Epilogue
16 months later
Leighann pulled herself up onto My Leeward Lady’s steps and began removing her scuba gear. Enrique approached, with his sleeping son strapped to his chest in a sling.
“How’s my little angel doing this afternoon,” she asked, kissing him on his downy-covered head, dripping ocean water down his cheek.
Enrique wiped the moisture away before leaning down to kiss her, “Baby is doing well. He is no doubt going to wake up hungry, so this was good timing.”
Handing Leigh a towel, they walked towards the railing and looked out over the water. “How’s Julio? Did you find any leads in the pile of breadcrumbs?”
“I made some progress today, but it’s going slower than we need. I called in Tom today. He agreed to help. He may come to stay for a few days. We want to make it look like only one hacker is doing all of this and not give ourselves away by doing a two-pronged attack. Sometimes that works, but other times you need more of Peter Pan and his shadow tactic.”
“Look at you already starting with the cartoon references,” Leigh laughed, patting him on the back as she leaned into his shoulder. This whole situation was dragging on and taking a toll on Julio and Maria.
“We will need a cover for Tom’s visit- a strong one. He came to the resort’s soft opening with Natalie as a honeymoon and rented the space for his mother Beth’s wedding, but that is a tenuous connection. We need something strong to keep our covers.” Worry creased his brow and he absently stroked Leigh’s back deep in thought.
“I have an idea. Natalie called a few days ago. Yes, on the secure line. We aren’t totally newbies at this shadow game our men are playing,” she scolded when she felt him tense. “And before you ask, we talk at least once a month. Tom gave us permission and has double-checked everything; we’re safe. Moving on. She lost another baby and is really struggling. Apparently, their little town shouldn’t be named Hickory Falls but Babyville. Baby fever has hit hard, and her friends are having a hard time being happy and hurting for her at the same time. She has stopped telling them about the pregnancies because it is just too painful. She asked if I was interested in letting her freelance for the educational materials for my research and the Reef Restoration Foundation. She isn’t experienced in underwater photography but thought learning something new and getting away from her mountain family for a little while would help her heal and restore her strength. Now that Curtis has the new outfitter shop up and running, I was thinking she could help with his advertising materials and website as well.” Leigh turned to look into Enrique’s face to better gauge his true thoughts.
“What do you think? They could stay at the house or the resort, maybe even on Leeward Lady. You guys can do your hacking, and Natalie can find peace and healing in the sea. They could stay a month or a year. Whatever she needs. Do you think that could be a strong enough cover?”
Enrique’s eyes brightened, and he kissed her meaningfully, “It sounds perfect. We should let our women solve our problems more often. I’ll get with Tom and work out the details. It will have to be soon. Maybe even this week.”
Leigh turned to go inside and clean up for dinner just as Stella was coming out, “You two! I tell you, I close my eyes for a minute, and you steal my charge and take the poor dear out into the sun. He will have burned cheeks, for sure. Come here. Give me my great-grandson.” Leighann stopped and dropped a kiss on her grandmother’s cheek before taking her shoulders in her hands and peering into her stormy grey eyes. “Grandma, we asked you to fill in sometimes when we have to work, not to watch him all day every day. It is too much. You’ll wear yourself out.”
“Oh hush, I ain’t dead yet. I’ll rest then. For now, I’m spending every second I can with this precious little man.” Taking the now awake and smiling child into her arms, she rubbed his nose with hers. “Isn’t that right, my little Parker? You and your great-grand will be best buds until the Good Lord calls me home. Then you’ll have lots of memories to keep you company in your dreams.” She bundled the baby up in the wrap Enrique was using to secure him to his chest and trundled inside. “Oh, I almost forgot to mention,” she said, turning to address the couple, “I spoke with your mother, and she and Ted were able to get off work the entire two weeks at the end of July. The girls haven’t stopped talking about their Florida vacation since you offered it at Christmas. I’m not sure what they’re more excited about, getting to know their big sister better, spending time with this precious baby, or experiencing Disney World for the first time.” Turning to leave again, she called over her shoulder, “Oh, and tell Lorenzo he can stop with the plans for a reveal cake and just make me something yummy. I don’t need all that red dye clogging up my system. Congratulations on the princess. I can’t wait to meet her.”
Leigh turned to Enrique accusingly. “Don’t look at me. I have top security clearance from the NSA. I know how to keep a secret. As long as our infant doesn’t start to talk today, we’re all good.”
“Well, she better not tell Curtis. I need to be able to surprise someone and video chatting the reveal to your family isn’t the same.”
Leigh was pouting as she stomped away.
Enrique smiled and breathed in the salty air. A loving wife, a healthy baby, and another on the way. Family that loved and supported him. Friends that had his back. He was blessed, and he couldn’t think of a single thing to ask God for, so he just stood for a moment, being grateful that he found his love on the slopes.
The End.