Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him

by Clair Delaney

“Are we going swimming?” I tease dryly.

  “Throw you in the sea if you carry on with that sarcasm!” Tristan retorts, grinning widely.

  “You wouldn’t dare!” I tease back.

  “Oh Coral, don't you know me at all?” He laughs. Shit! Would he? He laughs even harder at my shocked expression. “Come on beautiful, we can't be too long. We don't want to miss our own wedding party.” Tristan hops out the car and runs round my side to open my door for me.

  I can’t believe I’m about to step onto this car-park, that I have walked across so many times, in my wedding dress – How odd!

  Tristan takes hold of both of my hands and pulls me into his solid, manly chest. “Twenty,” he says to Stuart, then clasps my hand in his and we start walking towards my studio.

  “Are you really not going to tell me what’s going on?” I squeak, feeling so excited.

  “Nope.” Tristan remains tight lipped as he lifts my dress and helps me down the steps to the concourse. We head straight past my studio, which is weird, take a right and start walking down one of the jetty’s.

  I keep looking around me as we continue walking, hoping for some sort of clue as to what’s about to happen, we take another right, and I realise we are headed deeper into the marina.

  Suddenly, Tristan holds his hand up in the air. I look down the jetty and see a man, dressed in shorts and t-shirt with a clipboard in his hand, he raises his hand back to Tristan.

  “Who’s he?” I ask.

  “Oh Coral, I’m not going to tell you what the surprise is so stop asking!” He says grinning widely, then leans down and gently pecks my cheek.

  “Mr Freeman, good to see you again.” The man says as we reach him, he warmly shakes Tristan’s hand. He seems very jovial, and I notice that his face is very brown and weather worn, like leather. “Congratulations to you both,” he adds, smiling warmly at us both.

  “Thank you Sam,” Tristan says, slapping him on the shoulder. “May I introduce my wife, Mrs Coral Freeman.” Whoa!

  I feel my heart crash against my chest, then beat wildly out of control. I have to take several deep breaths to try and calm it down – What was that?

  “Mrs Freeman.” Sam nods to me but doesn’t reach out to shake my hand – I wonder if Tristan has said something to him?

  “Hello Sam,” I say, my voice shaking slightly – Mrs Freeman! How weird is that?

  “Everything ready?” Tristan asks.

  “Yes. Just need you to sign here and here, and you can be on your way.” Sam cheerfully says.

  “Excellent!” Tristan takes the clipboard, quickly scribbles his signature and hands the clipboard back. “Thanks for getting everything organised so quickly Sam.” Tristan says, shaking his hand again.

  “It was my pleasure,” Sam says, he seems like a nice guy.

  I am still baffled.

  “Well, nice to meet you Mrs Freeman, “ he says, nodding his head to me.

  “You too.” I smile back at him.

  “Good luck to you both,” Sam adds.

  “Thank you Sam, see you soon,” Tristan says. Sam smiles, nods at Tristan then walks away.

  I am still baffled.

  “Any idea?” Tristan asks, his one eyebrow cocked up as he grins widely at me, waiting for my answer.

  “None whatsoever,” I choke out dryly.

  “Good, I’m glad.” He takes a step back from me, then turns, with both arms out wide and gestures to the massive boat behind him. “Ta-da!”

  I swallow hard, then begin blinking so rapidly I think I may lose some eyelashes.

  Eventually, I find my voice. “Why are you pointing at this boat Tristan?” I say breathlessly.

  “It’s not a boat,” he scoffs in horror. “It’s a luxury motor yacht!” Of course it is!

  “Well, why are you pointing at it?” I slowly repeat.

  He drops his arms, smiles so sexily at me it actually takes my attention away from the ‘luxury motor yacht’ then he pulls me into his embrace. His left arm is tightly wrapped around my waist, holding me close to him, then he reaches up with his right hand and gently moves a stray hair away from my cheek.

  “It’s my wedding present to you.” He softly says, then continues. “I didn’t buy you a house on the beach, so I thought I’d bring the sea to you, by buying you this.”

  My mouth gapes open, I am speechless.

  “Do you like it?” He asks, looking a little worried.

