by K. Marie
“Your expression tells me you approve,” Garland said, appearing beside me.
“I’m speechless…” I muttered, eyes still glued to the display.
“Then, I’d say it’s a job well done,” he replied with satisfaction.
I turned to look at him. “This is unbelievable, Garland, you are the best husband in the world, hands down. I mean it. You have raised the bar for all other husbands so there might be a lot of men right now who are pissed at you,” I teased, wrapping my arms around his waist.
He chuckled.
“I refuse to embarrass myself by crying again, but, just know that I love you to infinity and beyond,” I told him, borrowing a line from Buzz Lightyear.
“I love you more,” he said in return, brushing a kiss across my lips.
“I might believe that, except, I’m fairly certain I spied your ex-girlfriend somewhere in that crowd,” I said dryly. “Why is she here?” I asked.
I was preoccupied with greeting other guests at the time—and still had more to go, but Sophie’s face among the sea of people was unmistakable.
“She and Brianne, the party planner, are good friends. She must have come with her—I didn’t invite her. Do you want me to ask her to leave?”
“God, no, that would be in poor taste on our part. Plus, I don’t want to come off as the jealous wife. Though, I totally am.”
It was unfortunate the woman didn’t have the proper etiquette to not show up to a party in which she wasn’t invited—but I wouldn’t just toss her out in a jealous fit. Besides, I wasn’t really jealous; I just wasn’t feeling the whole ‘let’s be friends after we’ve fucked’ vibe. It was a bunch of bullshit in my opinion. I didn’t believe men and women could be just friends after they’d had a sexual relationship. And any woman who’d been with Garland would have no interest in being just friends afterward. Nope, uh un, no way. They’d only choose that option if they had to.
“You have absolutely nothing to be jealous over, sweetheart, my eyes see only you,” he assured with a smile.
“I’m not jealous, but I’m not stupid either. You’re not the one I’m worried about,” I said with a cynical roll of my eyes. “Come on; I’ve been rude to our guests long enough. I’m assuming the man standing next to Ann is her husband, let’s go meet him.”
After Garland and I were introduced to Ann’s husband, Stephen, both Lauren and Marie dragged me away to the restroom to change into the white Grecian gown they’d bought for the occasion. They’d also purchased a beautiful gold and crystal encrusted tiara to go with it. I was the only one who hadn’t gotten the dress code memo. Mostly everyone else was dressed in either white or gold garb—not all of it technically Grecian but in keeping with the apparent color theme.
“You’re Athena tonight, you’ve got to look the part,” Lauren said, carefully placing the pretty accessory atop my head. She knew Athena was my favorite Goddess.
I’d worn my hair down tonight, so she tucked the sides behind my ears to free it from my face. After freshening my make-up, I took a look in the mirror and smiled. I might not look exactly like Athena, but I felt every bit the golden Goddess.
I gave Marie and Lauren an enthusiastic hug. “Thanks so much, guys, I’d hate to not look like a Goddess at my own Greek themed party.”
“How surprised were you—did you have any inkling what was going on?” asked Marie.
“None whatsoever. I would never in a thousand years have anticipated this. I can’t believe all of you duped me—how long had you known?” I asked.
“Garland told dad about two weeks ago that he intended to give you a surprise party while we were here. Though, he never mentioned it would be Greek themed until the day we arrived. We all had to scramble to find something appropriate to wear,” Lauren said with pursed lips.
I laughed. “You know men never think of the little details, getting dressed is always easy for them.”
“I can forgive him this time, your husband did a kickass job, Cam, I’m proud of him,” she said.
Wow. High praise indeed, coming from Lauren. She seemed to have genuinely softened since she’d been here. Perhaps she had a new man in her life? I’d have to remember to ask Marie.
“I am proud as well; now you see why I fell in love with him,” I said of Garland.
“We were there, remember? I don’t think that’s the reason you fell in love with him; I recall there being mention of his bedroom stamina,” Marie snorted dryly.
Yeah, there was that too.
Sixteen
G A R L A N D
“Well, did you give it to her yet? Was this it?” Sharon asked expectantly.
I grinned like a teenage boy who’d just gotten his first date. “No and no,” I answered vaguely, knowing what she was referring to.
She gave me a perturbed look.
“Patience woman, I’ve got to slow-feed my wife surprises, I don’t want her passing out on me,” I told her.
“I’ll be the one passing out in a minute. The suspense is killing me, and it’s not even my surprise,” Sharon retorted.
“What are you two talking about? What surprise?” Camry asked, appearing suddenly by my side.
I turned to see her wearing a questioning smile, but with a hint of apprehension in her eyes. “Sharon is beside herself with excitement over presents. So, let’s finally put her out of her misery, wife. I have one last gift to give you, but I’ll be giving it to you in private,” I told her, giving Sharon a pointed look.
We left Sharon gaping as I took Camry’s hand and led her to the doors at the far end of the large room. After exiting, we were instantly cloaked in darkness as we stepped out onto the terrace located at the back of the property. Nighttime had fallen, but there was a three-quarter moon shining high up in the sky.
