First Mates. Cecelia Dowdy

look so beautiful tonight,” he mumbled as they opened their menus.

      “Thank you.” That’s the second time he’s complimented me tonight.

      The waiter returned minutes later. “Our special tonight is filet mignon with baby potatoes.” He took their dinner and drink orders before leaving the table.

      Rainy smiled. “I find it hard to believe we spent the whole day together. We’re acting like we just met.”

      Winston gazed around the festive room. Subdued voices mingled in the background. “I know. The formal clothes, and the candles—” he tilted his head toward the lighted tapers “—make things seem different. But I’m the same guy who was wearing swimming trunks this afternoon.”

      She giggled and relaxed into her chair. “I’m glad we’re having dinner together.”

      “Me, too.”

      The waiter returned minutes later with their food. He placed the dishes on the table and removed the silver covers. “Enjoy your meal.”

      He cleared his throat, looking slightly nervous. “Do you mind if we pray over our meal together?”

      She nodded, pleased by his request. “I’d love to.” She bowed and closed her eyes, listening to his strong voice as he thanked the Lord for the food and for this day of life. He prayed for their safety while on the cruise. He prayed for God to heal Rainy’s aching heart. After saying “Amen” simultaneously, they started their meal.

      The scents of juicy steak and buttery potatoes wafted through the air. The clinking of silverware against china filled the room as the other diners enjoyed their meals. After they had their apple pie and ice cream for dessert, they took a long walk on the deck. Several couples passed, still wearing their formal evening attire. A warm gentle breeze blew over the water.

      Winston leaned against the railing. “You know we’re docking in Cozumel tomorrow.”

      “Yes, I can hardly wait. I’m ready to get off this ship for a day.”

      “Would you mind if we spent the day together?”

      She smiled and touched his muscular arm. He reminded her of a schoolboy asking for his first date. “I wouldn’t mind at all. As a matter of fact, I was kind of looking forward to spending the day together tomorrow.”

      She was rewarded with his huge grin.

      “You know, since both of us live in Miami, I think we’ll be seeing a lot of each other once we dock,” he commented.

      They continued to stroll around the deck as the calm, soothing silence enveloped the beautiful night with tranquility.

      Later that night, as they watched the comedy show, Rainy laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes. After the show, they returned to the upper deck.

      Scents of luscious berries, fruits and desserts wafted around the deck as the crew prepared for the midnight buffet. As the workers carved a mermaid-shaped ice sculpture, Rainy prepared a plate of food and they sat at a table to enjoy their late snack. “I’m going to gain ten pounds by the time this cruise is over.” She patted her full stomach.

      He perused her from head to toe with his hazel eyes. “I don’t think gaining a few pounds will hurt you at all.” She flushed with pleasure. She sometimes worried about her weight and it was nice that Winston liked her appearance.

      Early the following day, she met Winston for another breakfast date. As she slathered butter and syrup over her hotcakes, she caught him staring at her.

      A fluttering ripple of butterflies seemed to move through her stomach. He quickly looked away, focusing on his plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. “What’s the matter?” she asked before taking a bite of sausage.

      “I’m just concerned that I’m monopolizing your time on this cruise. I know you came here to relax and everything and…”

      She shrugged. “And what?”

      “Well, I just hope you don’t mind spending so much time with me. We barely know each other.” He gazed at the other passengers enjoying their breakfasts. “This ship is full of people and I don’t even think you’ve had the opportunity to mingle with the other guests.”

      I can’t believe he seems to be on the verge of apologizing for spending time with me. A horrifying thought entered her mind. What if he’s only spending time with me because he feels sorry for me? What if he wants to be rid of me for the rest of the cruise so that he can meet other women?

      She sliced her fork through the stack of pancakes, but she’d lost her appetite. “Look, if you’re having second thoughts about spending the day together—”

      “No,” he said quickly, “it’s not that. I just don’t want to make you feel like I’m pushing myself on you. If you get tired of my company then you’ll need to say something, because…” He glanced toward the windows before looking at her again. “Because, I haven’t had such a good time in ages. I’m glad I met you, and I enjoy your company.”

      Mentally sighing with relief, she gazed into his hazel eyes. “I’m glad we met, too. I’m looking forward to seeing Cozumel today.”

      After enjoying their meal, they boarded the small boat with other passengers for the short ride to Cozumel. The crewman announced the last boat returning to the cruise ship would leave at midnight.

      They strolled the crowded port area, gazing into store windows. Natives walked the streets, speaking only Spanish. Rainy gazed at her surroundings in wonderment, knowing it would be impossible to see everything in one day.

      She admired Winston’s strong legs as she walked beside him. “I’m going to need to get a few things for some people at home,” he said.

      “Me, too. Why don’t we go shopping first?” After they visited several stores, she checked her watch. “We’ve only been gone for a few hours, and I already feel beat.” She clutched her bags of gifts as they continued to wander the streets. She pulled her gift list from her tote bag. Every name was crossed out except for one. Winston’s name was the last one on the list. She crumpled the paper and when they passed a trash can, she threw it away. I don’t want him to know I’m buying him a birthday card!

      He entered a sandwich shop. “I’ll get a few cold drinks.”

      “Okay, I’ll be in there in a minute. I still have a thing or two to buy.”

      He chuckled as he entered the shop. “You’ve already purchased enough gifts for half the city of Miami.”

      She left him for a few moments and found a secluded gift shop. She found a pile of greeting cards and she flipped through them. A card with a striking picture of the ocean caught her eye. After reading the greeting, she decided it was perfect for Winston. The words were warm and simple and she was sure he would like it. After purchasing the card, she signed it and carefully placed it into her purse.

      After she joined Winston in the sandwich shop, they decided to spend the rest of the day on the beach. They found a local man to transport them to the best swimming location. He recommended a shallow beach where they could play with the colorful fish. The local welcomed them into his car. The engine sputtered several times before it finally started.

      Minutes later, they were transported to the most exquisite beach Rainy had ever seen. She removed her T-shirt and shorts and stepped into the gentle cool royal-blue water. The fish swam around her legs, and she opened a bag of stale bread she’d purchased from the shop and fed the small critters.

      As the day progressed, she watched Winston slice through the water like an expert. A few times, she noticed his frown as he looked to the horizon.

      Too soon, their romantic day was over. She closed her eyes as they took the boat back to the ship. She could barely lift her legs as she climbed the ladder onto the large boat. She noticed it was seven o’clock. “Dinner is casual tonight.”

      He