Evan turns on the boat, and I untie the forward spring line. I hold the rope and lean over to walk the boat out of its slip. Since the Adie Lou is so much smaller than other boats and Evan is just learning—pardon the pun—the ropes, it’s easier to push the boat from the dock like a pontoon than risk an accident that could further fray Evan’s already frazzled nerves.

I hop into the passenger side at the last minute, tossing the rope onto the dock. Evan looks at me, eyes wide, as if he’s just seeing me for the first time.

“Mom! Wow! You’re really good at this,” he says.

“I’ve had lots of practice,” I say.

The truth is, I’ve always loved this boat, but I’ve enjoyed being a passenger and copilot more than being the captain. Perhaps it’s because my dad was always THE captain—I mean, that’s even how it was stated on his skipper’s cap. He taught me everything about this boat: I know how to tie every nautical knot, I know how to gas her up without scraping the sides, I know how to use a toothbrush to clean the hull, I know how to operate the boat. I just never really enjoyed driving it.

“I think it’s the only time you allow yourself to relax,” my dad once said. “Here, on this boat, with me.”

You were right, Dad, I think.

“Put her in reverse,” I tell Evan, “but don’t punch the gas. Just ease it out.”

It’s late on Sunday, and the marina is empty. Most of the boats are in their slips for the week, waiting for their owners to return next weekend. Evan checks behind him a half dozen times before hitting the gas. I jolt forward.

“Easy,” I say.

“Sorry.”

I turn to check Sonny, whose eyes are wide and seeming to watch Evan’s every move, as if to say, “Keep your hands at ten and two!”

Evan eases the boat forward and then putters out of the marina.

“You can go a little faster,” I say. “It’s okay.”

Evan blows the bangs from his eyes and nods before picking up speed.

It is the perfect end to what has been a perfect weekend: my first women’s weekend was a success, my first real date with Scooter was dreamy and now I get to spend an evening on my family boat with my son.

Evan heads down the river leading to the lake. Saugatuck is magical from the water as dusk falls over the town. Lights twinkle in rambling cottages, candles burn on the outdoor patios of restaurants, kids roast marshmallows over firepits while their parents sit on docks drinking wine. On the opposite side, people stroll the narrow road that curves along the river, working off their dinners.