Welcome to Blissville

by Walker, Aimee Nicole

  Destiny and Dylan were too young to really appreciate a Disney vacation the way older children would, but they soaked up the excitement and their grandparents’ adoration like little sponges. That didn’t mean the trip had gone off without a hitch. I might’ve left my high-maintenance routines behind, but our little drama king and queen had not. Gabe and I had broken up fights like seasoned referees, enforced naptimes with the intensity of bounty hunters, and outsmarted two finicky toddlers at mealtimes. It was no wonder I lingered in bed this morning. Parenting was exhausting but so fucking worth it.

  “Dadda!” Dylan and Destiny cried out. They ran to me as fast as their chubby legs allowed and threw themselves into my open arms. Breathing in the familiar bouquet of baby shampoo and innocence, I was once again overcome with the strength of my love for these tiny little humans.

  “My angels,” I said.

  My mom and Martina rounded us up like seasoned cowboys, then double-checked we had everything before herding us out the door. Thank fuck they hadn’t decided to brand us like cattle too.

  Gabe wrapped an arm around me as we followed behind our mothers, who’d taken the lead with the baby strollers. We’d made the mistake of getting a twin stroller on the first day but decided to split the kids up after they’d entertained parkgoers with a passionate, hair-pulling fight over a stuffed animal.

  The breakfast was packed, and I sent up a prayer that our toddlers stayed entertained and happy. Bad things happened when the twins got bored. Just like their daddy. My worry had been unwarranted, as usual. Destiny and Dylan were completely captivated by the performers from the minute we sat down. Disney’s attention to detail, from the rides to the entertainment to the food, was awesome and inspiring. Their commitment to excellence was driven by their love for their guests. I wanted to harness this energy and take it back to my salon.

  Gabe leaned over and kissed my cheek. “You’ve been staring at Prince Charming a little too long for my liking.”

  I blinked my eyes and brought the room back into focus. Sure enough, there was Prince Charming. I chuckled and leaned into him. “I was just staring off into space, and he happened to wander into the frame.”

  “Good answer,” Gabe said. Then he stole a sausage off my plate and took a bite. “You haven’t touched your breakfast.”

  I looked over and saw he’d eaten everything on his plate before starting on mine. Had he hoovered it down at warp speed, or had I been daydreaming for longer than I realized? “Sorry. I was just getting ideas for our salon.”

  Gabe grinned instead of lecturing me about being on vacation. He was fully aware of my multitasking skills. “Costumes. Singing. Dancing. You could make each room a different theme.”

  I chuckled, then ate a bite of oatmeal. “That’s not it. I want to duplicate what I’m feeling right now for my clients when they visit.”

  “Which is…”

  “Treasured, loved, and happy.”

  “Come on,” Gabe said. “From a salon visit? Happy, I can understand. But treasured and loved? Surely, no one expects so much.”

  I shrugged. “Maybe they should. Most of us spend half of our lives or longer settling for people and pursuits not worthy of our time. When you insist on the best for yourself, that’s what you’re going to get. I am the best.”

  Gabe smiled wolfishly. “Yes, you are.”

  I nudged his ribs again to get his mind out of the gutter. “Anyway, that’s where my mind went. It had nothing to do with Prince Charming over there.”

  “Okay, then.”

  “And, Gabe,” I said, kissing his cheek. “Falling in love with you was the greatest act of self-love I’ve ever permitted myself. So I can speak with real authority on the issue.”

  My big, tough guy practically melted in his chair. Gabe’s dark gaze went soft, and his mouth tilted up into the sappiest smile. “I promise you’ll never regret it.”

  Destiny let out a shriek resembling a battle cry when Cinderella neared our table. The young actress was equally enthralled with the twins and spent several minutes chatting with us and posing for pictures before moving on to the next table.

  “It’s going to be hard to top this,” I said upon exiting the castle an hour later.

  Our mothers still marched ahead militantly with our fathers walking and chatting a few paces behind them. Gabe and I ambled after them, content to live in the moment without rushing on to the next one.

  Gabe squeezed my hand. “I’m up to the challenge.”

  I was about to suggest we sneak back to our suite when my eyes landed on a stunning replica of Cinderella’s carriage, including a team of gorgeous white horses and a liveried coachman. “Oh my goodness,” I said. “I would love to take a ride in that thing.”

