Tris and Tobias woke up on their first morning as husband and wife to discover that the house was still dead quiet. The bedroom door was locked, and neither of them had any phone messages, so they took advantage of their alone time, then drifted back to sleep. When they woke up the second time, it was quite late. They got ready for the day, Tobias in khaki shorts and a camp shirt, and Tris in her white crossed-halter sundress, and made their way downstairs.

The plans for the day included a relaxed morning, then an afternoon of sightseeing in Tirana before Tris and Tobias left on their honeymoon in their own jet. The other Americans would stay at the estate for another night before the staff drove them to the airport for the shipping tycoons' plane to take them home.

A few of their friends and family members were sitting on the terrace having breakfast and coffee. After greeting everyone, Tobias sat down in a comfortable chair and pulled Tris onto his lap.

"So where are you going on your honeymoon?" Tris' aunt Danielle asked. "Or are you staying here? Once all the guests are gone, this place is a private paradise of its own."

"Zanzibar," Tobias said, "plus a day in Egypt to see the pyramids."

"That's… Africa?" Uncle Daniel asked. "I only know Zanzibar as a flavor of chocolate ice cream."

Tris giggled. "It's a chain of islands off Tanzania," she explained. "It's very beautiful and tropical, from what I've seen online. We're also going to do a day safari in Tanzania."

"And it's very private," Tobias added, "and quiet. There are resorts on the different islands. We're staying at a very small but nice place that has just a handful of bungalows."

"And he rented out the whole place," Tris added, rolling her eyes.

"I just want some peace and quiet," Tobias defended. "Besides, they're going to do some updates or renovations to the units on the other end from us, so the resort was thrilled to be able to do that without having to turn down income."

"You spoil me," Tris said.

"That's the point," Tobias said, "though this is for me, too. Things have been crazy since I took over Eaton Holdings. I tried to take a week off last summer, but business wouldn't leave me alone. We had a few days in Jamaica this spring, but even then I had to deal with emails and different things that came up. For the next week there will be nothing but sun, sand, and my beautiful new wife. Amar and George will be at the other end of the beach having a much-deserved vacation of their own, and they're only to contact us if there's a life and death emergency."

"And Natalie," Hana Pedrad interjected, "tell us about your trip."

"Well," Natalie said, blushing slightly. "Our new son-in-law is sending his plane back from Zanzibar, and Andrew and I are taking it on a week-long tour of Europe. Tris' assistant, Rebekah, and their other driver, Jorik, are going with us; we don't have to lift a finger. We're leaving tomorrow and going to Rome, London, and Paris for a day or two each, then flying down to Zanzibar to pick up the kids and bring them back here."

"After that they're spending a week with us when the house is quieter and more like normal," Tris added. "They're also coming to the opening reception of our new art exhibit in Tirana. Last summer, Tobias and I found an astounding collection of art that his grandfather, Tobias the second, collected and hid from the communists - including a long-lost Van Gogh. The reception is in two weeks, and the art will be on display for three years after that. It's making a big splash in the art world, and people are coming from all over to see it. We're hoping it helps boost Albanian tourism."

"That's wonderful," Christina's mother Stephanie said. "I wish I could see that."

"You will," Tris said brightly. "It's part of our plan for sightseeing today. Tobias and I need to check in with the museum before we leave, and they agreed to give you all a sneak peek of the show."

Stephanie beamed. She loved art. Tris knew that and was glad that she could give her longtime friend that opportunity.

.

It was early afternoon before everyone was up and ready to head to Tirana. Amar had Tris and Tobias packed, and their suitcases and bags were loaded into the estate's SUV. Gabe had returned to London earlier that morning. Leo, Anikka, and their girls had already returned to the Netherlands. Leo and Anikka would be back for the art reception, but without their sweet daughters. Eric and Lauren, who were also coming back for the art reception, flew back to Scotland in the afternoon.

The Americans piled into the shuttle vans with Jorik, Rarman, and Rebekah, while the newlyweds got in the SUV with George, Amar, and their luggage. It was a tight fit in the shuttles, but there was enough room for everyone, and they weren't going too far.

The hour-long drive to Tirana was restful for the newlyweds and the couple accompanying them. All of them were exhausted from the wedding week activities, so the drive was quiet. Tris even dozed off.

