Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True Book 1)

by Alex Bailey

  Darren packed up his laptop. “Seriously, Sophie. How can you be completely different in only four days?”

  She thought about it for a second. She didn’t feel completely different. But some things had definitely changed. In her. For the better. “Maybe it’s just the magic of Christmas. Who knows? Let’s go join the others.”

  When they reached the rest of the group at the elevator, Sophie pulled a small Disney shopping bag out of her purse and handed it to Ray. “This is for you. For all the help with the munchkin.” She directed her smile to Ariel.

  Ray took the bag and said, “I have something for you too, but it’s up in the room. And you didn’t have to get me anything.”

  “I certainly did. Now, open it. I just hope you don’t already have this.”

  Ray opened the bag and pulled out a blue tie with Santa Mickeys and holly leaves scattered about.

  “I thought you could wear it to dinner tonight,” Sophie said. “If you want to, that is.” She flipped her hair to her back, using a single finger.

  “You won’t be embarrassed?” Ray put the tie up to his neck and let it fall in front of his Santa Mickey shirt to show it off and then laid the tie over his shoulder.

  “Huh?” Sophie was confused. She looked around at the group who had stopped chatting to watch the interaction between her and Ray. She searched their faces, but found no answer. “Why would I be embarrassed? I picked it out.”

  Ray’s hands swung to his hips like magnets. “I saw your face the first day you walked into the Animal Kingdom Lodge. When I wore the Mickey ears?”

  Sophie laughed. “No, Ray. You got it all wrong. I didn’t cringe at your Mickey ears. It was your Hawaiian shirt that day.”

  He glanced around the group with a bewildered look, waving his hands with palms up. “But it was a Mickey Hawaiian shirt!”

  She laughed again, this time nodding. “Well, you are correct. I judged you hard that day. But I’ve changed, Ray. You’ve changed me. You’ve shown me the joy in being here.”

  Darren coughed, but no one paid him any attention.

  “How’d I do that?” Ray asked.

  “Just by being you.” She kissed him on the cheek.

  “Hey!” Darren scorned. But Sophie ignored him once again.

  Ray smiled a sad little smile and looked over Sophie’s shoulder.

  She turned around to Darren’s intense stare and gave him a half smile. He had no right to be upset with a kiss on the cheek for a man who done everything to help her and Ariel. She turned back to Ray, when he said, “I’ll wear it proudly and if anyone is embarrassed”—he glanced at Darren again—“that’s their problem.”

  Darren let out a loud huff, making Sophie wonder where his animosity was coming from. She’d never seen him act like this.

  Sophie laughed. “No one will have a problem with it. This is Disney, after all!”

  Ariel said, “Ray, can you stoop down here for a minute?” When he complied, she hugged him around the neck. “Thank you.”

  Ray winked and nodded and then stood. “You two are most welcome. Couldn’t have had better chaperones.”

  “You were the chaperone,” Ariel said. “Remember you found me when I got lost?”

  “What do you mean, you got lost?” Rick frowned and laid a protective hand on his daughter’s shoulder.

  “Da-ad, it’s no big deal. Ray found me. See”—she pointed to herself—“I’m right here. I’m fine.”

  Rick continued frowning and directed it in Sophie’s direction. She knew it would have come out eventually. May as well have him find out right now. She pulled her lower lip down on the sides, revealing her bottom teeth and shrugged. Since it was a great time to change the subject, she said, “Well, I guess we better get dressed for Christmas dinner!”

  STANDING ON THE SIDEWALK outside their hotel, Sophie and Ariel twirled in their matching blue Mary Poppins dresses Sophie had purchased the night before in Disney Springs. It had just rained, but with the warm temperatures, the ground was mostly dry. Ariel stooped down and peered at the sidewalk. “Look! A hidden Mickey!” She pointed to three circles where the rain hadn’t dried—a large circle with two smaller circles, resembling a Mickey head.

  “Good job!” Ray said, and high-fived her.

  The dads, Marco and Jerome, waited near the curb, both craning to see around cars. They were in deep conversation about the structural components of the Contemporary Resort.

  “You two look very pretty,” Ray said to Sophie and Ariel.

