The conversation continues for a little while, until Mia spots Jack heading up from the surf, and she threatens the group to keep their mouths shut or she will send all the nannies we have hired to help this week home.
Got to love a protective momma bear.
“How was that, JJ?” I ask as he makes it to us with the biggest smile on his face.
“That was freaking awesome! I wish we had surf like that in Chicago.”
Mia throws him his towel as he starts trying to pull the wetsuit down his arms. We rented everything he would need, including a full wetsuit which would help him in the water but also stop the sunburn on most of his body. But just watching him trying to pull the wetsuit off is enough to have us all in hysterics.
“What?” He looks at us all. “You try and get out of one of these things, they stick to your skin like glue.” I can see Jack getting frustrated.
“There is a trick to it.” Mason stands and shows him how to pull it off.
From the corner of my eye, I can see Mia snapping lots of sneaky pictures, because Jack has also gotten to the point where it’s not cool for Mom to take staged photos, but of course takes twenty-five Snapchats of himself a day to send to friends.
Finally, wetsuit-free, Jack starts talking flat out, telling us all about the waves he caught as if we weren’t here watching him. Once he finally finishes his big retelling, it’s time to head home, because tonight is New Year’s Eve.
I haven’t told them what I have planned for tonight, just that they need to pack a little overnight bag, as tonight the kids arebeing looked after by the nannies, which Jack was not impressed about, and us adults are staying somewhere else.
Saying our goodbyes at the front door, all the kids are ushered back inside, and the rest of them look at me, wondering where the cars are.
“We better not be walking to our mystery destination, Lex.” Paige looks at me, half joking, but I know she is not a lover of exercise.
“You would kill me if that was the case. I’ve already put my life on the line by bringing the kids with us. But I promise you will all be forgiving me by tomorrow morning.” I smile at what is about to happen. “Now follow me.”
Taking Mia’s hand, I walk around the side of the house and down a set of stairs in the gardens that weave their way down the slope of the property toward the water.
“What’s going on?” Mia whispers to me as the rest of them are also asking questions behind me. We stop at a locked gate, and I whip the key from my pocket to unlock it. As they all step through, I lock it behind them, moving through where they are all standing, wondering what is going on, and again, I take Mia’s hand and walk down the last part of the path, coming out from behind the beautifully manicured hedge to the vision of the sleek black-and-silver luxury superyacht that is pulling in to berth at the private dock.
For all the chatter and sarcastic remarks that I’ve been getting for the last few minutes, there is stunned silence.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I turn quickly and snap a candid picture of the looks on their faces. It’s not that they don’t all know this type of luxury, it’s just the location.
“Lex,” Mia gasps and squeezes my hand tighter.
I love spoiling her and giving her new experiences and memories.
Two of the crew jump off the yacht onto the dock, one tying it off and the other is heading toward me.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I’m Foster, your chief steward, and I’m here to make your stay with us as perfect as it can be. Which one of you is Mr. Jefferson?”
I step forward with my hand extended. “Call me Lex, and this is my wife, Mia.” Then I proceed to introduce the others, while the other crew member who has finished securing the yacht takes everyone’s bags on board for us.
“Lovely to meet you all and welcome to our superyacht, Southern Arora. Let’s get you on board and settled with some champagne to start off the festivities.” He motions to the gangway that has now been put out.
After making sure all the girls are on safely, I wait for Mason, Gray, and Tate to walk past me and board so I’m the last one.
“Thanks for all your help with tonight.” I clap Foster on the shoulder as I step onto the gangway.
“No problems at all. We have everything ready to go as planned. Sit back and enjoy the night with your wife and friends,” he replies as he and his crewmate go about their jobs of unhooking us from the dock again.
I make my way up the stairs onto the upper deck where everyone is now finding seats on the couch that runs around the back edge of that level. There’s a table in the center, with a large charcuterie board set out, and a female steward is standing to the side handing out glasses of champagne. Sliding onto the end of the seat next to Mia, I pull her into the side of my body and relax against the cushions.
We all listen carefully as Foster runs through some of the safety information needed before finishing off with telling them that I will fill them in on what is happening tonight.
I can’t remember a time when I have had everyone’s attention like I have right now.
“You all doubted me. Well, welcome to your child-free New Year’s Eve celebration.” Lifting my glass to the center of the table, we all clink the beginning of another year together.
