CHAPTER 4

Going back to work was rough after a week off and still so much they wanted to do in their new house. They both agreed one step at a time as it was mostly painting they wanted to do so they would just enjoy things for now and paint later.

The week was busy and Friday night was welcomed with eagerness.

They had decided to have their house warming party Saturday night but nothing to fancy – BBQ.

The guests started arriving at 5pm and everyone talked, laughed, ate and drank beers out in the backyard. Dianne and Dylan came so the boys played outside until the sun went down.

Angela gave Tempe a gift from her, Jack and Zack – A Clydesdale Horse shoe with their names on it.

"You are supposed to hang it over a door way in your house for good luck."

"That is so sweet. Thank you," Tempe said as she hugged the group.

The last guest left at 1am.

"That was a good party," Seeley said as he picked up the last of the empty beers bottles.

"Yes it was." Tempe was smiling from ear to ear.

"What is that smile for?" Seeley asked curious as to what was going through her head.

"I was thinking back to the afternoon in your apartment when first kissed me and asked me out on our first date."

"Oh yes." Seeley smiled as well.

"I can't put into words how happy you have made me, Seeley."

"You telling me that is all I need, Tempe. I love you more each day. You complete me. Making you happy .. It just comes naturally to me."

Tempe put her arms around him. Tears started to fall onto his shirt. He knew they were tears of joy so he remained silent as he held her in his arms.

It was hard saying goodbye to Parker Sunday night. Living with them was so different than staying over a night or two every 3rd weekend of the month.

After Seeley dropped Parker off at Rebecca's he came back home but went directly to bed. Tempe knew this was exceptionally hard on him and felt best if she left him alone.

The next morning at breakfast was solemn but at least Seeley was talking.

"How would you feel about a family vacation Seeley?"

He looked up from the paper he was glancing over and raised in eyebrows with curiosity.

"Where were you thinking of?"

"Somewhere Tropical, like Aruba."

He liked the sound of that. He didn't know anything about Aruba except that is was an island and hot.

I did some research on line and they have some great family resorts right on the beach. Parker would love it."

"When were you thinking of going?"

"Next month?" Tempe asked hoping he would agree.

He hesitated to answer. He knew trips like this cost money and with a new house and Parker living with him 50 of the time he didn't want to bite off more than he could chew.

"That sounds expensive Tempe," was all he could manage to say knowing that Tempe was more than well off financially.

"I want to take you and Parker on a vacation. It is only a start to saying thank you for making me a part of your family."

He knew it was not good to argue with her on certain things and this would be one of them, despite his male pride wanting to.

"Next month it is. It should be a week that Parker is usually with us."

"Of course."

"I will tell Rebecca but not Parker until a week before. He will constantly be asking when are we going and one week is long enough to hear it," Seeley said with a look in his eyes that only a parent of a four year old could have.