Chapter 29 Andrew
“How is it that a beautiful, perfect woman like you was single?” I ask Emily as we lay on my bed staring up at the ceiling.
There’s nowhere else I’d rather be at this moment than lying here, naked, with my wife. Gratitude overcomes me, that she’s mine. That I found her before someone else did.
She laughs in response. “Relationships have not been a priority for a while.”
“When was the last time you were in a relationship?” I ask her, a weird burning sensation settling in my chest.
“About a year and a half ago,” Emily says. “His name was Jaime.”
“Did you love him?” I ask. A possessive surge runs through me as I picture some other guy in Emily’s life. I know it’s the past, but the thought of Emily with someone else just doesn’t sit right.
“Did you love him?” I ask, my chest tightening in anticipation of her answer.
Emily sighs, staring up at the ceiling. “Honestly? I thought I did. But looking back, I realize we were just two people trying to fit into a life that didn’t really suit either of us.”
“What do you mean?” I prop myself up on one elbow, studying her face.
“He wanted a very traditional setup,” she says. “A wife who’d stay home, cook, manage the house, and be there for him and the kids. He thought I’d fit into that mold eventually.”
I raise an eyebrow, unable to picture Emily in any sort of “meek” role. “Clearly, he didn’t know you well. I can’t imagine you staying home all day, waiting for someone else to make things happen.”
She laughs. “Right? The thought alone gave me nightmares. I couldn’t picture myself giving up the work I love, the independence.” She shrugs. “I mean, it works for some people, but I knew it wasn’t for me. We broke up after that. He just couldn’t see things my way.”
I nod, feeling oddly relieved. “Sounds like it was for the best. ”
“What about you?” she asks, turning to me. “Any serious relationships before us?”
I let out a breath. “Nothing all that serious. There was Chloe. We were seeing each other just before I went on tour, but I broke it off.”
“Why?”
I consider my words carefully. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, but I knew it wasn’t her. She was nice. Supportive. But there was no fire, no drive. Chloe didn’t have any real goals of her own. She was content staying in her world, happy with whatever I did or decided.”
Emily rolls her eyes playfully. “Well, maybe we should introduce Jaime and Chloe to each other.”
I laugh. “They’d probably be a match made in heaven, right?”
“Picture it: weekly brunches, matching outfits, and a picket fence.”
“Top it off with Sunday brunches and garden parties, and they’re golden,” I add, grinning.
We both burst out laughing, and it feels good.
“Speaking of work, we should sleep, we have a long day tomorrow,” I say.
She grins. “I’m so excited. Two weeks until the grand opening.”
“I know,” I say, the thrill of it vibrating through me.
We’re so close to the finish line.
We drift off, and I wake up to the early sunlight streaming through the blinds. After a quick breakfast, Emily and I make our way to the Army Base Riviera.
Every corner of the property is alive with activity. Workers move around in choreographed efficiency, carrying supplies, setting up equipment, adjusting and polishing surfaces until everything gleams.
Inside, the transformation is stunning. The lobby, once dull and neglected, is now a bright, inviting space with polished marble floors that reflect the soft, natural light filtering through large windows .
I make my way to the new reception area, where the sleek, modern desk stands ready.
The branding materials blend in perfectly with the modern, understated elegance of the lobby, each sign adding a touch of sophistication without overpowering the room.
I take a step back, crossing my arms as I survey the space, satisfaction swelling in my chest. This is everything Emily and I had envisioned.
“I can’t wait to get started with the Lakeside Riviera,” Emily says, standing next to me.
I hold my tongue. I’m not exactly jumping with joy at the disagreements that will come between us. We have vastly different ideas for the Lakeside Riviera. But this is not the time to think about that.
Emily and I go back outside.
Landscapers are carefully placing the last few potted plants by the entrance, adjusting the greenery, and smoothing out the freshly laid stone-paths.
The newly added outdoor seating area is coming to life with modern benches interspersed with native plants that give a natural, organic feel.
“This is so beautiful,” Emily says with a sigh. “Makes me want to book a room for a week and leave the world behind.”
I laugh. “That was the idea wasn’t it? Make our guests never want to leave.”
“Yes,” Emily says, then turns to me. “We did it Andrew.”
I nod. “We did.”
She grows solemn. “Your father hasn’t come by to see what we’ve done.”
“I’m not surprised,” I say. “And to be perfectly honest, I like it. You wouldn’t appreciate the other version of my father. He would have been in our faces all day, every day. This is his way of showing that he trusts us. He’ll be at the launch. ”
Relief draws itself on Emily’s features. “I’m glad.”
“Speaking of which, will your father try and make it?” I ask Emily. I’ve noticed that she never talks about him, yet I’m pretty sure that he does communicate with his family.
Emily’s face shifts, just slightly, a flash of something unreadable crossing her expression before it disappears.
“Oh, I doubt it,” she says, her tone light, but there’s a stiffness to it.
“Still travelling?” I ask, trying to keep it casual, though part of me is curious why her father hasn’t been more involved.
“Yes, he is.” She pauses, glancing away as if studying the hotel entrance.
There’s a flicker in her eyes, almost like a shadow. I can tell she’s holding back, guarding something, and it makes me wonder. Why wouldn’t she share more about her father if they’re close?
“Well,” I say, hoping to ease the tension, “I suppose he’s just enjoying his life. If he’s anything like you, he’s probably trying to see everything, do everything.”
Her gaze softens, a little less guarded. “Yes, that sounds like him. He has this way of throwing himself fully into whatever he does. It’s admirable, really.”
But as she says it, I notice the way her shoulders tense and her voice sounds too cheerful.
“Maybe he’ll surprise you and drop in for the launch,” I offer, but she only gives me a small nod, her gaze dropping to the ground.
Before either of us can say anything further, a loud explosion echoes from the nearby military base, the sound ripping through the air.
My instinct is immediate; my body tenses, hands clenching, heart racing.
I force myself to inhale slowly, counting to four, then exhale just as slowly, focusing on each breath, one by one.
Another deep breath, then another. I can feel my heartbeat gradually slowing, the panic receding like a tide .
Emily’s hand rests gently on my arm, her face filled with concern. “Are you okay?”
I nod. “Yeah. I breathed through it.” I exhale deeply, forcing my shoulders to relax. “The therapist showed me how to handle these moments. It’s helping.”
There’s a flicker of pride in her eyes. “I’m glad. I know how hard you’re working on it.”
My chest swells with the love I feel for her. This wife of mine has seen me at my best and at my worst, and somehow, she’s still here. I’ve opened myself to her like I’ve never done with any other woman.
I trust her more than anyone in this world. Emily is my world, my anchor, the love of my life.
“Thank you.” The words aren’t enough, like nothing could convey how much her presence means to me. “For sticking with me. For understanding.”
A beautiful smile curves her lips. “That’s what I’m here for, Andrew. You’re not alone in this.”
I reach for her hand, intertwining our fingers, and warmth spreads through me that goes beyond relief. It’s love. Real, undeniable love.