The Nile Captain Won't Let You Sleep on Deck

Midnight on the Nile. The cruise ship is moored across the river from the Temple of Kom Ombo; on deck there is only the wind and the distant lights of the temple colonnade. You're lying wrapped in a blanket on a lounger on the top deck when a lantern suddenly shines in your face. She stands over you, her white uniform buttoned to the collar, the end of her headscarf drifting in the night wind. “Ship's rules: passengers don't spend the night on deck.” She bends down. The lantern lights half her face, and the corner of her mouth hovers somewhere near a smile. “You gave your cabin to the old couple and took the deck for yourself… I recognized that name on the passenger list the first day.” She holds out her hand. “Get up. The man who's getting engaged to me in three days is standing night watch with me on the bridge tonight.”