I feel free, like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I finally feel like I can move on. All I want from now on is the here and now, and my future with Tristan. I smile at the ocean, and at the sun that is gradually creeping up into the sky, and sigh with relief.
I feel him before he calls out to me. I guess he’s doing that so he doesn’t make me jump, it makes me grin even wider, he’s so thoughtful like that. Tristan comes and stands next to me, his arm brushing against my shoulder, and he just stares straight ahead. I don't look at him, I just keep focusing in front of me, that’s the only place I want to keep looking from now on.
Tristan’s fingers reach out for my hand. I silently enclose my hand in his, and he gives me a gentle squeeze. Neither of us say anything, the moment is already beautiful, it doesn’t need any words.
We stay like that for a long time, just watching, appreciating what’s before us, but soon enough, the early morning bathers start to arrive, spoiling the blissful silence, so I turn to Tristan and look up at him.
“Ok?” He simply asks.
“Ok.” I say nodding once and squeezing his hand, because I do feel ok.
He leans down, gives me a quick sweet kiss, then we silently make our way back to the villa.
As we eat breakfast, I tell Tristan all about my moment out on the beach, my epiphany if you like, he goes with it, with my decision. But I have a tiny suspicion he’s not entirely happy about it, but if he isn’t, he’s certainly hiding it well.
After breakfast, we head out for a long walk along the coastal path. We visit touristy places, have clotted cream scones with cups of tea, then take a really long stroll along Watergate Bay’s huge beach, eating ice-cream of course, by the time we get back to the villa, it’s just past lunchtime. I am shattered, but feeling on top of the world. I am blissfully happy again, in-love and ready for my future with Tristan.
We decide to spend the afternoon at the beach on our loungers, just being plain lazy. About an hour into soaking up some rays, I suddenly remember what I found on Friday.
“Oh my God Tristan!” I gasp, jumping up from my horizontal position.
“What, what’s wrong?” He says, mimicking me and sitting straight up.
“Sorry,” I giggle. “Didn’t mean to startle you, nothing’s wrong,” I add.
“Coral!” He scolds.
“Sorry.” I chuckle at him, then I sit next to him on his lounger, kiss his cheek in apology, then reel of my story....
IT’S 5PM, AND WE ARE STOOD IN THE JEWELLERY shop that I found on my search for some food on Friday. I m so happy I found it. Wearns, is a traditional Cornish Jewellers that’s been going since 1890. The pieces of jewellery are actually quite simple in design, which is what I actually want for a wedding band – but I think my mind was made up when the jeweller told me about their history; their story. I knew it there and then – that this is the place we will get our wedding rings from...
“Are you looking for anything in particular?” The shop owner asked me, as I browsed the store.
“Yes. Wedding bands?” I said.
She smiled at me, then led me over to right section.
“Wow, they look really nice, so shiny! If we try them on and they fit, can we take them straight away?” I asked.
“Of course,” she said. “Unless you want an engraving?”
“Oh...” I hadn’t thought of that...“How quickly can you do that?” I asked.
“Within a couple of weeks,” she said.
“Ah, we’re getting married on Saturday.” She looked quite shocked when I told her this. Yeah I know; we are very late in sorting out the rings!
“Well, if you like what you see, you can always come back once you’re married and have them engraved?” She suggested. Hmm...I wonder?
Then she proceeded to tell me about the jewellers, the history.
“We use shipwrecked Cornish tin in our Gold and Silver alloys. The ship had been at the bottom of the sea since 1863. The steamer, SS Liverpool, had left London after calling at Plymouth and Penzance, it was carrying Cornish tin ingots when it sank after colliding with the barque Laplata, which had just left Liverpool and was on its way to Lima, in Peru. The wreck lies just off the north coast of Anglesey. The tin salvaged was in the form of ingots, which bear the Bolitho’s of Penzance smelters mark.” Her story of the shipwrecked steamer, the sea and the Cornish tradition, it had me thinking how romantic it all is, she continued.
