after your granddaughter?”

  Senhor Valadares rubbed his chin. “My granddaughter.” He settled a hand on Matias’s shoulder. “You haven’t heard from her?”

  “No, sir. I don’t have her phone number and she doesn’t have mine.”

  “I’ll pass yours along then. I’m sure you understand that’s all I can do. The rest is up to her.”

  Matias would have preferred to have Vanessa’s number. What if she didn’t call? Would he wait a week, a month before tracking down her number and calling her himself? He would have to do something about it if it came to that.

  “One more thing, Captain.” Senhor Valadares stopped at the door. “I know you’re on leave, but we’re hiring for a new cruise director and the hiring manager is conducting interviews on the Princess Catarina. I’d love to have your impressions on the candidate.”

  Was that how they hired cruise directors? Matias hadn’t been part of the process last time. “Of course, sir. That won’t be a problem. I’ll send you an email later today.”

  Senhor Valadares smiled. “Perfect.”

  Matias walked down to the dock instead of driving there. Parking was always at a premium by the river front, and despite the cooler temperatures and partially overcast sky, he craved the exercise to help him sort through his thoughts. He still had a job, but he was no closer to knowing what had gone wrong with Vanessa, let alone sorting his feelings for her. For a man used to taking the reins and not waiting for anyone else, patience took time to learn.

  When Matias arrived, the repair crew had a truck parked in front of the gangway, but he didn’t find any other cars in the vicinity. He climbed aboard on the sun deck and then descended to the upper deck. The reception desk was unmanned, and in the lounge all the furniture had been pushed to the side. Clear vinyl runners covered the carpet in the main areas, and cleaning workers darted in and out of cabins in the hallways. He greeted them, but after a few minutes of walking around, he still didn’t come across anyone conducting interviews for the position of cruise director.

  His phone rang. An unknown local number flashed on his screen. He didn’t recognize it, but it could be one of his cousins who’d heard Matias was back in town. He still hadn’t checked in with Jacinta. After a moment of hesitation, Matias answered the call.

  “Hello?”

  A familiar soft voice with an American accent came on. “Matias, it’s me.”

  Matias gripped his phone tighter and held a breath. “Vanessa.”

  “Grandfather gave me your phone number.”

  “He did? I mean, I can see he did.” What an idiotic answer. Of course her grandfather had given her his number. He was on the phone with her right now. His mouth split into a grin even as his heart somersaulted inside his chest—she hadn’t waited to call him.

  “I was wondering if we could meet.”

  His reply was immediate. “Yes. Tell me where.” If she was back in Kansas, he’d go there. He’d go anywhere.

  “Will you meet me at the bridge of the Princess Catarina?”

  *

  At the sound of galloping steps up the ladder, Vanessa turned around. Grandfather had given her Matias’s phone number and waiting was not even an option; she’d called Matias right away. And here he was, practically running toward her with the widest smile on his face.

  He wore dark jeans and a V-neck sweater over a buttondown shirt, with trimmed, stylish stubble on his face and his hair rumpled from the morning breeze. He looked so different from the smooth-faced, uniformed captain she’d grown to know, and yet his warm expression was familiar and dear to her.

  Matias approached her and grinned. “Vanessa. Hi.”

  She smiled back, not knowing how to greet him. A handshake? A kiss on the cheek like they did here in Portugal? She definitely wanted more than that. They both held back from a gesture and smiled at each other instead.

  They walked around the bridge and stopped at the railing over the prow. The memories rushed back of all the moments they’d spent there.

  For a moment, Matias slipped his hands in his pockets but then shook his head and reached for one of her hands.

  Vanessa stepped closer and grabbed on to his fingers. “I’m going to miss seeing you in uniform.”

  He chuckled. “There goes my charisma.”

  “As if you have anything to worry about.”

  He kept his eyes on her, a lopsided smile on his lips. “I thought you went back to Kansas with your father.”

  Vanessa released a deep breath. “No. I showed him around Porto, and he finally told me about my mother.” She’d learned about the accident that had taken not only Mom’s life, but also other crew members of a day-trip boat, a short voyage that had turned deadly due to human error.

