Page 166 of Saved By My Buyers

It’s a great investment, and I don’t want to make a mistake.

I sold the home I originally bought for Dahlia and I’m still regretting it, even though the riverside home is a better fit for us in this stage of life. There’s room for everything that we want to do.

I’m so happy we found it.

The plane takes off without either of them waking, courtesy of the king size bed they’re sleeping in. Deciding to follow suit, I snuggle in next to them to take a nap. Cocoa Beach is waiting for the three of us when the plane lands, after all.

“Bee, we’ve been kidnapped,” Dolly says with a laugh, and I open my eyes hours later to find she has her face pressed against the window as we get ready to land.

“Surprise, birthday girl. What better way to celebrate your twenty-first birthday than with two weeks away?” I ask her, sitting up.

Bee moans as she starts to wake up, and I gently rub her back. I need coffee for both of them soon, because neither of them are at their best without it. Though, Dolly appears to be letting adrenaline override her need for caffeine at the moment.

The sun is just beginning to rise, allowing for lots of time to enjoy the day.

“This is incredible,” Dolly says, sighing happily. “I don’t even know how you made this happen, but thank you so much.”

“We need the time away,” I tell her. “I asked a few friends for help, and they came through. Once we land, we’ll get our rental car and head to breakfast.”

I have suitcases for the three of us on the plane, and gifts for Dolly. I didn’t see any bathing suits when I was searching through her closet, while Bee and she were at work, so I made sure to fix that by buying her cover ups and several different suits.

The plane lands in Melbourne, Florida, and I send Dahlia and Bee to change into street clothes instead of their pajamas.

The only reason I was able to get away with this is because they both sleep so hard. Snorting to myself, I also change, but I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks, and drove to the airport in a long-sleeved green shirt and black joggers. The girls were too sleepy to tease me about it when they woke up.

I’m calling it a win.

Wearing a pair of board shorts and a T-shirt, I walk to the front of the plane, my sandals comfortable on my feet. I’m excited for sun and fun without any worries.

“Hello, Mr. Katz. Your rental is waiting for you, and you’ll be able to leave as soon as you’re ready,” the flight attendant says.

Dolly giggles at something Bee says, and they join me, wearing sundresses and looking relaxed and happy.

“I believe we’re now ready,” I say with a smile. I packed a duffel bag with a change of clothes for the three of us, and Dolly hands it to me now with their pajamas.

We debark from the plane, the bright sun causing me to slide my sunglasses over my eyes. I’ve noticed that Dolly hasn’t been wearing her contacts anymore, but is happy enough keeping her pseudo identity.

I make myself a note to update her identification paperwork so it’ll match her natural eye color. There’s someone from the car rental agency by the car, and he hands me the keys to it.

I don’t often use my money like this, but will if it eases the stress sometimes induced by travel. Bee and Dolly get into the SUV as I load the suitcases into the truck, and then we’re on our way.

“I used to spend a few days at the beach whenever I could,” I confess to Dolly as I drive. “I always wanted to take you with me, but your mother told me she didn’t want you to burn. I think there were times where she didn’t like that you got so much attention from me.”

It’s been easier for her to talk about Lucia, and I have to thank time and therapy for that.

“I don’t doubt it,” Dolly sighs. “Mom was really weird about that, unless it worked for her that I wasn’t around. Either way, you made my childhood better, Jack.”

I find the small parking lot of a restaurant that’s been around for years that I love, happy that I’m able to find a spot. It’s right on the beach, and Dolly and Bee grab sunglasses and the wide brimmed hats I bought for the trip for them. Even though Lucia complained, I do know how to take care of them.

“It’s so pretty,” Dolly says, breathing in the salty air. “I’ve really missed Florida. I haven’t been back in years.”

Smiling, I usher them into the restaurant, where we order food, and mimosas for the newly turned twenty-one year olds. We have a blast, and then walk along the beach before returning to the SUV to head to the hotel.

“Do we want to walk downtown, or go to the pool?” I ask, opening the door to our room. It’s a beachfront room with a balcony. I didn’t spare any expense, because it’s a trip that I’ve been wanting to take for a while.

“Downtown would be fun,” Dolly says, looking around the room. “This view is incredible, Jack.”

“We’re so spoiled,” Bee murmurs, kissing my cheek before going to hug Dolly from behind.

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