Kit & Rogue (The Sons of Dusty Walker) by Sable Hunter, The Sons of Dusty Walker Read Free Book Online Page B

incessant deep churning. Several times at night, she’d lain there and tried to forget they were like a small cork floating on a seemingly bottomless watery pit. Remembering an old joke her father used to tell her about a man who was afraid to fly, who just sat on the edge of his plane seat so he wouldn’t contribute to the weight on board, she sometimes found herself just hanging on the edge of the bed for the same reason. If it weren’t for Rogue, snagging an arm around her waist and pulling her close, she probably would’ve fallen to the floor by now.
    Screech! Another jolt!
    Kit sprung up in bed “I knew it”. They’d hit an iceberg, she was sure of it. Even in her unreasonable state of panic, she knew that wasn’t possible–but it was the only thing she could think of it at the moment.
    “Wake up, Rogue, something’s wrong.” She had to shake him twice. “Rogue!”
    Good Lord, the man could’ve slept through a hurricane. “Rogue!”
    Groggy, he finally answered. “What’s wrong, honey?” He kissed her, then tried to pull her down with him.
    “I think the boat’s sinking!” She stood, grabbing his arm and pulling.
    “Not possible.” Rogue said.
    “That’s what they said about the Titanic,” she fussed.
    By the time she had him up and mobile, there was a lot of racket in the hall. “I’m sure everything’s fine,” he assured her.
    “It doesn’t sound like it.” Kit grabbed her purse, stuffing as many necessary items in it as possible. “I know where the lifeboats are located, I’ve been by there to check on them three times.”
    “You really are worried aren’t you?” Rogue stopped her. “Honey, it’s okay.”
    “I hope so, but I’m going to find out.” She opened the door. As she thought, other folks were out in the hall, all asking questions. Some were acting as if it were a party, holding drinks. Others were like Kit, nervous and concerned. As a group, they made their ways down the narrow hall toward the elevator.
    By now, even Rogue could tell the ship was coming to a stop. He didn’t think they were sinking, but something was definitely up. Before they reached the elevator, a uniformed ship attendant stepped off and came toward them. He held up his hand. Kit automatically leaned back against him and he wrapped a protective arm around her waist.
    “Attention, there is no danger. The ship is not in trouble.”
    Rogue felt Kit’s body sag in relief.
    “What’s going on then?” Rogue asked and several others echoed the sentiment.
    Again the attendant lifted a hand. “A boat carrying Cuban refugees has been spotted in distress. Maritime law requires that we stop and provide whatever aid we can.”
    “Oh.” Was Kit’s only reply, then she turned into Rogue’s arms for a hug.
    “See, we’re not sinking.” He chuckled, leaning against the wall while other guests returned to the cabin. “Ready to go back to bed?”
    “Yes, I am.” She hugged him tightly.
    Sweeping her up in his arms, he carried her back down the hall. “Good. I think I’m ready for my second dessert.”
     
    *  *  *
    The next day, Kit was almost giddy with excitement. She had her engagement gift in her pocket and a smile on her face. If her plan worked, this trip would turn into a honeymoon cruise. Straightening her skirt, she slipped on a pair of high heels, then turned in front of the mirror and checked herself out from every angle. She’d do, she’d do, she supposed.
    Rogue had gone to a musical and they’d agreed to meet at one of the outside cafés on the Lido deck afterward. She glanced at the clock and saw that it was almost time to head out. Squaring her shoulders, Kit gave her reflection an encouraging smile and went to see if she could snare herself a groom.
    The marriage license was secure in her suitcase, all she needed was his signature. As she let herself out of her cabin and began the walk toward the elevator, pinpricks of elation made her smile. Several couples joined her, some