by Tara Brent
My mind reels back to the land of the living as I shake out of my daydream. Calvin's parking a rented car in a reserved bay, which I find odd. Then, out of the blue, we’re greeted by an attractive young blonde woman. She introduces herself as Angie, and informs us she will be our guide for the day. I would have proffered to walk around like everyone else. This day is about Callum though, and I want him to have the best time ever, so I agreed to it. Angie turns out to be very well informed, so I don’t hold her attractiveness against her. When I see how good she is with Callum, I even begin to like her.
Sleepover
“Have you decided which area you want to sleep in tonight, Callum?” Our guide asks, and I take a sharp intake of breath. I'd not had a chance to tell Tiffany of my plans, and now I see a puzzled look on her face.
“I arranged for us to sleep in the aquarium,” I quickly step in, before Tiffany has a chance to lose it. “It’s something they do here, family sleepovers. I thought Callum might like to sleep with the sharks, what do you think son?”
From the beaming smile on his face, he’s impressed with the idea, but Tiffany remains silent.
“Well, I’m sure you guys will have a great time,” Tiffany's mom pipes up. “But at my age, I need a soft mattress under my body when I sleep.”
“Don’t worry, Pauline, I can organize for someone to drive you back to the boat,” I suggest to Tiffany’s mom.
“No need to go to such trouble," she smiles back at me. "I can drive myself back to the boat if I can use your car?”
Well, that was one problem solved. I doubt Tiffany is going to be quite so accommodating, but so far she hasn’t raised any objections. In the meantime, Callum’s enthusiasm has waned a little and he has a look of consternation on his little face.
“How can I sleep with the sharks, daddy, I can’t swim?”
I pick him up and look over at Tiffany who smiles back at us both.
“Well, that’s okay because daddy will teach you. For now, we don’t need to sleep in the water, we can sleep on the floor. That's so we can watch them through the glass all night long. What do you think of that, little buddy?”
I feel a kind of elation at seeing the smile return to his cute cheeks, Hah! We did that together, we made our son happy again. His excitement returns and we finish our tour. While I hold one hand of Callum's hands, Tiffany has the other. We look like a proper family together. For the rest of the visit, I'm walking on air. As we come to the end of our aquarium tour, we feed the sea otters before heading for the restaurant for dinner. The table we choose has huge panoramic windows that look over the ocean. Even Tiffany's impressed with the outstanding views. After dinner, we walk Pauline back to the parking lot. As I give her the keys for the rented car, which happens to be a Bentley, she looks hesitant.
“Oh, I’m not so sure now” she mutters. “I’ve never driven such a classy car before.”
“She drives the same as any other car, Pauline,” I reassure her. "You’ll be fine once you're behind the wheel. Oh, and ask my driver, Romano, to pick us up here in the morning, will you?”
After farewell hugs with her daughter and grandson, she confidently drives off towards the marina.
Back inside the aquarium, we’re soon settling down on our sleeping mats. I was unsure of this idea when I first thought of it, but I’m so glad I went ahead and booked it. Callum is loving it, and so am I. Even Tiffany seems filled with childish joy.
A few other family groups are sleeping over too. Callum makes friends with another young boy and they watch the sharks together, through the glass. I'd considered booking a private area just for us, but out of respect for Tiffany, I decided against it. I know it won’t always be like this. I have the wealth to change my son's life around for the better, and Tiffany's too if she would only let me. I can understand her unease about me spending money on Callum. Though I would never try to buy his favor. What I will do is buy him anything he needs to improve his life. That’s a problem for another time, I’m not going to think about it right now.
I’m not sure how long it is before Callum finally drifts off to sleep. When you're having so much fun you tend to lose track of time. Now, we're all lying side by side on the floor mats, with Callum in the middle. I look at his contented little face as he sleeps and it pulls at my heartstrings. It’s a strange sensation, one I haven’t ever felt before. It's also one I could get used to.
Glancing over at Tiffany, I see she's fast asleep too. Her freckled face looks even more beautiful when she’s asleep. The low glow from the lighting of the tanks gives her face an ethereal look. A protective urge comes over me as I want to take these two people in my arms and never let them go.
Instead, I close my eyes with the image of the two people who mean the most to me in the whole world. Soon, I also drift off to sleep.
At breakfast the next morning, Callum never stops talking. He tells us all about the jellyfish and giant turtles, as we watch the sea otters eating crabs. I'm soon carrying a very tired little boy back to the car when my driver arrives. Tiffany hooks into my arm as we stroll to the car. Perfect, I have her at last, hook, line and sinker.
My plan's going well. I always was good at strategizing. One more decisive move should clinch the deal.
Chapter 25
“Sock it to me...”
Last night was magical, having Calvin with us felt like we were a little family. I know that we are, of sorts, but at the moment I suppose we’re more of a dysfunctional family.
As soon as we return to the yacht, Callum heads straight for his grandma. He babbles excitedly about his overnight adventure. Mom sits and listens patiently, oohing and aahing in all the right places. I'm so pleased to see my little man happy, and it's all because of his father. My initial fear of letting him know of Callum’s existence was completely unfounded. His love for his son is becoming a strong bond. It's obvious in the way they look at each other. You would have thought they'd known one another all their lives.