  “I took him to the airport last night.” She swallowed past the nervous lump in her throat, her heart thumping faster when Matias squeezed her fingers. “I needed time to think.”

  He nodded. “I did too. But I missed you nonetheless.”

  She’d missed him as well. The past few days away from him had given her the clarity to understand what she wanted. “When is your next trip?”

  Matias smiled. “Not for a while. I’m on leave.” He gestured at the ship around them. “They need to finish some repairs anyway.”

  She raised an eyebrow and smiled. “So what are you doing here? Do you like to spend your time off aboard the ship as well?”

  “Your grandfather asked me to sit in on the interview for a new cruise director but I haven’t seen anyone around yet.”

  It was Vanessa’s turn to chuckle. “Grandfather.” She playfully rolled her eyes. “I don’t know if I should get mad at him for interfering or thank him instead.”

  Matias frowned. “What did he interfere with?”

  “My new job. Well, potential job.” At Matias’s continued confusion, she offered him a little clue. “I heard you’ll be needing a new cruise director.”

  His eyes widened. “You’re the new cruise director?”

  She hurried on to explain. “Not yet. I’ll be training through the winter. I have so much to learn. Not only about the job but the language and everything else.” So many new responsibilities. She also wanted to learn more about Mom, her grandparents, and the rest of her extended family. Even herself. “And I need to check with the captain to see if he approves.”

  Matias replied without hesitation. “The captain approves. Wholeheartedly.” He hugged her tightly.

  When Vanessa tilted up for a kiss, Matias took her face in his hands and kissed her without holding back. Her heart flipped as all the emotions rushed through her.

  No more hesitations. No more questions. Only the sweetest feeling of rightness.

  He slipped his arms around her waist and Vanessa leaned back to look at him. “We never did meet for the sunrise on the last day of the trip.”

  Matias met her gaze. “I have a feeling we’ll have a thousand sunrises together.”

  Click on the image to learn more.

  Desperately Seeking Mr. Right: Phoebe wasn’t looking for love. In fact, she had just gotten off a reality love TV show that didn’t end well. A baggage mix-up introduce
s Phoebe to Bryan, and suddenly love seems like a possibility. But when the TV show catches up to her, Phoebe wonders if she will ever meet Mr. Right.

  Meet Me at Sunrise: When Vanessa boards her grandfather’s ship for a river cruise in northern Portugal, she doesn’t expect him to ask the handsome captain to take her ashore on day trips. But as she and the captain spend more time together, they find their assumptions of each other are wrong, and maybe eight days are not enough after all.

  Once Upon a Wish: Be careful what you wish for… When their coins collide at a French fountain, Delphine and Jean-Paul’s wishes become intertwined, changing the course of their futures and teaching them that wishes are sometimes fulfilled in unexpected ways.

  12 Days to Love: Lily is free from everything and she’s scared to death. To kick off her fresh start, she embarks on an Italian cruise with her best friend, Maddie. On board is Zander, the man who refused her kiss. She tries to keep her distance, but fate keeps throwing them together.

  Kiss Me in the Moonlight: When Paige’s secret agent boyfriend dumps her in an email, chaperoning hormonal teenagers through Europe seems like the perfect way to cope. She doesn’t bargain on working with her ex, who’s investigating his partner’s suspicious death. As sparks fly and the investigation heats up, one kiss in the moonlight changes everything.

  Never Trust the Rain: Ami comes to Scotland to help her sister with a new baby, but manages to fall in love with Duncan, who volunteers to be her tour guide while in Edinburgh. As their feelings grow, can either of them agree to give up the life they know for the chance of a life together?

  Read an exclusive sneak peek of Once Upon a Wish by Danyelle Ferguson, the next book in the Destined for Love: Europe series.

  Chapter One

  Monday, September 18th

  Delphine tapped her fountain pen against the notebook lying open on the café table. The blank pages seemed to defiantly glare at her, daring her to jot down ideas for her next novel. Instead she dropped the pen and slouched back into the metal chair, readjusting her position to match her pout. Only the stupid, straight-backed chair wasn’t cooperating, so she shifted into a more lady-like position and crossed her legs before reaching for her drink.