  “Would you? Well, let’s go ask,” Gabe said, tugging me toward the coachman.

  “Gabe, I’m sure he’s here to meet someone.”

  “Maybe, but we won’t know unless we ask, Sunshine,” he replied, quickening his gait.

  “Did you wish upon a star, Joshy?” my mom asked excitedly when we caught up to them.

  Then it hit me. Gabe’s confident stride and Mom’s unveiled glee could only mean one thing. “No way. You rented the carriage for us?”

  Gabe’s smile was triumphant and sexy. “It’s the first of many surprises today.”

  Our family took several pictures with the carriage, the coachman, and the horses. Destiny and Dylan loved stroking the horses’ silky manes and their velvety noses.

  “My babies need ponies,” Al said.

  “No,” Gabe and I both said at once.

  “We already have a zoo, Al,” I said.

  “More importantly, where would we keep a pony, Dad?” Gabe asked.

  “You could board them at an equestrian farm,” Al said.

  “No,” Gabe and I repeated.

  Al huffed out a disappointed sigh but dropped the subject.

  Gabe checked his watch and said, “We better get going.”

  “Why? Is this carriage going to turn into a pumpkin?” I asked.

  “We don’t want to be late for your next surprise. I promise you won’t want to miss a second.”

  Gabe and I climbed on board, then waved at our family. Dylan giggled and waved back, but I saw Destiny’s tiny lips tremble. My little darling was about to pitch a big fit because she wasn’t going in the carriage too. It made my heart ache, but I forced myself to remember that Gabe and I deserved these happy moments for ourselves. It would make us better parents in the long run.

  The coachman shook the reins, commanding the horses to trot. We waved and blew kisses until we could no longer see them. Many of the parkgoers waved and took pictures of us as we rode through the park.

  “This is so cool. Thank you,” I said, leaning into Gabe.

  My husband nuzzled his nose in my hair. “I wished upon many stars, and you’re the dream that came true.”

  Not that long ago, I would’ve ducked my head to hide the tears filling my eyes. Today, I proudly met my husband’s gaze and let Gabe see how happy he made me. “You’re the only prince I’ll ever want.”

  Gabe swooped down and gave me a kiss worthy of a fairy-tale ending.

  “Ready for hours of pampering?” Gabe asked when the coach stopped at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

  I replied by climbing over Gabe to exit the carriage and powerwalking toward the entrance. My husband chuckled as he disembarked and followed behind me at a slower pace.

  Our first treatment was a couple’s massage. From there, we indulged in facials, body wraps, and pedicures. Most of these experiences were new to Gabe. He was a little uncomfortable at first but adapted quickly. We practically collapsed into the back of the coach when we were through because our noodle legs didn’t want to support our weight. Gabe looked at me with a blissed-out expression that he usually reserved for after sex.

  “Now I know why you love this kind of stuff so much. I can’t remember a time where I felt this relaxed.” He giggled and
pulled me close. I don’t think I’d ever heard Gabe giggle until then. Which essential oil had wrought this kind of reaction in my guy? He pressed his lips to my ear and whispered, “Okay, yes, I can. It was last night after our midnight swim.” The lovemaking session that had followed was the real reason I’d lingered in bed so late.

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “You’re welcome. I’m so glad you enjoyed your spa day.”

  “I did, but I was expressing my gratitude for so much more than that.” I traced the angle of his jaw and the curve of his upper lip with my finger. “Thank you for loving me, even on the days when it isn’t easy.”

  Gabe wrapped his hand around my wrist, then pressed a kiss to my palm. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

  I pressed my lips to his ear. “Think the driver can sneak us back to our room?”

  Gabe’s fingers flexed around my wrist. He was so tempted. “We can’t. There are more surprises to come.”

  We caught back up with our family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Our coachman, Danny, was kind enough to take us on another quick ride to appease our littlest prince and princess. Dylan giggled and babbled while pointing to the horses. Destiny squealed in delight and clapped her chubby hands together when she wasn’t waving at people in the park.

  Afterward, Danny dropped us back off to our parents. We presented our mothers with gift certificates for the spa.

  “This is so thoughtful,” my mom said. “Thank you.”

  “We wanted to thank you for this wonderful trip,” I said, hugging her.

