Donna and Sam enjoyed the rest of their day at the beach and headed back to the hotel. Donna finally felt calm and at peace after the emotional roller coaster she went through the night before. They rode up to the hotel and docked the jet skis. Sam gathered their things and helped her off the Jet Ski and onto the dock. She leaned forward and gave him a very sensuous kiss.
"Thank you for a wonderful day, it was exactly what I needed." She said gazing up into his soft and beautiful eyes.
"It was my pleasure. How are you feeling?"
"Much, much better. Like I said earlier, I am putting last night behind us and am focusing on the present and future."
Sam smiled and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips.
"We're living our dreams."
"Yes we are, come on, let's go see what's going on up there." Donna said smiling up at him and pulling him up the hill to the Taverna.
Sophie saw her mom and stepfather walking up towards the Taverna and a smile came to her face, she had never seen her mother so happy. She had her curly hair pulled back in a messy bun, she was wearing her beach clothes, and was walking hand in hand with Sam resting her head on his shoulder and laughing at something. They both looked happy and relaxed. They walked up to Sophie as she was wiping off the tables.
"Hey Mom, Sam. You two look great! Did you have a fun day?" Sophie asked as her mom gave her a hug.
Sam and Donna looked at each other and smiled.
"It was perfect, I had a rough night, but enjoyed a beautiful day on the beach with my handsome husband."
"Good, I'm glad." Sophie told her mom.
"Soph, would you join us for dinner?" Sam asked.
"Sure, I will go get us food from the kitchen."
"Thanks, sweetie." Donna told her daughter as she was off to the kitchen to get their dinner.
"Thank you for asking Sophie to join us for dinner." Donna said as she sat down at the table taking Sam's hands into hers.
"Honey, she is your daughter and my step-daughter, she is going through a hard time. I want her to feel like she is a part of our lives."
"Thank you. I hope you know I feel the same way about Jonathan and Davis. I can't wait to meet them."
"They are really excited to meet you. Listen, I was thinking about something and wanted your opinion."
"Sure. What is it?"
"As you know the boys will be taking over my firm some day. Jonathan is going to be an architect, and Davis works in graphic design. Anyways, how would you feel about them coming here for a while to help with the hotel? Davis would work on brochures, website, etc. and Jonathan would help me with expanding the building. What do you think?"
"I think it is a great idea, it would really make it a family project." She said as she leaned over and kissed him. "Will they want to?"
"Well, it would be considered an internship which they need for their degree, yeah I think they would."
Sophie approached the table with their plates and a bottle of wine.
"Thanks, Soph, here let me help you." Sam said as he helped her with all the dishes she was juggling.
"Thanks, Sam." Sophie said as she sat down and enjoyed a nice quiet dinner with her mom and step dad.
"Sophie, you know how happy we are to have you here, but have you decided what's next?" Donna asked.
"Well, I am thinking about taking some art classes on the mainland and possibly working towards an art degree."
Sam was thrilled.
"I think that is wonderful, if you need help we are here. I was just talking to your mom about my sons coming and helping with the remodeling of this place. Davis will be doing graphic design, but it would be great if you two could work together."
"I would love to be a part of it. Thanks!"
Sam and Sophie spent a good deal of time talking about art and sketching. Donna loved seeing the two of them interact, it really made her wonder who Sophie's father was. She knew they were all fine not knowing, but deep in her heart she thought it was Sam. After awhile Sophie excused herself from dinner to meet up with Ali and Lisa on the mainland.
"I can't believe we are all a family." Donna said.
"Yeah, it's pretty wonderful, isn't it?" Sam said.
"Thank you for being such a great person for my daughter to look up to. I am glad you both share a passion for art, you are such an encouragement to her."
"I consider Sophie to be my daughter, I wouldn't treat her any differently than I do the boys."
Donna walked around the table to sit on his lap.
"Have I told you lately how wonderful I think you are?" Donna asked as she threaded her fingers in his hair.
"I would prefer that you show me." Sam said pointing to his lips.
Donna leaned down and placed a kiss on his lips, letting her tongue dance with his momentarily. Once they broke apart she smiled at him.
"I think you should show me more upstairs." Sam said smiling.
"I'll race ya." Donna said as she got up and started running for the stairs.
Sam followed right behind her, he didn't mind, he was enjoying the view.
