New Year’s Eve, Mel was working the late shift at the coffee shop and then attending a movie and pizza party with her coworkers. Mac worked, but took off earlier than usual and arrived at Lily’s with Sherlock. He’d be joining his two furry friends to spend the evening together. Mel would be home before ten o’clock and had offered to watch over the three pups.
Lily wasn’t sure what to wear on the dinner cruise Mac had booked, but had settled for a sparkly top with a velvet jacket over jeans and boots, along with her new earrings. She suspected it would be chilly on the water and wasn’t into skirts or dresses, so opted for warmth with a bit of glitz.
She and Mac left the dogs with a promise they’d be back soon and headed for the marina. The town was still decked out in her holiday best, with twinkling lights everywhere and the tall tree visible in the town square. People were out and about, ready to ring in the new year at local eateries.
The cruise company had partnered with a local restaurant, where the evening started with appetizers and drinks along the waterfront. Mac, as always, ran into a few people he knew. In between snacking on delicious nibbles, he introduced Lily to a couple of pet parents he knew from their longstanding relationship at the clinic.
Soon a crewman addressed the group and announced it was time to board the Moonlight, and directed them to the yacht. Lily knew next to nothing about boats, but thought the name was a sign and liked the look of the sleek white vessel waiting at the dock. It had two enclosed levels with dark windows along both sides and an open deck in the front and back. The top section of the yacht was open and strung with festive lights.
They followed the other couples and a few families, as they lined up for entry. Mac presented their tickets and they were taken to an intimate table for two on the lower deck. A waitress appeared with a basket of warm bread and dipping oil and took their drink orders.
Once everyone was aboard, the captain’s voice boomed over the loudspeakers and welcomed them, gave them a run-through of the safety procedures, and explained their route and that they would be positioned to enjoy the best view of the fireworks later in the evening.
The engines hummed and the yacht glided forward. It was dark, so there wasn’t much to see beyond the festive lights along the harbor, which soon faded as they made their way further out to sea. The scrumptious meal was served at a slow pace, letting the diners enjoy the ambience. A delicious heirloom tomato salad along with filet mignon and lobster, cheesy potatoes, and fresh vegetables left them stuffed. The waiter let them know dessert would be served later, closer to midnight.
Music from a live band, situated on the second deck near the popular open bar, drifted throughout the yacht. The captain announced the dance floor was open. “Are you a dancer?” Mac asked, gesturing toward the other couples making their way upstairs.
She laughed. “No, not even a little. High school would have been my last attempt.”
“Whew,” he wiped his hand across his brow. “I’m a rotten dancer and avoid it at all costs.” The waiter returned with a pot of hot tea. “I like listening to music, but have zero rhythm.”
“Just one more thing we have in common.” She selected a tea bag and poured water over it. “This has been lovely. Thanks for treating me. I had planned on snuggling with the dogs, binging movies, and stuffing myself with cookies tonight.”
He grinned. “Yeah, I haven’t been out for New Year’s Eve since Jill.” His smile faded. “I don’t think it’s a great holiday when you’re single.”
She reached for his hand. “I’m pretty happy not to be single.”
His eyes brightened. “Just for the record, I’d be content to eat cookies, watch movies, and snuggle with the dogs, and you, of course. Maybe that could be our plan for tomorrow?”
He waved his hand across the table. “This is not my usual thing, but one of my patients raved about it so much and I thought you deserved something special after Kevin leaving early and everything with Wendy. Plus, the fireworks should be something else from out here on the water.”
While they chatted, the waiter returned with a platter loaded with desserts. He placed it in the center of the table and let them know the fireworks would be commencing soon.
They nibbled on the mini desserts, which reminded Lily of Cyndy’s huge spread. She chose a tiny chocolate layered cake and Mac opted for a cheesecake with strawberries. They savored the sweet confections, but agreed Cyndy’s were better and then sampled a couple more bite-sized treats.
The captain asked the guests to make their way to an outer deck or the top deck for the best viewing options. Mac pointed to the outside deck on their level. “Let’s try that one, away from the crowd.” Lily agreed and took his arm. They were indeed alone and the yacht had made its way back toward the shore, positioning them with a perfect view of the waterfront. The captain helped the cruisers countdown to midnight and as the new year officially arrived, Mac leaned closer to her. “Happy New Year, Lily.” As his lips met hers, she shivered. The spark of electricity moving through her all the way to her toes.
Her eyes closed, she breathed in his scent, a mixture of sandalwood, leather, and lemons. Engulfed in his arms, she felt safe, needed, cherished. All the things she didn’t think would ever be possible again. When she moved to Driftwood Bay, she never would have dreamed she’d be in the arms of a man she treasured, celebrating a new year. So much had changed over these last months…and all for the good.
Mac stood behind her, cradling her against him, as the first fireworks launched. They watched with amazement as the sky filled with colorful bursts, sparkling against the dark sky and lighting up the harbor below. Collective gasps sounded from above as the fancy gold lights sizzled and then twinkled as they fell, disappearing, as if glitter had been shaken into the sea. The sky exploded with color, again and again, as did the water below with the stunning reflection. The festive display went on for over twenty minutes before the grand finale.
Breathtaking was a word that came to Lily’s mind as a canopy of stunning colors bloomed above them. Huge pink explosions that resembled fountains, green starbursts, and twinkling gold light filled the dark blue canvas. It was a gorgeous way to celebrate the last day of the year and welcome the new one.
As the yacht moved toward the dock, she turned to face Mac. He grinned and met her eyes. “I’m not sure what this year will bring, but I know I want you by my side no matter what. Until I met you, I’d given up hope of ever finding someone I could imagine spending the rest of my life with.”
Lily gulped, her eyes widening and her mind scrambling, not ready for what she thought he might ask.
He chuckled. “I can see the fear in your eyes. Don’t worry, I’m not popping the big question.” He winked at her. “Not yet, anyway. I just want you to know how much you mean to me. I daresay, I’ve fallen in love with you. We agreed to take things slowly and I’m still on board with that, but this is serious for me. I want you in my life.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat, wishing she had taken the wait staff up on the glass of champagne. She squeezed his hand in hers. “I feel the same way. I know whatever joy this year brings will be increased because I’ll be sharing it with you and whatever burdens come my way, will be eased because you’ll be there with me. I’m better with you and grateful because I assumed I’d always be alone. With you, I have a partner again, and while a part of me hopes this is forever, I need to be careful and sure. There’s more than just the two of us involved.”
Lily smiled to herself. She’d wondered what they had for so long, and now she knew. It might be too soon to know what the future would bring, and she couldn’t help but worry about Mac’s daughter rejecting him even further because of Lily, but she and Mac had love between them. And they had tomorrow. Right now, that was enough.
The bump of the hull against the dock, shifted them against each other.
He kissed her again, slowly, purposefully, and when he finally let her go, he looked into her eyes and touched her forehead with his. “We have each other and I’m not planning on going anywhere.”
The captain announced their arrival and wished them all a good night. As they walked down the dock, Mac squeezed her hand and pointed at the almost full moon high in the sky, reflecting off the water. “Join me in the first walk of the year on the beach? There’s nothing better than a moonlit beach with a beautiful woman.” His brows wiggled, full of mischief.
She rested her head against his shoulder. “There’s no place I’d rather be and nobody I’d rather be with.”