  Ariel curtsied, and after taking a bow Sophie said, “Thanks. You look pretty handsome yourself in that silly tie.” He wore the tie she had just given him with a dark gray suit. She admired the way he looked in a suit. He reminded her of the handsome anti-hero, Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, but with short hair, a beard, and a heart.

  “Hey, don’t talk that way about this tie.” He adjusted the knot at the collar, setting it off-center. “It was a gift from someone very special.”

  Darren glanced up and then retreated to whatever was vastly more important on his phone. When it rang, he answered it and turned his back on the group.

  Sophie said, “You messed it up. Come here, let me fix it.” She centered the knot between both collars of his white dress shirt.

  Ray’s mom, Cora said, “You know, I’ve always loved Mary Poppins. It was the first movie I saw in the theater.”

  “Me too!” Nellie said. “We’ve got something in common.”

  “Oh I believe we have more than that in common, Nellie. Both of our families are real Disney fans.”

  Sophie grinned. Fanatics is a more accurate description.

  When the iconic red with white polka-dotted Minnie vans pulled up to the curb, Sophie called Darren over, while the group piled into the vans.

  Ray’s family entered one of the vans and Sophie’s family climbed into the other, leaving Ray standing on the sidewalk. Sophie scooted over and made room for him. “Ray, come on. You can fit in ours.” She turned to Darren, seated next to her and grinned. With a sigh, he turned and faced the window.

  When Ray climbed into the back seat and sat next to Sophie, there was something . . . familiar, and yet unexpected. Familiar was his wonderfully-fragrant cologne of orange trees, fresh-cut grass, and sunshine. She made a mental note to ask Ray what it was so she could get some for Darren. The unexpected was more difficult to define. But it had to do with his proximity to her. She had been this close to him before—when she fell into his arms on the bus, when he touched her hand, and earlier in the day when she had linked her arm through his. But at those times she hadn’t felt her heart pulsate so hard or so rapid. What’s this about? It’s been a tough day...I’m sure it’s just a release of emotions. Darren distracted her from her thoughts, when he reached for her hand.

  WHEN THE VANS DROPPED them off at the doors of the Contemporary Resort, with the California Grill on the top floor, Ariel pointed to the sky and shrieked, “Look! A rainbow!” A bright, full color rainbow enfolded the Contemporary Resort, its hues intensified against the gray-dappled cloud cover.

  “Let’s go!” Ariel took a hand of each of Frank’s twins and led the group to the check-in desk. After Ray gave his name, a Disney cast member escorted the group to the top of the building via the elevators.

  When the doors opened, they were greeted by an enormous wall of chilled wines in glass-door refrigerators.

  “Wow!” Sophie said. “That’s a lot of vino!”

  They followed their host through the retro sixties design of the California Grill. Whimsical lights, resembling tree branches with glass balls at the ends, hung from the ceiling. The outside walls were floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the Magic Kingdom. Four-foot gold-and-white decorated Christmas trees were scattered throughout the restaurant, giving it an elegant Christmas glow. The group was seated at a long table next to the window, with Cinderella’s castle in full view.

  Sophie sat next to Darren to her right and Ray’s sister-in-law, Maria sat on he
r left. Ariel sat across from Sophie, between Rick and Ray.

  Sophie was impressed. She had never been in the restaurant, or if she had, it had been when she was so young she did not recall. The one thing missing...Disney. She glanced around, but could find no Disney décor. She was surprised by this, and decided there must be something, even if it was only a hidden Mickey.

  “Did you lose something?” Maria asked.

  “Just wondering. This is a very nice place. But where’s the Disney? No characters in costumes? No hidden Mickeys?”

  Maria leaned across the table and called Ray, “Hey, Professor Disney. Any hidden Mickeys in here?”

  Ray shook his head. “Can you believe it? Not a one.” He smiled and pointed to one of the windows, “But you can see one from up here. A hidden Mickey is made from a row of trees in front of the building that you can’t see from the ground. Wanna take a look?”

  Sophie started to rise, but when Darren pulled her back down, she said, “Um...that’s okay, I was just curious. But thanks.” She glanced at Darren, whose scowl seemed to be growing. She refused to let his mood dampen her Christmas cheer, and instead, opened her menu and searched the selections. Everything sounded delicious, and she waffled between the salmon and pork tenderloin. She finally settled on the pork.

  All the adults but Darren ordered champagne. Instead, he requested a Colorado craft beer. Is he rubbing in the fact that we’re going to be in Denver tomorrow? Or is he trying to say we should be there now? No, he wouldn’t be that petty.

  When the three girls ordered Shirley Temples, Sophie leaned across the table to Rick and said, “Make sure she visit’s the little girl’s room before you leave.”

  When the drinks came, Jerome stood and said, “Merry Christmas everyone! I’d like to make a toast to Natalie.”

  Sophie held her breath so she wouldn’t get choked up.

  “To our beautiful daughter, sister, wife, and mom. And to Ariel for bringing us all together. We’re very glad to share our holiday with the Bueno family.” He sat down and everyone clinked their glasses together before taking a drink. Sophie took a large gulp of her champagne.

  Thank you, Dad, for being a man of few words. That wasn’t so bad. I’m still in one piece. Didn’t pass out from holding my breath. No tears. I’m making progress. Of course this champagne could have something to do with it.

  Marco then lifted his glass and announced, “I’d also like to make a toast.”

  All heads bobbed up and everyone reached for their glass again.

  “I’d like to make a toast to Haley.” He raised his glass high above his head.

  Ray made a deep suctioning noise through his lips. Sophie glanced at him, but his head was bowed.

  “We all miss her lovely spirit. Her silly jokes. And how much would she have loved this? Having Christmas dinner, sharing Christmas, with virtual strangers. Oh how Haley loved Christmas. To Haley!”

  Marco clinked glasses and everyone around the table followed suit.

  Does Ray have a sister? He’s never mentioned one. Perhaps some other relative was supposed to have joined them, but couldn’t make it?

  Sophie leaned over and whispered to Maria, “Who?”

  Maria gave Sophie a look of disbelief and then whispered, “She was Ray’s fiancée. Wonderful woman. We all loved her very much. She died in a car accident a few years ago. It’s his first trip back here without her. I’m surprised Ray didn’t tell you about Haley.”

  Sophie was stunned. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t respond. She could barely breathe. She had just spent the past five days with this man. Who had had a fiancée. And Sophie knew nothing about her. He never mentioned Haley once. But why? Why didn’t he say anything? Sophie glanced at Ray, who hid behind his menu.

  Chapter 16

  During the meal, Ray avoided eye contact with Sophie. The subject had quickly changed to the day’s events and getting to know more about each family. When the check came, Jerome and Marco fought over it, eventually agreeing to a split.

  When Sophie said, “Thank you Dad and Marco,” the rest of the table joined in thanking them.

  Ray asked Maria for the small Disney shopping bag she carried in her large pink Minnie Mouse mom-purse.

  When she handed it to him, he took out a small box and handed it to Ariel. “Here you go, princess. Merry Christmas.”

  Ariel accepted the gift and said, “Wow! Thanks! Dad said all the gifts are at home and we get to open them when we get back.” She threw a frown his way, then turned back to Ray with an enormous grin. “So this is a real Christmas surprise!” She opened the box and inside was a bracelet with an Ariel charm. She took it out of the box and put in on her wrist. “I love it!!” She got up on her knees and wrapped her arms around him, which he reciprocated.

  “I looked for a Figment charm but couldn’t find any, so I got your namesake. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Well, Ariel and Figment don’t know each other. Yet. But they’re going to meet! Tonight, when we get back to the room.” She admired her wrist and then held it up for everyone at the table to view it. “When did you get it?”

  “Remember when you two were shopping for dresses and I snuck away?”

  Ariel nodded.

  “That’s when.” Ray handed Sophie a box and said, “And I could never forget you. Merry Christmas, Sophie.”

  “What? No. You didn’t...You’ve already...Ray, come on.” Sophie felt guilty taking a gift from someone who had already given so much of himself. She owed him, not the other way around. She opened the box and stared at a framed photo of her and Ariel in front of Cinderella’s ice crystal-laden castle. The frame was rosewood, with the words, ‘Sophie and Ariel’s Magical Christmas Adventure’ etched into the wood below the photo. She hung her head and batted her eyelids to keep from crying. It’s beautiful. And it was the most thoughtful gift any man had ever given her, including her dad. He’d always been a wonderful father, but when it came to gifts, well, the tool chest he gave her when she turned thirteen hadn’t exactly been received well.