  I slowly shake my head as I stare up at the sparkling white yacht – she looks brand new! This is far too much, I burst into tears.

  “Ah baby, don't cry.” Tristan wraps his right arm around my shoulders, pulling me tight against him and gently rocks me.

  He’s bought me a yacht as a wedding gift, and what have I got him? Sweet F.A, that’s what! I am going to have to make up for this big-time! But how? What do you get for a man that already has everything? I will have to think really hard about this!

  “Oh Tristan,” I mewl, trying to stop myself from crying so I don't ruin my wedding make-up. “This is too much,” I croak, staring up into his wide chocolate eyes.

  Tristan hands me his handkerchief, I carefully dab my tears away.

  “No Coral, it’s not,” he softly says, reaching down to gently kiss my lips. “Want to see inside?” He adds excitedly.

  It makes me giggle.”You know a nice bottle of perfume would have sufficed,” I softly chide.

  Tristan scoffs at me. “I don't think so! – Shall we?” He adds, he’s grinning like a school boy again.

  I look up the magnificent yacht before me, still completely stunned.

  “Coral, do you want to have a quick tour because we need to get back?” he softly says.

  I feel befuddled. “Ok,” I squeak. I just...Wow!

  Tristan clasps my hand, and we take the couple of steps to the rear of the Yacht, then lifting my up into his arms, he steps aboard her.

  “First threshold to carry you over,” he says, grinning widely as he puts me down.

  I am still speechless!

  “Matt!” Tristan shouts. A man in his late fifties pops his head over the higher deck and looks down at us.

  “Tristan!” He says, holding his hand up and smiling down at us. I think they know each other?

  “That’s Matt, the captain,” Tristan explains.

  My mouth pops open – again!

  “We have a captain?” I squeak, my eyes wide.

  “And cabin crew.” Tristan is really smiling again.

  I shake my head at him – So over the top! – I gaze round at my surroundings. The decking is a very light beech colour, there’s sumptuous light grey, and beige leather seating, a dining table with four chairs, and set back behind the table are double, full height glass doors, but the windows are tinted so I can't see inside.

  Right in front of me are a set of white curved stairs leading to the upper deck. Matt comes bouncing down those stairs, followed by two young blonde boys who are smartly dressed in white uniforms.

  “Hello Tristan,” Matt says, warmly shaking his hand. “Have the plans changed?” He asks, glancing across at me.

  “No, not at all. Everything ready?” Tristan asks.

  Matt nods once. “These are our crew, Harry and Peter,” he says, gesturing to the two boys.

  They both nod at Tristan and I in a very professional manner.

  Tristan nods to them both. “May I introduce my wife, Mrs Coral Freeman.” Here we go again! My heart slams against my chest, beating wildly, making me catch my breath.

  “Hello,” I say, a little breathlessly.

  “Nice to meet you Mrs Freeman,” Matt says, noticing he doesn’t reach for my hand either.

  “We’re just going to take a quick tour,” Tristan explains.

  “Then we shall leave you to it,” Matt says, and the two boys follow him off the yacht.

  “Right then my darling wife, this is the Princes 35M, she’s a 115ft Diesel engine and she can reach speeds of up to 27 knots,” he says.
r />   I cock an eyebrow up at him, he chuckles at me, then continues.

  “She has air-conditioning, a fantastic generator, and as you can see we have ample space.” He adds, gesturing to all of her, then he clasps my hand in his and we take the steps up to the next deck, where there are several built in sun loungers on the foredeck – and a Jacuzzi?

  “We have full height windows to port and starboard, and it has a vast saloon. It also has hydraulic folding balconies with sliding doors either side, which really creates a sense of space and light – I thought you’d like that,” he adds.

  I blink up at him. Still in shock Tristan!

  “Like it so far?” Tristan asks, trying not to smile at my bemused expression.

  “Yes,” I squeak, I don't really know what else to say – What’s not to like?

  Tristan tugs my hand and leads me through a door to my left. Inside, I am blown away.

  Right in front of me is a long desk with several computer screens and lots of other electrical bits and pieces. In the middle of this sits a large leather captain’s chair, in front of that, a large steering wheel. And the panoramic windows offer the most spectacular view across the Marina.

