Forever Touched

by Lilly Wilde

  —A.

  “And before you decline my offer,” Aiden said. “I have this.” He again reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “I predicted your resistance, so I wanted to make sure I had all of my bases covered.”

  It was an official memorandum, on Raine Industries letterhead, signed by the president and CEO himself—Aiden W. Raine. I read it aloud. “Please excuse Aria Raine from all Raine Publishing House functions until further notice.”

  Glancing up from the letter, I asked, “Aren’t you supposed to be at the Raine Industries annual equestrian event?”

  “Nicholas is filling in for me.”

  “Ah. I see.”

  “So?” he asked.

  Fanning the card over my face, I asked, “Why should I go anywhere with you?”

  “Because you have permission to do so.”

  “That’s not enough of a reason,” I challenged.

  He leaned forward in his chair. “It used to be.”

  “That was then. Things are different now. We’re going through ‘the change.’” I air-quoted.

  He chuckled. “All kidding aside, I’d very much like it if you said yes.”

  Without awaiting a response, Aiden pressed the button on my phone and informed Andrea of my upcoming unavailability.

  “Wait,” I said. “I need to call Dianna and ask her to get Lyric.”

  “Already taken care of,” he said.

  “Were you so sure I’d say yes?”

  “Let’s just say I wasn’t convinced you’d say no.”

  *****

  “Do I need to bring anything? A change of clothes maybe?” I asked, as we drove along the highway.

  “Already done.”

  “You packed a bag for me?”

  “Brooklyn. I told her what I wanted and where we were going, and she took care of everything.”

  “So I do need a change of clothes?” I asked.

  “That’s your one and only clue,” he said, glancing briefly at me.

  “Hmm,” I said.

  “What?”

  “I thought this was a date, not a trip,” I said.

  He shrugged. “Same difference.”

  “Is not.”

  “I didn’t want that detail to sway your decision,” he said.

  “Did you think I’d decline if I knew more of the details?”

  “Well, with you … one can never be so sure.”

  I waved him off. “Oh please, Aiden. Why do you always say that?”

  “I’m serious. You have not been, and I suspect you never will be, predictable, especially when it comes to me.”

  “So no additional clues. Okay. But can you at least tell me when I can expect to return?”

  “That depends on you.”

  “How so?” I asked.

  “You’ll see.”

  We pulled up to the Raine hangar, and Aiden turned toward me. “Don’t move,” he said, his eyes sparkling as he smiled.

  What the hell was he up to? I sensed something over the top was about to happen. He got this way when he planned things for me. I had to admit—I loved it. I never knew what to expect and it was always something amazing.

  Aiden stepped out of sight, and I grabbed my phone to send my sisters a text. I’d had plans with them to catch a movie and had totally forgotten. A few moments later, Aiden returned, opening my door and assisting me from the car. And then Scott appeared, dressed in black slacks, a white shirt, and a jacket that bore the Raine family crest. I hadn’t known at the time, but the scroll pendent necklace Sienna had given me was a symbol that represented their family. That same symbol was on Scott’s lapel. He looked more official than usual. I wondered what that was all about.

  Scott walked around to the driver side of Aiden’s favorite toy.

  “Take good care of her,” Aiden said, tossing the keys to him.

  “Yes, sir,” Scott replied.

  Aiden grabbed our bags from the trunk and sat them on the iron bench near the door of the hangar.

  “Okay, what’s going on?” I asked, unable to harness my excitement.

  “Patience,” he said.

  I was about to ask more, but then I decided to just wait and see. I doubted he’d answer my questions anyway. Aiden reached for my hand, encasing it in the warmth of his, just as the large doors to the hangar slid open. Aiden motioned for us to step back as a plane rolled out onto the tarmac. The aircraft was all black with the exception of the tag number, which was scripted in white.

  “What’s this?” I asked.

  “It’s a plane,” he replied.

  “I know that, smart ass. You know what I’m asking,” I said.

