she had seen several times. There was still talk about the emergency stop they’d made the night before. The Captain had made an announcement over the loud speaker explaining the situation. According to him, they had given the people food and repaired their engine. An offer was made to bring them aboard, but the refugees knew they’d be returned to Cuba once the boat landed, so they made a decision to continue on with their journey. Since then, Kit’s nerves had settled. Perhaps she was now more concerned with the idea of her wedding than the possibility of sinking. Smiling to herself, she figured that had to be true.
When she arrived at the café, Kit chose a table close to the railing so they could enjoy the view. She told the waiter she was expecting someone, then sat down to plan her little speech. Rogue didn’t keep her waiting long. She was gazing out at the moonlit sea when she felt a gentle kiss on her neck.
“Hey, baby.”
“I’m glad you’re back.” She hugged him.
He held her chair and gave a waiter their order. “Have you been waiting long?”
“No, I just got here,” she told him, running her finger over the rim of her glass. “Did you enjoy the show?”
“I did.” He told her, reaching over to take her hand. “You look beautiful tonight.”
Kit felt a blush rise on her cheeks. “Thank you. Are you having a good time?”
“I am.” He picked up her hand and kissed it. “I’m with you. I’m happy anytime we’re together.” A band began to play and he held out his hand. “Will you dance with me?”
“I’d be honored.” She stood, going into his arms and together they gently swayed to the music. Rogue stole kisses and Kit held on to his shoulder, pressing her cheek to his chest. “I’m so glad you found me. What if you had never come to Kansas? What if you’d never come to White Wing?”
A dawning realization hit him. The old saying was that everything happened for a reason and he’d never believed that to be true before now. For all of his life, he’d resented Dusty Walker, but no more. If the circumstances concerning his father hadn’t worked out the way they had, he’d never have crossed paths with Kit ever again. The possibility of such a loss made him weak. “It was meant to be, baby.” Yes, it was meant to be. All of it. A huge sense of rightness settled around his soul.
When the waiter brought their food, Rogue led her from the dance floor back to the table. Once again, their fare was superb. “I tell you, a person gets their money’s worth on these trips in food if nothing else.”
“We dock in the Bahamas tomorrow,” she reminded him. “I have an excursion booked.”
“What? I don’t think I ever asked.” Rogue asked between bites.
She shifted in her chair, slipping off a shoe and tucking one leg under her. “We’re going on a submarine tour of the coral reefs. Is that okay with you?”
“Whatever you want to do is fine with me, sweetheart.” Rogue told her with a contented smile. “But that sounds great.”
Kit took that as a cue. “Well, in that case.” She cleared her throat and reached into her pocket, pulling out a box. “I’ll tell you what I want.”
“If it’s in my power, it’s yours,” Rogue assured her.
Kit smiled tentatively. “Wait until I tell you what my request is–you might change your mind.”
“I doubt it.” Rogue waited, studying her beautiful face.
Kit took a deep breath, looking around at the crowd of people nearby. They were all seated and enjoying their meal or dancing, but this spot wasn’t quite isolated enough for her needs. “Come with me.” She took his hand and he willingly followed her down the deck to a more secluded corner with a couple of chaise lounges. “Sit.” She pointed to the linen covered divan.
Rogue obeyed. “Okay, you’re making me a little nervous, baby. What’s up?”
Standing before him, she reached in her pocket, holding the bracelet. “All right, here goes.” She
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