“You know, jewellery made from our unique and very special alloy, offers an everlasting memory of Cornwall. Not only for those who want a reminder of their Cornish heritage, but also for those with a love for Cornwall.” I immediately agreed. Cornwall has captured me, in so many ways; I really have fallen in love with the place.
“Also, many people find our jewellery nostalgic, those that have a nautical connection or an interest in shipwrecks...” I nodded my head in agreement, remembering the story that goes with my engagement ring. He was a sailor, lost at sea, and she waited for her long lost love to come home, this just seems so fitting, so perfect!
I immediately placed a deposit down, asked her to hold both the rings I had chosen, and hurried back to tell Tristan – Only, that day, when I got back to the beach, I kind of got side tracked with Tristan doing his diet coke thing!...
“So what do you think?” I say to Tristan. Both our rings are plain, white gold, made with Cornish tin, and they are both so shiny – except Tristan’s is a little wider.
“I don't know Coral,” he says as he stares down at the ring on his wedding finger.
“Don't you like it?” I ask.
“Yes, of course I do.” He looks over my head at the sales woman. “Can you give us a moment?” he asks, very politely. I turn around, and see her blush and smile at Tristan, I want to roll my eyes at her, she walks over to the other counter and pretends to be busy, I guess that’s so she can't hear us.
“Baby,” Tristan says, bringing me back to him.
“Yeah?” I look up at him.
“Don't you want...you know, something more...well, upmarket, expensive?” He whispers.
I snort with laughter. “Expensive? You think spending over £500 pounds on each ring is in-expensive?” Tristan shrugs.
I have to remember he is rich, but that’s not what this is about. It’s nostalgic, romantic, these aren’t the kind of rings you see every day, not in the big well known jewellers anyway.
Tristan cocks his head to the side. “It’s the story you told me, isn’t it?”
I nod my head, and look down at the shiny ring on my wedding finger for a moment, then look up at him again. He frowns down at me then looks at his ring again. I shake my head at myself, and look down at the floor – I don't think he likes them, which is fair enough, and if he doesn’t, we’ll just have to find something else.
“Coral.” Tristan lifts my chin so I have to look up at him. “What’s on your mind? I want to know baby. I want to know everything, how you think, how you feel – Tell me.” He pleads.
I swallow hard – You can do this Coral!
“Ok,” I take a breath. “It just seems right Tristan, like I said to you on the beach, my engagement ring had a background story to it, and so do these rings – Ok, not so romantic, but at the same time I think it is romantic, because we are here, in Cornwall. I have never had a holiday before, yet here I am, with you, and...” I break off.
“Keep going,” he prompts – He knows me so well, it’s freaky!
“I just...I’ve really fallen in love Tristan, with Cornwall...I...” I swallow hard. Do I tell him, or don't I?
I take another deep breath. “I think I want to live here,” I say, staring up at his wide eyes. I shake my head and laugh at myself. “I know that sounds stupid...But I really feel like this place has got into my soul...like, like it’s, well...the first place that I feel l can call home.”
Tristan gasps; I can see he is totally taken back by what I’m saying.
“And then I found this plac
e, and the history, and the fact that they not only have wedding bands, but the two I have chosen fit us both perfectly, it’s just feels right – like it was meant to be. Like we were meant to come here on holiday, that I was meant to find this place, it’s like it’s all happened for a reason.” There, I’m done – I’ve said it!
“You...you want to live here?” He asks his eyes boring into me.
“I think so. Yes,” I whisper.
“Leave your family, your friends, your comfort zone?” He questions.
“Tristan, I don't think you quite understand. I don't need a comfort zone anymore, because, well to put it simply, I’m not afraid anymore because I have you. If you had a business opportunity somewhere else in the world, I would go with you to that place,I would follow you anywhere Tristan, you know that, right?”
He still looks shocked, but silently nods his head.
