Their borrowed boat sailed under a perfect full moon, and Jane sat on a chaise lounge with her feet up while Reid navigated the boat into a small cove, shimmering with light and fragrant with sea salt.
He dropped anchor and flipped on the running lights around the boat. They gave a romantic glow to the deck. He pulled out the picnic basket before giving Jane a long look followed by a wolf whistle. “You look stunning.”
She stood and did a little twirl that made her tropical dress swirl around her knees. “Thank you, kind sir. This is the first time I’ve had on a fun dress in ages.” She fluffed the tips of her hair. “Megan dolled me all up with makeup and a curling iron. I about didn’t recognize myself in the mirror.” She drank in his tall, dark handsomeness. “You don’t clean up too badly yourself. A collared shirt and khakis.” He looked good enough to eat, but she didn’t say that.
The past four days had been packed to the brim. Olivia had been weak from her ordeal but was doing well today. Jane glanced over at Will, who was lounging next to her. He’d been having nightmares, and both she and Reid had rushed to him in the middle of the night. She’d arranged for some counseling next week.
Reid popped the bottle on some nonalcoholic wine and produced three glasses that he filled to the brim with the bubbly concoction. “I’m ready to celebrate and put this all behind us. Let’s start a new life.”
“I’m ready.” She touched glasses with both of the men in her life and took a swig of her drink. “Perfect. What did you bring for dinner?”
Will sat up and frowned. “It’s not time for dinner.”
“What do you mean it’s not time for dinner? I can smell seafood, and I’m starving. I barely ate while you were incarcerated, you know. I need to find the five pounds I lost.”
Will looked up at his father. “Dad, tell her. I’m dying here.”
Puzzled, Jane stared at Will. “What’s going on? You’re buying this boat instead of borrowing it? You’re moving away? What’s up?”
A tender smile lifted Reid’s lips and lit his eyes with laughter. “Like we’d ever move away from you. Not happening, honey.”
Will scrambled to his feet. “Dad, don’t wimp out. Want me to do it?”
“I think I’m the man for the job, Will.” Reid dropped to one knee and reached into his pocket.
Jane caught her breath, and her stomach took a dive with the next roll of the waves. She covered her mouth with her hand as he opened a black velvet box. Will dropped to both knees and put his hands up in a pleading gesture.
Reid took her hand and lifted the sparkling ring for her examination. “Will you marry me, Jane? For real this time?”
“Marry us. It’s a package deal, Mom. Dad’s had the ring forever. You’re killing me—are you ever going to say yes?”
Jane couldn’t tear her gaze away from both faces long enough to study the ring. It was enough to know she was wanted so badly. By both of them.
“You haven’t answered,” Reid said.
“Yes, of course! A thousand times yes.” She was laughing and crying all at the same time.
“Yippee!” Will jumped to his feet and enveloped her in a hug before Reid managed to do it. “We’re going to be a real family. When’s the wedding?”
Reid rose and pulled Will away from her. “I think it’s my turn. You’ll be off to college before we can blink, but your mom’s always going to be mine.”
“Mine too,” Will protested. “You both are. I won’t forget my parents when I’m in college. Sheesh, what kind of son do you think I am?”
“The best kind,” Jane said in unison with Reid. She leaned into her new fiancé’s arms and inhaled the spicy scent of his soap and cologne.
“Put the ring on her, Dad. Do I have to tell you everything?”
“Evidently.” Reid was laughing so hard he could barely pull the ring out of its slot and slip it on her finger.
She was intoxicated with happiness, totally spent with joy. Was this real?
She rose on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around Reid’s neck to pull his head down for a kiss. The love and devotion in his lips told of the family she’d always longed for. The perfect place to rest her heart.