Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Dune stood at the end of the cliff and looked out over the ocean. The waves were high because of a hurricane moving up the coastline. It would hit Seaport in the next day, with high winds and surf, with expected power outages. He, Wilson, and Speed spent most of the morning tightening up the moorings on the few boats they had left in the water. Earlier in the month, they moved most of their fleet to dry dock.
Dune had stopped at his parents to make sure the storm shutters were in place before he took one of the ATVs out of the garage and trekked across the Carter's land to his favorite spot. From there, he could see the harbor perfectly and watch the naval yard's yearly firework display. He regretted not bringing Caroline here during her time in Seaport.
He turned and surveyed the land. It was prime real estate, with his parents receiving endless offers into the millions to buy. Each time Jack Carter told them no, the land wasn't for sale.
Until now.
Dune had approached his parents and asked to carve out a piece so he could build a proper house—one where he could have people over to entertain, have a garden, maybe a wife and some children in the future.
Pearl, of course, said yes because any mention of her having grandchildren delighted her to no end. Jack hesitated and asked Dune about the other house he had built.
“Easy, Tidal can live there.”
Tidal loved the idea, as did Crew, because that meant he could move into Tidal's room, which used to be Dune's room. Never mind that Sail may want it after he graduated.
It took a lot of discussion, walking around the property, and Dune's rough house sketch before Jack agreed.
Now, as Dune stood there, he saw his future home come into view with the large farmer's porch and top floor widow's walk. He may not be a fisherman, but he still wanted one for Caroline. He'd build a two-story home with a basement. Three, maybe four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The primary bedroom would have a staircase to the widow's walk, and it would be large enough for him and Caroline to be together. Making love under the stars was something they both enjoyed, and he wanted their home to encompass that.
Dune wanted to marry Caroline. She felt right to him, like she was the woman he had waited his entire life to meet. He feared her answer. She had an ivy league education and definitely deserved better than him. He didn't know when he'd propose, but he would, with his grandma's ring. She had left it to Jack, to give to whatever grandson married first. It always made sense that it would be Dune.
An unfamiliar car came down what would be the driveway to where he'd build the home. He glanced into the front window and saw a blonde woman. As much as he wanted it to be Caroline, she was at work in New York, and he wouldn't see her for another week.
Dune slowly made his way over to the surprised to find Caroline getting out from the driver’s seat.
“What are you doing here?” he asked as he brought her into his arms and kissed her. He loved her with his entire being. She was his home, his constant. “Whose car is this?”
“It's my sister’s,” she told him after she gave him a long, passionate kiss full of everything she missed about him and would now plan to do to him. “I missed you.”
“I miss you always,” he said to her. “But that doesn't answer my question. What's going on?”
“I had to see you.”
Dune sensed something was up. Caroline was loyal to her job, despite not wanting to be there. They had talked at lengths about it and Dune suggested she find something else, but she wouldn't because her dad had used a connection, and she didn't want to upset the balance of power, so to speak.
He caressed her cheek. “What's going on, Care Bear?”
Tears formed in her eyes, and his heart sank. Something had happened and it must've been bad, otherwise she would've told him over the phone.
“Babe, you're scaring me.”
Caroline nodded. “Well, I am scared, so at least we're in the same boat. No pun intended.”
Dune didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Caroline steadied herself with a large intake of air. “I'm pregnant.”
The air around Dune thickened and the dirt and freshly fallen leaves swirled. He didn't know how long it took for the two words to set in, but once they registered, all he could say was, “Okay.”
“Okay?”
He nodded.
Caroline scoffed and looked away. “I was expecting something more, a different reaction.”
Dune inhaled. “I'm sorry,” he said. “I don't know what to say, except okay, and by okay, I mean, this is the best news I've heard since the last time you told me you loved me.”