Tobias woke her when they arrived at the art museum. She and Rebekah showed their guests around the collection that was ready to be hung up on display while Tobias and Amar went over final details with the museum staff.

"Um, Tris," Uriah said with a shocked look on his face. "You own a Van Gogh?"

"Uh, kind of, I guess," Tris replied. "I mean, Tobias inherited it from his grandfather."

"He's right," Zeke said in awe. "I never thought about it before now, but since you married Four, you're a millionaire now. You own a private jet, and that big ass mansion, and a freaking Van Gogh."

"Our little Trissy," Uriah said, pretending to wipe away tears. "It's hard to believe she's the same girl who peed her pants in second grade."

"Oh shut up," Tris said, swatting at her friend. "You didn't even know me in second grade. At least I didn't break my mom's vase and bury it in the yard to hide the evidence."

"Agh!" Uriah exclaimed when Hana glared at him and the others laughed. "You swore you'd never tell!"

.

When they finished at the museum, Tris said a tearful farewell to her friends. They were going to do a bit more sightseeing in Tirana and have dinner before heading back to the estate, but Tris and Tobias were due at the airport.

Tris hugged her parents briefly, she would see them again in a week. She exchanged an awkward hug with Christina's dad, and longer hugs with Hana and Stephanie. Uncle Daniel, Danielle, Damon, little Destiny, Christina's sister Rose, Lynn, Will, Shauna, Zeke, Marlene, then a long, teary hug with Christina.

Tris finally pulled herself away, and Amar helped her into the SUV. All the way to the airport, she stared at her lap and sniffled. Amar checked the rear view mirror periodically, watching Tobias slowly deflate, and sighed.

When he parked the SUV at the terminal, Amar leaned over and said something quietly to George, who nodded in reply.

"Tobias, can you help me with the bags?" George asked.

Tobias said nothing, but followed George out of the car. Amar opened Tris' door and handed her a tissue. "Mrs. Eaton, are you alright?"

"I am," Tris replied in a small voice.

Amar gave Tris a 'don't bullshit me,' look, and her face fell.

"I'm fine," Tris insisted. "It's just hard to leave everyone not knowing when I'll see them again."

"I know," Amar said, opening his arms.

Tris fell into the driver's arms, and rested her head on his shoulder. He patted her back sympathetically.

At the other end of the vehicle, George nudged Tobias. "This isn't about you," he said. "I've been here from the beginning. Well, kind of. I was in London, and Jamaica, and I was definitely at your wedding yesterday. That girl is so in love with you. But moving is hard. It would be strange if she wasn't upset. You get that, right?"

Tobias shrugged.

"Tobias," George said firmly. "Do not make this about you and turn away from your wife when she needs you."

Tobias' head snapped up. George saw steely resolve and a hint of anger in his eyes, and tried to hold back a smile as the younger man dropped the suitcase in his hands and walked around the car.

"Tris," Tobias said. Tris turned and tried to put on a brave face. "Zemra ime..."

Tris' resolve crumbled, and she grabbed Tobias in a tight hug.

"I love you so much," Tris said as she clung to her husband.

"I love you too," Tobias said. "Let's get you on the plane."

.

George and Amar loaded the luggage and boarded the plane. Tris and Tobias were sitting on the couch, and Tris' tears had stopped. She was cuddled into her husband's side, smiling softly up at him.

"Are you ready to go?" Amar asked. Tobias nodded his assent, and Tris' smile grew.

Once in the air, the newlyweds were served a nice dinner. The flight took just under three hours, and they were in Cairo.

After a restful night's sleep in a beautiful suite, Tris, Tobias, Amar, and George went together on a whirlwind day tour. They visited a giant outdoor market in the morning, saw the pyramids and the sphinx, rode camels, and were back on their jet in time for a late dinner.

The flight from Cairo to Zanzibar was five hours long - enough time for a nice dinner and a movie, though Tris and Tobias both fell asleep.

When they landed on the largest of Zanzibar's islands, Tris had texts from her friends. They had arrived safely back in Chicago, and were excitedly consolidating their photos into an online album that they could share. Tris told them that she would share the photographers' pictures once they were available, and sent along a few shots from their day in Egypt.

The Eaton honeymoon party checked into the hotel associated with their island resort. They were there long enough to shower, get some sleep, and have breakfast, then they were off on a boat to the small island that was their honeymoon destination.

