First Mates

First Mates
Cecelia Dowdy

A cruise around the Caribbean offered just what Rainy Jackson needed to get over her faithless ex-fiancé - sun, swimming and solitude.As the heat sank into her bones, she began to feel interest in the world again…and in handsome fellow passenger Winston Michaels. Winston had also hoped for time alone to reflect. But finding a friend in faith in the lovely Rainy helped him deal with his twin sister's death without relying on unhealthy means of deadening the pain.And Winston's outlook brightened further when dates back home in Miami brought him and Rainy even closer. Would Rainy be the one to share Winston's life voyage?

“I just hope you don’t mind spending so much time with me, Rainy. This ship is full of people and I don’t think you’ve had the opportunity to mingle with the other passengers.”

I can’t believe he seems to be on the verge of apologizing for spending time with me. What if he wants to be rid of me for the rest of the cruise so that he can meet other women?

“Look, Winston, if you’re having second thoughts about spending the day together in Cozumel—”

“No,” he said quickly, “it’s not that. If you get tired of my company, then you’ll need to say something, because…” He glanced toward the windows before looking at her again. “Because I haven’t had such a good time in ages….”

CECELIA DOWDY

has been an avid reader since she learned to string letters together to form words. While she pursued a business degree in college, one of her professors tried to convince her to get an English degree since he felt she was a great writer. Years later, after receiving her B.S. in finance, she took her former teacher’s advice and started pursuing her literary career.

She loves to read, write and bake delicious desserts during her spare time. Traveling is another favorite hobby, and she’s been to various countries around the world, including Germany, France, England, Tahiti, New Zealand, Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Santo Domingo. She enjoys listening to old tunes with her husband on Saturday nights. Currently she resides with her spouse in Maryland.

First Mates

Cecelia Dowdy

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;

Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,

And with my song I will praise Him.

—Psalms 28:7

First, I would like to thank my Heavenly Father.

I would also like to mention my family who gave

me strength and encouragement over the years,

namely, my sisters Joanna, Dorva and Raquel,

and my parents, Joe and Mattie Dowdy.

Thanks to my fellow writing friends,

Michelle Monkou and Loree Lough,

and to my best buddies Patty Elliott-Gray,

Alice Turner, Jay Briscoe and Alva Roane.

Hugs and kisses to my beloved husband,

Christopher Toomer, for always believing in me.

Much gratitude to my critique partners from

American Christian Romance Writers (ACRW):

Jennifer Johnson, Joy Libby, Flavia Crowner,

Rose McCauley and Amber Miller (Tiff).

My gratitude also extends to

Krista Stroever,

my editor.

Dear Reader,

I certainly hope you enjoyed Rainy and Winston’s story! I would like to stress the importance of keeping our Heavenly Father in our lives. No matter what battles you may be struggling with, you can always lean on Him, and He will see you through the tough times!

I enjoy hearing from readers. Feel free to visit my Web site, www.ceceliadowdy.com or e-mail me at dowdywriter@aol.com. You can also write to me at the following address:

Cecelia Dowdy

P.O. Box 951

Greenbelt, MD 20768-0951

Blessings,

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight