Chance

by Carolyn M Bowen

  Valentine’s Day had just passed, and Daniela was glowing with happiness. Sydney knew a proposal was likely. After David went to sleep, Daniela asked to talk with her in the kitchen and share a glass of wine. An unusual request for a weekday, with their busy lives. Usually, the weekend was their shared time together as Daniela cooked and created native dishes for Jonathan and their family meals together.

  They met at the kitchen bar, where Sydney poured their glasses with wine. Daniela was beaming with joy and announced her upcoming wedding plans, showing off her diamond engagement ring.

  The wedding would be on Saturday, May 18, in Barbados, where their immediate family and friends could attend. After their honeymoon at the Canadian Niagara Falls in Ontario, they’d return to Barbados to live and work. Her fiancé, Jonathan, had already arranged for their new home in an upscale oceanside community. She’d secured a teaching position at Westbury Primary School, in Bridgetown, near her parents’ home.

  Sydney congratulated and hugged Daniela. “I wish you much happiness.”

  Daniela was relieved she shared her joy; she’d been concerned how she’d take her exciting news.

  Trying to hold back tears, she said, “Thank you.”

  They relaxed and talked about helping David to understand her leaving, knowing she loved him. Sydney said, “I’ve been thinking about buying a vacation home there. Perhaps you, David, and I can continue our friendship on the island.”

  “Are you seriously considering Barbados for a vacation home?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  Daniela’s eyes lit up and she smiled. “I’d love that. I could see David on your trips!”

  “I’ll look into it when we come to your wedding.” Laughing, she asked, “We are invited?”

  “Of course! And I’d love for David to be in my wedding. He’s big, and tall enough to be a part of the wedding party. My niece and nephews will be glad to have some help seating the guests.”

  “He’ll be excited to be included. Thank you, Daniela.”

  “You and David are my extended family. Nothing else would suit.”

  Daniela would be leaving in April, a month before the wedding. She and Jonathan had much to do to set up their new home and finish the wedding arrangements. Saying goodbye would be difficult and they’d agreed telling David the night before was best, with a reminder she’d see him soon.

  They called it a night after Sydney made a toast to Daniela’s future happiness. She checked on David before going to her own bedroom and was pleased he was smiling in his sleep. “Sweet dreams, my son,” she whispered.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  A Caribbean Wedding

  Walker’s businesses were flourishing. He gave half-interest in his most lucrative charter boat to the captain who’d made it possible. They’d grown tight over the last few years and he considered him a brother. They often grabbed a beer together, and Alex never tired of trying to fix him up with a woman; usually a relative.

  Alex said, “My cousin Jonathan is getting married, and it will be the event of the year. A real party, with plenty of booze and food!”

  Walker didn’t need to be a mind-reader to know his next words. He said, “Sounds like you’ll have fun.”

  “And you, too, my brother. I just happen to know someone who needs a plus one for the wedding and reception. Think you’d be interested?”

  “You’re setting me up on a blind date to—a wedding, of all places? You know how dreamy-eyed women get at these things.”

  “It’s nothing you can’t handle. And besides, Jenna is a knock-out, and will show you a good time and introduce you around.”

  “Well, I don’t know. Don’t we have a charter that day? Maybe I’ll take the fishing party out and you can enjoy the wedding.”

  “The wedding is right after our high season, you know, December 15 through April 15, so there’s no worries. The ceremony is May 18 and I booked around it, so everyone’s happy. So, see, we can enjoy the day off with women and dancing!”

  “You make it sound more like a night out clubbing than a wedding. You must need a distraction—or a buffer. Who are you trying to escape?

  “My ex.”

  “Enough said, I’ll be there. Tell Jenna to call me with the details. That is—if it was her idea in the first place.”

  “Oh, it was—I promise you.”

  Alex shook his head. Apparently, his good friend Jim Godwin hadn’t looked in the mirror recently. Half the women on the island wanted him.

  Sydney made their Barbados plans to stay in one of the oceanside communities with new homes for sale. She wanted to check out a new development, since someone had tried to break in at the last place they’d lodged.

  Staying for the wedding and a mini vacation afterwards would provide a chance to look over the community and its residents. If she liked one of the villas for sale, she’d put down a binder and hope for a faster closing than she’d been advised was normal in Barbados.

  She planned to relax and rejuvenate in Barbados while spending time with her son. She needed a break from her fast-paced world, and her new partners and staff could keep the law office running smoothly in her absence.

  She’d posted notice with her security team that she’d need someone for the trip to Barbados. She wondered if Len, the bodyguard from their previous trip, would volunteer again. At least he knew what he might be up against; not the usual Caribbean vacation.

  Everything was in place for their departure and Len, from her security team, stepped up for the occasion. They arrived in Barbados, and Daniela was waiting at the airport for their arrival. They hugged, and she invited them over that evening for dinner with her and Jonathan. Sydney gladly accepted and said, “See you tonight.” They hugged again.

  Len had secured their rental car and had loaded their luggage while Sydney talked with Daniela. She waved goodbye and they were on the way to their oceanside retreat.

