CHAPTER 370: BON VOYAGE (1)

Georgia’s POV

Nick didn’t even speak; he just took my hand, lacing our fingers together as if asking a question through touch alone.

And I answered him the same way.

With a nod, a breath, and a quiet squeeze.

While the guests erupted into laughter over Liam nervously approaching Ella with the garter, Nick gently tugged me toward the side exit. We slipped behind a few tall floral arrangements, past the catering tables, and through a dim walkway that led to the back deck of the venue. No one noticed. No one even glanced our way.

Nick looked over his shoulder once, made sure the coast was clear, then grinned.

"Come on, Mrs. Knight. Time to escape."

I laughed breathlessly as we ran, yes, ran, in our wedding clothes through the lantern-lit path, my heels clacking, his hand warm and steady around mine. We reached the private dock, and when the sleek silhouette of the yacht came into view, I slowed.

My yacht.

The one he gave me.

But what shocked me wasn’t the yacht, it was the group standing in front of it.

"Wha—what are you all doing here?" I asked, eyes wide as I spotted Vicky, Oliver, Wendy, Katie, Benjamin, and Prudence lined up like a secret farewell committee.

Vicky threw her arms wide dramatically. "Surprise! This was Nick’s idea all along."

My mouth dropped. "Nick’s, what?"

Wendy crossed her arms with a smug smile. "Ella and Liam are currently distracting the guests so you two can sneak out. Very successfully, I might add. It was a tradition back in my country that many believe brings good luck to the couple. I just mentioned it to Nick once, and the idea never left him."

"And," Vicky continued proudly, "Wendy and I already packed your things earlier and loaded them inside."

Katie hurried forward and wrapped us both in a hug, nearly crushing my bouquet between us. "Enjoy your trip!"

"...Trip?" I echoed, blinking up at Nick.

He smirked, slow and sinful. "Yes, love. We’re leaving for our honeymoon tonight. On your new yacht."

My heart did a full somersault.

Benjamin clapped Nick on the shoulder. "Take care of my daughter-in-law. And don’t sink the yacht."

Prudence waved dramatically. "Send pictures!"

Wendy kissed my cheek. "Have fun. Not too much fun. Actually, no, have as much fun as possible."

Vicky snorted. "They absolutely will."

Oliver gave a teasing bow. "Bon voyage, lovebirds."

Nick’s hand settled on my waist, warm and sure.

Everyone stepped back onto the dock, making way, and gestured for us to go.

"Alright, Mrs. Knight," he murmured, stepping closer as soon as we got into the yacht. "Where’s the key I gave you?"

"Oh—" I blinked, suddenly remembering. I lifted my tiny string bridal bag that had been dangling from my wrist the whole night. I dug through the tissues, lipstick, and emergency blotting sheets until my fingers closed around cool metal.

"Here," I said, offering it to him.

But Nick didn’t take it.

Instead, he folded my fingers gently back around the key, eyes warm and playful.

"No, my love. Do the honors."

"Me?" I laughed, surprised. "Nick, I don’t even know where—"

"Tonight," he cut in softly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear, "you’re the captain of this ship."

He leaned down, mouth brushing my cheek. "And I’ll be your first mate."

Heat flooded my face and other places.

Nick took my hand and guided me toward the helm. The interior glowed with soft, warm lights, polished wood gleaming, the dashboard sleek and modern. He pointed at a spot on the panel.

"Right there," he said, his voice low, almost reverent. "Slide the key in, turn it, and she’ll come to life."

I swallowed, suddenly nervous but excited, too. This was ours. This night. This yacht. This new Chapter.

With Nick standing close behind me, his hand resting over mine on the key, I slid it into place.

"Ready?" he whispered.

I nodded.

Together, we turned the key and the engine hummed awake beneath our feet, steady and powerful.

Nick’s grin widened. "Captain Georgia Knight... your honeymoon awaits."

The hum of the engine vibrated through the deck, warm and alive, and Nick’s smile grew even bigger as if seeing me at the helm was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

"Alright, Captain," he said, sliding behind me and placing his hands over mine on the wheel, "gently turn her to the right. Not too much, there you go."

The yacht began to pivot, gliding smoothly away from the dock lights of the resort. My heart leapt.

"Oh my god! I’m actually doing this!"

Nick laughed softly against my ear. "Of course you are. You’re a natural."

As the yacht drifted free of the slip, calls suddenly erupted from behind us. I looked over my shoulder, and my breath caught.

Guests were pouring onto the dock and shoreline, dress shoes abandoned, gowns lifted, drinks forgotten. They waved wildly, shouting:

"Safe trip!"

"We love you, Mr. and Mrs. Knight!"

"Enjoy the honeymoon!"

"Congratulations!"

"Don’t sink the yacht, Georgia!"

Nick burst out laughing as I yelled back, "She won’t! I think!"

The yacht picked up speed, slicing cleanly across the water. I couldn’t stop laughing, giddy, breathless, exhilarated as Nick guided my hands to different controls.

"That lever adjusts your throttle," he explained. "This screen shows depth. And these—"

"Are fancy buttons I should absolutely not touch?" I teased.

He grinned. "Exactly."

He stepped back and settled into the captain’s chair, then tugged my waist gently. "Come here."

I sat on his lap, his arms instantly sliding around me, guiding the wheel while the wind brushed over us.

"Nick?" I asked softly. "Where are we going?"

He pressed a kiss to the side of my neck, sending a shiver straight through me.

"You’ll see," he murmured. "Just follow the navigation."

I glanced at the glowing map ahead, a dotted line stretching into the open sea.

A surprise.

A secret.

With my husband’s arms around me and the whole ocean waiting.

I gripped the wheel, smiled, and steered us into the night.

A Chapter of our lives ending exactly like a promise just beginning.