“What? A better lover?” Serena asked innocently. Preston released his standard grunt, sat straight up and quickly dunked the saucy girl under the bubbles. She came up sputtering and glared at him as he laughed. She splashed at him, trying to hold back a smile. “People like you don't grow on trees, Preston Riley,” she said, slapping his arm. “They swing from them.”
Chapter Nine
“I am so tired. I need a four week vacation from our two week vacation,” Preston grumbled, sinking into his first class seat on the plane. “Did you have fun?”
Serena glowed under her dark tan. “I did. Especially with my “little friend” there. Thank you so much.”
Preston glanced at her warily as she stared at his pants and licked her lips. “He’s not that little, missy. And don’t you ever get enough? You wore me out.”
“It must suck to be you, huh?” Serena giggled. “You do look like shit. Is that the new fashion trend now?”
Preston leaned into her ear. “It’s gonna suck to be you once we get home. I owe you an ass-whupping,” he whispered in a low, lazy drawl.
“No, you don’t.”
“Oh, yes I do. Consider yourself lucky that we had no privacy. I still can’t believe you had the audacity to argue with me in front of all those people.”
“You started it,” Serena said stubbornly, shrinking in her seat as Preston eyed her without a response. “Consider yourself lucky that I didn’t pour that damn milk over the top of your head.”
“It’s good for you.”
“I don’t like it,” Serena insisted.
“Do you always insist on getting in the last word?”
“Fuck you,” she whispered under her breath. His hand clenched tightly over her wrist as his eyes darkened. She swallowed nervously. “Okay, okay! I take it back. Unfuck you!”
“Serena! What is your major malfunction!”
“I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message,” the woman answered back saucily.
“I think we will need some woodshed time when we get settled, little girl. I’m counting the number of times you swore, and your sarcasm is out of hand again. I don’t know how to get through to you. When it comes to controlling your mouth, you seem to have an acrogenous intracranial vacuum.”
“I am impressed, Preston. You know some big words now,” she blinked sweetly, snuggling up to his bicep and kissing the bulging muscle with affection. “I disagree, however, and assure you that this is not the case. Effective sarcasm takes a concerted effort and a degree of reasonable intelligence that cannot be accomplished by an airhead. Plus, it is one more type of lip service I offer without charge. You know that I don’t mean anything by it, honey bear,” she said in attempt to weasel her way into his good graces.
Preston shook his head and closed his eyes, hiding the little smile that wanted to dance on his lips as he considered the other type of lip service she donated freely to his cause.
“So, should I ask who you are going to hire to help you rebuild the Barrett Ranch House?” Serena slyly commented, changing the subject.
“I was thinking about this architect I met awhile back. She’s got some pretty obtuse ideas but looks great in blue jeans.”
“Bite me,” Serena stuck her tongue out at him.
“As soon as we get home, my love. I’ll do more than just bite you,” Preston winked. “I’d like to take a little building break before we start on the new project. Maybe spend some time at the new house and settle down—”
“Have sex,” Serena interjected, not interested in changing the subject away from her new favorite topic.
“Make some plans for the wedding—”
“Have more sex.”
“Check out what we’ll need for the project—”
“But we can keep having sex, right?”
“You are impossible, Serendipity,” Preston reprimanded lightly.
“Don’t call me that. I hate my name.”
“I love it. It’s you. So talk. What do you have in mind for Barrett House?”
The sun was already setting by the time they landed. Serena snatched Preston’s Stetson and plopped in on her head as she playfully led him through the airport and down to the baggage area. He yawned, glancing at his watch. It was 7:00 P.M., but his body was off by three hours.
“Preston! Move it. I want to get home and see the house.”
“Serena, baby, I’m tired. I’m on eastern standard time.”
“You’re pathetic, old man,” she snickered. “We are back in the real world now, so wake up.”
“Little girl, please note that any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental. Now hush. I’m tired, and my brain is starting to drift.”
“Zinger. I’m impressed. Just be careful not to let your mind wander off too far—it’s too little to be let out alone.”
“Thanks a lot, brat. Do you ever stop with the comments?”
“There’s no need to thank me, sweetheart. It was my pleasure to insult you. OW!” Serena yelped as the square of his palm sharply smacked the center of her bottom.
“Uncle P!” Sara yelled, racing into his arms as they stood waiting for their luggage. “I missed you!”
“What are you doing here, squirt?” Preston asked, hugging her tightly as he chewed on her neck.
“Mama and Drew said that they have a surprise for you and that you aren’t allowed to drive home.”
“Did they bring the dogs?” he asked hopefully.
Sara rolled her eyes. “No, Uncle Preston. The girls are home waiting for you and Serena. Did you have fun?” she asked.