“Look, I...I don't quite understand why I feel this way, I just know I do. From the moment we got here, I just felt so at ease, even though I’m in a strange place. Each day has just got better and better, I even spoke to a woman on Friday while I was waiting for your baguette to be made, a complete stranger!” Tristan’s inhales sharply. “I was telling her how much I love this place, she said the same, that she had moved here years ago and that it was the best decision she had ever made. She said her kids are so happy here, that it’s a great place for them to grow up in, and I agree...” I stare out the window for a moment. “I think Cornwall would be the most fantastic place to raise a family.” I smile shyly at Tristan – I have mentioned kids again! “Well, one day!” I quickly add.
“We have a lot to talk about,” he finally says. I nod my head feeling guilty. “Don't do that,” he adds, slowly shaking his head.
“Do what?” I whisper.
“Look so guilty!” He leans down and softly places his lips against mine. “I am so happy you just told me that,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Why?” I whisper back.
“Because I want you to tell me how you feel, to be honest with me,” he says, his proximity and his scent, making me catch my breath. I stare down at his lips – which look so deliciously kissable right now, that I cannot pull my gaze way from them – which is a monumental tribute to his eyes.
Eventually, I find my voice. “And the rings?” I croak, my mouth dry.
“I love these rings, I just wanted to be sure this was what you want baby.” I finally succumb and look up at his eyes; they are soft milk chocolate, warm and glowing with love.
“Oh Tristan!” I wrap my arms around his back and hug him tightly, my head against his chest. He wraps his arms tightly around me then I feel him kiss the top of my head a couple of times.
“Baby,” he says, rocking me gently. “Shall we eat out tonight, celebrate?”
“Yes,” I whisper.
“Do you feel up to it?” he asks. I look up at him and nod, smiling like a fool. He grins back at me. “Good. Let’s get these paid for so we can get back and shower.”
My heart starts pumping against my chest – Hmm, showering with my sexy hubby to be...
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
IT’S WEDNESDAY, OUR FINAL EVENING IN CORNWALL. The last day of our almost perfect holiday. We have spent nine (bar that....glitch) magical days here. I am trying my very best not to feel glum about going home, and I don't think I would be if what’s happening tomorrow wasn’t happening – As per my wishes, I am laying my mother to rest tomorrow morning.
Last week, when Edith called Tristan to let him know my mother’s belongings had arrived at the house, I asked him to organise for us to plant the tree before the wedding – I didn’t want it hanging over my head when I said ‘I do’ – and the only time they could fit us in at short notice, was at ten o’clock tomorrow morning, hence the reason we are flying back so early, and the reason we are heading straight over to Woodland Burial once we get back to Brighton.
I swallow hard. It’s going to be weird, really weird.
And to make matters worse, Tristan is going back to work tomorrow. Joyce is officially leaving the company Friday so he’s got a lot of work to do. Tristan is not happy about this, he doesn’t want to leave me, but as I pointed out to him, I won't be alone. The moment Tristan told me when the burial would happen, and that he reluctantly had no choice but to go back to work, I called Gladys. I wanted to spend some time with her – my real mother – but she’s going to be out for the day with Malcolm.
However, she did inform me that Bob is back in his studio, and I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m worried about him being down there on his own. The moment I thought that, I decided to take him out for lunch tomorrow and get some food shopping in for him. So after speaking to Gladys, I called Rob to see if he and Carlos wanted to come with me, which they said yes to, it will be nice to catch up with everyone.
I also need to speak to Susannah, which I need to do before a court date is issued – something else I’m not looking forward to – Snap out of it Coral!
I sigh inwardly and look out at our beautiful surroundings. We are sat outside on a decked terrace at Watergate Bay Hotel. The Beach Hut, is one of the hotel’s many restaurants, and looks directly out to sea, it’s simply breathtaking. When we came here on Sunday, we both agreed it would be the perfect place to spend our last evening, and we were right, it is perfect.