  “It’s yours,” he said.

  My eyes widened. “What’s mine? You can’t be serious. You did not buy me a jet.”

  “I did,” he said assessing my reaction. “Anything stand out?” he asked.

  “Other than the fact that you bought me a jet? I mean, who does that?”

  He chuckled. “I do that. Now answer my question.”

  My gaze moved over the sexy airliner. Yes, it was a plane, but the dark sleekness of the aircraft was definitely sexy. “The tag number … it’s our wedding date,” I said.

  “So … do you like it?” he asked.

  “How can anyone not like something like this?”

  “So, I take that as a yes,” Aiden said.

  “Er … yeah,” I said. “How do you continue to catch me off guard?”

  He grinned and pulled me into his arms. “It’s one of my many talents.”

  “Your surprises, no matter the size or value, they always take my breath away. We’ve been getting along so well, and I’m the happiest I’ve been in such a long time. It’s like I’m living in a dream.”

  “I want your every day to be something you only find in fantasies.” His palm cradled my cheek as he leaned in to brush his lips across mine.

  Mmm. The intoxicating scent of his cologne and the softness of his touch trickled over my skin. When he was like this, he was the image of the man every woman fantasized about … and I was quite sure he was aware of that. A knowing smile snaked across his lips as he placed a little distance between us. The vibration of his phone put a halt to anything else that might have been said. He pulled it from his pocket, eyeing me as he spoke, giving me a wink as he touched the tip of my nose.

  Oh, how I love this man.

  At the end of the call, Aiden announced that we’d been given the okay to board the plane. I looked toward the tarmac just as the door to the jet was being lowered. One of the hangar attendants appeared, grabbing our bags.

  “Your chariot awaits, milady,” Aiden said, motioning I walk ahead of him.

  “Some chariot,” I said, reaching for his hand.

  As we stepped inside, I spotted a familiar face. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Raine,” said Kelly. “Welcome aboard.”

  “Thank you,” I said. The first time I’d met Kelly was aboard one of the Raine Industries’ jets. Aiden had shown up in Dayton after Mom’s funeral, and in true Aiden-style, he’d swooped in and taken control of everything. Who would have known the next time I saw Kelly my surname would be Raine?

  “Wow,” I breathed. “This is absolutely incredible.”

  “Please let Carl know we’ll be ready once my wife has been given a tour,” Aiden said to Kelly.

  “Yes, sir.”

  My gaze swept over the jet’s interior. It was designed in hues of gray. Two plush reclining seats were positioned a few feet from the front of the plane, a canvas of Aiden, Lyric, and I centered above them. It had been painted from the picture we’d taken near the petting zoo at Lyric’s birthday party. Across from the two larger seats were four smaller ones. Beside each was a table installed with laptop workstations. Along the left side of the plane was a small gray sofa complete with throw pillows and coverlets. In front of that was a coffee table with a built-in chessboard, like the one on Aiden’s other jet. I stepped toward the rear of the plane into the bedroom
. It was as amazing as everything else I’d seen. The rear wall was comprised of tiled backboards, and above it were rows of recessed lights. Another computer and desk were in the far corner, and across from that, a small dinette table. The bed was unbelievable. It looked as if it belonged in a lavish home, not the rear of a plane. It was positioned on a raised platform with a floor to ceiling headboard. A chrome-colored light structure with small shimmering lights, hung above it.

  “I’m without words.” I looked up to see Aiden’s eyes following me around the room. “Why did you do this? It’s not like I fly that much.”

  “But when you do, it will be on your plane, with your pilot. One who does not report to me.”

  I looked up at him. “Oh Aiden, you didn’t have to do that. I understand why you were checking on me.”

  “But I want you to feel the freedom to do whatever you want without the worry of me looking over your shoulder.”

