RANSOM GIFT: The Complete Collection Boxed Set (Commanding Proposal, Hidden Proposal, Ransom Proposal)

by Kristina Royer

  All I wanted was two things. One, I want to lessen their worries about me. And two, I want Gary to heal as well. And I thought Paris would make him busy. Besides, I think weekends in Paris with him might somehow make things meaningful. I mean, why else was it happening to us if the Highest Providence doesn’t have a plan for us?

  “What? I just suggested that? I also want to spend weekends somewhere else.” I explained myself with a sweet smile on my face. Was it a fake one? Yes, it was.

  “Are you sure, hija?” Dad asked.

  I nodded. Few more nods and maybe I could convince them, so I kept nodding.

  “Easy.” Gary said. “Your face might fall off, baby.”

  I frowned. “Yes, I’m sure.” I answered them.

  “Well, you can still make it to this semester.” Dad said.

  Gary stared at me, trying to gauge if I was lying to him or what. “How about you, can you be alone?” He asked. Awww… He’s always thinking of my welfare above everything…

  I felt that he also wanted to go. Maybe he thought it’s the best for the both of us as I will always so be busy at work here. I figured if I make myself so busy at work would fulfill what my child would’ve wanted for me.

  “Honey, I’ll be working here, besides, I have dad and Alma. Come weekends, I’ll be with you.” I said. “Actually Friday, right, dad?”

  Dad nodded. “You can leave as early as Friday, and then go home by Monday.” He said. “Practically, you’ll be working from Tuesdays to Thursdays only.”

  Wow! I’m just so lucky. But I knew it was only during the time being while Gary is away for his schooling. It’s only going to be just for a year… What could possibly go wrong?

  “It’s settled then. I’ll have everything ready for your departure, hijo.” He said. “Kristina, you might want to spend the first two weeks with Gary there. Come back here after for work. You two go have a vacation.” Dad generously said.

  Best idea ever!

  “Yeah, I agree, dad.” I said. “What do you think, babe?” I asked Gary.

  “Yeah, okay.” He answered with a grin. “Thanks, dad…”

  Dad smiled to us, and he made sure we’ll see that he’s happy for the both of us. He held his champagne glass. “But first, I want to give a toast for Gareth Aurora/Orlando. Even as quick as 27 weeks, they gave us overflowing joy.” He said.

  I smiled weakly at him, held my glass and offered our child a toast. I knew it’s not supposed to be a celebration, but they deserve our appreciation and love, so what the heck. We celebrated their existence even just for a short while.

  Chapter 3

  We’ve decided to spend the night at the pent. Besides, we could move out of that apartment as soon as we can, we can just hire movers to go get our stuff for us. So we figured, ‘why not move now?’

  I’ve missed the pent. It’s more familiar here, although I will always cherish our own little apartment. It will always have a special place in my heart. I just couldn’t bear live there at the moment.

  “Baby…” Gary called out my attention.

  It has interrupted my daydreaming/constant check of happiness.

  “Yes?”

  “Are you really serious about sending to me Paris this soon?” He asked.

  I smiled at him. “Yes, I am.” I validated his thoughts. “I need a vacation, and we both need to go own with our together.” I told him.

  He smiled back at me. “Okay, as you say so.”

  “You should be ready because dad can fix everything in no time.” I said.

  And before he could even say a word, my in-house telephone rang. It’s dad.

  “Hola, dad…” I greeted my old man.

  “Oh, okay... I knew it.” I said after few seconds. “I’ll tell him…” I smiled. “Okay, I love you. Have a good night, dad!”

  I turned to face Gary. “See? I told you he can get us there quick. We’ll leave the day after tomorrow so we better start packing, most especially, you.” I informed him.

  Gary’s eyes grew wider in shock. His jaws were nearly on the floor. I know, right?

  “That’s crazy fast!”

  “I know.” I said with a stupid grin. “Start packing up.” I suggested to him.

