Beautiful Mess(89)

They were finally able to get the barracuda off the hook, mainly by pulling it into the bottom of the dinghy, and three of them holding its head down. They returned to the boat and regaled Sharon and Claire with the tale of Bri’s conquest.

“Bri’s been long overdue for a nickname,” Jimmy laughed, “and I think this one just fits! What do you think, Barracuda?” He winked at Bri.

“No way are you calling me Barracuda!” she protested.

“Come on, it’s a name earned in battle! Like a warrior. You should be proud,” he pushed.

“Well, when you put it like that, it does sound kind of cool. Besides, I guess it could be worse, right Sport?” she nudged Cole teasingly.

“Okay, for that, I’m going to start calling you Muffin!” Cole grinned deviously.

“Don’t you dare!” she laughed. “You call me Muffin, and you won’t be calling me again!”

They ate dinner that night at a delicious steak house in town. It was dark by the time they were done, and Bri took one last moment to enjoy the sight of the charming little town around her, and the boats all lit up in their Christmas splendor. It really was beautiful.

Once back on board, everyone settled into the living room. Bri, wanting a moment of solitude, decided to sneak out to the bow. She leaned against the railing and took in the night. The sway of the boat on the water, the sound of the waves lapping against the hull, and the light cool breeze had a wonderfully calming effect. She turned her eyes skyward, and a small gasp of awe escaped her as she took in the majesty above her. The sky was ablaze with stars. More stars than Bri could ever remember seeing before. The beauty and vastness of it humbled her, and for a moment she felt how tiny and insignificant she was.

A pair of strong arms circle her from behind. She leaned back against Cole’s chest, unable to tear her eyes away from the sky.

“Beautiful, isn’t it,” she murmured to Cole.

“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he whispered into her hair. “Come here, you’re getting cold.” He took Bri’s hand and pulled her away from the rail.

“We don’t have to go inside yet, do we?” Bri pleaded, causing Cole to laugh.

“No, we don’t have to go inside. But, I did bring this out for us.” He opened a big, warm blanket, and suddenly Bri realized she was chilly. Cole sat back against the wall at the back of the bow and pulled her into his lap. He wrapped the blanket around the two of them, and she leaned her head back against his shoulder. They both gazed up at the stars above them.

“How did I not know all of these stars existed?” Bri said softly. “How have I missed out on something like this my whole life?” she motioned to the sky.

Cole rested his chin on her shoulder.

“I think sometimes we think we’ve already seen it all, or know it all. So we don’t bother looking any closer, searching any deeper. Maybe we wouldn’t be able to appreciate it anyway. And sometimes, we’re not ready for anything more. We are comfortable with where we’re at and don’t feel the need to push any boundaries. But sometimes, life puts something in our path that forces us to open our eyes and take in all we’ve been missing.”

Bri turned her head to look at him, stunned by his beautiful and insightful words.

“Then, it’s up to us to decide if we want to go back to living with our blinders on, or if we want to take a risk on something new.” He looked meaningfully, deep into her eyes, and she was caught, paralyzed by his intensity. His eyes were full of pent up emotion, and she knew he was talking about more than just the stars.

“Wow, Cole, that was surprisingly deep and insightful. Who knew you were a closet philosopher.”

He chuckled. “I told you, I have many hidden talents.” He pulled her back against his chest. “Would you like me to show you another one?” his purred in her ear, his voice low and sexy.

“I don’t think my mind can handle being blown twice in two minutes,” Bri laughed.

“Just you wait. Now, do you see that small circle of stars, with a little tail off the back?” Cole pointed in front of her to the sky, and Bri tried to follow his finger.

“Yes,” she replied when she found it.

“That is Pleiades.”

“Really? You know constellations?”

“Just another of my many, amazing aptitudes,” he replied smugly.

Bri just laughed. “Show me another.”

Cole continued to point out stars and constellations until they were summoned inside for the annual Hamilton/Marra Poker Night, yet another cherished Christmas tradition. Reluctantly, Bri followed Cole back inside, and everyone took their seats around the dining table. After explaining the rules to Bri, who hadn’t really played poker, Scott dealt the cards.