Full Circle

by Lynne, Donya

  The smile he turned on her could only be described as love incarnate. “I haven’t had a reason to until now.”

  The air in the cabin bloomed with warmth, tenderness, and something else. Something heady and intoxicating expanded and wrapped itself around Karma like a cashmere sweater, soft and luxurious.

  “And I’m your reason?” Her voice sounded so small.

  With a gentle nod, he leaned forward and reached for her hand. She teetered toward him and slid her fingers around his.

  “Saint Lucia isn’t a place you visit alone.” His thumb caressed the back of her hand. “It’s a place for lovers.”

  She fought back a smile. “You had a lover at eighteen?”

  He narrowed his eyes then smirked. “No. Family vacation. We came here almost every year over Christmas break when I was a kid. But it never felt like the kind of place for family vacations. As I got older, I saw it as a place where lovers escaped so they could forget everything else but each other for a while."

  She let the warmth of his words seep in as she stared at his thumb still skimming back and forth on her hand.

  “Did you ever bring Carol here?” she asked quietly, hopefully. She didn’t want to feel like she was following in Carol’s footsteps, treading where the other woman’s feet had already been.

  When she lifted her gaze to his, he slowly shook his head. “No.”

  A thrill shot through her. She shouldn’t have been so happy about Mark’s response, but she was. She hated feeling like she was competing with Carol. As if his ex still wriggled around in his heart, which was insane, because she knew Mark would never go back to her. Still, to know Mark had never brought Carol here felt like a small victory.

  The jet touched down, jolting her back into the moment, and she let go of Mark’s hand.

  The airport was the smallest Karma had ever seen. One long stretch of runway, and not much else. The main building was underwhelming, too, but then, while Saint Lucia was a tourist hot spot, travelers probably didn’t flock here the way they did to larger locales. According to Mark, Saint Lucia was only twenty-seven miles long and fourteen miles wide. A person could drive around the entire island several times in one day if they wanted to.

  After grabbing their luggage and working through customs and picking up their four-wheel drive rental, Mark drove them away from the airport.

  The hardest thing to get used to was driving on the left side of the road, but of course, Mark handled it with ease.

  “How long are we staying?” she said as they drove south along the coast. She caught glimpses of the sea between the trees and shops dotting the roadside.

  “Nine days. We fly back next Sunday.”

  Over a week in paradise. Nine days of beaches and walking in the surf. Of no one but her and Mark. No work, no tense family Christmas visits.

  Was Christmas really only five days away?

  And she wasn’t spending it with her family.

  It saddened her that her dad had drawn such a hard line against Mark, and, consequently, her. Didn’t twenty-six years of love, devotion, fishing trips to Peterman Lake, and countless father-daughter nights in front of the TV cheering on their favorite teams count for anything? Her dad had discarded her as if their relationship meant nothing.

  Her melancholy must have shown, because Mark reached across the console and closed his hand around hers.

  “What’s wrong?” he said.

  Mark could read her so damn easily. He’d always been able to. An invisible link seemed to connect his mind to hers. She’d never known anyone so attuned to her.

  “I was just thinking about my dad.”

  He squeezed her hand. “He’ll come around.”

  “I’m not so sure.” She sighed and dropped her gaze to her lap. “Do you realize this is the first Christmas I won’t spend with him and my family?”

  Mark’s fingers wove more firmly around hers. “I know. It’s one reason why I wanted to bring you here. To help take your mind off what’s happening between you and your dad.” He paused, shooting her a quick glance before turning his eyes back to the road. “And . . . I remembered what you said about that picture in your bedroom. The one of the seascape. You told me that you often lie on your bed, looking at that picture, and imagine yourself on a tropical beach somewhere.”

  She smiled at their joined hands then admired his profile. “And, now, here I am. You’ve brought my daydreams to life.”

  “Something like that.” He darted another sideways glance toward her and smiled reassuringly.

