A delighted shiver runs through me. This man has owned my body for a while now, but I’m beginning to suspect that he also owns my heart.
I think I’m falling in love with my husband.
“I need you to hold that thought,” he says. “We have somewhere to be.”
“We do?” I’m not aware of any other set agenda today apart from seeing Elena off. I can’t believe she’s really gone.
“Yeah.” He doesn’t elaborate.
The car rolls forward, and I climb off Cian to settle into my own seat, wondering where we’re going. Gazing out the window, I realize we’re driving further into the airport instead of toward the exit. Two minutes later, we stop beside a helicopter.
I shoot Cian a questioning look.
“It’s a surprise.” He takes my hand, kisses my fingers, then helps me out of the vehicle.
A porter grabs two suitcases out of the trunk and carries them to the waiting helicopter. When did my sneaky husband pack for us?
Curiosity sears through me as we’re helped into the chopper, our seatbelts secured, and given headsets so we can speak to each other over the roar. Then, in a matter of minutes, we’re airborne.
I admire the breathtaking views as we fly over New York City. Headed east.
We arrive at Martha’s Vineyard airport, where an SUV picks us up. I gaze out the window at the island’s unique architecture and historical monuments. I’m enraptured as we pass light houses, churches, and vibrantly colored Victorian Gingerbread cottages. New England’s history is one of my favorite subjects to read about and explore. Martha’s Vineyard holds special interest since it’s one of the oldest settlements.
But surely my history fascination isn’t why we’re here. It’s also a popular vacation spot. Though not normally this time of year when we have chilly, rainy weather.
We travel along a narrow road that leads to a cottage beneath budding trees. As I exit the vehicle, salty air mingled with the fresh scent of Spring teases my nose. The gentle sound of lapping water catches my attention.
I round the house, Cian lumbering behind me, to find that we’re right on the water. A short staircase leads to a sandy beach, with blue-green waters beyond.
Cian wraps his arms around me from behind. “One day, I’ll bring you back here in the summer when it’s warm enough to swim and sunbathe. This time I wanted us to explore the area while there are fewer tourists.”
“Oh? What do you have in mind?” I’m curious about our itinerary.
“Let’s talk inside, it’s starting to rain again.” He takes my hand and leads us into the adorable cottage. It’s cozy in a modern rustic sort of way.
I set my purse down on the entry table, then step into the main part of the house. Cian flicks on the lights and my heart stills, before beating double time.
“Cian…” I gasp his name.
Purple tulips decorate every horizontal surface from the kitchen countertops, to the dining table, to the sofa’s credenza. They’re everywhere, I breathe in their sweet floral scent.
I enter the space, spinning in a slow circle to take it all in. He remembered. I told him once, what seems like a long time ago now, that these are my favorite flower. I never in a million years expected him to remember, much less do something like this.
Cian clears his throat, drawing my attention to him. “It’s not too much, is it?”
Is he really asking that? I launch myself at him, and he catches me, chuckling. Our lips meet and I pour my gratitude into this kiss.
“They’re beautiful. Thank you. This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
His smile transforms his features from harsh and rugged to devastatingly handsome. “I aim to please.”
“You’ve more than succeeded.” I gaze in awe at the countless vases of purple tulips. They range in color from pale lavender to deep plum. I love them all. “So, how long are we here?”
“Just through the weekend.” He drops a kiss on the top of my head, then moves to the kitchen island. “I thought we’d spend our time visiting these places.”
Intrigued, I follow him, finding numerous informational pamphlets on the marble countertop. Picking them up, Ishuffle through them. They’re all historical attractions and tour schedules.
My gaze flits to Cian. He’s watching me with interest.
