The Reef

engine belched. As it drew alongside, Tate estimated that it was forty feet of warped wood, cracked glass and corroding metal.
    Buck stood at the wheel, waving wildly. “Ain’t shesomething?” he shouted. He cut the engines, which showed their appreciation by vomiting a spew of smoke. “Weigh anchor.”
    There was a horrible grinding sound, a shudder and screech. Buck shoved up his shaded glasses and grinned.
    “Going to christen her Diana. LaRue says she was a hell of a hunter.”
    “Buck.” Matthew coughed and waved at the smoke carried cheerfully by the breeze. “Are you telling me you bought that thing?”
    “ We bought this thing,” LaRue announced and strolled out on the slanted deck. “We are partners, me and Buck.”
    “You’re going to die,” Matthew decided.
    “Just needs some paint, little sanding, some mechanical work.” Buck started down the steps to the deck. Fortunately, it was the second riser from the bottom that snapped under his weight. “Some carpentry,” he added, still grinning.
    “You gave someone money for that?” Tate wondered.
    “She was a bargain.” LaRue tapped the rail cautiously. “When she’s shipshape and our work is done here, we are off to Bimini.”
    “Bimini?” Matthew repeated.
    “There’s always another wreck, boy.” He beamed at Matthew. “Been too many years since I had a boat of my own under me.”
    “How’s it going to stay under him?” Tate murmured under her breath. “Buck, wouldn’t it be better to—”
    But Matthew put a hand over hers and squeezed. “You’ll make her shine, Buck.”
    “Coming aboard for inspection,” Ray called out. He stripped off his shoes and shirt and plunged into the water.
    “They do love their toys,” Marla decided. “I’m making lemon tarts if anyone wants a snack.”
    “Right behind you.” Lorraine grabbed Hayden’s hand.
    “Matthew, that boat is a mess. They’ll have to replace every board and spur.”
    “So?”
    Tate blew her bangs out of her eyes. “Wouldn’t it bemore practical to put their money into something in better condition? Into something in any kind of condition?”
    “Sure. But it wouldn’t be as much fun.” He kissed her, and when she started to speak, kissed her again, thoroughly. “I love you.”
    “I love you, too, but Buck—”
    “Knows just what he’s doing.” Matthew grinned over the rail where the three men were busy laughing and examining the broken step. “Charting a new course.”
    Bemused, she shook her head. “I think you’d like to go with them, bailing all the way to Bimini.”
    “Nope.” He scooped her into his arms, spun a circle. “I’ve got my own course. Straight ahead full. Want to get married?”
    “Yeah. How about tomorrow?”
    “Deal.” The reckless light came into his eyes. “Let’s dive.”
    “All right, I—” She squealed when he carried her to the rail. “Don’t you dare throw me in. I’m still dressed. Matthew, I mean it. Don’t—”
    She gave a scream of helpless laughter as he leapt out into the water.