Bruce’s eyes shone with wonder, as though he couldn’t believe his luck. He wrapped his hands around Elsa’s and helped her back onto the dock, which creaked beneath their weight. Together, they walked back toward her family with their fingers weaved together.
“How did Cole do?” Bruce asked, calling out over the noise of the crowd.
“Third!” Elsa said.
“Fantastic,” Bruce affirmed. “He was talking to me about going pro the other night. I told him to go for it. There are plenty of reps here.”
“He should really talk to Tommy Gasbarro and figure out the next steps,” Elsa agreed, beaming with pride.
“Gosh, I wish I had had that boy’s talent when I was twenty-seven,” Bruce said.
“Yeah. Instead, you’re just a criminal lawyer with a wealth of intellect, exciting clients, and a wonderful career filled with interesting stories,” Elsa said, rolling her eyes.
To this, Bruce puffed out his cheeks, his eyes glittering. “All a man ever really wants to be is a sailor. You know that.”
Elsa did. But before she could think of a clever response, Nancy stepped forward to smash her fist into Bruce’s massive bicep, congratulating him like a guy in a locker room would.
“You’ve got a lot of strength in you, Nancy,” Bruce said, wincing.
“What can I say?” Nancy returned with a laugh. “I’m a yogi. We’re filled with hidden power.”
“Who wants another glass of wine?” Janine hollered from behind the ever-growing family. “The line is a little bit shorter than it was, and I think I can sweet-talk my way to the front.”
“I’ll help you,” Alyssa said as she slid Lucy into Maggie’s arms.
“What a rowdy family you have,” Bruce breathed into Elsa’s ear. “And how grateful I am to feel a part of it.”
Elsa’s heart lifted. “I feel the same.”