  Martina leaned her head against Gabe’s shoulder. “You shouldn’t have gone to the trouble.”

  “It’s not trouble, Ma,” Gabe said. “We appreciate you so much.”

  “If you don’t want it,” Al said, holding out his hand.

  Martina narrowed her eyes at her husband and tightened her grip on the envelope. “Don’t even think about it.”

  “Oh, I think about it a lot,” Al quipped. “Maybe the grandbabies can sleep in their own beds tonight, and I’ll show you.”

  Gabe grimaced. “Dad, come on.”

  I wasn’t embarrassed, though. I knew this was what I had to look forward to—decades of my husband lusting after me.

  “The little blessings can bunk with us tonight,” Bill said, winking at Al.

  “Or…they could sleep in their own beds like they do at home,” Gabe suggested. “You’re spoiling them.”

  “We’re grandparents. Get used to it,” my mom said.

  Martina’s watch beeped and she looked at it. “Time to get going, troops. We have a date with Donald Duck.”

  We rode Donald’s Dino Boat Bash before heading to Disney Springs for lunch and shopping. We toured a few more attractions before Gabe whisked me off for a romantic dinner for two. Our hectic lives didn’t allow too many uninterrupted moments where we could just revel in one another’s company. Gabe wasn’t just my husband; he was my best friend and having this time to connect one-on-one was priceless.

  Later that night, our family gathered on the private beach at our resort to watch the Happily Ever After firework display. Destiny lay sleeping in my arms while Dylan stared at the burst of color in the dark sky from Gabe’s lap. I rested my head on my husband’s shoulder.

  “This really is the happiest place on earth.”

  “Mmm,” Gabe said, tightening his arm around my waist. “The Disney experience is amazing.”

  “Yes, it is, but I was referring to your arms. There’s no place I’d rather be.”

  Gabe kissed my smiling lips. “And you’re my happily ever after.”

  First, I need to thank my husband and children for their constant support and encouragement. It’s not easy living with a writer who often disappears into a fictional world for long periods of time. They do so many things to help me out so that I can realize my dream. I love you guys more than words can ever express.

  To my creative dream team, thanks seem hardly enough for all that you do. Miranda Turner of V8 Editing and Proofreading, thank you for your tireless work, feedback, and many laughs while editing. Jay Aheer of Simply Defined art is an incredible artist, and I love how she brings my words to life. Stacey Blake of Champagne Formats is also an amazing artist who does incredible interior formatting, illustrating, and designing for e-books and paperbacks. It truly takes a village to whip me into shape. Judy Zweifel of Judy's’ Proofreading does a great job of proofreading and polishing to make my manuscript shine.

  To my lovely PA, Michelle Slagan. I’m not sure how I ever did this without you. I love you to the moon and back!

  OTHER BOOKS BY AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

  Only You

  The Fated Hearts Series

  Chasing Mr. Wright, Book 1

  Rhythm of Us, Book 2

  Surrender Your Heart, Book 3

  Perfect Fit, Book 4

  Return to Me, Book 5

  Always You, Book 6

  Any Means Necessary, Book 7

  Curl Up and Dye Mysteries

  Fatal Reaction (Series Prequel found on author’s blog)

  Dyeing to be Loved

  Something to Dye For

  Dyed and Gone to Heaven

  I Do, or Dye Trying

  A Dye Hard Holiday

  Ride or Dye

  Road to Blissville Series

  Unscripted Love

  Someone to Call My Own

  Nobody’s Prince Charming

  This Time Around

  Smoke in the Mirror

  Inside Out

  Prescription for Love

  The Lady is Mine

  The Lady is a Thief

  The Lady Stole My Heart

  Queen City Rogue Series

  Broken Halos

  Wicked Games

  Beautiful Trauma

  Zero Hour Series

  Ground Zero

  Devil’s Hour

  Zero Divergence

  Sinister in Savannah Series

  Ride the Lightning

  Mr. Perfect

  Standalone Novels

  Second Wind

  Coauthored with Nicholas Bella

  Undisputed

  Circle of Darkness: Genesis Circle Book One

  Circle of Trust (Genesis Circle, Book 2)

  Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

  I’d love to hear from you.

  Want to connect with me? All my links are in one nifty location. Click here.