  Behind all of this is the most luxurious seating area, all plush leather single seats, and two large sofa’s with a large table neatly nestled in the centre.

  “Shall we move on?” Tristan asks.

  “Ok,” I choke.

  We head through another door, down a set of curved stairs where we enter the galley. It’s all dark woods, black shiny work surfaces, top of the range oven and hob. Wow! I shake my head in wonder.

  We head through another door, and walk down a small corridor. “W.C to your left,” Tristan says as we go steaming past it, then Tristan opens a set of double doors and we walk into the most luxurious living area.

  On my right, there’s a large plasma screen T.V up on the wall, in the centre of the room there are several sofas in the same grey and beige colours, there’s a mini-bar to my left, and directly in front of me are the full height doors that I first saw when we came aboard. I can see the dining table and chairs outside. Whoa!

  Tristan tugs my hand again, and taking me off to the left we head down another set of stairs and walk along a narrow hallway.

  “Guest bedrooms,” he says pointing to the doors as we pass them. “Guest bathroom,” he points again, then stops when we reach the end of the hallway. “Our room,” he says, his eyes twinkly wickedly.

  He opens the double doors and gestures for me to go first. I walk into the most luxurious bedroom. There’s so much room, the bed is huge yet it looks dwarfed by all the space. Again, everything is luxurious, and has the same colour scheme, dark woods, grey and beige bedding, there are panoramic windows making the space feel so light and breezy. I notice in the corner of the room are two glasses of pink bubbly waiting for us.

  Tristan lets go of my hand and as he walks over to the far end of the room, he points to another door. “Master bath,” he says. “Take a look.”

  I walk over to the door, open it up and gasp aloud. It has a friggin’ bath! I mean, I expected a decent bathroom with a nice shower and all the other bits and bobs, but not a bath too!

  I shake my head in awe. I hear music and I instantly know the song – Etta James’s At Last.

  Oh no! Don't cry, don't cry!

  “Coral,” Tristan calls.

  I swallow hard, and fighting back the tears, I walk out of the bathroom.

  Tristan is standing on the far side of the room, looking handsome as ever, he holds his hand out to me. “Dance with me?”

  I nod, because I have lost the power of speech again, and walk across the room to my beautiful husband. He pulls me close to him, takes my hand in his and we slowly dance around the bedroom to Etta’s song. And I melt, again!

  “How did I get this lucky?” I ask.

  “It’s just a yacht,” he softly says.

  “I wasn’t talking about the yacht Tristan, I meant you.”

  “Oh!” He smiles shyly at me and spins me around. “Shouldn’t it be I who is saying that to you?” He questions.

  “Do you feel lucky?” I question, feeling brave.

  “Oh, more than you will ever now,” he says, the depth of his words and the sincerity in his eyes is making my heart expand again. I’m not sure how much more love I can fill it up with.

  The song unfortunately comes to an end. “Thank you for the dance, my beautiful, captivating wife.” Tristan spins me around once more, making me giggle. “Shall we have a quick drink before we go back?” He asks.

  “Yes,” I say, blinking up at him.

  Tristan walks over and collects the champagne, I watch him walk back to me, wondering again, how I became so lucky. I smile up at him, and accept the glass he hands me.

  “To us.” He says, grinning from ear to ear.

  “To us,” I say. We click glasses and both take a sip. “Mmm, delicious,” I say, taking another gulp. “Do we really have to go back so soon?” I ask.

  “You don't want to go back?” He says, chortling at me.

  “Well I was thinking...” I turn and glance down at the large bed, then bat my lashes at him.

  Tristan grins his very sexy smile. “Later,” he chuckles.

  I pout back at him, which makes him laugh even harder, then I reach up to kiss him, but he takes a step back.

  “We both know what will happen if we kiss in here,” he says, and even though I know he’s right, I still feel rejected.

  “Come on, we’d better get back.” Tristan drains his glass, so I knock the rest of mine back and place my hand in his open palm. “I’m not saying no,” he tells me. “I fully intend to sneak off with you this afternoon and have my wicked way with you,” he adds.

  The most wonderful, exhilarating, spine tingling feeling spreads through my entire body.

  “I hold you to that husband,” I say smiling up at him.

