Chapter 14: The Harbor at Sunset
In late October, as the autumn sunset painted the Charleston sky in deep shades of apricot, violet, and gold, Gabriel and Nora took The Unbroken out onto the calm waters of the Bohicket Creek.
Daisy was sitting at the bow wearing her orange life jacket, watching a pod of bottlenose dolphins surface fifty yards away, her laughter echoing across the water.
Gabriel stood at the wooden tiller, while Nora adjusted the mainsheet.
The breeze was gentle and warm, filling the white canvas sail.
Gabriel turned to look at Nora. The evening light caught the gold in her auburn hair, highlighting the serene, honest beauty of her face.
He took her hand in his, his callused fingers gentle and warm.
""You built something extraordinary, Nora,"" Gabriel said softly.
Nora smiled, resting her head against his shoulder, looking out at her daughter laughing at the bow.
""We built it together, Gabriel,"" Nora replied. ""With honest wood and honest words.""
""I don't want to sail this creek alone anymore, Nora,"" Gabriel whispered, looking directly into her eyes with deep, unreserved devotion. ""If you’ll have me... I want to stand beside you and Daisy for the rest of our lives.""
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Nora looked into his calm, steady eyes—eyes that had never lied, eyes that had seen her strength and loved her soul.
""I’d love that more than anything, Gabriel,"" Nora smiled, tears of pure joy shining in her eyes.