  We’ve spent the last three hours packing up his stuff, and then mine. For some reasons, I have packed twice as he did, and I was only going there for two weeks and he’s supposed to be there for a year! How did that even happen?

  Things have changed, plans have been changed and we’re both growing together and as individuals. He made me realize that my life has finally completed with him. He’s something I can never lose, so I was set to live with him forever. A year, no, every whole weekday for a whole year is not going to change anything between the two of us. I was determined to make sure of that.

  “Wow. Baby, you’re plan is a bit obvious.” Gary started teasing me.

  I grinned. “What plan?”

  “You’re not going to leave Paris, are you?” He asked.

  What? Why? How can he tell? I meant, what was his reference for saying that?

  “What do you mean?” I asked him, feeling and looking equal parts confused and amused.

  “Well, you’ve packed clothes for a whole year.” He teased.

  OH, that! I laughed so hard. “Oh, no… baby, these are just for two weeks.” I corrected him.

  He looked terribly surprised. It’s been fun surprising him lately, but this one was actually exceptional because my laugh was real. Not that I forgot about my loss, god no, I don’t think it’s ever going to happen anytime soon. But I was able to cope with the pain, and be thankful with the other blessing I’ve still got. I thought it’s very important to do so. In a way, I won’t lose everything.

  “Go get some rest, honey.” He ordered.

  “Let’s go to bed?” I asked him.

  “Come on.” He flashed his sweetest smile on me.

  It’s fourteen minutes past two in the morning, and we’re both exhausted.

  *****

  “Good morning, kids.” Dad greeted us sweetly.

  I reciprocated his smile. “Morning, daddy…” I kissed his forehead.

  “Good morning, dad.” Gary greeted him, and he also kissed his head.

  My old man was obviously gladdened by this gesture. I swear, sometimes, Gary’s more of a child to my dad than I was.

  “Come on, let’s eat!” Dad invited us to eat with him.

  Gary pulled a dining chair for me, and I sat down. Once we’re both settled, we started talking about how we’re very much excited to go to Paris.

  Dad sounded so excited for us as well. But no matter how hard we try to keep the conversation happy and alive, we still can’t help but bring up the topic about our loss. It’s very depressing and heartbreaking at the same time. But lucky for me, I have two men who were more than willing to help me get over. They’re my angel.

  “I’m excited to check out the school.” Gary has opened up another topic.

  “I’ll try to visit you within the week. By the way, you both know my assistant very well, he’ll come with you to Paris, lead you to your house, and he will give you instruction on how you can get your biweekly allowance, okay?” Dad generously asked.

  I glanced up at Gary, and he was obviously overwhelmed.

  “By the way, your new stuff will be waiting for you in your house. Make sure to you use everything fully well as the house belongs to the both of you. The lease was on both your name.” Dad added.

  Okay, now I’m overwhelmed.

  “Dad, don’t you think it’s too much?” Gary asked.

  Dad smirked at Gary. “I’m investing on my future son-in-law, that’s nothing.” Dad said.

  Dad! You’re making me bluish. But I think Gary blushed more. It’s so cute.

  “Thanks, dad…” He said.

  I flashed my old man my ever sweetest smile. He deserved it. He’s the best dad ever. And Gary’s the best boyfriend ever. I swear, if he’ll ask me to marry him, I’ll be the p
erfect wife.

  Although I was already acting as if I’m his wife, it’s still different being his actual wife. I’ll give him my special loving.

  “Let me just give you a tip, though, hijo.” Dad started another topic.

  Gary focused his attention to dad as if he was about to tell him where to find such big vault of treasure.

  “She’s always right. She’s never wrong. Never disagree.” Dad teased the both of us.

  “Noted, dad… I’ll always keep that in mind.” Gary answered with a grin.

  “Know all these tips by heart, and you guys will be just fine.” Dad teased him more.

  They both laughed, I blushed. Okay, guys…. Change the topic, please.

  Chapter 4

  We’re heading towards the Barajas airport for our flight to Charles de Gaulle. It’ll be a short flight, so we’re not really worried of anything. We’ll be in France in no time.