“Not as much fun as we could have had,” Serena grinned, hugging the girl. “All he did was gripe about his girls and how much he missed them.”
“Oh, I know! He can’t go anywhere without those puppies,” Sara nodded knowingly, ignoring her uncle’s grunt. “They didn’t miss him, though. They had fun with me.”
“Where’s your mom, tidbit?” Preston asked, pulling the luggage off the belt.
“Waiting outside. Drew went to the lot and got your truck. You’re driving with us.”
“I guess we are being kidnapped then. Come on, ladies,” Preston sighed, walking to the doors.
“I bought you a present,” Serena whispered to the child as they followed Preston. “Just don’t tell Mr. Meanie. He thought it was too grownup for you.”
“What is it?” Sara asked with excitement. Her eyes grew big as she suddenly noticed the ring on Serena’s left hand. “He finally asked you!!”
“What do you mean finally?” Serena laughed as the girl grabbed her hand to admire the ring.
“Oh, please,” Sara said knowingly, “he was in love with you the day you drove to see us and talked back to him. Even I saw that.”
“He’s old, so it’s takes longer for him to process the obvious,” Serena giggled.
“Plus he’s a man. He probably has maybe one brain cell, and it’s fighting for dominance,” Sara responded.
“That’s my girl!” Serena snickered proudly.
“He did say he wanted you to teach me everything you know, right?”
“Just be careful, though. We don’t want him to do more than lecture and stick us in the corner, okay?” Serena warned in a hushed tone as Sara smirked, quite pleased with herself. “His spankings hurt!”
Preston paused, turning around to see the two whispering and giggling together. “Serendipity Nicole, I know that look. Do not corrupt this innocent child! She’s perfect and I want her to stay that way,” he ordered with a frown.
The two erupted into a chorus of uncontrollable snorts. Preston conveyed his customary grunt and continued to the curbside boarding where Janie waited patiently. “Welcome back, little bother,” she said with a kiss, hearing Sara giggle again at her term of endearment. “Serena! Lemme see! Oh, it’s gorgeous. Congratulations.”
“I hear this is your design, Janie. It couldn’t be more perfect. Thank you so much,” Serena hugged the woman affectiona
tely. “You really should think about designing jewelry. You really have an eye.”
“I’m so glad you like it. Hey, if it means getting Preston out from under foot, I’d do anything,” Janie chuckled, glancing back as her brother cuddled Sara. “It was fun, and I know someone who owns a diamond pipe. Maybe I’ll think about it.”
“It’s all yours if it makes you happy, Miss Janie.” Sara shrieked as he bit her.
“This makes me happy,” Preston announced. “So, is the house ready?”
“Maybe—” Janie said, “But we’re not going home just yet. I’m hungry and want to go out for dinner to celebrate your engagement.”
“So you are kidnapping us. What are you up to, lady?” Preston asked, leaning forward to look over the driver’s seat.
“Nothing. Right, Sara?”
“Yes, Mama. Whatever you say,” came the giggling comment.
“You are just a bag full of giggles tonight, aren’t you?” Preston asked with a patient sigh. He groaned when they pulled into Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. “Janie, I’m not dressed for here. Come on—”
“Aren’t you the one who always says we live in San Diego and shorts are the norm?” Janie commented smartly, waving as Drew drove in behind them.
“What are you up to, besides spending my money?” Preston asked, wrapping his arm around his sister as Serena hugged her cousin warmly.
“Making sure that my little brother is a very happy man. Trust me.”
During dinner, Serena presented Sara with the gift she had purchased. It was a custom-made silver writing and drawing toolset with Sara’s name engraved on it. Sara squealed with excitement, showing the tools to her mother as Preston, once again, grunted.
“Preston, darling. You are aware that it only takes an IQ of three to grunt, right?” Serena questioned, sipping her wine.
Drew elbowed him. “Any luck in the taming department? She’s still practicing her rapier wit.”
“Is that what you call her smart mouth? Not much, but I’m having a lot of fun trying. How are things with you and Janie?” Preston whispered back.
“Designing that ring put some things into her head. I think it’s going that way.”
“You let me know when you’re ready and we will take a trip to the pipe so you can choose your own stone.”
“Pres—”
“Don’t argue. It’s the least I can do to make my sister happy,” Preston said firmly. “I’m letting you pick it, but you still pay for it.”
“Deal, then. Oh, excuse me,” Drew said, answering his cell phone. “Okay, on our way. You guys done? It’s time to leave.”
It was pitch black outside by the time they got to Jamul. As they rounded the bend to Preston’s property, Serena gasped. The drive was lit by the “Disney tree” lights twinkling up the side of the mountain and looking like a fairy wonderland. They pulled into the large, round driveway and were greeted by the warm glow of the well-lit house. Serena slowly exited the car, still staring. The entryway was visible from the outside, and she could see a chandelier hanging through the ceiling-high, A-frame- shaped window.