  He took such good care of her. She had never complained about the coming holiday. Had never mentioned her sadness over not being able to spend Christmas with her dad. But Mark had known. Whatever connection his mind shared with hers had warned him she needed extra TLC right now. And like a knight in shining armor, Mark delivered above and beyond. What better way to take her mind off her sadness than by whisking her away to a tropical island?

  When the hustle of Castries lay fifteen minutes behind them and they’d entered a more isolated area, Mark slowed and turned into the driveway of a large villa. Karma nearly choked on her saliva at the enormous size.

  “What’s this?”

  Mark shut off the engine. “This is our home for the next nine days.”

  Her mouth fell open as she turned her gaze back to the impressive home. “We’re not . . I . . . hold on a second.” She raised her hand, feeling like a fairy princess in the middle of a fantasy. “We’re not staying in a hotel?”

  His eyebrows knotted over the bridge of his nose as his mouth twisted in amusement. “No. Should we be staying in a hotel?”

  “I just assumed . . .” She turned wide eyes back to the villa as words failed her.

  He had rented them an entire house, complete with an open view of the sea and a crystal blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds. This was so much better than any beach-infused daydream she’d ever conjured while staring at that picture on her bedroom wall.

  Mark chuckled and hopped out. “Come on, Alice. Let’s explore the rabbit hole.”

  She pushed open her door and slowly slid off her seat until her feet struck ground. The view . . . the villa. No fantasy did justice to the reality. The air smelled of the sea, fresh and vibrant, and the breeze kicked her hair away from her face in such a refreshing way.

  “So . . . do you like it?” Mark glanced at her from across the hood of the SUV.

  She took a deep breath and slowly blew it out. “I love it.” She walked toward the villa like it was a mirage and would evaporate. Instead, the closer she got, the more real it seemed.

  Lush vegetation consumed the landscape around the large covered porch, and as she waited for Mark to unlock the door, she smoothed her fingers down a palm frond the size of an elephant’s ear.

  Mark took her hand and led her inside, which was just as magnificent as outside. Windows, windows everywhere, letting in the sun and the view. A large, fully-stocked kitchen waited for Mark’s culinary skills to breathe life into it, and a high-ceilinged living room opened onto a massive, multi-level deck and sun room.

  But the bedroom was the grandest of all. A stone floor cooled her feet after she kicked off her shoes and spun a slow circle. Where to look first? One half of the room housed a sitting area complete with large, cushioned chairs and a polished stone table that felt like cold glass when she touched it. An enormous bed situated in front of a huge picture window dominated the other half of the room. It was covered with a plush, white comforter that looked like a thick layer of pristine snow. Gauze-like curtains hung from a circular runner on the ceiling over the bed. The sheer curtains currently hung open, draping delicately over the ornate, wooden headboard.

  As she gaped over the bedroom, Mark meandered to the sliding door facing the sea and slid it open. The breeze wafted in, billowing the airy drapes hanging throughout the room.

  “Come here.” He waved for her to join him. “Come and see this.”

  She gasped as she stepped ou
tside and the wind lifted her hair away from her face. Off to one side hung a massive hammock large enough for at least four people. Down one level was a pool, which faced the sea. It was one of those infinity pools that appeared to end against an invisible barrier or simply fall away like a waterfall.

  A place for lovers.

  This villa was definitely a place for lovers, designed specifically to encourage intimacy.

  Only a small section of the deck was wood. The rest was stone, including the steps that led from the upper level to the lower. And beyond was another set of stone stairs that led to the private beach a hundred feet below. Karma hadn’t even realized how high up from sea level they were.

  “So, what do you want to do first?” Mark eased his arms around her waist from behind.

  The question caused her brain to go into lockdown. How could she decide? Everywhere she looked was another wonder to explore.

  The sudden rumble of her stomach broke the quiet mood.

  She slapped her hand against her abdomen with a giggle. “Um, how about lunch?”

  He chuckled and pulled her back inside. “I’ll get the luggage if you want to see what’s available.”

  In the kitchen, she found just about everything they could ever want.

