The cabin broke into applause.

People stood, clapping, wiping their eyes, as Nia and I settled back into those wide first-class seats.

For the first time in two years, the weight in my chest lifted a little.

I held the carry-on with Ayana’s ashes against my lap and looked out the window as the engines came to life.

We were finally taking her home to the ocean, and my daughter knew, beyond any doubt, exactly who her father was.

Chapter 17 — Is the Captain’s Son Happy Now