Page 138 of Hidden Depths

Scott folded his arms.

The sisters watched from the salon doorway.

Even Frank and Rose remained silent.

Somehow...

Everyone understood this wasn't simply a boarding.

It was a homecoming.

Nathan slowly knelt.

His hand brushed lightly across the polished teak.

Almost reverently.

A faint smile touched his face.

"Same craftsmanship."

Storm frowned.

"What?"

He looked up at her.

"James."

"He always insisted on hand-laid teak."

"He said..."

Nathan chuckled softly.

"'If you're going to cross an ocean...you should enjoy walking across your own deck.'"

A surprised laugh escaped Storm.

"He really said that."

"Oh, Captain..."

Nathan stood slowly.

"He said a lot of things."

Storm led him toward the bridge.

He paused at the doorway.

His eyes traveled across every familiar detail.

The wheel.

The compass.

The chart table.