When they climbed ashore, Tris was thrilled with their own private paradise. The resort staff had a succulent seafood lunch for two waiting on the main building's covered dock, and Tris was overwhelmed by the stunning turquoise water and white sand beach that surrounded them.

After lunch the staff took the newlyweds to their beachside bungalow at the far end of the resort. Amar had unpacked their things while the couple was eating, and everything was perfect.

Tobias reminded Amar that he and George were also on vacation, and they were under strict orders to rest and relax.

"We're in the bungalow nearest the main building if you need anything," Amar reminded Tobias.

Tris and Tobias switched their phones to airplane mode, determined to use the devices only as cameras for the next few days.

Once they were settled in, Tris slathered on a fresh coat of sunscreen, and the couple took a walk on the beach. They talked a lot about their wedding week, and Tris shed a few gentle tears as she continued to process her move to Albania. They laughed about their experiences in Egypt, collected a few pretty shells, and splashed in the shallow water on their way back.

After their walk, the honeymooners tested out the hammock on the bungalow's covered porch, and ended up sleeping away the rest of the afternoon. They were perfectly content swaying in the ocean breeze as they held each other and listened to the waves.

Resort staff brought flatbread pizza, fresh fruit, and a light rose wine for dinner. Tris got out her phone to take pictures as the sun sank into the turquoise water, then put it away and changed into a simple coral-colored silk nightie.

After a late night of celebrating their love, Tris and Tobias slept in. They'd worked out a system with Amar and the resort staff, so Tobias took a small flag and put it out on the front of the bungalow to signify that they were up and dressed for the day. Fifteen minutes later Amar and a staff person from the resort arrived with breakfast.

Amar stayed for just five minutes as nothing in Tobias' holdings needed his immediate attention, then the newlyweds were left to themselves for another day of rest and relaxation in the sun. Resort staff brought meals and took away dirty dishes at regular intervals. They cleaned up the bungalow and replaced towels while Tris and Tobias played in the waves.

The next day was much the same. Tobias put up the flag when they were ready for breakfast, and Amar made a brief appearance. Tris and Tobias rested, played, and made love all day. The resort staff touched up the bungalow and brought meals. Tris got tan, and filled her phone with beautiful pictures of their tropical paradise.

On their third night in the bungalow, the newlyweds had to set an early alarm for their safari adventure. Tris found a perfect outfit already set out for her. It consisted of olive green pants, brown boots, a white roll-tab sleeve blouse, and a sun hat. The pants had a few cargo pockets for her phone, sunscreen, and passport. Everything was sturdy, but breathable and comfortable. She braided her long hair and was ready in plenty of time.

A helicopter arrived at the resort and took the couple to the mainland where they were met by a guide in a jeep, who took them out to a game preserve. Tris thought that the views from the helicopter were spectacular, then she saw the view from the game preserve's observation deck. The rolling savanna of gold and green stretched out as far as the eye could see, and the brilliant blue sky was infinite.

"Are those elephants?" Tris asked pointing into the distance.

Tobias handed her a pair of binoculars, and she gave a happy little squeal when she looked through them.

"Baby elephants!" she said excitedly, and Tobias used his own binoculars to see where she was pointing.

From the observation platform, Tris and Tobias saw the elephants and a few giraffes, but mostly just scenery. Their guide, Ombeni, hurriedly took them out to a watering hole so they could see more animals before the sun got too hot. After the watering hole it was back to the headquarters building for lunch on the observation deck, then out to a different area of the preserve where there was more shade for the animals in the heat of the day.

Tris took hundreds of photos, from selfies with Tobias and Ombeni to a herd of zebras. Her favorites were the baby animals, especially the baby hippo they saw at the watering hole.

Back at the headquarters building, Tobias inquired about the preserve's fundraiser that allowed patrons to "adopt" certain animals on the preserve. For their donation to wildlife preservation, the donors got to name the animal they adopted, and the preserve would send them periodic photos and updates. Ombeni had pointed out several adopted animals throughout the day, and Tris had smiled every time, especially when she learned that one of the biggest and most majestic African elephants on the preserve was named "Kyle," after a patron's child's imaginary friend.

The young baby hippo was available, and Tobias filled out the paperwork back at headquarters while Tris was in the restroom. When she came out of the bathroom, Tobias handed her some papers.

