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“What’s got you so excited?” Jess asks me as we walk arm in arm across the deck of the ship. We’ve recently gotten into the habit of taking walks together while Alex naps his room, mostly so I can strut around with her on my arm and show her off.
I tighten my grip on her arm, suddenly conscious of the time flying faster and faster. I never want this to end. “Hm? Nothing, just feeling glad that it’s such a nice day.”
“It is, isn’t it?” She agrees, unsuspecting. “It’s too bad this has to come to an end soon.”
Jess’ words echo my thoughts, and while I feel a pang of longing inside for our time to continue, it just ensures me that the proposal will be well received.
Not everyone seems to think the same way as we do, and as we pass the notorious gold diggers, the women shoot us poisonous glares. I do my best to steer our walking path around them so Jess doesn’t see. It doesn’t affect me, but I want to do all I can to protect her.
We fall into a trivial conversation about the weather and our plans for dinner tonight. Though we’re having fun, it seems that someone else is there at every turn to antagonize us with dirty looks. Jess is so wrapped up in our talk that she doesn’t notice me weaving us in and out of other people’s way so often.
De Haverland and Ms. Peterson almost seem like they want to say something nasty to us as we pass by, but I make sure to swiftly turn Jess in the other direction and disguise my move as a spontaneous dance. She laughs, running into the direction I guided her in, thankfully unaware of that pesky editor that dislikes her for no reason.
Later on at dinner, we sit close to the Captain’s table. Alex and Jess chat happily about the decorative silverware, and it amazes me how awed they both are over every small luxury. It makes me realize how much I take those things for granted every day, but only highlights how sweet and innocent Alex and Jess are.
Just as the main course comes out, literally on a silver platter, my phone rings within my pocket. “Just a second.” I say, excusing myself from the table.
Jess nods, busy trying to keep Alex from playing with the artfully plated food. She places a folded napkin on his lap but he quickly shrugs it off and wipes his fingers on the tablecloth instead. Although Jess flushes with embarrassment, I find it endearing.
Taking even a bit of time away from them to answer calls irks me, and as I realize that it’s Robin on the other line it makes me even more irritated. I do the same thing I’ve done for the whole trip and send the call straight to voicemail.
Right before I can return to the table, I see De Haverland cross a few paces in front of me to step away from his own table. After making sure that Jess isn’t looking over in my direction, I decide to follow him and see what he’s up to. I know he’s plotting something too, and it isn’t a proposal.
I hide behind a column, peering out around it to focus on his movements. He’s talking to someone in hushed tones, but I can’t see who it is or make out what they’re discussing. When I make the decision to move forward just a little bit more, someone taps me on the shoulder and derails my train of thought.
“Excuse me, ma’am. Would you like to purchase a rose tonight?” It’s an employee from the cruise ship, and by the looks of it, he doesn’t seem too happy to be going around selling roses from guest to guest.
I decide to help him out and buy a surprise for Jess at the same time. “I’ll take them all.” I say, and his smile grows as he realizes he’s free to stop his tedious task.
“Thank you, ma’am. Here you are!” He exclaims as I slip him a roll of bills.
Unfortunately by the time he leaves, De Haverland is also gone. I curse quietly, putting on a happy face to go back to the table and present my gift to Jess.
Her eyes go wide at the gesture, and I tell her it was no big deal. “It’s a thank you, for being such fun company on this trip.”
Alex is too busy shoveling fancy food into his mouth to notice, but Jess gives me a swift peck on the cheek in thanks. I’m almost as red as the roses.
This trip really has been the most fun I’ve had in my life. From our daily walks, to hearing Alex’s new boat facts, to hiding in the closet with Jess from the twins who are obsessed with finding my brother on this ship, I’ve really come to think of Jess and Alex as family. I just hope that after this proposal stunt, Jess will feel the same way.
Fourteen
Jess
I’ve never had such an amazing vacation.
Truthfully, I’ve never gotten a chance to have a vacation like this. It feels like a dream. Everything is so vivid and warm. I want to keep pinching myself even though I know I’m awake.
Even though I was freaking out when this ship set sail, I’m so happy I got the opportunity to be here. Alex is having as much, if not more fun than me.
The views from the deck are amazingly beautiful. It’s like something you would see in a movie. Unlike a movie, I can feel the ocean breeze on my face. I love to just close my eyes and take in all of the sensations.
I thought vacations like this were only for the wealthy. In a way, I guess I’m right.
For people who don’t have to worry about money, they know the best relaxation methods. If I had as much money as some of the people on this boat, I would never need to relax because I wouldn’t be stressed.
But the pampering is divine, and I plan to take full advantage of it while I have the opportunity.
Every day I get picture after picture of beautiful scenery and smiling faces. I make sure to take plenty of Alex. I don’t want him to ever forget how happy he is right here and now.