  Dad sent his assistant with us because apparently, he was the one who has set up most of everything that we’ll need here.

  I, personally, was preparing myself for something not normal that my dad has prepared for us. I just knew that it’s going to be really unusual.

  After couple of hours in the plane, we’ve finally landed. We’re set to head towards our service when a valet parking service handed over a key to a red Aston Martin’s Volante. I don’t know so much about cars, but I’ve seen it once in a magazine, and I automatically fell in love with it.

  Wow! Seeing that car, and thinking that hot car was our service from airport to our home gave me chills. I knew dad was up to something, but I never expected it to be extravagant. I’ve imagined a simple house with good fencing and stuff. Well at least that’s how I’ve always pictured Paris—full of colorful little apartments.

  “Mr. Miller, this is the key to your car. You have your name in its title.” Our ever dashing assistant informed Gary.

  Wait, did he say it’s Gary’s? What the fuck? That’s so awesome and exaggerated.

  I rushed to glance at Gary, and he was freaking shocked. Well, it was very understandable for me. He doesn’t even a car. Well, although he knows how to drive, he has never had a chance to get one.

  “Sir… here’s your key.”

  Gary wasn’t taking it, and I don’t think he’ll be able to move for a couple of few seconds more, so I took it in his behalf.

  “But that one’s a two-seater, where are you going to ride?” I asked.

  “Oh, Ms. Kristina, this is as far as I could get. The address is inside the car, and since it’s pretty easy to spot, you’re father has messaged me to go back as soon as I can for an emergency meeting. My flight’s within thirty minutes.” He said.

  Awww… Poor guy…

  “Oh, in that case, thank you so much.” I said in behalf of the both of us.

  Once he was out of sight, I looked at Gary, who’s staring clear to his new car. I suddenly felt scared of his reaction.

  “Baby…” I whispered, calling out for his attention.

  “Do you think dad thought I was up for your money?” He suddenly asked.

  I knew it! I just knew that when I had this unusual fear, his mind is formulating its own hypothesis.

  “What? No! I think he wanted to give you the best things because he treats you like a son.” I stated a fact.

  Well, welcome to my life. “Just accept it. He’s old, and we certainly don’t want to cause him some heart aches, do we?”

  He shook his head. “You’re right. But this thing’s just not me.” He shared his sentiments.

  “I know, baby, but dad might be saddened if you refuse to take this.” I said. “Besides, you’ll be able to repay him once you start working in the company, so think of all these as an investment.” I tried to cleanse his thoughts and mind.

  I knew in my mind that he’ll get used to all these, but my heart secretly fears that he might get consumed by great overwhelming stuff, and it might either change him or break him.

  “So, shall we go?” I asked him.

  “I hope the instructions are in English.” He started to cool down a little.

  We hopped inside the car, and Gary pulled us out, and we drove. We checked out his school first, and then we headed out to this single-family home that was instructed in the paper inside this brown envelope. It has the address in a small white paper, the lease of the house and some special instructions like our girl Friday, etc.

  We followed the instructions, and it was indeed easy to find. But holy cow, the house wasn’t simple. It’s spacious, glassy and equal parts sophisticated and artistic.

  Entering the house was divine. More like, very welcoming and cozy. But wait until you enter the main door. God, the living room was perfect! The walls have unison in color, which was white, and it has successfully accentuated every single thing in the living room—from the furniture to every framed decor. It was absolutely amazing!

  The kitchen was more like the best thing ever! It suits the both of us. The theme, the paintings and abstracts on the wall, its every corner was perfect for the both of us since we’re painters.

  But on the second floor was the best of all the rest—our bedroom. I felt like we’re about to christen something again. Oh, no… No, no, no… I wasn’t ready for that yet. It’s too soon, but I was so sure that he’ll understand my reasons. I felt like he’s also feeling the same way.

  Gary was obviously shocked by all these things in his name. “I mean, I knew my whole life was going to change when you became mine, but not like this.” He said.

