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No way was I going to let them know I was concerned now. MaKayla had lost so much of a normal life because of me already. She wasn’t about to miss out on her honeymoon. “Damien, most people don’t even know Tabiq exists. Do you really think someone is going to come here and hurt me?”
“It won’t happen. The Hendersons know everyone who comes to this island because they fly them here,” he replied.
“Exactly. So, there is no reason for you two to stay here. I am well protected.” The Hendersons meant nothing to me. A few attended the wedding and were very kind and welcoming, but I didn’t know them. They were strangers to me.
“Mom, I can’t...”
“Yes, you can,” I cut in. “If you don’t, then I am going to pack my bags and leave. Understood?” I said firmly.
“You wouldn’t,” MaKayla said, wide-eyed.
“Try me,” I warned. “I am still your mother. I’m not a prisoner here. And no one can tell me what I can or cannot do.”
“That’s not what we were trying to do,” Damien stated. “We just wanted to make sure you know that it is best to be cautious.”
“I’m not leaving my mother here to be watched by strangers,” MaKayla stated adamantly.
Well, now you’re being ridiculous.
“I think if the president of Tabiq trusts them with everyone else’s safety, then you should be okay to do the same,” I reminded her.
“That’s fine, but everyone else isnotmy mother,” she replied.
“Sweetheart, what if someone we know said they would stay in Tabiq and make sure your mother is okay?” Damien asked.
“Like who?” MaKayla asked, arms crossed in front of her.
Boy, you are stubborn.
“Draven. He said he wanted to check out the island,” Damien replied.
“That’s not enough. How can he watch her from a beach?” MaKayla questioned.
I laughed. “You really think that I am going to allow anyone to watch over me 24/7? Because if you do, then you have forgotten who your mother is. I’m a strong and independent woman. I’ve been through more in my life than you can imagine.”
“And you shouldn’t have to go through any pain anymore. It’s time for you to relax and be happy, not worry about anything,” MaKayla said.
I reached out and grabbed her hand. “MaKayla, I am happy. And the only one worried is you. If you really want me to be happy, then you will go on your honeymoon. Because if you don’t, I will carry that guilt for a very long time. It will eat at my joy. You don’t want that, do you?”
“No. But will you let Draven come by and check on you? Will you promise to reach out to him if you need anything at all?” MaKayla pleaded.
“Yes. And I'll even cook dinner for him each night if he wishes. Now, go pack and get out of here,” I order. She could leave whoever she wanted her to watch over me. I didn’t need any of them. I’ve done okay taking care of myself this long.
MaKayla nodded and hugged me. “I love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, MaKayla.” I released her.
Damien walked over and hugged me as well. “I am only a phone call away if you change your mind and want more protection.”
“Thank you. But all I want you to do is love and protect my daughter. I am fine. Trust me.”
He nodded as they both left my hotel room. I wasn’t sure they were ever going to leave, and part of me was going to miss them terribly. But it was time for MaKayla to go live the life she was meant to. Not the life I had to create for her.
I hadn’t lied. My happiness came from watching her soar and follow her dreams. It was a beautiful thing to watch. She’d grown into such an amazing woman; one I was so proud of. And Damien really has his stuff together as well. They were a perfect match. Not that I was in any rush, but I wouldn’t mind them returning from their honeymoon with another little announcement for me. I was ready to be a grandmother. Not sure she was ready to be a mother, even though I knew she’d be an amazing one.
Now finally alone, I had time to do some serious thinking without having to worry about who was trying to read my emotions. Since they left, I must have done a better job concealing my reaction to that disturbing news than I had thought.
I opened the sliding glass door and walked out onto the balcony. From the fifth floor, the view of the ocean was stunning. I’d always brought MaKayla someplace tropical on our vacations. I knew now that it was so I could provide her with a touch of home without ever bringing her back here. Yet none of the vacation spots would ever compare to this. It wasn’t just the scenery, it all felt...like home.
