After we gathered our luggage, the shuttle to the hotel was waiting curbside. The driver helped us load our bags, then we made the quick twenty-minute drive to the hotel. Beck’s head bobbed back and forth, trying to see as much as he could.
“Lots of plants, Daddy.”
“Yes, Aruba is a tropical paradise.”
It didn’t take long to get checked in and the wedding coordinator stood nearby to greet us. We’d completed the required paperwork to marry here ahead of time. I was thankful Jobe had the foresight to have us do that.
“Gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Isla, you’re wedding coordinator.” We each took a moment to introduce ourselves. “I’m thrilled to be hosting your ceremony here Friday afternoon. Tomorrow, if you have a few moments to spare, I’d like to give you a tour of the hotel and our amenities before you depart on your bus tour.”
“That would be wonderful, thank you,” Jobe told her.
“Excellent. Shall we meet around ten a.m. here in the lobby?” Everyone nodded. “The bars are open late, as well as the main restaurant. Enjoy the rest of your evening and welcome to Aruba.”
“Well done, Jobe,” Mom thanked him. “This place is amazing.”
“Thank you, Carissa. The reviews were amazing and Isla has been a doll to work with. I don’t know about you guys, but I need food and a stiff drink. Meet in the restaurant in half an hour?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Daddy, they got us a Christmas tree. Look how pretty it is. Does that mean Santa knows we’re in Aruba? I hope he doesn’t get confused and go to our house.”
“Santa knows everything, Bunny. I’m sure he’ll get it right.”
Once he’d finished appraising the tree, he ran over to the curtains and threw them back. “Sand, Daddy!”
“Yes, my love and white sands if I’m not mistaken. I can’t wait to see it in the daylight.” I wrapped my arms around his waist from behind as we stared out into the night.
“Me too.”
As much as I wished to stand there longer, we had unpacking to do and dinner to eat. “Come on, let’s get unpacked and get some real food in our stomachs.”
I loved that this trip was all inclusive aside from the gift shops and tipping.
The group filed in right on time, and we were quickly seated in the restaurant. After a long day of travel and full bellies, we called it a night.
My boy barely made it through the shower without falling asleep. It was a long travel day with a lot of airport walks for both of us, plus his stress level had been off the charts and that alone was exhausting. You never realize how routine and calm your life has become until you throw flights and time zone changes into the mix.
Chapter Fifteen
Beck
“Daddy! Daddy! Wake up! Santa came! Ugh, he was taking too long and the prezzies and my stocking were waiting. “Daddy!
“What are you going on about, boy?” There was no way Daddy didn’t know it was Christmas. Wasn’t that like in the Daddy contract?
“Alright, alright, let Daddy use the restroom then we’ll see what Santa brought you.”
I plopped down in front of the tree then decided everyone needed to see the pretty lights, so I threw the curtains open. Hopefully Daddy didn’t come out of the bathroom nakey, he-he.
“What are you giggling about, Bunny?”
“Nothinnnggg, just the thought that everyone would see your nakey butt since I opened the curtains. But I want to share the pretty Christmas lights with everyone.”
“You naughty, sweet, boy,” Daddy kissed me. “Okay, have a seat and Daddy will see what Santa left.”
“Daddy, don’t we do stockings first? Were you naughty? I don’t see one for you?”
Daddy chuckled, “Santa knows I’ve got everything I want and need and soon I get to call you husband.”