  The conviction in his tone was as strong as the determined look in his eyes. He was keeping his word. Regardless of the size of the steps, he was ready to take them. He was willing to make the changes that I knew were difficult for him. He’d voiced it over and over—that he would do whatever it took to keep me … to keep us. And he’d been doing just that, in small, very significant ways—and in some very grand ways as well. Ever since our breakthrough with the counseling, it had become increasingly obvious: Aiden was one hundred percent dedicated to supporting our growth as a couple.

  “Thank you,” I said. Those two words didn’t quite seem right for such a monumental pronouncement, but I was too touched to say much more.

  He pulled me close and pressed his lips to my brow. “Now, let’s get to our destination.”

  *****

  Throughout the flight, I asked over and over, but Aiden wouldn’t tell me where we were going; he wouldn’t even allow me to look out the window, so I had no idea where we’d landed. And just as we were about to deboard, he pulled a blindfold from his pocket. It was that same deep purple one we’d used the night in his office bedroom.

  His lips curved into a wicked smile.

  I felt heat rush to my cheeks as I slipped back to that evening. “Is a blindfold really necessary?” I asked.

  “I’m afraid so.”

  I breathed a sigh and let him have his way.

  Taking my hand, Aiden guided me from the plane, carefully instructing me on each step.

  The air was warm and it smelled different … definitely not city air. And I didn’t hear the rush of cars or the chatter of passersby. Aiden led me a few feet and then directed me to take a seat. We were in a car. Of that much I was sure. I reached to pull at the blindfold, but Aiden grabbed my hands.

  “Are you really going to spoil my surprise that way?” he asked.

  “Fine. But hurry it up, already,” I said.

  “We’re almost there, princess.”

  I heard the smile in his voice. He was excited about this, and I didn’t want to ruin it, so again I reminded myself to be patient.

  Several minutes later, I was being ushered again. Out of the car and into some room, or so I thought. We sat for a while, maybe fifteen minutes or so, and then out of nowhere Aiden whispered in my ear, “We’re here.”

  “So I can remove the blindfold?”

  “In about thirty seconds,” he said and tugged me from my seat. After a few assisted steps, he pulled me to a stop and removed the blindfold. I gave my eyes a moment to adjust, squinting as I tried to figure out where I was.

  It was bright …very bright. There was a man standing a few feet ahead of us. He was dressed in a brightly colored uniform, and holding a sign that read ‘Aria, Welcome to Isle Now Until Forever.’

  “Welcome, miss,” he said, with a slight bow.

  “Thank you,” I said, tugging on my husband’s hand. “Aiden, where are we?” I asked, confused by the sign.

  His brows scrunched as if I’d asked the most ridiculous of questions. “Did you not read the welcome?”

  I looked around. On the edge of the water was a yacht. So that was the room I’d been ushered into. The ride was so smooth; I never felt the slightest motion that would have indicated we were on water.

  “In what location are we? And before you hit me with another smart aleck remark, I’m asking where we are in terms of latitude and longitude.”

  “What does the sign say?” he asked.

  Why couldn’t he just answer like a normal person? I glanced around, taking note of the bright sun and warm island breeze that stirred small tendrils of brown hair across my face. There was water as far as the eyes could see. And palm trees. Lots and lots of palm trees. “So we’re on an island.”

  “Yes,” he replied.

  I pointed at the sign. “That isn’t really the name of the island, though, is it?”

  “Of course it is,’ he said, observing my reaction. “It’s my gift to you.”

  I shook my head. “No. I don’t … I can’t hear anymore today. Either you’ve really gone overboard or you’re lying. Which is it?”

  “In that case, I may be in need of a life preserver.”

  “This is impossible. This is …”

  “This is yours. For you.” He grasped my hand and brought it to his lips. “Everything is always for you.”

  “You don’t have to do all of this over-the-top stuff to get my attention. We’re good. You know that, right?”

  “I know I have your attention.” He smirked. “Your eyes incessantly following me around a room prove that. And I know we’re in a good place. This is not about that. This is about replacing some of the bad memories with some extraordinary ones. This is about showing you how much I love you, how much I treasure you. It’s about a promise I’ve made to make each day from this point forward a better version than the one before.”