“So, this is where everyone snuck in at,” Camry said, looking at all the cars parked at the rear of the property.
“It would have been a dead giveaway, otherwise.”
“Thank you, seems inadequate for what you’ve given me tonight, Garland. So, I can’t begin to imagine what else you could have possibly gotten,” Camry murmured, turning to face me.
Because a few people were standing around a short distance away, I put my hand to her waist and guided her further down towards the south side of the terrace, seeking more privacy. I had no idea how she’d react to my gift, but I knew that presenting it in front of others was not an option. Besides, this was something personal between her and me. She’d share it with others if she wanted to.
Reaching into my back pants pocket, I pulled out the flat case that was maybe an inch longer and wider than the size of an iPhone Plus. The front of the case was a clear acrylic, the back of it; metal. Inside lay a silver key that was almost the length of its case.
“This isn’t a birthday gift, Camry, but I thought it appropriate and in keeping with the theme to present it to you tonight. And with all the legalese and red tape involved, it took a lot longer to obtain than I’d anticipated,” I explained.
“What is it?” she asked, eyeing the box curiously.
“This, sweetheart, is my way of saying thank you. Not a damn thing on this planet could ever properly convey my eternal gratitude for the gift that you’ve given me in our son, but I hope this gift gives you some idea,” I told her, handing over the key.
“So…you’re giving me a present for Roman?” Camry asked uncertainly.
“Yes, this is my present to you for giving me the ultimate present, our son. I guess the technical term would be push-present. However, I happen to find that term a bit crass and distasteful,” I told her.
“What’s the key for?” she asked, glancing down at the case in her hand.
“The key is merely symbolic; it’s what’s underneath the key that matters.”
Camry shot me a baffled look before lowering her eyes to the case. Fingering the clasp, she thumbed open the top and removed the key from its cushion. After briefly examining it, she held it between her two middle fing
ers while she lifted the black velvet cushion to reveal the paper underneath. After removing it, she placed the key back in its case and handed it to me before unfolding the paper.
“I have no idea what I’m looking at,” she said after a moment of her eyes scanning the document.
I knew she wouldn’t realize what it was—hell, some of it wasn’t even in English. But it was still her gift to open.
“You’re looking at a deed, love. You are now the proud owner of your very own Greek island,” I told her, wondering if she remembered her own words from a few months ago.
Camry jerked her head up to look at me wide-eyed. “You’re kidding, right?” she asked, a wary look on her beautiful face.
“I never kid about property acquisitions,” I said, trying not to smile.
She stared at me as if trying to gauge my seriousness, before lowering her eyes back to the paper. She studied it several long seconds—presumably attempting to read it, to convince herself I wasn’t pranking her. Though, she had to know that just wasn’t my style.
“This is insane, Garland. An island? An entire fucking island? How does one even go about buying such a thing?” she asked incredulously, focusing her eyes back on me.
“Through a lot of lawyers and an electronic bank transfer. It’s quite simple, other than the bureaucratic red tape that significantly slows down the process,” I said in answer, struggling not to laugh. I’m sure that’s not what she’d technically meant.
“Why would you buy me an island—what in the hell am I supposed to do with it? Who even does that?” she asked with a disbelieving shake of her head.
I gave it a full ten seconds before the tears started. Camry was as equally emotional as she was passionate. She felt everything deeply, and I loved that about her. But it always pissed her off when she succumbed to it.
Stepping closer, I brought a hand up to caress the soft strands of hair that cascaded down her back. A small gasp escaped her mouth a second later when I tightened my fingers and pulled her head back until she was looking me in the eye.
“I do that, Camry. Because I fucking can. Anytime I fucking please,” I said, before giving her a heartfelt kiss.
And then, the tears started.
“The island is yours to do with whatever you want, sweetheart. You let me know what that is and I’ll make it happen,” I told her.
“I can’t believe you purchased me an island—a frigging island! That is so not normal…” Camry cried, watery eyes staring into mine. “What in the hell am I going to get for baby number two, a small country?”
“That can be arranged, though, you might not like the available countries locations,” I said, then chuckled over her horrified facial expression.
“Don’t you dare! You’ve already won the gold medal for over-the-top tonight,” she said on a laugh. “Seriously, Garland, I-I’m so overwhelmed right now—I truly don’t know what to say. Roman is just as much a blessing for me as for you. I won’t spend a fortune buying you a Greek island or building Ancient Greece in Miami. But, I will say thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for giving me, Roman. For always showing me that you love me. And for loving Autumn like she’s your own. Also, for allowing me bragging rights for having the hottest husband alive.”
“Do the two of you intend to hideout sucking face all night or are you going to join your party?” asked Marie, walking over to where we were standing.
I smiled at the look of disgust on her face. She always seemed to have uncanny timing.
“I don’t know…I kinda enjoy sucking face with my husband,” Camry said provokingly, smiling like the devil.
