“A water-taxi service from here to New Orleans. I had Ashley conduct a survey and there are a number of people living in the cove who work in New Orleans. They prefer living here for the small-town feel, but the bigger job opportunities are in New Orleans. Those same people have started complaining, and rightfully so, about the commute into work, which usually takes an hour or so on a good day. We can do a water-taxi service and get them there in half the time and it would be a relaxing trip since they won’t have to drive.”

Kaegan rubbed his hand over his chin, already liking the idea. “I can see it working.”

Ray smiled. “So can I. We can even serve a complimentary breakfast from Witherspoon Café. Something simple like blueberry muffins and coffee. That would boost sales for the Witherspoons, and the increase in blueberry sales will be good for Reid’s blueberry plant. It would help out with traffic jams whenever the cove hosts one of their festivals. A big bonus is that there will be less auto fumes on the road from here to New Orleans. And it might even increase home sales for people who prefer living in a small town.”

Kaegan nodded. “I’m sure you’ve talked to Reid about it. What about Sawyer?”

“Yes, and like you, both think it’s a great idea and are surprised no one has thought of it sooner. Of course, we’ll have to get permission from the state, but Reid doesn’t think there will be a problem.”

Kaegan chuckled. “I’m sure he doesn’t. We’re voting for a new governor next year, and any candidate would love to have Reid’s support and the nice campaign contribution that goes along with it.”

Ray shrugged. “Hey, whatever works.” He eased out of his chair. “Well, I’m glad you like the idea of the water taxi. Once more details are worked out, I’ll bring it before the Catalina Cove zoning board.”

He paused a moment and then said, “And think about what I said about Bryce, Kaegan. She’s a beautiful woman and men are going to want to talk to her. Instead of getting jealous, do something about it and make her yours permanently.”

* * *

KAEGAN WAS STILL thinking about what Ray had said when he and Bryce met later that evening to discuss music for the high-school holiday reunion. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know she hadn’t wanted to meet with him. She’d tried getting him to agree to a discussion over the phone. He turned down her offer both times.

It still bothered him whenever he thought about the guy who’d come into the café that morning, but like Sawyer and Ray had said, he had no rights where Bryce was concerned, so he needed to get over it. Besides, the last thing he needed was for her to think he was being territorial.

He had everything set and when he saw her strolling down the pier toward his yacht he couldn’t help but feel the love he had for her. She looked comfortable in a pair of warm brown slacks and a beige blouse. It was mid-October and the weather today was rather warm for this time of year.