  She clamped her lips together and closed her eyes. Do not cry. Do not...A tear betrayed her and slipped out of her tightly held lids. She opened her eyes and said, “Thanks Ray. This is... It’s really beautiful. And touching.”

  Ariel opened her mouth into a wide yawn and Rick reached over and covered it with his hand. She giggled. “Thanks Dad.” And then to Sophie, she said, “Let me see.”

  Sophie held the picture up for everyone at the table to get a look.

  There were oohs and aahs, but Ariel said exactly what Sophie was thinking, “It was our first night here. It was magical!”

  Sophie nodded. “You’re right Arie. That, it was.”

  Sophie glanced at Darren, who said, “I didn’t bring your gift.”

  “Oh I wasn’t expecting—”

  “It’s on the slopes.” Darren folded his napkin and placed it neatly in front of him. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Are we done yet? We’ve got an early flight.”

  Before she could answer, Rick stood. “Well, it’s been a great Christmas. One I think Natalie would have loved to have shared with all of us. And I’m very grateful to Sophie and Ray and everyone here for making my daughter’s Christmas wish come true. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. And to Ariel.” He nodded to Ariel, “Wanna say anything, Pumpkin?”

  For the first time in forever, Ariel shied away from the spotlight. She stuck her fists to her mouth and sunk into her chair. Then she suddenly bounced up and announced, “Thanks everyone! Especially Aunt Sophie and you, Ray.” She tapped Ray on his arm.

  “You’re welcome, Arie. It was totally my pleasure. I couldn’t have had better company this week, myself.” He smiled at Ariel, and then at Sophie.

  She redirected her focus to the napkin in her lap, removed it, and tossed it onto the table.

  “Well, I think it’s time I get her to bed.” Rick held his hand out for Ariel.

  “Aww, Dad. Do we have to? I�
�m not tired yet.” She yawned, a half-stifled but not quite, yawn.

  Maria stood, “It’s okay, Ariel, we have to get back to the hotel too. It’s kinda late for the twins to be up. We can go back together.”

  Sophie’s parents stood and Jerome said, “You know how Grandma is, Ariel. I’ve got to get her to bed before midnight, or she’ll turn into a pumpkin. So we’ll be leaving too.”

  As soon as he finished, Ray’s parents stood and Cora said, “Ariel, my husband also turns into Grumpy if he doesn’t get his beauty rest. So I think we’ll join you as well.”

  Sophie was disappointed. She had heard the view of the fireworks from the California Grill’s observation deck was phenomenal and hoped they would be staying to watch them. She gave Darren a pouty face and said, “Can’t we just stay long enough to watch the fireworks?”

  “Fireworks? Since when have you been interested in fireworks?” Darren frowned. He turned to leave and Sophie stood.

  I’ve always loved fireworks. How does he not know this about me?

  “I’m staying for the fireworks,” Ray said. “They were really important to Haley, so I’m going to watch them. For her.”

  Sophie’s heart broke for Ray. She wanted to know why he hid the fact that he had a fiancée from her. How has he been able to handle this week without breaking down? He must be so strong.

  She smiled at Ray. “I’ll stay with Ray, Darren. You go back to the hotel with my folks.”

  Darren looked like a child who had just been sent to his room. “I’m staying.” He threw his arm around Sophie’s waist and drew her in, possessively.

  “Darren, you’re afraid of loud noises. You hate fireworks just for that reason. I’ll be fine. So, don’t worry about me, I’ll be back soon. And just so you know, I love fireworks.” She slipped out of his grasp and gave him a peck on the cheek.

  Darren glanced from Sophie to Ray and back to Sophie.

  She ignored his look, and gave hugs to both families, wishing everyone a merry Christmas.

  When the group left, a voice over the loudspeaker announced that anyone wishing to view the fireworks from the observation deck should make their way outside, since the show would soon begin.