“I’m fine,” she protested automatically.
“You’re not fine. You’re running yourself into the ground, and it’s starting to show.” His tone was firm but kind. “When’s the last time you took more than a day off?”
Mary tried to remember and couldn’t. “I don’t know. A while.”
“Exactly. So here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to take two weeks off, starting as soon as you can arrange it. That’s not a request, Mary. That’s an order.”
“But the budget review?—”
“Will still be here when you get back. Bert can handle the urgent stuff, and anything else can wait.” Logan leaned forward, his expression softening. “You’ve built incredible systems here. Everything runs smoothly because of the foundations you’ve put in place. But you need to take care of yourself, or you won’t be able to take care of us. So take the vacation. Go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. Rest. Come back ready to work again.”
Mary wanted to argue, but she knew he was right. She was burned out in a way she hadn’t been since the early days of her recovery, and she needed a break. Not just from work, but from the careful dance she and Bert had been doing ever since they’d met. She needed space to think, to process, to figure out how to be content with what she had instead of constantly longing for what she couldn’t have.
That night, she sat at her computer and started researching accessible vacation options. She’d glanced over at her bookshelf, and her gaze lovingly roamed over her copy of Anne of Green Gables. She had read the books obsessively as a girl and dreamed of visiting Prince Edward Island.
Turning back to her computer, she found a small luxury, adults-only river cruise through Maritime Canada, specifically designed to showcase Prince Edward Island and the surrounding provinces. The ship was small, with only forty to fifty passengers, and the intimate setting appealed to her. And most importantly, it was fully accessible.
The itinerary was perfect. They’d visit Charlottetown, see Green Gables, explore the red sand beaches and rolling countryside that Lucy Maud Montgomery had made famous. They’d sail through picturesque harbors, stop at fishing villages, and experience the culture and history of the region.
It was expensive, but Mary had saved money by living simply and working constantly. She could afford it. And more than that, she needed it.
She booked a solo, accessible cabin before she could second-guess herself, choosing a departure date two weeks away. That would give her time to finish the most urgent work projects and make sure everything was in order before she left. She told Bert the next evening while sitting on her front porch.
“That’s great,” he said, and he sounded like he meant it. “You deserve a break. You’ve been working yourself too hard.”
“Logan’s orders,” she said with a slight smile. “Though he’s right. I need some time away.”
“Maritime Canada,” he repeated, looking out at the dark street. “That’s a long way from Montana.”
“That’s kind of the point,” Mary admitted. “I need distance. Perspective. A chance to reset.”
Something flickered across Bert’s face, too quick for Mary to read. “How long is the cruise?”
“Ten days, plus travel time.”
“You’ll love it,” Bert said, his voice warm despite whatever emotion was moving through his eyes. “Prince Edward Island is supposed to be beautiful. And you love those Anne of Green Gable books.”
Mary wasn’t surprised he remembered that detail from their conversation months ago. That was Bert. He remembered everything about her and paid attention to the smallest details.
“I’m excited,” she said, and realized she meant it. “It’ll be good to have some time to myself. To think about things.”
“Think about things?” Bert’s gaze was sharp on her face.
Mary looked away, afraid of what he might see in her expression. “Just work stuff. Life stuff. Nothing specific.”
It was a lie, and they both knew it. But Bert didn’t push. He just nodded and changed the subject to safer ground.
The next two weeks passed in a flurry of preparation. Mary worked long hours to finish projects and create detailed instructions for Bert to handle anything that might come up in her absence. She packed and repacked her suitcase, researching accessibility at each port and planning her excursions with the same attention to detail she applied to LSI operations.
And through it all, she spent time with Bert. Dinners and movie nights and quiet conversations on front porches. Storing up memories of him like she was going away forever instead of just two weeks.
The evening before she left, Bert came over with takeout, and they ate on her back deck, wrapped in blankets against the chill. They didn’t talk much, just sat in comfortable silence watching the stars emerge.
“I’ll be over at zero four thirty to take you to the airport,” Bert said when it was time for him to leave. He stood at her door, looking down at her with an expression that made her chest tight.
“I’ll be ready,” Mary promised.
He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m going to miss you.”