“And I kinda enjoy stuffing my face with tasty birthday cake. It’s about that time—the chick with the crazy eyes is looking for you,” Marie said.
The chick with the crazy eyes. Marie must be referring to Brianne, the party planner. Marie is completely nuts.
“Why does it look like you were crying? If you’re still crying over your surprise, I swear I’m going to disown you as a cousin,” Marie told Camry.
“Hah! I’m not that big a damn marshmallow. I’ve got new stuff to cry about; my husband just gave me a frigging Greek island!” Camry announced loudly, before jumping up and down and waving her hands in the air.
I guess she liked the gift.
“When you say, gave you a Greek island; do you mean in the literal sense, or as in a vacation?” Marie asked, eyebrows raised.
“I mean he purchased me a frigging Greek island!” Camry cheered, brandishing the paper still clutched in her hand.
Greek islands apparently do it for her. That shit might get expensive.
“Wow, now that’s taking a themed party to whole other level. Garland, you truly know the meaning of go-big-or-go-home; you’re a class act, I’m proud to call you cousin.”
“Yes, he’s the absolute best,” Camry agreed, wrapping an arm around my waist.
“Well, this episode of rich people problems is going to have to be placed on pause, it’s time for a bad and drunken rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’” Marie said wryly, nodding her head towards Brianne, who was bearing down on us at a manic pace.
Seventeen
C A M R Y
The sudden lurching of the car had me jerking abruptly awake. I could feel my body pitch forward from the momentum as I lay across Garland’s lap in the back seat where I’d fallen asleep right after leaving the party.
“We’ve got another one coming up on our ass—bastard came out of nowhere!” I heard Joe say, a hint of alarm in his voice.
“What’s going on?” I asked groggily, moving to sit upright.
Garland put a staying hand on my arm to keep me from rising. “Stay down, sweetheart, we’ve got a possible situation,” he said, just as the car swerved sharply left.
I heard a loud crack. Followed quickly by an ear-splitting sound that seemed to rock the entire car.
“What in the hell was that—are we being shot at?!” I asked in a panic, attempting to lift myself up to see what in the hell was happening.
“Stay down, Camry!” Garland ordered, pressing down more firmly on my arm to keep me prone.
Oh, God.
“Stack, get that car off our asses, now!” Joe’s voice boomed, the car lurching suddenly.
Crack-crack-crack!
There was another succession of cracking sounds—the report from a gun being fired; and then a sharp splintering as the bullets made contact with the side of the car.
Shit!
“Fuck! All heads down—I have to return fire!” Viktor shouted just as the car rocked again.
“Camry, listen to me, I need you down on the floor. The car is armored—those bullets won’t penetrate, but I need you out of the line of fire,” Garland said just as calmly as you please.
As if we weren’t fucking being shot at!
In my complete panic and confusion, I did as asked; quickly sliding my ass down to the floor.
Boom-Boom-Boom-Boom!
The horrendously loud sound was damn near deafening as Viktor returned fire on whoever was shooting at us.
Someone was fucking shooting at us!
I clamped my hands over my ears to block out the noise.
From my view on the floor, I saw Garland reach underneath the seat in front of him where Joe was sitting. When his left hand reappeared, it was holding a gun; an impressively large, black gun—a Glock by the looks of it. I’d seen that gun before.
He quickly checked the magazine then snapped it back into place. And all I could think about as I watched him slide across the seat and start firing out of the opposite window was…this shit cannot be happening.
I’m going to die.
Garland’s going to die.
I’ll never see my kids again.
This must be our punishment…
“Stack, stay with that car! We’ve got it covered here—we need to know who these bastards are!” shouted Joe
He must have been communicating through the tiny earpiece
that was nearly invisible inside his ear.
Holy shit. How many of them were there?!
Though I couldn’t see a damn thing, I could feel the Rover moving at breakneck speed—periodically swerving and sending me crashing into one of the seats.
I heard Viktor let out a string of expletives in Russian as the sound of bullets continued coming; sounding like cannons at such close proximity.
If I survived this, I would surely be deaf afterward.
BOOM!
I heard a loud explosive sound—one that sounded like the impact of two massive objects colliding.
The Rover’s tires squealed as the car jerked violently—sending me sprawling to the other side.
“Shit!” I cried out, crashing into the door and knocking the hell out of my shoulder and head.
I flew halfway to the other side just as the car came grinding to a violent, lurching, rocking stop.
I groaned in pain, not knowing which way was up as I lay awkwardly sprawled on my back.
“Camry! You okay?” came Garland voice as he loomed suddenly above me.
“Yes…” I grounded out through pain-clenched teeth, feeling anything but.
I heard the car door open up front as someone got out—followed quickly by another.
“What’s happening—why are they getting out of the car?!” I asked in a panic, wondering why we were no longer moving.
“There’s been an accident, there’s a car blocking the road. The shooting has stopped but I still need you to stay down, sweetheart—please do that for me,” Garland said, lifting his head to look out the window.