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Garrett and Mark helped them climb up the back of the boat, and the three crew members sat, dripping.
“Thanks, man,” Dave said and clearly meant it.
Edward said nothing, just stared at his sunken boat. “That was my best boat,” Edward mumbled, shaking his head. The Ciao Bella moved past, towed by the Jetstream. “Thanks a lot, assholes!” Edward yelled, even as the boats slipped past. He glanced at Mark. “Took you long enough.”
Mark sent him a wry grin. “Had to win the race first.”
“You only won because we got sidelined, brother.” Edward quirked an eyebrow.
“What was that you always say? ‘A win is a win’?” Mark clapped his brother hard on the back and Edward let out a reluctant chuckle.
“What are we sitting around for?” Dave asked. “Let’s get back to the marina so we can hand this loser his trophy.”
Everyone laughed at that as they steered toward the marina. Laura stood near Mark at the wheel, watching the shore grow closer.
“Glad you two have made up,” Laura said. Mark pulled her into his arms and she went, hugging him freely for the first time in days. Maybe their argument was finally over. He hoped so. Maybe he could still convince her to sail around the world with him. There might still be a chance.
“I’m feeling…light-headed,” Laura said all at once.
Next to him, she seemed to stagger a bit on her feet. Then her eyes rolled back in her head and she fainted.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
LAURA CAME TO at the docks with a circle of concerned faces around her.
“Are you all right?” Mark asked, his face crumpling in relief. What had happened? The race, yes…they won! And then the boat rescue and somewhere along the way, she’d lost it.
Laura sat up, but then her vision filled with stars. “Oh, boy,” she said, holding her head.
“Here, have some water,” Garrett said, offering her a water bottle. She took a deep swig of the cold liquid and smiled gratefully at her shipmate.
“Thanks.”
“You gave us a scare,” Edward said. “Fainted dead away on the boat right when we were about to dock.”
“I know winning is stressful, but sheesh,” Dave echoed.
“I’m okay, really. Probably just an empty stomach,” Laura lied. The last time she’d been pregnant she’d gotten light-headed spells, too. Her mother had them as well. Maddie said their dad used to call their mom London Bridge because she always fell down. If she had any doubt about the pregnancy test results, those were long gone now.
“Then let’s get you something to eat,” Mark said.
Laura’s stomach, empty and roiling, wasn’t so sure that was a good idea, but now she’d have to try.
Mark helped her to her feet and she stood, a little unsteady. He held her tightly by the arm. “I’ve got you,” he promised.
They all walked to the Rusted Anchor, where the race judges had gathered. Garrett went to talk to the officials and sign the finishing papers for the Timothy, and Mark steered her to one of the few open booths in the back. Most of the bar was filled with race spectators.
Edward glanced at his phone. “Elle wants to join us. Is that okay?” He glanced at Mark. Laura felt her stomach tighten. What would he say?
Mark glanced at Laura. “Is that all right with you?” he asked her.
She nodded. It might be awkward, but at some point, they would all have to start acting like a family. Elle was pregnant with Mark’s niece or nephew, and that child shouldn’t suffer for the mistakes his or her parents made.
“Okay, then,” Mark told Edward. Then, he studied Laura. “You want a beer?” he asked her.
Did she. But she couldn’t. “Uh…no. No, thanks.”
“Come on! We’re celebrating,” Edward pushed. “And who knows when this loser will ever win anything again?”
Laura laughed a little at the joke. “I think I’ll just start with water, if that’s okay. Because…my empty stomach.”
Edward eyed her, and she almost wondered if he suspected her condition. She hoped not.
“The lady fainted, so let’s not give her another reason to get light-headed,” Dave interrupted. And Laura was suddenly grateful.
“Water it is,” Mark said. “But beers to follow.”
Laura rubbed her forehead. She felt the start of a headache, and the worry about her fall on the boat never quite left her. While her shorts were tight, her stomach was largely flat. She’d heard from her sister that later in the pregnancy the regular kicking of the baby helped calm new mom nerves, but now, she had no idea how the little one inside her was faring. Was she…or he…okay?
