The staterooms were large, with a lot of outside lighting. It was very modern, designed to pamper the well-paying customers. There was a lady’s drawing room on the Promenade Deck, extending the entire length of the vessel and furnished grander than ever she’d seen. The upper deck provided a smoking room, paneled in rich mahogany with a mosaic floor.
“It’s too grand for words, Michael. I would be thrilled should my husband plan such a wonderful honeymoon.”
Michael chuckled. “Husband? You are seriously considering a man?”
“Why would you say that? Every woman considers a husband.”
“You drive away any possible suiter like pesky flies.”
She looked down at her hands, which had broken out in a cold sweat. “Maybe I haven’t found the right one yet – have you considered that?”
“I figured that must be the case because you are a beautiful, spirited woman who deserves the best.”
His face looked so understanding that she could not still her tongue. “I thought, perhaps, you might have been a good contender, but then you paired up with Frances. I’ll never understand why fate smiled on her and not me.” She laughed nonchalantly, like it was just another trivial confession in the life of Tariana Gracin.
“Oh, my dear. You deserve so much more than I could give you.”
“But Frances has high expectations. Probably more than a mere dock worker can provide.” Were they actually having this conversation? She tried to remain casual, though her heart beat wildly.
“Shipbuilding is a stepping stone to bigger dreams. Your sister will be well cared for.”
Tariana noticed Jamie on his way down the ramp, and she called, “Hello, Jamie.”
He turned to look in their direction, waved, and hurried down to the dock, marching alongside, toward the front. Tariana’s attention reverted back to Michael when he let out a loud cry. She watched in horror as Michael tripped over a board and tumbled through a roped-off section of railing that was under repair. His head hit an iron hook of sorts as he toppled overboard.
Tariana screamed.
Chapter 5
Jamie heard Tariana scream. He peered onto the deck where he’d seen her not a minute before to see her leaning over a section of the railing, yelling. “Man overboard.”
He looked where her finger pointed to see ripples in the water, and he dove in without a second thought, and swam in that direction. When he got close, he inhaled to fill his lungs with air and plunged under to locate Michael. He realized Tariana would be waiting fearfully, directly overhead on the ship’s deck, or on the dock with those looking on, for someone’s head to reappear.
Michael’s loose overalls had caught on something, and he hung there, limp and still, the water surrounding him blood red. Jamie kicked hard to close the distance between them and fumbled with the man’s clothing to free him. He grabbed Michael’s collar and kicked upward. When he surfaced, coughing and inhaling gulps of precious air, he pulled the unconscious man against him.
Exhaustion overtook him. The distance to the dock seemed a mile away.
Jamie turned Michael’s head to the side to drain the water from his mouth and nose. He tried to slap him awake, but there was no response.
“Jamie – grab this, and we’ll pull you both in,” he heard someone call.
A worker on the dock swung his arm back as far as he could and threw the life-ring, fastened to the end of a long rope, into the water. Tariana was standing beside the man. Even from his position, bobbing above the surface, he saw tears glistening on her cheeks and wondered for which of them she feared most.
He watched as the ring splashed into the water, and he started toward it with his load. Each stroke was agony and when they finally reached the dock, men reached down to pull Michael onto the wooden planks and lay him flat. Someone had the good sense to call for Doc, who dropped to his knees as a couple of fellas reached for Jamie’s hand to help him up.
When Michael still did not stir, Doc tilted his chin and head backwards to help clear his throat and then listened at his chest. His face was grim as he attempted to bring him around. The crowd watched on, expectant faces lifted heavenward and the sound of mumbled prayers filling the air.
Tariana moved in beside Jamie, and he saw the fear etched on every inch of her face. He squeezed her hand and felt it tremble. “I’m sorry, Tariana,” he whispered. “I tried the best I could.”
She stared at the scene before them through misty eyes, the doctor fighting with all the strength he could muster to save Michael’s life. It seemed as if everyone was holding their breath. When Michael’s body jerked and his mouth spewed up water, the crowd collectively exhaled and cheers sounded from all around the dock area.
Michael was alive! Tariana ran to his side and dropped onto the pool of water created by his wet clothing.
“Oh, Michael,” she sobbed.
His eyes appeared vacant as he attempted to focus, but then he turned in the direction of her voice. Relief flooded his face when recognition set in, but the crowd was not prepared for his first words: “Tariana, my love.” His hand reached up to caress her face, and she seemed to freeze in terror when he touched her. “It appears I’ve gone for a swim in the middle of a workday.”
She turned a questioning gaze toward the doctor, who merely shrugged his shoulders.
“We need to get you to the infirmary, young
