Page 50 of Strawberry Cake

That seemed to break the ice. They checked in together and made their way to the security line. They had pre-check, but that didn’t seem to speed up the process for Decan. They couldn’t let him go through the metal detector, opting to give him a physical pat down and swabbing his wheelchair.

“Fucking hate it every time,” he mumbled, following his family towards the gate.

She had her hand back on his neck, soothing him with soft strokes to his hair. “Does flying bother you?”

“Depends on the staff and airline. The transfer out of the wheelchair can be a shitshow. Some let me do it on my own, others insist on helping me into the seat. It’s worth it to get to travel though.”

“I’ve never been to a resort.”

Decan turned his head and kissed her wrist. “Well, you’d better be prepared to relax and be spoiled. What are you looking forward to the most?”

“The food and the spa. I saw they had couples’ massages. I was hoping you’d go with me.”

“Of course. I think the rest of the guys will be doing lots of golfing and Mom and Lilly will be at the pool most days.”

“Do you think they’d let me golf too? I’ve always wanted to try.”

“Are you kidding? Dad will be your best friend for even asking.”

When it was time to board, Decan was luckily able to handle himself. She’d only flown a few times in her life and neverin business class, so she was a little starstruck to say the least. Decan let her have the window seat and held her hand during take-off. Though the flight was short, she dozed off to Decan’s fingers massaging her neck and her hand on his thigh.

When the time came to deplane, they waited for everyone else to pass by before Decan transferred himself back to his chair. The family chatted away, but Hope was too shy to contribute.

“So, how did you and Decan meet?” Lilly asked as they were driven to the resort in a minibus.

“I saw him reading a book that you rebound for him and needed to know where he got it from.”

“Oh gosh,” Samual groaned. “You shouldn’t have told her that. She’ll take credit for you two meeting all your life now.”

Looking back, Hope saw Lilly roll her eyes. “No, I won’t.”

“Please,” Samuel disagreed. “It’ll be in every wedding speech you give until the end of time.”

“I’ll bet against it,” Aron said, turning to his wife. “You better not disappoint.”

Cally leaned closer and gently squeezed Hope’s shoulder. “You’ll fit right in.”

Hope wasn’t sure if Cally knew how much that meant to her but if Decan’s smile was any indication, he was just as relieved.

Check-in was a breeze and when Hope saw their room, her jaw dropped. It was a modern suite with an ocean view and a jetted tub on the balcony. There was a king-sized bed and alarge marble bathroom. The spaces between furniture were large enough for Decan to fit by without having to squeeze. The best though, were the treats on the bed and the towels folded to look like swans. “Wow.”

“Told you to be ready to be spoiled.”

She dropped her backpack and walked out onto the balcony, a warm breeze and the salt air tickling her nose. “This is gorgeous.”

Decan came up behind her and rubbed the small of her back. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Like it? I love it!”

He chuckled and took her hand in his, kissing her knuckles. “Good.”

Hope soaked in more of the stunning view before they needed to meet everyone else for lunch. She was in heaven, seeming to try one of everything. Decan’s family was wonderful as well, and she found it easy to get along with them. His mom was asking curious questions about her, from work to family and how she got him to adopt Mr. Grumps. Decan’s hand was on her bare thigh, teasing under the thin fabric of her romper. He wasn’t shy about being affectionate with her in front of his family, kissing her side here and there.

When they retreated back to their room with the intention of changing for the pool, she couldn’t hide her fatigue any longer. “Sorry. I’ve been so nervous the past few days I just couldn’t sleep.”

“And all of it for nothing. They adore you already.”

“I know.” She groaned and flopped onto the bed, face down. “But if you told me beforehand, I still would’ve been nervous.”