Back to the Beginning: A Duet (21 page)
Read Back to the Beginning: A Duet Online
Authors: Laramie Briscoe,Seraphina Donavan
T
he sun was
shining brightly and there was just enough of a breeze blowing to keep the temperature from being unbearable. Sitting on a blanket in the sand, Ophelia watched Vincent as he tossed Isabella in the air. She’d been cautious at first, unsure about the sand and the waves, but the minute the surf tickled her little toes she’d erupted in giggles. Now they’d never get her away from the beach.
They’d arrived at Greenleigh bright and early, both of them eager to see their baby. But Vincent hadn’t been as eager to rush back as she’d anticipated, instead suggesting that they stay a few days and enjoy an impromptu vacation. They hadn’t been away together since their honeymoon and had never vacationed with Isabella. Maeve had vacated the guest house on the property for them and was staying in the main house with Justin and Rosalee. It was small, intimate, and completely perfect.
Getting to her feet, Ophelia dusted the sand from her swimsuit and walked to the water’s edge. She liberally reapplied sunscreen to the baby. “I think I like this new plan of yours,” she said. “Delegation is a good thing.”
Vincent grinned. “We’ll see if Kaitlyn agrees.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Ophelia replied. “I’m not giving this up. I like the idea of having my husband back home and in my bed every night.”
Vincent kissed her while Isabella squealed in protest. “There’s no where I’d rather be.”
Ophelia looked at him and at Isabella. “We should give her a sibling… not immediately. But soon. I want her to have what you have. I want her to have someone who will always look out for her the way you, Justin and Kaitlyn take care of one another.”
Vincent held onto Isabella’s hands as she jumped and splashed, kicking up more sand than water. “I’ll give you all the babies you want.
“We should take her back to the house… she’s had a lot of sun and probably needs a nap.”
Vincent grinned wickedly. “As long as I get to put you down for a nap too.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she replied with a laugh. Retreating to the beach, she packed up their belongings while Vincent hauled a screaming Isabella from the water. She didn’t throw many tantrums, but when she did, they were epic.
By the time they reached the guest house, however, she’d exhausted herself and lay with her head on Vincent’s shoulder and tears drying on her cheeks. He held her so gently and so protectively, every bit a loving father. Even with all the bumps in the road they’d faced, Ophelia knew she wouldn’t trade her life, or the man in front of her, for anything.
“Thank you,” she said.
“For what?” he asked softly.
“For giving me everything I ever wanted and so much more.”
The End
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