As Vincent navigated the small town roads, he admired the green landscape and rolling hills that seemed to run for miles.
His thoughts drifted off to who could have kidnapped Catherine. He knew a storm was coming and he would have to protect Catherine and Ryan, but it was too late for regrets now. He looked at the two of them sleeping, so peacefully. Did he dare dream that they could go on living a nice quiet life? No, that would be unrealistic. Nothing about his life was quiet, he would be delusional to think otherwise.
He turned down a long winding road and Texas hill country displayed more picturesque views that awed and fascinated him. As the hills started to recede, grape vines made their debut. Vincent pushed the troubling thoughts out of his head and took in the splendor of the countryside.
"Okay, sleepyheads, we're here," Vincent said.
"Vincent, where are we?" Catherine asked, as she looked around for a sign of familiarity.
"Welcome to Baron's CreekSide," Vincent said, happily.
Catherine saw a log cabin that had to be from the 1700s or 1800s. Had Vincent lost his mind? Did this cabin have any mordern amenities? A plethora of questions invaded her mind and the answers were only a few steps away.
"Well, shall we go inside? I promise you won't be disappointed," Vincent said.
Catherine trusted Vincent, but she was a bit apprehensive about lodging in a old log cabin. He was so excited and anxious, she couldn't rain on his parade, so she would keep an open mind for now.
Vincent opened Catherine's door and then got Ryan out of his car seat. Ryan was eight months old and a spitting image of Vincent.
As Catherine and Vincent approached the porch, they were greeted by two rocking chairs. The front door opened into the living room and the beautiful stone fireplace was clearly the focal point of the room. The cabin was charming and cozy, with a rustic appearance. Catherine was speechless. She wondered how Vincent knew about the cabin.
"So, does it meet with your approval?" Vincent asked.
"Yes, I love it. How do you find this place?" Catherine asked.
Vincent smiled, and said, "One of my employees told me about it."
Catherine and Vincent explored the rest of the cabin, which consisted of a kitchen, a full bath and the master bedroom. A king size bed was in the master bedroom, along with a Jacuzzi. The bathroom was immaculate with big plush towels. High quality linens were on the bed as well as a handmade quilt. Catherine loved how quaint and romantic, the cabin was.
LATER THAT EVENING
Ryan was asleep while Vincent and Catherine sat in the rocking chairs on the porch and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of their surroundings. Crickets chirped and a couple of cats even wondered by and sat with them for a little while.
"Vincent, I am very pleased with the cabin. I didn't know what to expect at first, but I love it here. Thank you, I really needed this getaway.
"I know. That's what I'm here for. I thought this quaint cabin would be ideal for you to relax and rejuvenate. I packed some of your books, so you can read if you like," Vincent said.
"You really are one of a kind, Mr. Keller," Catherine said.
"I learned from the best. My father was a family man and we were a tight-knit family. He respected my mother and I observed how he treated her. I loved their relationship. I hope we will have the same love and respect, as well as longevity in our marriage. I want to set the same example for Ryan, so he can be a good husband and father one day as well," Vincent said.
"Vincent, I am in awe of you. Considering everything you've endured, your resilience is inspiring. Your spirit is so good and geniune. I'm amazed at how you give so much of yourself and you never ask or expect anything in return."
Catherine took Vincent's hand as they sat listening to nature and basking in their love for each other.
THE NEXT DAY
Catherine awoke to the sound of birds chirping and cascading water. She looked around to find the cabin empty. When she looked out of the front door, she spotted Vincent and Ryan sitting by the creek. Vincent sat in one of the two, blue Adirondack chairs, that were situated nearby. Big stones lined the edge of the creek, several ducks flapped their wings in the water and a deer stood in the distance taking in the view.
"Good Morning. We thought we would let mommy sleep in today," Vincent said, smiling.
"Thank you, I am well rested now," Catherine said, as she kissed Vincent and Ryan.
"Are you hungry? I thought we could go into town for breakfast and explore," Vincent said.
"Yes, that would be great. I'll get dressed," Catherine said.
LATER THAT DAY
Bluebonnet flowers lined the road for miles, captivating travelers and motivating some to stop and take pictures.
Vincent took pictures of Catherine and Ryan sitting in the bluebonnets. Ryan even smiled a few times. Another traveler took a family pic of them and then they headed to town.
Roadside stands sold peaches and watermelons and Vincent made a mental note to buy some on the way back.
The town had parks, museums, shops, boutiques and very well preserved historic districts. The weather was beautiful and the Kellers were enjoying their excursion.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Vincent and Catherine sat on the couch, cuddling, until they heard someone knock on the door. Catherine noticed that Vincent didn't seem too surprised. It was a local chef and Vincent had hired her to cook dinner for them. She was accompanied by another young lady, who would take care of Ryan, while Catherine and Vincent enjoyed their romantic evening.
Catherine and Vincent took a walk down the long gravel road, in front of the cabin, while holding hands. An old water mill was visible in the green pasture, surrounded by Mesquite trees. Wildflowers added to the natural beauty before them.
"Vincent, I have no words for how happy and relaxed, I am right now. I don't know how you do it, but you always come up with the best surprises."
"Catherine, everything I do, is for you and Ryan. As long as there is life in my body, I will do everything to make you happy. When I married you, I promised to be your protector and provider, and I will do that until the day I close my eyes for good. When you look at your wedding ring, I want your mind to be flooded with memories, our memories. Yes, we have money and I could lavish you with expensive gifts everyday, but that wouldn't make you or me happy. Time together is important and I don't want you and Ryan to ever feel I am too busy for you. You are my life and I love you," Vincent said, as he took Catherine's face into his hands, and kissed her.
LATER
As they reached the cabin, they saw a table by the creek with a white tablecloth and a vase of bluebonnet flowers in the center. After they were seated, the chef served them a château salad, which consisted of mixed greens, grilled chicken, eggs, avocados, and tomatoes. The second course was pan-seared salmon with rice pilaf, fresh vegetables and wine from the local winery. For dessert, they shared roasted Bosc pears with vanilla ice cream.
Later Vincent and Catherine sat in the blue Adirondack chairs by the creek. The sounds of nature filled the air with the moonlight casting shadows over the water. It was sweet paradise and a temporary reprieve from reality.
The Kellers have relaxed and rejuvenated, now back to reality. What type of danger is lurking in the shadows? Stay tuned for the next part of "The Kellers in Dallas."