The boat pulls out of the marina and we head out into the Pacific Ocean. Looking out over the horizon it’s hard to tell where the sea meets the sky, the vibrant blues are almost identical. The water is glass smooth and the bow of the boat cuts through the water, leaving a foamy white wake in its trail. Never did I imagine the peaceful serenity of being out at sea. We're lucky that the waters are calm and the breeze warm. The air smells of warm salts and it makes your mouth taste salty too. I can understand the attraction of owning a boat, my pa would have loved it.
My peace is soon broken but the disturbance is very welcome. One of the crew shouts out that he has spotted an Orca. Calvin dashes over with Callum on his strong shoulders, determined to give his son a good view. Calvin, the strong protector and his son who sticks to him like they're glued together. I watch them together and my heart flutters with love.
I turn my attention to the excitement and we get in so close that you can see the distinctive black and white coloring of the sea creatures. They look like giant dolphins. They're so cute that it's hard to believe they're killer whales. We watch from a safe distance as they leap in and out of the water. Callum shouts out that he saw its teeth, he's so thrilled, as we all are, for such a unique experience.
After half an hour the captain starts to move the boat away. Callum waves goodbye to the amazing orcas. This vacation could not get any better but it's time to move back inland before nightfall. We're soon anchoring in Carmel Bay.
Calvin informs me that scuba diving is on the agenda for the next day. It’s something I’ve never done but it sounds awesome. I’m allowing him to spoil us on our vacation. After all, everyone overspends when they go on holiday. Or at least that's what I tell myself.
Staying on the yacht is living in the lap of luxury. Calvin has crew members for everything. From a personal chef to a captain, and even someone who cleans and makes the beds. I can’t imagine living like this all the time. I prefer to do things for myself but I do like it on my vacation; it’s good to be so spoiled.
As we sit down to eat later that night, Callum has gone to bed. He gets exhausted every day doing so many activities with his father. I decide to steer the conversation to a certain important topic.
“You can give mom and me some advice on the best place to move to if you want, Calvin,” I say, inviting him to have some input.
What is it you are both looking for, besides somewhere with no earth tremors?” He asks, with his luring lopsided smile.
It was that smile that first attracted me to him, many years ago. He had thick dark hair and wore t-shirts that made the most of his developed six-pack and biceps. That sexy lopsided smile was a big draw for all the girls I knew, but I guess I got lucky when he noticed me.
“Hah, yeah,” I said at his remark. “You're right, we don't want anywhere with earthquakes of any size. North Dakota would be good and we’d like to go inland to somewhere that isn’t so touristy.”
“What about your job?” He asks.
“Women have babies everywhere, so wherever we go I’ll secure work before we move. If we choose the place first, then I’ll work it out from there. I thought you might like a say in it, seeing as you’ll have to come and see Callum wherever we end up.”
“I believe that the world is your oyster. You can choose to go anywhere, anytime. So, for me, you go where you’re happy. If it doesn't work out, then you move on.”
“Hmmm, that's something only a wealthy person would say," I admonish him. "Working people cannot go anywhere they choose,” I admonish him. Instantly I'm a little guilty when I see a look of discomfort on his face, so I change the subject.
Mom’s not looking forward to it, are you mom?”
“I’m old. Packing up a whole house makes me feel tired. Only thinking about it all exhausts me,” she smiles.
“I know, mom, but I’ll do most of it,” I assure her.
“Well, I might be able to help with this dilemma,” Calvin joins in again. “I have a suggestion that could be the answer as to how we move forward as a family.”
“That sounds very intriguing. Please don’t offer us any financial help, Calvin,” I say, cringing as the words come out of my mouth.
I see a quick twinge of disappointment in his eyes and I could kick myself. I don’t mean to be so hard on him, but he has to know how I feel.
“I would not dare offer,” he says, showing no offense at my stupidity. “My suggestion is more to do with a life-changing event.”
“Okay,” I agree. “I asked for your input, so let me have it...”
“Are You Sure?”
Taking courage in my heart, I stand up and take a deep breath. I’ve been practicing this speech all night. It's not the kind of speech you give at a Board meeting. I've gone over and over it, making sure I say the right words. I will not falter and it is now word perfect. Which would be fine but my mind has gone blank.
Walking around the table, I stop by her side and take her hand in mine. As she looks up at me waiting for me to speak, I kneel beside her.
“What the heck, Calvin...” She laughs as she looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind.
“Tiffany Miller," I begin, my voice faltering already. "To make my life complete, please will you marry me?” I ask.
My hands shake as I take out the engagement ring from my jacket pocket.
For a moment there is almost complete silence around me. No one says a word for what seems like an eternity. It’s so quiet I can hear the gentle lapping of the ocean on the boat's hull. My proposal is a complete shock to her but I hope she doesn’t see it as a plot for me to get my son, because it isn't.