"Congratulations," he said. "You are the proud new adoptive mother of that baby hippo you loved. Her name is Beatrice."

Tris burst into laughter. "Why does my name sound better for a hippo than a human?" she asked through uncontrollable giggles.

After driving back to the coast, the newlyweds rode the helicopter back to the island. Amar met them at the helipad, eager to hear how their day was.

"Amazing," Tris said, "but long. We've been up since four a.m. and in the sun all day. I need a shower and something to eat. Why don't you and George come over for breakfast tomorrow? If you don't have other plans, of course; you're on vacation too."

"We would love to," Amar assured Tris.

The resort staff drove the couple and their late dinner out to their bungalow. Tris was grateful, because she was exhausted. They settled on a time for breakfast, then Tris and Tobias were left on their own again.

When Amar and George walked over to the Eatons' bungalow the next morning, they found Tobias sitting alone on the porch with a book and a cup of coffee. He looked so genuinely happy and relaxed that it warmed Amar's heart.

"Mirëmëngjes!" (Good morning!) George called out as they approached.

Tobias looked up and smiled, waving the two men over.

"Tris is still asleep," Tobias said when his guests got closer. He offered the men some coffee and breakfast, and they settled in on the porch.

Amar went over the morning's few items of business to get that out of the way. Things were steady in Tobias' holdings, nothing major to report.

He'd heard from Roza and Rarman, and both were satisfied with the way things were taken care of by the extra hired help during and after the wedding. There had been no significant issues with any of the wedding guests or temporary help, and things were getting back to normal.

Amar had also heard from Jorik and Rebekah, who were with Tris' parents on their mini-tour of Europe. The foursome had taken a small charter flight to Rome on the day that Tris and Tobias were in Cairo. Two days later they took Tobias' plane from Rome to London. According to Jorik and Rebekah there had been no hiccups, and the Priors were as sweet and gracious as their daughter.

Amar did have one troubling thing to report. Word had come from America that Erudite Laboratories was under investigation, and Tris' Aunt Jeanine was at the center of the controversy. Someone had accused her of unethical practices in human experimentation. When a whistle-blower tipped off authorities about document shredding and attempts to hide evidence, search warrants were quickly procured. That's as far as things had progressed, but there were rumors of human rights abuses so vile that arrests were expected, and pharma stocks across the board were taking a hit.

Tobias' first instinct was to try and shield his wife and in-laws from the news, but he knew it was impossible. Natalie and Andrew had their phones, and had probably heard from Caleb already. Tris' phone had been in airplane mode since they arrived in Zanzibar, but he knew he couldn't keep the news from her for long, either.

"Let's get Tris' phone updated," Tobias said to Amar. "I mean, the phone is new, but she should have an Albanian number since she lives here now. Her friends and family can text her for free, and she can call them all she wants. If they want to call her they can just text and she'll make the call so we're the ones paying for it. I don't want her brother or aunt to have her number. I won't have them harassing her for money or influence. I don't trust them, and Tris doesn't either. It's about… eight thirty in London. I'm going to give Andrew a call. He and Natalie might need to go home because of all this; I'd like to see where he's at and offer whatever he needs."

"I'll order a new number for Tris and have the sim delivered as soon as possible," Amar offered.

Tobias walked down the beach a little, tapping at his phone.

"A ka investuar ai në ankesën farmaceutike?" (He didn't invest in the pharmaceuticals, did he?) George asked worriedly as they watched Tobias make his phone call in the distance. "E di që ata janë familja e saj, por…" (I know they're her family, but…)

"Per fat jo," (Fortunately, no) Amar said. "Ne nuk kemi pse të shqetësohemi për këtë, por vetëm fakti që ajo lidhet me të mund të kthehet të na dëmtojë. Jam i sigurt se nuk do të dëshirojë të flasë keq për familjen e saj, por fakti që Tobias nuk investoi kurrë dhe Caleb nuk erdhi në dasmë duhet të tregojë një histori të çuditjes."
(We don't have to worry about that, but just the fact that she's related could come back at us. I'm sure she won't want to talk badly about her own family, but the fact that Tobias never invested and Caleb didn't come to the wedding should tell a story of estrangement.)

The men lapsed into silence.

"Hey," came a sweetly sleepy voice from the doorway. "Why didn't anyone wake me up?"