“We got everything?” Justin’s checking the tags on our luggage as we stand amid the bustle of the lobby at noon. Our cab should be here any minute.

“Yes. I even got the little hula dancer dolls for Sage, and some books on marine life for plane reading.” I grin. “I’m thinking next year, when Sebastian’s in kindergarten, I might take a UCLA extension course.”

His eyes light up. “Think this could be a new career for the future?”

I shrug, grinning. “Why not? At the very least, it’ll give me something else to talk about besides my precious, precious children.” I nearly break down laughing when Justin says it in unison with me. God, I love us.

“Hold on.” Justin pulls out his phone to find an incoming Skype from Emma. He picks up, and it’s Fraser’s face that greets us. He’s still sitting with his hands in front of him, but this time there’s a lollipop stuck in his hair, marker stains on his collar, and a frantic light in his eyes. Sebastian is merrily clinging like a barnacle to his uncle’s neck.

“Are you home yet?” Fraser asks with the urgency of someone nearing the edge of a cliff.

“Er, we’re leaving the hotel now, buddy. We should be home in roughly.” Justin scrunches up his face. “Ten hours?”

“Give my name to the pilot. Maybe he’ll fly faster.”

“Fras, I don’t think that’s how physics works.”

“You can’t know that.”

Emma sidles into view, nudging her husband. She looks flushed, and is grinning wildly.

“Look, we really called because we’ve got some big news.” She’s practically flying out of her seat. “Those bouts of sickness I was having? Well, they weren’t from my cooking! At least, not completely.” She throws her arms wide. “I’m pregnant!”

“I’m so happy!” Fraser exclaims, and it is amazing that he is both entirely sincere and excited and also looks like he wants to jump out a window and run away. Sebastian knocks heads with him, and Fraser nearly falls over. Meanwhile, Justin and I both scream at the same time.

“I get to be an uncle! Finally!” he says. I’m crying as I blow a huge kiss.

“I can’t wait to walk you through all of this. It’s going to be the most amazing—”

I have to pause because the girls run past the camera screaming with joy, and Fraser gets pulled away into a tide of children. Emma continues to beam.

“We’re going to have some sparkling apple cider when you two get home to celebrate!”

“I’m just so glad Fraser’s had an opportunity to bond with kids,” I giggle. It sounds like there’s chanting in the background. For all I know he’s about to be a sacrifice, Lord of the Flies style.

“Gotta go. See you tonight!” Emma blows another kiss and logs off. Justin hugs me, and I’m about ready to fly away with excitement. When his phone buzzes, he grabs it and doesn’t even look at the ID when answering.

“Have you thought of baby names yet?” he asks, expecting Emma. Then, his smile fades and his face goes white. “Oh. Mr. Lee. Henry. Hi.”

I freeze as Justin listens, nodding silently. “Uh, yes. She’s here.” He looks at me and puts the phone to his shoulder. “It’s the guy who offered me the job. He wants to be on speaker. He wants you to hear.”

If this man is about to ream my husband with me listening, he is going to get the verbal smackdown of all time. “Okay,” I say, mentally preparing. Justin hits the speaker button.

“Justin. Hello,” a man’s voice says. “And hello to your wife.”

“Hi,” I say warily.

“I landed in Singapore and wanted to call you. I’ve thought over your refusal, and your reasoning.” The man pauses. “It reminded me of my own father. Or rather, it didn’t.”

Where is this going? Justin and I exchange looks.

“He was a man who always put business before family. At the time, I thought it made him a great man. He provided for us all so well. But looking back, I know my mother suffered for it. We all did. I wanted to see if I could be a man who built an empire of my own, but didn’t let it rule me. Does that make sense?”

“Er, yes,” Justin answers.

“Good. Because I think you are the perfect man for this job, and I won’t take no for an answer. I want you on the ground with me here, but in a week, say? And for no more than a week. I won’t take you away from your family constantly. You have my word on that. We can work out the terms. Is that acceptable?”

“Well,” Justin says, but Lee interrupts.

“I’m asking your wife, as well.”

Holy shit. Justin’s eyebrows lift, and I know that he wants this. He wants this, and he’s willing to put me first. There’s only one answer to give.

“I’m satisfied if my husband is,” I reply.

“Then yes. Yes, I accept.” It’s like all the air leaves his body in relief.

“Splendid. Expect my man to be in contact shortly regarding contracts and booking. Thank you.”

And with that, the man hangs up. I think he’s a little eccentric, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Justin puts the phone down, and takes me into his arms.

“I couldn’t do this without you,” he whispers in my ear. “I love you, Charlotte.”

I might be crying a little, but I don’t care. “And I love you. Always.”

We kiss, just once, but there’s enough feeling in it for five more. Ten more. Plus a little groping. But we keep it classy in public. Sort of.

“You know,” he murmurs in my ear. “If we don’t mind buying an extra ticket, I think you can come with me to Singapore.”

“Oh?” I’m practically buzzing with excitement. “What about the kids?”

“Fraser loves babysitting, and he needs the practice. I’m sure he’ll say yes.”

I giggle. “So…a second honeymoon?”

“I’ll have to be working, but there’ll be time. I’ll always make time for you,” he says, kissing me.

I mean, who doesn’t end their first honeymoon with the promise of an immediate second one?

Aloha, Hawaii. Aloha, Singapore.

Goodbye to one. Hello to another.

* * *

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