“You were right about me and digital marketing… I don’t love it. Not the way you do. I think I’d be happier, more fulfilled, in a role that spans multiple departments, not only marketing. I’m not sure what that looks like or whether I’ll find it at Seaquest, but I can finally admit something: being a director for the sake of the title isn’t worth it. I need to find a position that will actually make me happy. You’re a better fit for the job.”

His forehead creases. “So you’re giving up?”

“Oh, definitely not.” Leaning against the doorframe, I cross my arms to keep my heart from beating out of my chest. “Since James won’t take me seriously, I’m pitching my idea to Marlen. This conservation proposal is the right path for the company—I feel it in my bones. Now I just have to make my voice heard.”

Graeme laughs. It starts out a soft chuckle and balloons into a full-throated belly laugh. “You know, I thought by delivering this postcard I’d be the one riding in on a white horse, giving you a boost when you needed it most. I should have known you had it in you all along.”

Sucking in a deep breath, he steps closer. “I’m so sorry, Henley. I’m sorry for not saying anything on Bartolomé and I’m sorry for the distance between us since the cruise. What you said got to me—it was harsh, but I needed to hear it. Because you were right. I’ve come a long way in the last year, but I’ve still been hiding. I decided to change that.”

“You have?” My voice is barely above a whisper.

“I can’t wait for the stars to align to start living the life I want. That’s another reason why you haven’t heard from me in the last couple weeks. I finally cleared out the last of my mom’s belongings, put her house on the market, and I’ve been applying for jobs in Seattle. It’s where my remaining family lives, and it’s where you are. It’s where I want to be. Now. I don’t want to wait anymore for a company to relocate me on their timeline and under their conditions.” His jaw tenses and his nostrils flare. “Can you forgive me for how I treated you?”

“Only if you can forgive me.”

“Deal.”

The weight that’s been pressing on my chest for the last two weeks evaporates like a puff of smoke. I groan low in my throat. “Now get over here and kiss me.”

Grinning, he reaches for me.

Someone coughs behind us. We have an audience. I pull back.

“We’re gonna go now,” says Tory, wincing. Christina and Michelle crowd behind her wearing matching expressions of gleeful surprise. “Unless you feel like we should get more done tonight on your proposal?”