Chapter 33

Connie sat nervously in one of the blue chairs of the foyer at the airport. They'd checked in and were waiting for the last few to arrive. She sat alone while Jacob disappeared to the toilet, Tess, Rita and Iain were getting themselves a drink while Isabella got breakfast for Charlotte and Grace.

Charlie came and sat beside Connie after checking himself in. "Hey, where's Jacob got to?" She glanced sideways realising he was talking to her. "Sorry… He's gone to the bathroom, wouldn't be surprised if he had run away-" "Stop being so pessimistic… He loves you."

She smiled back at Charlie as she saw Ethan and Alicia wander in with Lofty and Robyn. "Hey Mrs Beauchamp-" "Really call me Connie, we're not at work." Alicia smiled before walking straight up to the clinical lead and hugged her. It took Connie by surprise but she gently copied the younger woman. "I'm so happy you invited me and Ethan along… I can't wait to see you two together."

Jacob wandered back across the room and smiled towards the group who had just arrived and were now checking themselves in. "I'll give you two a few minutes, hell you won't get many of those once we're there." Connie smiled as one man walked away from her before the other sat beside her. "I thought you could do with one of these."

He handed Connie a coffee and smiled as she took it gratefully. "Thank you. How are you feeling?" Jacob sat back. "Me? I'm about to marry the most gorgeous woman in the world, under the sun with the people closest to us. I think I'm pretty good sweet cheeks, are you though?" Connie smiled and nodded her head. "You know, I think I am… It's taken a while to feel this way but I can't wait for tomorrow."

At 5:23 they were boarding the plane and preparing for the 11 hour flight. Connie was sitting beside the window with Charlie the other side of her. Across from them was Tess, Isabella, Charlotte and Grace. In front was Alicia and Ethan while Jacob, Robyn, Lofty and Elliot sat several rows behind. Rita and Iain were tucked into a window space near to the others and soon enough they were taking off.

Charlie spent the first few hours speaking to Connie keeping her mind occupied. He could see she was drifting off to sleep so went quiet for a little while. Charlie began feeling tired himself before feeling a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Jacob smiling and carefully got up so he could take his place.

Gently he manoeuvred an arm around his fiancée's shoulders. Connie woke up a little looking to the hand across her shoulder and smiling noticing who it was. Rather than say anything Connie held onto his hand and curled her legs up onto the chair, leaning her head onto his chest as she closed her eyes again.

Jacob smiled looking down at her as he ran his fingers through her hair. Grace watched from across the plane as her Mum slept before turning back to Charlotte and talking. Everyone was peacefully enjoying the flight and the time gently moved forwards.

The plane landed in Takamaka, Seychelles at 8pm local time. They were now 4 hours ahead of Holby and so everyone was beginning to get hungry. Jacob had woken Connie up to get her to put her seatbelt on as they came in to land.

They all agreed to meet outside the airport after collecting their luggage. Connie had spoken to the owner of the villa who had agreed to organise transport for them. As they stepped outside the sun was setting but the heat was still surrounding them. Connie noticed how happy Jacob looked which caused her to smile. "That's us over there…" She pointed towards a small coach which was over the road.

"Banyan Tree Villa? You must be Connie, I'm Josh it's nice to meet you." They shook hands before he opened up the side of the coach so their bags could all be loaded before they all got in. It was just under an hour's drive from the airport but the views were incredible on the way up to the villa.

On arrival Josh helped unload the coach before passing the keys to Connie. "It's all yours for a week… Your room is the one that we can see from here, that balcony is from your room. Furthest on the left upstairs. I hope you all enjoy your week, I'll see you next Tuesday."

Jacob took Connie's suitcase from her, he had only packed a bag which was on his back. She refused but instead told her to go in first. She didn't need telling twice. Connie went straight to the front door and let them all inside.

They walked into a large open space. In front of them was a sitting area with a TV on the far wall. Large glass windows went from floor to ceiling along the left side of the wall which looked out across the city. Following it around to the side you came to a large wooden staircase leading to all the bedrooms.

Also on the ground floor was a door which led to the open veranda. There were enough large, plush seats outside for all of them before you came to swimming pool. It was huge and from the furthest wall of the pool you could look out over the beach below them. The view was amazing from down here but upstairs was incredible.

All the rooms were big but Connie had seen nothing like the room she'd be sharing with Jacob. She'd waited for him to come upstairs and he scooped her into his arms as she laughed before pushing the door open and stepping inside. It had a four-poster king size bed in the centre of one wall. There were white drapes falling from the pillars of the bed before she noticed the rose petals which had been scattered along the floor and bed.

Off to the left was an ensuite bathroom. The bath was one of the biggest either of them had seen and she couldn't wait to use it. The other side of the bedroom was two large, glass doors which opened up onto the balcony Josh had pointed out. From there you could see for miles across the cliff. The view was breathtaking as Connie leant against the railings of the balcony.

Jacob stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist resting his chin on her shoulder smiling. "It's a beautiful view." Connie nodded "It really is incredible, you can see everything from here-" "I meant you…" Jacob pressed his lips to the side of Connie's neck before she turned around with her back against the balcony. He leant down and pushed his lips onto hers before hearing several people whistling and calling from below. Connie looked down and noticed everyone sitting in the chairs around the pool smiling.

They were undoubtedly in paradise here and Connie was sure, for one reason or another, it would definitely be a week for them all to remember.