  The villa was ready for their occupancy with fresh food and beverages stocked for their stay. Sydney gave Len the evening off while she and David had dinner at Daniela’s. Her new home was a short drive from their luxury community.

  Daniela’s new home was beautiful. Although not quite as large as the ones in the community where Sydney was staying, she had ocean view. David was smiling. He was excited to see her.

  Jonathan was cordial, and both he and Daniela appeared happy. Sydney couldn’t want anything more for her. She asked, “Are you ready for your big day?”

  Daniela smiled and said, “Yes, the wedding has turned into the event of the season. We’re happy to share our special moment with friends and family. And, we both have large extended families. So, there’ll be lots of people in attendance. We are especially pleased you and David could attend.”

  “We are glad to be here on your special day. Thank you for inviting us.”

  “Now if you can find a vacation home, we can continue our friendship here.”

  “I’ll be looking. In the meantime, is there anything I can do to help with your wedding and reception?”

  “No, I think we’ve got everything ready. But, thank you for asking.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  They enjoyed the Caribbean dinner Daniela prepared, and knowing it had been a long day and seeing David’s sleepy eyes, she said, “We’d best call it a night.”

  Sydney said goodbye and congratulated them on their new home.

  “Thanks for coming over. I couldn’t wait to see you both again.”

  Len was waiting at the door when they returned. She’d called to say they were on their way. She poured a glass of wine and relaxed after saying goodnight to David.

  Tomorrow would be a big day. She’d made prior arrangements to look at villas for sale on the West Coast of Barbados. Then she and David would enjoy the beach in front of the villa and have an easy lunch with cold soup and a sand
wich at home. Afterwards, she, David, and Len would go to Champers Restaurant for dinner.

  David stayed with Len while Sydney explored vacation properties. She was sure he would not be interested until she found the one, she wanted to buy. Then she’d show it to him. He was excited about the idea of living near Daniela, even if it was just on vacation.

  The luxury real estate agent had a good selection lined up for her to view. The one that she could see them enjoying was a modern villa on beautifully landscaped tropical grounds just steps from the water’s edge.

  The villa was larger than she and David needed, with five bedrooms and five baths. Yet, for the size of the property it was sitting on and the contemporary architectural design and high-end furnishings, she couldn’t go wrong as an investment.

  Thinking about her and David’s safety, she was relieved that upstairs there was a magnificent master suite and additional guest suite, David’s room, and a living area opening onto a wrap-around balcony, with an uninterrupted view of the Caribbean Sea.

  Three other bedrooms were located on the main level along with formal and informal dining areas, a state-of-the-art kitchen, well-equipped media room, and ample living space, with bar and covered terraces and sundeck surrounding the stylish, 45’ infinity pool.

  She knew how important location was, and the villa was located within easy reach of fine dining restaurants, trendy boutiques, and world-class duty-free shopping and championship golf courses.

  She told the salesperson she’d call later for an appointment to show her son the property. She said, “No problem. If you want to go get him now, I’ll wait, since you’re staying nearby.”

  “Thank you.”

  Len and David were playing video games with David killing him in their warfare. He was teaching him some moves for winning the game when they were interrupted by a phone call from Sydney.

  She said, “I’m on the way back to pick up David to look at a property. Tell him to be ready to go.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  David was waiting by the garage and hopped in for a quick ride back to the property. After introductions, she showed him around and watched his expressions. He liked this one better than where they were staying.

  “What do you think, David? Would you like for us to live here on vacation?”

  “Yes. I love the pool and the media room.”

  “Then, we’ll buy it.”

  “Good,” said the salesperson. “You know only attorneys-at-law can handle real estate transactions in Barbados, yes? Do you have a local attorney to handle the contract and closing?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, then, they’ll take it from here.”

  Sydney had hired an attorney before coming to complete any real estate transaction she should make and to make a formal request to the Central Bank of Barbados to wire money directly to them for closing. She wanted to be ready to act if she found a vacation home she wanted. She was glad for her foresight. Real estate transactions could take anywhere from three to six months to close—Island Time—and she wanted to move faster.

  She smiled at David and said, “I think we just bought our dream home.”

  “Me, too, Mama. I’d love to live here near Daniela.”

  “Well, at least on vacation and when we can get away.”

  Sydney called Daniela and said, “Well, the deed’s done. I’ve made an offer on a home in Barbados.”

  Daniela let out a loud shriek and Sydney moved the phone away from her ear as she congratulated her. “Now, we can be neighbors, and I’ll see David a lot more often,” she said.

  “I can’t wait to show it to you. I think you’ll love it, and can help me plan parties to get to know some people on my next visit. I’m so excited.”

  “Me, too.”

  “I’ll see you on Saturday at your wedding. Until then, if you need anything, just call me.”

  “Thank you.”

