This is a little something new. I'm going to aim for chapters of exactly 1,000 words. I'm not sure how frequently I will update, just something I'm having fun writing and hope you enjoy. Hopefully I will see you with a new chapter in the next few days.
No infringement of any kind is intended.
For months, I've been meticulously planning this trip. I know she's always wanted to go to, and I'm grateful that the way our family is situated, we can leave our kiddos behind and explore new surroundings. The peace and time together will allow us to reconnect, something that's so deeply needed; not that we're in a bad place, we're just busy and life has a way of taking over every last moment.
The last year has been spent moving, meshing households, and figuring out how to balance the needs of everyone involved. It's also involved more than one breakdown on my part, and hers. Frustrations that come from somewhat new relationships can be endless, but when you add in children and other complications, sometimes you forget what you were fighting so hard for in the first place.
I wanted to road trip, but time wouldn't allow for that. Besides, I'd much rather have extra hours for fun together, either at the places I have planned to stop along the way, or in the swank hotels I've sprung for.
The thought of us alone in a hotel room makes me smile and my impatience flares.
"Jess, what's taking you so long?"
As I round the corner to our bedroom, I see her hovering over her suitcase.
"Stop overpacking!" I walk up and close the top of the bag.
"But you won't tell me anything about where we're going, so how do I know what to pack? What if I need cute clothes to go out? Or shorts and tank tops? Maybe I need jeans. Oh, I don't think I packed any jeans…"
I laugh as she walks back to her dresser, rifling through the drawers. Following quickly behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist.
"Love, I promise, what's in your suitcase right now is fine." I slide my hands up her abdomen and cup her breasts. "Besides, maybe I plan to keep you in the hotel room the entire time."
She leans back and lets out a soft moan. Nothing turns me on like her noises, and I know if I don't get us moving, we'll make our way to bed and miss our flight.
"Come on." I grab her hand and zip the suitcase, then lead her out of the room.
One last round of hugs and kisses later, and we're finally out the door.
"Still not going to tell me where we're going?" she asks, her hand on my thigh as I drive.
"Devil woman, stop trying to bribe me for details. We'll be at the airport and you'll know soon enough."
"You know I hate surprises." She pouts and for half a second, I consider telling her.
"You'll like this one. Trust me."
The smirk on my face appeases her, and I'm grateful as she gets distracted on her phone.
At the airport, we wheel our suitcases to the check-in line and she curls against my side.
"Thank you for this," she says.
"You can't thank me yet, you don't even know where we're going or what we're doing."
"Doesn't matter. A long weekend with you is enough. Location and sights are icing on the cake."
Tilting my head, I lean in to kiss her. Her lips always surprise me with their softness, warmth, and eagerness. Only after the third cry of next do I realize we're holding up the entire line. Laughing, we move our luggage.
"Here are our IDs," I say to the clerk. "If you could please not say our destination out loud, I'd like to keep it a surprise a little while longer."
Jessica groans and rolls her eyes, but the clerk plays along and I'm giddy as we move to the security line.
"Is it somewhere warm?"
"Sometimes," I say, not trying to be intentionally cryptic, but it's true.
"Will we be outside or inside most of the time?"
"Hmm. I think both. It depends on what you want to do some days. I have a few activities planned, and some unstructured time, too, in case there's something you want to go back to, or something I didn't think of that you want to see."
"Has anyone ever told you how infuriating you are, Bella?"
I laugh. "Frequently. It's usually you, though." I pull her into my arms again and kiss her forehead. "Relax. It's going to be so much fun you won't be able to stand it. Promise."
"I have no doubts about that," she says. The smile on her face is half relaxed bliss and half dirty.
We walk to the gate hand-in-hand, our last few minutes before she knows where we're headed, and I can't contain my grin. I feel fifteen again, something that's happened frequently since I met Jess. I've tried to explain it to people, the instant and overwhelming connection we have, but it's usually useless. People either get it or they don't.
"Which gate did you say it was?" she asks, looking ahead at posted destinations on the gates.
"A23."
Her squeal can probably be heard all through the airport, and I almost fall over, I'm laughing so hard.
"You're taking me to San Francisco?" she asks, practically jumping up and down.
"I am," I respond, and she peppers my face with kisses.
"I love you. I love you. I love you," she says.
We sit at the gate, fingers laced together, and Jess never stops humming with excitement. Her leg is bouncing, or her fingers tapping… constant movement. It makes me laugh and smile and feel amazing.
The call for boarding is made and we file into line, then make our way onto the beast that will carry us.
Her fingers squeeze mine, once we're seated. "This is the best surprise ever."
"Well, you were the best surprise I ever got, so I'm glad I could finally repay you."
Our eyes meet and I'm full of happiness. I can finally give her back some small portion of what she's given me.