I look into her deep brown eyes and see speckles of amber. I also notice they fill up with tears and one trickles down her cheek as her bottom lip quivers. I thought for a minute she was going to burst out crying but she wrestled back some control and manages to look brave for me. She also takes in a deep breath, understandably as nervous as me.
“Are you sure?” She asks me.
“I have never been so sure of anything in my life,” I tell her, trying not to laugh at the question. “Why would I ask you if I wasn’t sure?"
“You don’t have to marry me to see your son, Calvin,” she tells me.
I take her long ginger curls in my fingers and enjoy how silky it feels. It makes me think of her soft warm skin when we lay naked next to each other.
“Do I need to tell you why I want to marry you?” I ask, bemused. “My answer might embarrass your mom.”
I hear Pauline laugh and Tiffany shows me her pearly teeth in a big smile.
“If you're sure you mean it...” she stutters.
Taking her delicate hand, I place it on my heart.
“Can you feel that thumping in my chest?” I ask her, as we look into each other’s eyes. For a tiny moment, there is no one else in the world but us. “It is you who makes my heart beat so fast, Tiffany. I should have married you years ago, but I was young and foolish. Now, I’m older and I’ve matured. I’m not letting you get away from me again.”
“Oh Calvin, this is the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me,” she says, not sure whether to laugh or cry.
“You do realize that I can’t get back up until you give me an answer?” I remind her, not letting go of her hand.
“I always wanted to be with you, Calvin. In a way, that’s why I never settled with anyone else. But I thought you were out of reach back then, and what with all your family wealth, I thought you were still out of my reach. I never in a million years dreamed you would ask me to be your wife. I’m...I’m...I don’t know what to say...”
“How about giving me an answer,” I ask, giving her my best of lopsided smiles.
“Oh, my darling, yes. Yes and a million yesses,” she finally says.
We stand up together and I scoop her off the ground.
I have my redhead and I have my son. I must be the happiest man in the world right now.
Chapter 26
“I’m in Texas”
“Oh my god...oh my god...oh my god! Ali. I have to tell you something...” I bellow over the phone to my best friend, when I finally get a moment alone.
She’s almost yelling as loud back to me, making it difficult for either of us to hear what the other is saying.
“Okay! Let's both calm down," she manages to make herself heard in the minuscule gap of silence as we both stop to take a breath. "Let’s decide who’s going first.”
“Me, Oh, please, let me go first, Ali” I raise my voice again with giddiness. “I have to get this off my chest or I’m going to explode!”
“Alright, but only if you promise to stop screaming in my ear,” she agrees.
“Okay, okay," I say back at her flapping my arms about. "Are you ready for this?”
“Well, yeah. I’m standing here waiting for your news,” she mumbles, impatiently.
“Calvin has asked me to marry him!” My voice goes up another couple of notches, I can’t help myself.
“Well, guess what my news is?” She responds while I catch my breath again. “Nico has asked me to marry him! AND! I’m in Texas right now!”
We must both have moved our phones from our ears at exactly the right moment, which is just as well. Otherwise, we would now have permanently damaged our hearing from the wild whoops of joy. Anyone listening in, who didn’t know us, would never have guessed we are two grown women. I can’t say for Ali, but I’m jumping up and down on my bed in pure exuberance. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy. I’m going to become Mrs. Tiffany Luca, something I wouldn’t even have dreamed of before.
As we calm down and finally manage to speak at a normal level.
“This is fantastic. I’m jumping up and down so hard that the boat might send a tidal wave up to your end. Oh, hang on, I take that back, you’re in Texas, WOW!” I laugh down my phone.
“I know, I know, I just said yes when he asked me to visit. I dropped everything so I could stay with him,” Ali explains. “Who’d have thought that we’re both get
ting married to the best hunks in town?” she says.
“I'd better calm down a little or I’ll wake Callum,” I say to her, taking a seat on a velvety, dark blue dressing table stool. It’s the first time I’ve realized that this whole room decor is dark blue. No wonder it’s so dim in here. “We desperately need to get together, girl.”
“Sure we do. How about a joint wedding?”
“That is so perfect, we have to do that, Ali,” I reply. “We can tell them that if they don’t agree, we won’t marry them.”
“Whoa! You’ve waited so long for this moment, I wouldn’t go doing anything so rash,” she interjects. “Besides, I’m pretty certain it’s what they'll both want. It wouldn’t surprise me if they haven’t concocted this little plan up together. They're pretty close brothers. Have you thought about where to get married? You’re rich now, girl, you can go anywhere in the world.”
“I am, aren’t I?” I'm stunned by those words. “You do realize, you’re rich too?”
There's a silent gap as we both contemplate this new idea. The overwhelming sense of being wealthy is a weird feeling. Never having to worry about paying the rent. Medical bills won’t ever be a problem ever, ever again. Wow! This is phenomenal.
“Okay, you crushed me by saying that,” I tell her. “It’s not something I've thought about before. The thought of finally having Calvin to myself was my only reaction. Now, I have to face the fact that I’m marrying into wealth. How do you feel about that one, Ali?”
