The sun had begun to sink below the horizon when Captain Jim brought them back to the dock. They were slightly sunburned and windblown, and pleasantly buzzed from the wine in the excellent picnic basket. Maggie Thornton had outdone herself.
"Hope you all had a good time," the old man said as he parked the boat neatly in its slip. Kyle leaped down to help secure the ropes.
"I sure did," he said. Then he looked up at Pepper. "Thank you for another great day."
"You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it." She gave her hand to Kyle so he could help her off the boat.
"You should take your man to the Lighthouse for dinner," Captain Jim told her.
"I'm not sure we're fit company for a public place right now," Kyle laughed, indicating their somewhat bedraggled state.
"You are for that place," Captai
