Page 69 of Hidden Depths

"No," Rose answered softly.

"So did I."

Ward quietly looked down at his plate.

Storm noticed.

She looked away just as quickly.

He was engaged.

She had no business wondering why that simple conversation seemed to affect him so deeply.

Much later...

Most of the yacht had gone quiet.

Storm stood alone on the bridge.

The stars stretched from one horizon to the other.

No city lights.

No traffic.

Only the sea.

She rested one hand on Grandpa's empty chair.

"I think you'd like them."

A soft breeze drifted through the open bridge windows.

She smiled.

"I know."

Behind her...

Ward reached the top of the stairs.

He heard the last two words.

He wasn't sure who she'd been talking to.

He wasn't sure he wanted to interrupt.

So he quietly turned...

And walked back down the stairs.

Leaving Storm alone with the man who had taught her to love the sea.

Far beyond the glow of Sea Whisper...

The fishing trawler altered course once more.

A radio crackled.