The restaurant is busy, which is always a good sign, and there are still lots of people out on the beach, soaking up the last few hours of daylight, before the sun sets. Outside on the terrace, I can hear the waves gently breaking, feel the wind in my hair, and I swear I have seen a seal bob his head up to say hello, but I haven’t seen him since, so maybe not!
Earlier, after our very lazy day on the beach, Tristan made love to me – twice – then we took a long, lazy shower together. As he did before, he gently washed my hair then slowly dried it for me – God knows what state it would be in if he hadn’t been doing that for me!
Major plus point is that I am healing so quickly – apart from all the sex, which I am not complaining about – I have done nothing but eat, sleep and sunbathe. I feel really, really, good. As each day has passed, the pain I was suffering has become less severe, and I know Tristan can tell, because he seems really relaxed and content, like me.
I look across at him. Hmm...Tristan looks very handsome this evening. He’s sitting adjacent to me, soaking up the views, so I stare at his profile. He’s really caught the sun, his hair is a little lighter, the copper tints shining brightly in the evening sun. He’s wearing a pair of light beige suit trousers, a cream shirt with the sleeves rolled up on his forearms, and the top three buttons are open, giving me an eye full of his very bronzed chest.
He looks tanned, healthy, happy, and very sexy!
I am wearing my new olive green, halter-neck dress, with matching stilettos that Tristan bought for me yesterday. I feel sexy! I’m still dumbstruck that Tristan bought it for me. He was only meant to be getting our lunch, but he’d seen it in a shop window and thought it would suit me – I can't say if it does, but I love it – He is so sweet.
The waiter has been over to us and given us our menus and some bread and olives to nibble on. Tristan has had a glass of wine, and so have I, just the one – I must be good!
“So,” Tristan says, bringing my attention to him. “I think it’s time for your other birthday presents.”
“What?” I chuckle nervously. Did he just say presents?
With his most sexy smile, he pulls a small white envelope out of his jacket pocket and hands it to me. “Happy belated birthday. Open it baby.” He smiles.
“Ok,” I say a little nervously. I tentatively rip open the envelope, and carefully pull out the contents. Whoa!
Two return tickets to Hawaii – he remembered! And it’s for a whole month in January?
“Tristan!” I gasp. “You remembered,” I warble, tears pooling in my eyes. He smiles widely at my shocked expression.
“Of course I did.” He takes m
y free hand and gently kisses it. “I know it seems strange, giving you this now instead of at the party,” he smiles, his eyes downcast for a moment, then looks up at me again. “I didn’t want to overwhelm you,” he adds.
He’s right, this would have had me blubbering like a fool!
“I don't know what to say...” I choke. I cannot believe I am finally going to Hawaii! “For a whole month?” I question.
“Yes. When I had a look on-line, I wasn’t sure which surfing competition you wanted to see – there are lots of them,” he adds, then continues. “So, I figured if I booked a long stay, I’ve covered all the competitions. Besides, I want you to be able to explore all the islands, really soak it up. I want to make up for all the holidays you’ve never had.” He says, gazing adoringly at me.
Oh Tristan! I swallow hard against the lump that’s formed. I just keep on falling deeper in love with him, much deeper than I had ever imagined – I could not ask for more!
“Tristan, you are so sweet.” I lean forward, caress his cheek and softly kiss him. “Thank you baby.” Wow! Hawaii! I carefully stow the tickets in my clutch.
His grins widens. “I’m not done,” he says.
“You’re not?” I squeak, my eyes wide.
His grin deepens, his dimples making me swoon. “Do you remember that I had a surprise organised for the Saturday after your birthday?” He asks, totally throwing me.
“Um…yeah…?” Breathe Coral, breathe…
“Happy belated birthday darling,” he says, handing me another envelope, grinning broadly at me.Another present?
“What’s this?” I ask feeling shocked. My heart strumming loudly in my ears.
“Open it and you’ll see,” he teases. I smile and shake my head at him. Opening the seal and pulling out several pieces of paperwork, I read the first paragraph….Holy Crap! A full course of sailing lessons!
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 127