“Hello. How’s everyone doing tonight?” I say into the mic.

A smattering of cheers answers me. A few guests raise half-filled wineglasses. Walsh whoops enthusiastically.

“How many of you enjoyed the giant tortoises today?”

More whoops and whistles.

“And who here spotted a Darwin’s finch?”

Hands go up all over the deck.

A familiar face bobs through the crowd, drawing my attention like a homing beacon. Graeme edges toward the front until he’s standing not ten feet away. He’s wearing slim navy pants and canvas loafers, and his short-sleeved white shirt is unbuttoned at the top. Grinning, he lifts two fingers in a sexy salute before tucking his hands into his back pockets.

My mouth goes dry. I swallow thickly. “Wildlife like the giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches are what make the Galápagos Islands special, and we want to keep it that way. Scientists are working hard to preserve these unique species to ensure they survive and thrive for generations to come.

“For those of you who may feel moved to support such conservation efforts, Seaquest Adventures would like to extend a special offer. For every hundred dollars you donate to the research station, we will enter you into a monthly drawing to win a free cruise. So if you donate two hundred dollars, you will receive two entries. Five hundred dollars, five entries, and so on. And anyone who donates five hundred dollars or more today will become an inaugural member of our Conservationist Club, which includes benefits such as advanced sales on new cruise itineraries and access to special discounted travel.”

Guests murmur to one another. Graeme’s muscles go lax and his arms fall to his sides. Lips curving upward in wry understanding, he drops his chin in a heavy nod.

He gets it. What I’m proposing is a substantial shift toward ecotourism. A philanthropic initiative like this can become a cornerstone of our marketing in the region, including digital. It can help us stand out as a company that cares about giving back, not to mention entice people to support a good cause and potentially travel on a future cruise with us as a result.

When Graeme looks up at me, his eyes blaze, but not with anger or jealousy.

With pride.

Warmth seeps through every cell of my body, down to my bones.

“Donations can be made through your shipboard account; no checkbook needed. Just fill out one of the cards located on the dining tables and give it to any staff member. We also have two special guests joining us for dinner tonight: Dr. Douglas Shaw, a scientist with the research station, and his wife, Analisa Mendoza. Analisa is one of our staff members and an outreach volunteer. They’re here to answer any questions you may have about how your donation dollars can make a positive difference.”