  When we reach the stairs, Tristan stops and gazes down at me. “By the way, we are staying here tonight, and we’re stretching her legs tomorrow, we’ll be out for the whole day,” he says.

  “Really?” I squeak, thoroughly delighted.

  “Yes darling wife.” His lips swoop down to mine, his kiss is tender and intense all at the same time, he pulls back quickly. “Ah I want you!” He barks, frustrated.

  I snort back at him. “The feelings mutual,” I say dryly which makes Tristan laugh.

  We head up on deck, then make our way back towards the car.

  I’m still in shock...I can't believe he bought a yacht for me.

  The moment Stuart pulls up at the house, Tristan jumps out the car and comes round to my side. Opening the door, he helps me to my feet, then lifts me up into his arms, making me giggle in delight.

  “Tristan, what are you doing?” I laugh.

  “I have to carry you over the threshold baby,” he says puckering his lips for a kiss, so I lean forward and do exactly that...

  HALF AN HOUR LATER, AND WE’VE had another glass of champagne, and I’m about to have a chat with Joyce, but Tristan stops me. “Time for our wedding dance,” he says.

  “But we haven’t picked a song?” I say, my eyes wide with worry.

  “I have,” he says, shrugging and smiling lovingly at me.

  “You have?” I squeak.

  “Yes.” He’s laughing at me again. “Is that ok?” He adds.

  I smile shyly and nod my head.

  “Come on, let’s show them how it’s done.” Taking my hand, he nods to Rob and leads me into the centre of the room. The conversations die down to a quiet hush. For the first time today, I actually feel embarrassed. I look around at all our guests, they all have their mobiles out, so they are going to video us, or take photos. Shit! What if I fall over?

  “I won't let you fall,” Tristan says, reading my mind again.

  “Ok,” I breathe. “What song have you chosen?” I ask.

  Tristan smiles widely at me and shakes his head. “Surprise,”
he whispers.

  “You’re going to make me cry!” I say.

  “Hope not,” Tristan chuckles.

  Bryan Adams – I’ll Always Be Right There starts playing – Oh no! I am going to cry!

  “Keep your eyes on me,” Tristan whispers and starts to twirl us around. I am having heart palpitations. Ok, ok, breathe Coral, breathe!

  “You ok?” Tristan asks, bringing my hand up to his lips. I nod mutely. The words to this song are so beautiful, and perfect. He really does get some things so right!

  “Forever,” I whisper, smiling up at him.

  “Forever,” he whispers back.

  The song comes to an end. Tristan stops and leans down to kiss me. The room erupts with applause again. Bryan Adams is swiftly followed by Aerosmith’s Don't Wanna Miss A Thing.

  “I love this song,” I whisper to Tristan. “Dance with me husband?”

  “With pleasure wife.” I giggle with glee as Tristan spins me around, then pulls me back and captures me in his arms...

  IT’S LATE AFTERNOON AND THE PARTY IS IN FULL SWING. We have all eaten from the amazing buffet of food, and the cocktails are still flowing. I have talked so much today. Having so many people to talk to is exhausting. I’m glad there’s only a small bunch of us, god knows what it would be like if this had been a huge wedding – I snort at myself – Who am I kidding? I don't know any other people, so how can it be a big wedding?

  I’ve spent time with Erin, Ellie and their partners, chatted with Joe for ages – her kids have joined Lilly, and Erin and Ellie’s kids outside. I think they’re enjoying playing in the massive garden –I’ve chatted with George and Phil, and Cindy Crosby who came with her husband Josh, and Claire and Karen are both here, so it’s been really cool to get to know them both a little more.

  Of course, my family are all here, which makes me think of Tristan, and the fact that his folks are not here. I turn and gaze across the room at my gorgeous man who is chatting away with Rob – he doesn’t seem sad – but I bet it’s playing on his mind.

  Just as I think that I see....I shake my head – I did not just see that, surely? I blink twice and it’s gone – Whoa!

  Tristan suddenly throws his head back in laughter, he’s killing himself laughing. Rob must have said something really funny to him – I’m so glad those two are getting along now. I try to shake off the vision and turn to continue my conversation with Bob.