She laughed. “Me too! You know how websites always make things look so perfect. But this really is.” She told him about meeting Diane and Colin. “I’m having tea with her tomorrow when we go into Charlottetown.”
There was a pause, longer than the previous responses, and Mary wondered what Bert was thinking.
“I’m glad you’re there safely. And I’m glad you found someone to explore with. Diane sounds interesting.”
She noticed he didn’t mention Colin’s name. A little smile curved her lips as she said, “She is. Tough and funny and doesn’t take any nonsense.”
“Sounds a bit like a woman I know. Someone I miss right now.”
Mary’s chest felt tight hearing those words. This was why she’d needed distance—because every word from Bert, every thoughtful gesture, every moment of his careful attention made her fall deeper in love with him while he’d remained safely on the other side of the friendship line. At least until this morning.
“How was your day? she asked, changing the subject to safer ground.
“Long. Quiet without you at the compound. Logan had me handling some of your admin work, and I have a new appreciation for what you do. How do you keep track of all those spreadsheets?”
“Years of practice and a very organized filing system. Don’t mess up my spreadsheets!”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. They’re both sacred and terrifying.”
They chatted for another twenty minutes, easy conversation about nothing important and everything important. Neither of them said what Mary suspected they were both thinking… that they missed each other, that two weeks felt like a very long time, that this easy intimacy they’d built together was something special even if neither of them had figured out how to name it yet.
Finally, Bert said, “You should get some sleep.”
“You’re right. I’ll try to send a few pictures tomorrow.”
“Hearing anything from you will be a treat. Sleep well, Mary.”
“You too. Good night.”
Mary set her phone on the nightstand and turned off the light. The gentle rocking of the ship lulled her toward sleep. Through the window, she could see the lights of Charlottetown twinkling in the distance, and somewhere out there was Prince Edward Island with its rolling green hills.
Tomorrow, she’d start exploring. Tomorrow, she’d see Green Gables and experience the magic of this place she’d dreamed about for so long.
But tonight, in the quiet darkness of her stateroom, Mary allowed herself to think about the man she’d left behind in Montana… the one who wished her a good night like it mattered that she slept well.
The same man who said he wanted to take her on a date. Smiling to herself, she felt a rush of giddiness, something she hadn’t felt in a long time.
She was miles from home and about to embark on an adventure. Still, her heart kept pulling her back toward Montana, toward a compound full of Keepers, toward a house across the street from hers where the lights were probably still on and he was probably worrying about her more than he’d ever admit.
Mary closed her eyes and let the ship's motion carry her toward sleep, but her last conscious thought was of blue eyes and calloused hands and the way Bert said her name, as if it meant something.
Tonight, she let herself miss him, let herself think of an upcoming date, and let herself imagine what it would be like if Bert really did want more than just friendship.
17
Mary woke to gentle sunlight filtering through the blinds of her stateroom and the soft sound of water lapping against the hull. For a moment, she wasn’t sure where she was, then memory returned with a rush of excitement. Prince Edward Island.
She went through her morning routine, maneuvering with a little more ease in the smaller space than yesterday. Once dressed in comfortable clothes, she carefully packed her tote bag. Her well-worn copy of Anne of Green Gables went in first. She added her journal, her phone, and her wallet, then wrapped her jacket around her shoulders.
Breakfast in the dining room was a cheerful affair, passengers buzzing with excitement about the day’s excursions. Mary joined Diane and Colin at their table. Just like last night, Diane was dressed in elegant comfort, her hair perfectly styled and her gold bangles around her wrist and rings on her fingers.
“Do you mind if I take this seat?” Another gentleman traveling alone was standing behind the fourth chair, and she smiled up at him.
“Please do,” she and Diane said at the same time.
“I’m George Watson,” he said as he slid into the chair. “I’m from Dartmouth, just across the harbor from Halifax. Retired from the shipyards, and now I travel when I can.”
As they introduced themselves, Mary watched as George smiled broadly at Diane. She guessed he was about the same age as Diane, and they discussed the various tour options over excellent coffee and fresh pastries.