  “Oh, Aiden,” I said, placing my palm along his jaw. “You don’t have to prove anything to me. I know how much you love me.”

  “Over the last few months, a large part of our marriage has been a series of misfortune and sadness. I don’t want you to look back on the first year of our marriage and only see the bad. I want you to look back and fall deeper in love with the man you’ve chosen to walk through this life with.”

  He was doing it. He was doing and saying all the right things to make me do just that. I was lost in the depths of his gaze. His eyes were dark as emeralds, and they captured me with a tenderness that melted my insides. “I love you so much,” I said. “I don’t know what I’d ever do without your love.”

  “And I love you. And you will always, always have my love … in this world and the next.”

  My heart was full. I felt it might burst. “Okay, you have to stop, and no more surprises. You really did go overboard.”

  “I know. But grand gestures are just as memorable as the smaller ones. And …”

  “And what?” I asked.

  “I’m sorry, but I do have two or three more surprises you’ll have to suffer through … but nothing as ostentatious as the previous two. I promise.”

  “Regardless, I’m pretty certain I’ve met my quota for the day.”

  He smiled as he leaned in to kiss my cheek. “We’ll see. Now why don’t you go get changed and meet me in about an hour?”

  “Where?” I asked.

  “Instructions will be in your room.”

  “My room?” I asked. “We have separate rooms?”

  “For now.” He beckoned one of the staff. “Please show Mrs. Raine to the beach house.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Anxious to find Aiden’s instructions, I paid little attention to the room itself. My gaze darted from one area to the next, an excited quiver in my stomach as I moved through the house. Hurrying into the last room, I slowed my steps and finally embraced my surroundings. I was standing in the most enchanting bedroom any woman could ever imagine. It was … romantic elegance. No other description fit. In the center was a large canopied bed draped in mesh netting. I walked over to it and lift
ed a card from atop the pile of exotic flower petals. My heartbeat stammered as I read it.

  Princess,

  Thank you for agreeing to an impromptu escape with me. You’ll find the house equipped with everything you might want or need … right down to your favorite moisturizer.

  On the back of this card is a map to where you can find me. It directs you to a little place on the east end of the island called Aria’s Cove. Slip into your island wear, and meet me there at 6 o’clock.

  I want to show you what paradise feels like.

  —A.

  I rummaged through drawer after drawer of designer bathing suits, wraps, and other expensive apparel, all the while thinking how surreal the day had become. Awaking this morning, I never would have imagined the day unfolding as it had. Amidst a long, grueling work day, a woman often allows her mind to drift, to take her to an escape. Perhaps her thoughts are of ending the day with a relaxing bath; or maybe she envisions meeting her prince charming whilst on a dream vacation. Regardless of the perfection her fantasies created, I couldn’t imagine any of them measuring up to my reality.

  The key was the uniqueness of the man who’d stolen my heart. It was Aiden. He had this way about him. He evoked emotions I couldn’t understand. He inspired a vision that enabled me to see the world in a different light. He possessed the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Yes, he was the key, and he was my life.

  Once I was dressed, I left the house to join Aiden at our rendezvous point. Outside, the sun was still bright, the sky pale against the glistening tropical waves of the Caribbean. The water was the brightest of blues and offered a striking complement to the light hues of the sky.

  I quickly discovered I didn’t really need the map. There were signs placed every three hundred or so feet apart that read ‘Turn Here,’ ‘This way to Aria’s Cove,’ or ‘Turn Left To Find Aiden.’ I grinned as I thought about the similarity of my search to that of a scavenger hunt. The grand prize was all mine—my handsome husband waiting at the end of the path.

  At the trail’s end was a quaint little grass hut with a large sign that bore the name Aria’s Cove. There was that ridiculous flutter in my stomach again. I supposed it was a good thing that Aiden’s effect on me was still like that of a teenage girl’s response to her first date.