Learning to Love (New Zealand Sailing #1)

Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Sam

From March until September when Corey comes back, I just want to take it easy. For me taking it easy means juggling less balls, but still juggling.

I try out a new sailing boat class for competing, see how I get on by myself. I speak at various sailing and marine conservation events. I go to physio for old injuries. I visit my parents in O'Neill's Bay, and Ellie's parents at the winery in Matakana.

More importantly, there isn't a single day or night Ellie and I aren't together. I'm relishing this time, as the Sanders Cup events are coming up this December, and the Olympics are on next year, which means we won't be able to spend as much time together, though the schedule isn't as grueling as the Round the World Race, and Ellie promised to join me for the Olympics.

In April I sold my Bella Vista home; it just didn't feel right anymore. Ellie and I looked together for somewhere to buy on the North Shore, until we found a gem with direct beach access. In the mornings, I take my kayak and paddle around the gulf, taking it all in.

From our new home, Ellie's able to walk to work. She's progressed to become Team Lead, and I'm very proud of her. Bonus, we're about 15 minutes away from either Tayla and Corinne, or Paddy and Gracie. I enjoy the quieter pace, and Ellie seems so happy.

After Ellie left for work this morning, I made a couple of important calls and now I'm on my way for my 10:30AM appointment, one I wouldn't miss for the world.

Ellie

“I'm not a psychic but sometimes I just KNOW, ok. Sam's got something to hide”.

I'm at Corinne and Tayla's, sipping a chai latte and they just steal glances at each other with knowing smiles.

“Out with it, you two. What's going on?”

Tayla shrugs, but her smile doesn't change. “Don't know. Haven't seen anything. Haven't heard anything. As far as I'm concerned, it's nothing”.

Corinne examines her purple and gold nails. I don't think I'll be able to extract anything out of these two, though it's clear they know something. I get an idea.

“Have you heard from Corey?” Now I got Tayla's attention. She glances at me then looks away.

“Of course you have. What's he up to, all well up there on the high seas?”

Tayla looks very annoyed now. “None of your fucking business, babe”.

I gloss over it. “Not long now, 3 months?”. Tayla sighs and I don't pursue this. It's obvious something's going on in that tennis court as well.

“I'm off now, speak to you soon. Let's do something girly together. Instagram friendly”. Corinne laughs, and Tayla waves me off.

When I get back to our new place, it occurs to me what's changed. Sam is more secretive. With his phone, his things, his appointments. Neither of us are the jealous type, and it's never occurred to me to check his phone, nor has he given me any reasons. Until now that is.

“I'm baaack”. I turn the key in the lock, and I'm greeted by Daisy, all aquiver with excitement. To her, it doesn't matter whether I've been gone an hour, five hours or five days. She's always happy to see me. I give her a few pats, then go through to the main living area.

“I'm in here, sweet”. Sam's voice echoes through the hallways.

Something smells delicious. There's Sam, cooking something following a recipe on YouTube. His cooking has definitely improved in the time we've been living together again. I embrace him from behind.

“Whatcha cookin'?”

He turns around and lifts me up for a kiss. “Crayfish risotto”.

“Judging by the smell, it's going to be divine. How was your day?” I look at him closely to see if I can glean any behaviour change.

He lets me go and turns away. “It was good, lots of things ticked off the list. What about yours?”

Has he always been this evasive? It must be a new thing. Maybe I'm right that something's changed. Another woman perhaps? I give myself a mental shake and try firmly not to go down that route.

“Have you heard from Corey at all in the past few weeks?” I change tack.

He turns at me in surprise. “Strange you should mention it, but I spoke with him this morning. He's docking in Hong Kong, nearly half way on the race”.

“Is he well? Turns out Tayla heard from him as well. She didn't want to say anything and I was just being nosy as usual”.

Sam laughs and stirs some more white wine into the risotto dish. “He's well. He's due back 2nd September. Interesting about Tayla though”.

I shrug my shoulders, then turn on the TV, to check out the news, still pondering about Sam's change in attitude.

I slept very badly last night, tossed and turned, and disturbed Sam a lot. He held me close for part of the night, but I pushed him away. Either too hot or too cold, or just simply worrying about what's brought these feelings on. By sunrise, I'm resolute that I need to confront him, to put this idea to rest, or at least give him a chance to come clean if something's truly up.

I put a hoodie over my short pyjamas, get some flip flops on my feet, and prepare to take Daisy for an early walk on the beach.

I thought Sam was still asleep, but as I get dressed I see him spring out of bed, and put on a t-shirt, shorts and hoodie. We go out the gate to the beach, and Daisy sprints off.

“Wait up, I'm coming with you”. He's unshaven and looks a bit rough around the edges. His auburn hair is aglow as the sun rises up above the sea.

“Only you could look this good at sunrise, Sam. I haven't had coffee and I feel zombified”. We both laugh at that. “What's your secret?”

He stops dead in his tracks, and I stop as well. Oh no. Is this where he tells me…

“Ah, Ellie, I… want to ask you something…”. Sam goes down on one knee on the beach and takes out a ring out of his pocket. I think I'm going to faint.

“Uh… will you marry me?” I cover my mouth so I don't scream. He looks very concerned about my silence. “If it's too soon…I can wait”.

“No, no, no, don't wait. Absolutely not. YES. Of course, as if there would be any other answer in this whole world”. He stands and I throw myself at him, and we kiss under the blazing sunrise, with Daisy circling us in a happy dance.

I try the ring on, and it fits perfectly. It's a gorgeous antique, just like the bracelet he got me for Christmas. He seems to have his sources, and they're very good. I file away a mental note to find out who this mysterious jeweler is.

We walk back towards the house, and I can't wait to let my parents know, and the girls, but a thought is nagging me.

“Is this why you were being so secretive lately? I thought you'd found someone else”.

His laughter silences my doubts. “As if I'd ever want anyone else”.