  Fresh, colorful fruit filled a bowl on the counter. Bananas, mangoes, limes, and a coconut. An actual coconut. Not something you see in your everyday Indiana kitchen like an apple. But here, coconuts were probably commonplace.

  She smiled, set the coconut back in the bowl, and started preparing lunch.

  * * *

  Mark made three trips to the SUV, but he eventually hauled all their luggage into the bedroom while Karma busied herself in the kitchen.

  Kneeling beside his hunter-green suitcase, he peered over his shoulder, making sure Karma hadn’t snuck in behind him. Still alone, he unzipped the flap and dug his hand into his folded clothes until he found the light-blue Tiffany box with the white silk bow around it.

  He pulled it out and checked over his shoulder again. He’d made a promise to the universe that if Karma came back to him, he’d fight for her and never leave her again. The diamond engagement ring set in a filigreed, platinum band inside the box was the culmination of that promise.

  He grabbed the clothes from his suitcase and piled them into the middle drawer of the dresser before tucking the box underneath a folded stack of briefs. He slid the drawer closed, exhaling a breath of finality.

  He still wasn’t sure how he would propose, but he knew in his heart that the perfect opportunity would present itself sometime during their trip. By the time he and Karma returned home, she would be wearing that ring. And for the second time in his life—and hopefully the last—he’d be an engaged man.

  But there was more to this trip than just proposing. A lot more.

  Quelling the sudden stir of panic in his chest, he cleared his throat, took another deep breath, and left the bedroom, ready to help his future wife make lunch.

  This would be a vacation neither of them would ever forget.

  He just hoped it would be for all the right reasons.

  Chapter 4

  Everyone comes with baggage. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack.

  -Author Unknown

  They spent their first day in Saint Lucia lazing on the deck, snuggling and dozing away the jet lag.

  On Saturday, Karma woke with the sun to find Mark already up. As much as she was a morning person, he was even more-so.

  He entered the bedroom with two mugs in his hands. Using his elbow, he brushed aside the filmy curtain hanging around the bed then sat on the edge.

  “Good morning.” He extended one of the mugs toward her. Tea, no doubt. He knew she didn’t drink coffee.

  She rubbed her eyes and sat up, letting the comforter fall into her lap. “Good morning.” She took the tea and blew over the top before taking a tentative sip.

  “Sleep well?” He sipped his coffee.

  “Mm-hm.” She stretched and glanced out the window. “It wasn’t a dream. We’re really here.”

  He chuckled. “Yes, we’re really here.” He brushed his fingers down her arm. “And we’re going to the Latille Gardens today.”

  “The Latille Gardens? What’s that?” She took another drink.

  Lifting his leg onto the bed, he shifted so they faced one another. “Waterfalls, tropical flowers, breathtaking scenery. You’ll love it.”

  “And you’re going to be my tour guide?”

  He leaned toward her, softly brushing the backs of his fingers down the curve of her shoulder. “Yes. I’ll be your tour guide.”

  “My sexy tour guide.” She dipped her face into his hand as he cradled her cheek.

  They stared at each other for a long moment, and then he gingerly kissed her.

  She melted just a little bit at his tenderness.

  He kissed her again then stood and slid the white see-through curtains back, officially welcoming the new day. “Make sure you wear a bathing suit under your clothes.” He grinned before disappearing into the bathroom.

  A moment later, the shower turned on.

  As she’d unpacked yesterday, she’d been surprised to find a dozen new bikinis and bathing suits he’d bought for her. Some of the suits were appropriate to wear in public, but a couple were definitely meant for Mark’s eyes only. As in, they looked like they would barely cover her naughty bits.

  She swung her legs off the bed, pattered barefoot across the stone floor to the dresser, and selected a pair of khaki capris, a T-shirt, and a full-coverage bikini in a tropical print.

  After Mark showered, she took over in the bathroom while he fixed breakfast.