  Sydney had no idea she’d be this excited about her new vacation home. She’d inherited other homes from her parents, and they were extraordinary getaways, but this one was her and David’s choice. She couldn’t wait until the papers were signed. She wasn’t surprised by David’s obvious joy; he loved Daniela, who’d been with him since birth. Tonight, at Champers Restaurant, they’d celebrate finding their dream home on the island.

  The next day was Daniela’s wedding, and David was included in the wedding party. He would be an usher, helping to greet and seat the wedding guests. He stood head and shoulders taller than most of her young nephews and was eager to be a part of Daniela’s special day.

  Daniela’s friend Kaylia was a wedding planner who coordinated destination weddings in Barbados. She helped Daniela plan her wedding. Although there are many locations to choose from to host weddings from beaches, galleries, plantation homes, and important historical sites, or even yacht weddings, Daniela had always dreamed her wedding would be at St. Patrick’s. She’d being going to the cathedral on Bay Street in Bridgetown since she could remember. The church had played an important role in Bridgetown for over 100 years. Daniela’s ancestors were members of St. Patrick’s, and her family remained active through the present. No other wedding venue could come close to her feelings about St. Patrick’s. Her dream was about to come true with a wedding to the man she loved.

  Although Sydney had purchased a stunning Calvin Klein cocktail dress with flattering fit and flare in Atlanta, she wanted to check out the island’s offerings. She hurried to shop the downtown Bridgetown boutiques. She wanted a dress suitable for an island wedding, and knew one of the shops on the main road would have the right selection, likely from a local seamstress.

  She chose a lightweight chiffon tea-length dress from a local boutique and was pleased with the feel of the fabric and the unique pattern design. She felt pretty in a semi-formal Caribbean way.

  She’d brought David’s wedding suit from Atlanta. His size compared to his age made it difficult to find clothes at most shops. He’d had another growth spurt, leaving no doubt he’d be tall and bulky like his father, Walker.

  They dressed for the event early, to get David there on time as a member of the wedding party. He was excited to see Daniela get married. He liked Jonathan and their nieces and nephews.

  Sydney drove them to St. Patrick’s, leaving Len, her bodyguard, at the villa. She didn’t sense there’d be danger lurking at Daniela’s wedding. Len had protested, but only mildly. After all, she was the boss.

  David hurried just ahead of her to the greeters’ meeting place. Once he was settled and talking with his new friends, she walked outside to wait until closer to the time of the ceremony.

  A crowd was gathering at the entrance and she decided to get in line to be seated. Making polite conversation with others about the bride and groom’s big day was interesting and festive. Finally, her son, David, took her by the hand to escort her down the aisle to the mahogany pews on the left side, where the bride’s family and friends were seated. She couldn’t be prouder of her son.

  As they were walking, she looked to her right on the groom’s side and noticed a man a head taller than most, with broad shoulders, and had a feeling she knew him. She quickly shook it off and allowed her son to seat her.

  Once the mother of the bride was seated, signaling the wedding procession was to begin, David returned to her pew and waited for the ceremony to begin.

  The organist began playing, and everyone stood looking toward the entrance where the bride’s procession would begin. First the bridesmaids, and then the ring bearer and an adorable flower girl with a posy of flowers streamed down the aisle.

  Daniela was looking more beautiful than words. Escorted by her father, she was wearing a trumpet/mermaid off-the-shoulder gown with a train made of tulle, carrying a bouquet of the island’s national flower, the Pride of Barbados. The sound of the wedding march rose to a crescendo, bringing tear
s to her eyes.

  The priest officiated the vows and announced Daniela and Jonathan as husband and wife. As is tradition in Barbados, the bride and groom signed the legal documents before their wedding guests. The guests stood and applauded as the bride and groom walked down the aisle, leaving the sanctuary for the reception hall.

  The reception area was elegantly decorated with candles, lilies, and an array of sunset-colored tropical flowers. The traditional Black Cake, a rich mixture of blended fruits soaked in wine/rum and baked, then topped with royal icing and a wedding ornament, sat undisturbed on the linen-covered table, ready to be cut by the bride and groom.

  A buffet table was filled with freshly harvested seafood, fruits, and vegetables. The native dish of Barbados, Flying Fish, was fried to perfection. A large crystal bowl filled with fruity rum punch, along with nonalcoholic drinks, were ready for the guests. A band of local musicians began playing popular island music as the bride and groom danced their first dance.

  Sydney stayed longer than she’d planned, for David was enjoying his new friends. She observed the tall, muscular, light-chocolate-colored man with a beautiful Barbadian woman as they danced to the music. Between sets he was talking with someone, probably a friend, laughing about something. She couldn’t shake the thought she knew him, even though they’d never met.

  She spoke briefly to Daniela, wishing her happiness in her marriage. The guests began leaving and she corralled David for the ride home. Daniela’s friend and wedding planner, Kaylia, did a marvelous job, with guests leaving with gift bags tied in a ribbon of her tropical wedding colors with favors of sugared almonds.

  David never stopped chattering on the way home. He couldn’t wait to spend summers with his new friends. This was the happiest she’d seen him since Daniela left Atlanta.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Dream Home