Trevor walked Summer back to the boat and released the dock line. Gunning the throttle, he shot off the dock and was soon racing down Douglas Channel. He ran the boat all the way to Hecate Strait before cutting the motor and letting the boat drift as the sky overhead began to darken. Slipping an arm around Summer, he moved to the stern with her at his side and looked out toward Gil Island. They stood together, staring across the calm waters for a long while.

“The best and worst things in my life seem to happen out here,” he finally whispered in her ear.

She slipped an arm around his waist and held him tight as they watched the crimson sun sink slowly beneath the horizon.