  Once they’d eaten, they headed out for the eastern side of the island, the sunroof open. Forty-eight hours ago, she’d been huddled against the overcast cold. Now she was in sunny paradise. Talk about surreal.

  Mark slowed the SUV as they approached a homemade, hand-painted sign made of what looked like driftwood and stray branches. The word “WELCOME” was painted on flat, connected slabs of wood that reminded Karma of the sticks paint stores gave you to stir your paint, only these were all painted green. They were mounted on straight branches bound together to form a panel. Some of the slabs were thicker than others, some shorter. And the lettering consisted of all hard angles, the O shaped like a diamond instead of a circle.

  But what did she expect? A big fancy marquee? This was much more charming and fit the island’s tropical personality.

  Under the welcome sign hung a warped piece of wood with the word “PARKING” stenciled in white. A haphazardly painted green arrow pointed them toward the right.

  “Fancy sign.” She pointed and giggled as they passed into what looked more like a grassy picnic area than a parking lot.

  Mark shot her a humored glance as he pulled to a stop. “Hey now, don’t make fun of the locals.”

  “I’m not making fun. I think it’s quaint.” The sign actually added to the feeling that they were on a tropical adventure, away from civilized society and drawn into a simpler, more romantic time and place. A place unfettered by commerce, corporations, and the drive to achieve. A place where relaxation and enjoyment reigned.

  A dark-skinned attendant wearing a rainbow-colored, hand-knitted slouch cap greeted them. While he and Mark exchanged pleasantries, Karma took in her surroundings. Green. Lots of lush, green vegetation. A few pink flowers scattered the edges.

  A dog that looked like a mix between a yellow Lab and a retriever trotted into the opening from somewhere and wagged its tail at Karma as it approached.

  “Hi, you.” She knelt and raised her hand.

  The dog sniffed her fingers, leaned its head into her palm for a quick nuzzle, and then meandered toward Mark and the attendant.

  A moment later, the local and the dog headed off, and Mark joined her, taking her hand. “We’re the only ones here.”

  That sounded ominous. “Should I be worried?”

  He led her toward
a dirt path bordered by a wooden railing that looked as fancy as the welcome sign. “Only if you wore the silver bikini. If you did, I can’t make any promises.”

  She laughed. “Then I’m safe. I didn’t wear the silver bikini.”

  “Damn.” He snapped his fingers as they entered the trail. “I guess it’s just going to be sightseeing then.”

  She hugged his arm against her side. “Don’t worry. I have a feeling there will be plenty of time for the other stuff.”

  He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back as he glanced at her over the top of his sunglasses. “You bet your ass there will be time for the other stuff. I didn’t bring you all the way here just to read and play cards. I plan on taking full advantage of having you to myself for nine days.” He dipped his chin, drilling his over-the-sunglasses gaze into hers. “Full. Advantage.”

  Butterflies fluttered in her belly. “Darn. And here I was so looking forward to getting caught up on my reading.”

  “Always the smart retort from you.” He grinned and squeezed her hand.

  “Always.”

  He guided her along the path, taking her deeper into the wilderness.

  “So, is that why you brought me here? To take advantage of me?” She swept her gaze around the lush, green canopy as they rounded a bend and descended toward the innards of the gardens.

  He grew quiet, and they walked silently for at least thirty seconds before he answered.

  “I brought you here because I knew you’d love it. It’s a magical, mystical place.” He paused, letting his gaze fall to the dirt floor as if he were watching his step. “It’s the perfect place to feel safe. To feel like I can tell you anything.” The shadow that had followed him for the past two days darkened his expression, and then was gone.

  Whatever was troubling him was starting to worry her. If only he would just blurt it out.

  She was about to push him to do just that when he led her around a curve and into an opening, revealing a secluded pool. On the opposite side, water flowed down a jagged wall of rock so dark it looked black.

  “But for now,” he said, “let me show you one of the most breathtaking wonders of the island.” He stepped behind her, winding his arms around her waist. “I give you one of the many falls in the Latille Gardens.”