My buddies had decided to go for a swim, so I couldn’t even complain to them about feeling edgy and nervous. (Not that I would have, I think.) So that just left smug-looking Timothy, who was wearing a grin so wide I wanted to stick an apple in it.
Timothy’s expression was that of a mischievous little boy. I think I might have been tempted to throw something at him for the teasing way he was looking at me, but his lips were painting my hand in kisses. And my pleasure centers were oohing and aahing, but I wanted SOMETHING, needed to know what was happening. What was wrong with me?
“Have you ever been on a big ship,” Timothy asked, probably at last picking up on my grumpiness.
“A ship? What we’re going fishing on our honeymoon? More whale watching? How romantic,” I said sarcastically.
Timothy let out a laugh. “No, my darling wife. We are not about to depart on a stinky trawler. We’re going to head across the ocean on a cruise ship, a fancy, expensive one where we can go swimming, dancing, and/or play shuffleboard and ping pong. I hear they have great comedy, magic, and musical shows. We’ll be able to dine in all the restaurants or be catered in our super outside deck balcony with its own private whirlpool. According to the brochure the ship offers art, photography, and even language courses. I bet we can find dance lessons, too.
Suddenly everything was all right again. I was such a brat to have underestimated Timothy! I threw my arms around him and kissed him a zillion times! And when I came up for air, I wanted to do it all over again. “You’re the best, the absolute best. That sounds incredible. And Terry and Bob will be on the ship with us?”
Timothy frowned. “I would hope you’d rather spend your time with me, but yes, they’ll be coming along, probably poking their noses in our business again . . .”
“They didn’t do that in San Diego. They just had fun, like we did. That’s okay, right?”
He sighed. “Yes, I want my employees to enjoy their job. Being on a cruise ship ought to check off some of those boxes. Ben will be coming with us, too. And a guard you haven’t met yet who’s called Daniel.”
“Won’t it be hard to be on our honeymoon surrounding by all those men?” I pouted.
“Our king bed will be extremely private, darling, and I don’t expect to be sharing any of our other activities with them. The men will blend into the background unless needed.”
“Like Bob could blend,” I giggled.