Janie smiled and opened the door, inviting the couple inside. They stood in the foyer and stared in awe at the scene before them. Janie had used an Old West ranch theme for her inspiration and incorporated a modern twist. The open floor design was warmed by the use of earth tone leather and stone and iron furnishing and fixtures. Thick sheep skin throws softened the look, and a giant wagon wheel ceiling fan studded with electric hurricane lamps provided a whimsical centerpiece.
Preston looked around anxiously. “Where are my girls?”
“In your room upstairs. Don’t you want to see—oh, never mind. Sara, let the beasts out to see their Daddy,” Janie sighed, catching Preston’s look. Moments later, the two collies bounded down the stairs and into Preston’s arms as they yapped noisily. He sat on the floor, laughing as they informed him of their discontent at him leaving them. Once the dogs finished with their scolding, they raced to cuddle Serena.
“She left, too. How come they aren’t yelling at her?” Preston grumped.
“Females, Pres. They need no other reason,” Drew sighed.
Once the dogs were calmed, Serena demanded to see the rest of the house. Sara proudly escorted her and Preston from room to room, pointing out features and casting occasional winks in Serena’s direction. Sara climbed up onto her uncle’s lap once the tour was complete, noticing his silence as he sat on the bench in the meditation room, gazing at the stars through the large glass window. “Are you okay, Uncle P? Don’t you like it?”
“Honey doll, I am speechless. You, Serena and your mom are amazing. My best girls—”
“Next to the dogs,” Janie said smugly.
“My best two-legged girls. I’m beyond words.”
“That’s a first,” all three females commented at once. They looked at each other and started laughing.
Preston frowned. “You, in the corner,” he pointed to Sara. “You, to your room,” he said to Serena, and finally to Janie, “You, go home. It’s late and I’m too tired to play mental ping-pong. NOT a word, Serena!”
“That’s gratitude for you,” Janie laughed, kissing his cheek. “I’m taking my kid.”
“Take her home and make sure she spends 20 minutes with those freckles facing the wall while she thinks twice about being a smarty pants,” Preston ordered, feigning sternness.
Sara kissed him between the eyes. “I love you Uncle P. Are you going to make Serena stand in the corner too?”
“You little weasel. No, Serena is going to get a spanking. Now go home, I’m tired.”
As they were walked out to the car, Sara laughed hysterically at the thought of the adult woman getting her bottom smacked. Preston chuckled, stroking Boo’s head as Sara’s laughter was heard until the car was out of sight. He turned to walk back into the house and came to a halt as he watched Serena strip off her clothes and plunge into the pool on the back deck.
The dogs barked happily, racing to the large glass doors and waiting to be let out to join her. The long redwood deck extended west over the cliff side, giving the appearance of hanging over the edge. A multi-level pool with a hot-tub and waterfall sparkled under deep blue lighting and was surrounded by even more “Disney trees” with faux fireflies.
“Sara loves Pirates of the Caribbean,” Serena commented as she slowly swam towards the waterfall. “Come join me. It’s perfect.”
Preston issued a lopsided grin as he stripped off his clothes and dove into the deep water. He grabbed Serena and pulled her up into his arms. The black velvet sky shimmered with bright, white stars as they embraced one another in the still of the evening. Gently, Preston pressed her legs apart and found his own buried treasure hidden in a mound of silky-smooth flesh.
“Ahoy ye, matey. Be ye ready fer boardin’?” he teased into her neck.
Serena giggled, “Aye, AYE, Captain. Lower the boom and no loose cannons.”
“You aren’t a very good pirate,” Preston scolded. “Set yer keel over my yardarm. Raising the mast—”
“Shut up and fuck me already!” Serena demanded with a laugh. Preston happily obliged.
* * *
“I still owe you a lickin’, little girly,” Preston said as they huddled naked under one of the sheepskin throws in the large living room.
“I’m waiting,” Serena responded huskily as his lips pressed against hers. A coyote yapped in the distance, momentarily silencing the chorus of crickets. “Preston? Do you believe in fate?”
“Of course I do. Her name is Serendipity, and she is going to be my wife.” Preston circled his arm around her shoulders and whispered, “Fate brought you here to be with me. I love you.”
He pointed to the large fireplace in front of them. Serena’s eyes followed his finger to a sculpted sign made of horseshoes.
It spelled out: Serendipity Ranch
Serena gaped at the sculpture with tears in her eyes. Serendipity was a beautiful name, and for her
, it promised a perfect tomorrow.
The End
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