8. At His Command (BWWM) [Book Three] #wattys2016

Chapter 27

All the crew members were busy preparing to leave.
"Now love, to answer your question," Linc said turning her around to face him. "We are taking a little cruise and sleeping out over the calm waters just so you can get proper rest."
"Thank you Linc," she said looking sincere.
"It's my pleasure," he said planting a kiss on her forehead as they slowly moved away from the shore.

Each and everyone one of her needs were catered to as they stared out at the star studded sky. Getting some rest everything was perfect as she slept soundly in his arms before a loud alarm pulled her out of her bliss.

"Mel get back inside!" Lincoln yelled over the howling wind. "I need you to stay inside were its safe," he said running to her handing her a life jacket as she nodded her head yes.
It then started to rain as Linc held onto the side rails heading towards the crew as they tried to pull up the anchor.
"Lincoln what's happening?" She yelled as she made her way towards them scared of leaving him out.
They were far away from the shore and for her to just sit inside worrying about him would be pointless. She wanted to help.

"Lincoln!" She called out as he turned to look in her direction.
His eyes widened in fear as he let go of the rope as she lost her footing and fell off the rail. The downpour was increasing as she felt her body hit the cold water making air leave her lungs in shock. The waves kept pulling her away from the yacht no matter how hard she tried to swim back.

"Melinda!" Linc cried out looking into the water before attempting to follow her just as hands stopped him.
"You need this sir," one of his attendants said as water continued to pour down.
Securing the rope around him Linc went in after her.
"Mel!" He yelled as one crew member tried his best to shine a floodlight into the water.
"Sweetheart!" He cried out trying to stay above the water.
Diving underneath the water her tried looking for her but to no avail.
"Melinda!" He yelled as he felt a tug on the rope.

After being pulled back aboard a blanket was thrown around him after they managed to stabilize the boat as the wind whistled swallowing whatever his crew was saying.
Heading to the com room he found his captain already calling in for help. Picking up a sati lite phone he called Ethan.
A few minutes later the waters were crawling with divers no matter how hard it was Linc watched as boat after boat arrived. By morning several boats from the marina had arrived with their owners offering assistance as their crew members geared up going in.

"Lincoln," he heard his mother whisper. Upon seeing her he broke down seeing the children standing by quietly as they ran into his arms.
Even the reports showed some respect cutting off their feed when they saw this. Seeing a grown man weeping like a baby in the embrace of his children was not newsworthy.
"Why are you crying daddy," Ryan asked.
"I just miss mama," he said looking at Zach to see a pained expression on his face. He knew.
"Where is mama," Rose asked.
"She will be back soon princess," he choked.

Standing up he held their hands slowly leading them to the car to go home. Ethan stayed behind helping but it was no use. Even after a week of searching they all remained silent.

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Present

"Lincoln you need to get out of the house," Ethan said in fustration.
Looking up at my brother I knew he must been going through hell keeping my company and Mel's afloat. I looked away from him to stare at the frame that held her smiling image. She was alone in this one as she looked towards me a sexy smile that I loved so much.

"Get up," Cas growled angrily as I looked at him. "Get up this instant or I will set my hounds on you this very instant."
I could tell he was not bluffing as I grumbled getting out of the chair just as Ethan opened the blinds making me wince as I shielded my eyes.
"Get yourself cleaned up, we are going out," Cas said. "What do you think Mel would say if she saw you like this," he spat.
What he said was like a stab in my heart as I thought of just how she would react. Most likely be furious with me for neglecting my health. I hadn't been sleeping very well, each time I closed my eyes I would see her face before she fell overboard. Each step I took in our room was a nightmare on its own as I remembered every moment with her, her scent still overwhelming my senses.