Epilogue

“SUMMER IN Florida, you have to love it,” Mike said as they left the house before sunup.

“Or leave it,” William groused. “After today, you don’t have any charters for the next two weeks. It’s too dang hot. I thought we could take off for a while. Mom and Dad have been asking to see Carrie, and it would be a break from the heat.” He wiped his brow as he sweated even in the air-conditioned cab of Mike’s truck. “Carrie isn’t in school, and it would be a great getaway.”

“All right.” Mike pulled to a stop at the marina, and they got out of the truck, the heat hitting William like a brick wall. It was marginally cooler by the water, and he hoped it would be even better out on it.

“Good deal. We leave the day after tomorrow, and I’ve already arranged transportation from the airport to my parents.”

Mike shook his head as he pulled the cooler down off the back of the truck. “How long have you been planning this?”

“I bought the tickets yesterday after I looked at your schedule.” William smoothed the hair off Mike’s forehead. “I didn’t think you’d object, and you were so tired, I didn’t want to wake you.” Mike worked way too hard sometimes, determined to pull his share. “When you and Carrie moved in with me, the goal was to make it easier on you.”

“I know. But business is picking up again, and I can’t turn down a chance to make a living.”

William lifted the other cooler and followed Mike to the boat. “I know that. But I want you to have some fun as well.” He set the cooler on the deck. “Is this fun for you anymore?” He’d been getting worried that it wasn’t for a while.

Mike stopped and sighed, his shoulders lifting and then lowering once again. “No. It’s work.”

“Then you need some time away. This has to be fun, something you enjoy, or your clients aren’t going to have a good time.” It was so hot, but he took Mike in his arms anyway. “We’ll lie on the beach and go boating and sailing, and someone else can do the work. Mom and Dad will pamper both of you with good food, and you’ll be able to get a real good rest.”

“But I have to contribute my share, and—”

“You do. You always have.”

“But that beach house—”

“Is paid for, and you don’t need to work yourself to the bone. I don’t want you to.” He didn’t move until the warmth became overpowering, and then he backed away. “I love you too much for that.” William placed his hand on Mike’s cheek. “You mean more to me, and the time we spend together is more important to me than you working six days a week to try to live up to some expectation that only you have.”

“All right. This is the last of it.”

“Good, no more than five days a week, and I’ll curtail my travel so I’m home more as well.” He’d been going along the Gulf Coast to get a handle on the new set of marine engines and products that Westmoreland Motors could produce, and he was very close to a major recommendation. Then he’d need to work with the engineers to make it a reality.

“You could go on to your family without me and—”

“No.” He took Mike’s hand. “You need this more than any of us.”

“Okay, then.” There might even have been the beginnings of a smile.

“You’ll go.”

“Yes, and I even promise to have a good time.” Mike’s voice sounded lighter now.

The last six months had been hard. Some people had turned their backs on him, on both of them, while others had been kind, and still others had embraced and gone out of their way to show their support. It was haters that concerned them both and why their home had plenty of security. Now that he’d found Mike and reeled his incredible man in, William had no intention of letting any harm come to him if he could help it. And he needed some time away to have fun. William intended to see to that. Mike always had his back, no matter what, and William was determined to return the favor.

“Hey guys!” Skippy called as he boarded with Kyle, Jerry, and Steven right behind him. “I think it’s going to be a great day.”

“It certainly is,” Mike said with a smile, and William saw the tension wash away. “Are you ready to catch some big ones?”

“I hear William here caught the big prize,” Jerry commented, and William slid his arms around Mike’s waist.

“You better believe it.” William leaned in close. “Now let’s have some fun,” he said to the guys. “You too, sweetheart. Have fun. I’m here for whatever you need, just like I know you’re there for me.”

“Always.” Mike put his hand on top of William’s. “That’s why I love you.”

William lightly kissed Mike’s ear, then grinned as he and Gordon went to cast off the lines. Mike wasn’t incredibly vocal about his feelings, but when he did say something, he meant it.

Once he had the lines secured and they were away from the dock, William stood behind Mike, looking out the front window at the sea ahead of them. Their future was as bright and expansive as the stretch of open water. Mike put his hand in William’s, and together they headed for whatever lay ahead.