  Has his face looked like as if he won the lottery, I might doubt if I really knew him. But his face was genuinely grossed out. And somehow, it made me felt assured. No, I didn’t think he’s after our money. But I don’t want anyone to judge him wrongly. Also, I wasn’t threatened by the idea that all these might attract women towards him, no. I was absolutely sure of my man’s loyalty as he’s sure with mine.

  I’ve set everything as he’s figuring out how to use his MacBook. Apparently, there’s more that dad has prepared for him. Aside from his high-end laptop, he’s got all he needs for painting, a new phone that was once again, an Apple product, he’s got his life-size canvasses, and he’s got me. Yep, I’m the most precious of them all. I giggled at my own thought.

  “Baby, can you help me with this, please? It’s really not my gift.” He admitted.

  I wanted to laugh because he was struggling with the copy paste in MacBook, but I didn’t want to insult him or make him feel down. No, that’s the last thing in this world that I would do.

  After teaching him some few techniques, “thank you so much, babe.” He said.

  I smiled at him, and he cupped my face with one hand, and he slowly pulled my face closer his, and he gave me a kiss.

  It felt so divine, it tasted so heavenly. I love him so much. Him alone… Just him… He’s all I’ve ever wanted and more.

  “Enough of this, I’ll check it out later. Do you want to eat outside and stroll?” He asked.

  Get out of my soul, babe! “Totally…” I answered him with so much enthusiasm. I felt like a little child with so many things going on in her head, but rejecting this amazing offer wasn’t one of them. I wasn’t that dumb.

  So I headed to our room, and I was still overwhelmed by how big our house was. I changed into something mobile, and I went down with a pair of my sneakers on my feet. I saw him ready to go, waiting at the front door while staring intently to the front yard of the house. Pretty sure, he’s been overwhelmed by our mini garden/exclusive mini park, and so was I.

  “Gary.” I called out his name.

  He turned to face me, and he was enjoying what he sees. “You look amazing.” He complimented me. I was just so glad that he’s still the Gary I came to know and love. I felt like all these fancy things are already eating him up. I shook away the frightening thought, and I walked towards him.

  “Ready?” He asked.

  I excitedly nodded my head. He took me by the hand, locked
the front door and we went on our way.

  The streets were so peaceful, and everyone seemed to be warm even if everyone was busy doing their thing. It’s nice because then we got to enjoy the whole neighborhood. We had such long walks, but it was fun checking out every corner of Paris.

  We found this small restaurant that seemed like it just sprung out of the walls when we walked by. It’s small, but very cozy. It kind of reminded me of that one Clemente and I used to go in Spain. But of course, there’s no way I was going to think of him right now.

  We’ve both decided to just take a seat outside of the restaurant since there’s this table with proper shading from an orange umbrella. It seemed pretty decent, small and the food looked ravishing. It’s settled then, we ordered our food.

  I had their signature pasta with meatballs, garlic bread, and gelato. While Gary had the same plus two slices of pizza. We started to eat, and the food was so divine. It’s good thing that we chose the restaurant because I could finally say that I had the best meatballs pasta in the streets of Paris. It was so good, and I was so sure that there’s no way that any other recipe was better than the one I had.

  “Oh, this is so good!” I exclaimed to Gary.

  He smiled at me while positively nodding his head, and he wiped the sauce stain behind his lips before he said another word, “I agree with you, babe”.

  “Do you think they’ll tell me how they made this if I ask them?” I stupidly asked.

  He laughed, and he placed his hand on my hair. “No, I don’t think so, hon.” He said.

  I faked a sad face, and I frowned. “That’s too bad.”

  “Tell you what, I can try and make this for dinner. But I can’t promise anything.” He said.

  My face lightened as if a morning dawn was centered solely to it. “Really, you’d do that?” I asked him.

  “Anything for you, Kristina… I thought you already know that.”

  I blushed, and he leaned over to give me a soft and quick kiss on my lips.

  Can it get any better than this?