73 Landed (1/2)

The sun was close to the horizon when the island came into view; its shadow reaching out towards them as if in welcome.

Rickie pushed the wallowing boat as best he could, and prayed they would be able to reach it before the engine quit. Already, it was struggling as water pooled around the inboard mechanics. Meaghan's attempt to keep the water out of the engine compartment was only delaying the inevitable, but he wanted every possible second.

Meaghan's arms and wrists ached with the effort to keep the manual pump working. She paused for a second when, with a gurgling cough, the engine finally died. She wiped her forehead and squinted through the cabin door at Rickie, who grimly measured the distance still to go.

Rick felt a moment of panic overcome the throbbing in his belly, and tasted fear when he thought about what they must do. He took in a breath, ignoring both the pain and the terror.

”Well, Meggie, we're within the surf line, but it will still be a bit of a swim. Are you ready?”

He turned and looked at her; even disheveled and battered, she snapped a saucy salute and said, ”Aye aye, Captain.” Rickie smiled as his moment of panic receded, proud of her attitude.

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”That's my girl.”He reached into the hold and pulled her out.

They both stood by the wheel and looked at the green and grey outcropping rising up from the water. They were close enough to see individual features, but they were still many meters away from the shoreline.

Rickie placed a bright orange life vest on Meaghan, making sure all the straps fit snugly, before he strapped on his own.

By then the forward motion of the boat ceased; it now wallowed between the waves, directionless and still sinking. Rickie grabbed up the remaining life vests and what useful equipment he could find, and roped it together. He reached out his hand and linked the two of them.Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her gently on the lips as she molded herself against him.

”Are we ready?”He asked as he leaned his forehead against hers.