Once again,we take a commercial flight to Washington. Julius assured me it would be safer that way, and as the plane touches down, I stare with anticipation out of the window. It’s raining, and I should take that as a sign, but I am kind of grateful for that. I’ve always loved the rain. It washes away everything and leaves a clean canvas. This is our fresh start, a new beginning, and my past is now behind me.
Julius moves briskly through the airport, not stopping to catch his breath, and the entire time he holds onto my hand, gripping it tightly, protecting me and keeping me safe.
As we step out onto the sidewalk, a convoy of black cars is waiting, and he wastes no time stepping into the middle one.
“What is this?” I whisper fearfully as the procession moves off and Julius pulls me close, dragging out his phone.
“This is life, baby girl, our life, and I apologize in advance for that.”
“But what if this is a trap? You didn’t even check who was driving.”
He chuckles. “I possess the power of observation and I recognized the guards waiting.”
“I see.”
I relax a little because I’m hoping this is over now and we can settle into our new life and the adventure can really begin.
“Where are we going?”
“Home, baby girl. We’re going home.”
He studies his phone and then makes a call, and I sit back and stare out of the window at the passing scenery.
Home. Finally, I have a home. It’s something I’ve never really had the luxury of before.
Julius is talking in a hushed whisper, and as he cuts the call, he sighs.
“Duty calls, baby. When we reach the house, I must head straight in to a meeting. Our housekeeper Julia will meet you and show you to our room. Wait there for me; she will arrange food, and then I’ll give you the tour.”
“It’s okay; don’t worry about me. I’ll be happy to wait.”
He sighs and then stares deep into my eyes and whispers, “I will make it short. I don’t want to be away from you,and that shocks me a little.”
My fingers drift to his face, and I caress his rough skin, memorizing every detail of his strong features.
“We have the rest of our lives together, and what a life that will be.”
I lean forward and kiss him softly but he pulls me closer,kissing me with desperate passion, leaving me in no doubt that he is in as deep as I am.
It must bean hour later before we slow down, and I gaze with interest at the huge estate that we approach through security gates.
“Honey, we’re home.” He says with amusement, and I gaze at a mansion not dissimilar to the ones my father owned. I am not impressed by places like this, but I understand them. If anything, they represent normality, and this time I’m sharing the space with my husband. It takes on a whole new meaning, and the stirring of excitement grips me as I say in awe, “It’s impressive.”
“It is.” He says sadly, “My one regret is that we will no longer be alone.”
“That doesn’t matter because at least we’ll be together.”
I turn to him, and my eyes shine.
“We made it back, Julius, and should celebrate that. What happens next is our future, and I’m happy to say we have one thanks to you, and I will never take that for granted.”
“Rose, I–” He makes to speak and then the car stops and our attention is diverted when the door opens and he sighs.
“Never mind. Come, follow me.”
As I step out of the car into the rain, a guard is waiting with an umbrella to shield us and as we approach the huge wooden doors, Julius stops, a devilish twinkle in his eye and before I know what’s happening, he sweeps me off my feet and grins. “It’s traditional for the bridegroom to carry his bride over the threshold.”
“Tradition.” It makes me laugh. “None of this is traditional.”
