CHAPTER 24
Declan
I fell asleep and had a dream about a blonde baby girl with big blue eyes, running down a beach. Rayna was pregnant with another one as she followed her, laughing at something the girl said as her loose curls bounced over her tiny shoulders. I watched as they walked ahead of me, seeing the love in Rayna’s eyes as she looked back at me with a sweet smile that melted me, just before the little girl turned to run towards me. She was beautiful, a mix between the two of us as she threw herself into my arms and I heard her calling me Daddy as an echo in my head when I woke up the following day.
I jerked to my back, staring at the high ceiling with wide eyes. That was such a vivid dream, and I pushed out of bed gently to walk over to the window. The sun was just rising as far as I could tell and I went to use the bathroom before I yawned. I could email my lawyers and get that started at least, so I went into the living room and typed up a message with the necessary information, sending it before I joined her in bed.
We got up later, making love before coffee. She pulled on a robe and joined me on the balcony with her cup, happier than she was yesterday. Now I understood that as I gazed at her. I checked my emails and saw that Todd had sent something back regarding the divorce. I laughed, and she raised an eyebrow at me. “I emailed my lawyers. They’re asking me if I know who James Masters is.”
She chuckled, but her face paled. “One of the most sought after attorneys in LA for a complicated divorce, but it isn’t as though he can represent himself. Did you say that I’m not asking for anything?”
I looked at her. “It was painful to do so, but I did. That asshole owes you for all that he’s done.”
“I just want him out of my life forever. That is enough for me,” she held my hand as she spoke, smiling weakly. “There’s no need for a court if I just want to be away from him and I’m asking for nothing.”
“I would see it that way.” I sent a message back. “I’m starting this. You okay with that?”
“I am,” she replied with a big smile before sipping the coffee and looking over the water. We showered and dressed before heading out in the car, going to another city close by.
The days were full of adventure and laughter as I watched her move past her bad marriage. I’d never seen her wear rings, to begin with, so that was nothing new, but the smile on her face was. The worry seemed to fade every day as well, even though we were in the process of getting some paperwork done for her. We weren’t serving them until he was home, which was likely when the real fight would begin.
The second week of our romantic getaway was ending, and I looked at her one morning at the table. We’d been all over the place, taking the train to Italy one day and even Switzerland. I’d gotten us a room overlooking the Eiffel Tower as well for a surprise, where we saw as much of Paris as we could fit in. “So, do you want me to buy a place here for us?”
Rayna laughed nervously. “It’s gorgeous here but probably not practical. You have your life in LA, and I imagine it’s easier to run the hotel from the central location.” She smiled. “I like my job anyway.”
“Well, do you want to move into my palace there in LA with me?” I pressed as heat flushed her cheeks. “I know that you saved for your own place, but I am spoiled now by having you here with me.”
“I love it, too. Will you let me contribute to the bills?” She asked as I grinned. I got up and walked into the room, heading to the bedroom as I cursed my impulsive words. I meant to do it with the necklace that I bought her. I walked back out, clutching the box as I looked at her and sat back down.
“I bought this for you before the trip.” I set the box down as her eyes widened. “No, it’s not what you think.” I took a deep breath. “I bought this for you along with the other things, planning on asking you to move in with it on our last night here.” We’d seen each other’s other surprises, enjoying them thoroughly until they were on the floor of the bedroom. I opened the box to reveal the platinum necklace inside, a shimmering diamond in the shape of a drop hanging from the delicate chain. “This is the first part of this gift, and eventually we both know where I hope it ends. I want to start here, though. I love you, Rayna.”
“I will move in with you. I have never felt as much at home as I do there, even my childhood home. I will help with the bills, too.” She reached out for the box and took the necklace out gently as if it would break. I stood and put it on her, watching as she stood and ran inside to look in the mirror. She came back out and hugged me tightly as I spun her around the balcony.
We spent the last two days revisiting our favorite places, eating breakfast at the crepe cafe both days. Rayna loved them and swore that she’d learn how to make them at home as she tried a few different kinds. I loved watching her eat when she enjoyed food this much. I knew that she was nervous about returning home and I said little about that as we took in every moment that remained in our trip.
We were in bed the last night, packed and ready to head to the airport the following morning. I sensed that Rayna was restless as she kept initiating sex, which was something I didn’t mind. We made love three times before I wrapped my arms around her and held her still. “Baby, what is it?”
Rayna looked at me with a sigh as she snuggled close. “I emailed my parents about the divorce this morning. I wanted them to know since we’re going home and everything was going to be starting.”
“Did they respond?” I asked as she bit her lip in the dim light from the lamp across the room.
“Mom wondered why in the world I would consider leaving a man like James. I told her why and she dismissed all of it.” I pulled her closer. “She didn’t even ask if I was okay, Dec. She didn’t even care about me.” Her tears slid over my skin as I stroked her hair, allowing her to let it all out. “I knew that I might lose them in all of this, but it still hurts.”
My parents lived over in Boston, but I knew that they would love Rayna. Mom confessed after I told them about the divorce that she and Dad never cared much for Claire, making me laugh. I knew she’d welcome Rayna with open arms and I closed my eyes. “My parents will love you enough for them. They’re due to visit in a couple of months, and it will be great.”
“Are you sure?” She asked as I pushed my rage out of my mind. They were shitty people to be making her feel this way, and I longed to make it all go away. It was going to be a process, though, and I’d do anything to help her get through that.
“I am so sure,” I assured her, letting her cry herself to sleep before I let my breath out.