Page 44 of Fire and Ice Cruise

“That was wonderful,” I say as I approach.

Holland turns, and her smile is genuine but tired. “Thank you. I never know how these things will land.”

“It landed perfectly. You gave everyone permission to want more. That’s a gift.”

“Or a curse, depending on how you look at it.” She laughs, but there’s an edge to it. “Sometimes wanting more just makes you dissatisfied with what you have.” She frowns at the window.

“Is that what happened with you and Silas?”

Her eyes widen slightly. “I’m sorry?”

“I noticed he left during your talk. And you mentioned renegotiating intimacy in long-term relationships.” I pause, trying to find the right words. “I’m not trying to pry. I just—I know what it’s like when a marriage gets complicated.”

Holland’s shoulders drop. “It’s not Silas’s fault. He’s wonderful, really. He’s supportive, talented, and still makes me laugh after thirty years.” She glances toward where Silas has re-entered the room and is pouring himself coffee. “He’s just content with where we are, and I’m restless. That’s on me, not him.”

“Restlessness isn’t a character flaw.” Unless your name is Stanton Troublefield, also known as my ex.

“Tell that to my guilt complex.” She wraps her arms around herself. “When Silas and I started Nordic Hearth, we were building something together. It was exciting. Now it feels like we’re just maintaining something, and I want to build again.”

“Have you told him?”

“I’ve tried. He listens, he’s patient, but I don’t think he really understands.” Her voice softens. “Or maybe he does.”

A shimmer catches my eye, and Celeste materializes beside us, her white gown flowing in a non-existent breeze. She’s examining her ghostly nails with the bored expression of someone stuck in an airport waiting for a delayed flight—a delayed flight to the afterlife.

“Oh, please.” Celeste drawls, floating closer to Holland. “This whole ‘I’m-restless-but-my-husband-is-perfect’ routine is getting old. Just admit you want something he can’t give you and move on.”

I try very hard not to react. Celeste might have a point.

“Word to the wise, Troublemaker,” Celeste growls my way, “ask Holland Rowen what Gideon Vale had planned for her second act.” She muses, “Let’s just say he wasn’t exactly her biggest fan.”

Gideon wasn’t a fan?

Holland tries to make sense of my expression. “I’m sorry. You didn’t come over here for my marital drama.”

“Actually, I⁠—”

“Look at her husband,” Celeste interrupts, pointing toward Silas, who’s adding enough cream to his coffee to qualify it as whole milk. “Now that is a man built like he was carved by somebody who took their time. He’s got that silver fox energy going. He’s the strong, quiet type, I can tell. I bet he’s great with his hands—all that woodworking.” She fans herself dramatically. “If I were alive, I’d climb that man like a tree.”

“Wow,” I mutter, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from saying another word to her. I guess she’s not as hot-to-trot for Gideon as he is for her.

“Are you okay?” Holland asks, concerned.

“Fine. Just—I’ve got a cramp. In my foot.”

“Oh, those are the worst!” Holland presses a hand to her chest. “I’ve been getting them regularly since I started menopause. Ageing, for a woman, is the pits.”

“It seems to be the consensus,” I say, watching as Celeste floats over to Silas and circles him slowly, and appraising him as if he were tonight’s dinner selection.

“He’s got good bone structure,” she calls out in a ghostly trill. “He’s the kind of man who probably builds you furniture and fixes things without being asked.” She glances back at me. “Though between you and me, I prefer men who smile more. Like that captain of yours. Now he knows how to have a good time.”

I cough to cover what might be a laugh or might be a scream. It’s hard to tell.

Although, to her point, Wes does like to laugh and show off those dimples of his at the very same time. He’s an adorably good time.

Holland watches me with growing concern. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

“Absolutely. I was just thinking about—estate planning. It gets me every time.”