Page 29 of Fate Forever and Always

“What was that?” Callie’s voice startled me.

“Nothin’, I was just talking to myself.”

She smirked. “Weirdo.”

“Oh, be quiet. You love my weirdness.”

“Sure, let's go with that.”

About an hour later, I realized I was being burned to a crisp. I looked over and appreciated the sun glistening off of Callie’s tanskin. She must have felt my eyes on her, because her head turned a few seconds later, and she caught me staring.

“You gonna keep staring or take a picture?” she laughed.

“I will take both, please.”

“Oh shush. You’re being a weirdo again.”

I leaned up onto my elbow, placing my head on my hand. “Are you ready to head out? I am being burnt to hell.”

She looked over again, “Poor, poor, Nicky and his pale skin.”

I rolled my eyes. “I am leaving. Are you coming, sassy pants?” I sat up to put my shirt on.

She waved me off. “I will meet you up there in a bit. I just want to enjoy the warmth for a few more minutes.”

“You sure? Do you have your phone on you?”

She held it up. “Yes, Dad.”

I leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I am running to one of the shops, so I will be up there soon if you get there first.”

“Mmm, sure.”

I didn’t really want to leave her there alone, but I also didn’t want her to think I was being possessive. I found a chair at the cafe overlooking the beach so I would be able to see when she left. I just wanted to be sure she made it inside okay. Once she did, I went to the little shop next to the hotel to grab something that I knew would make her smile.

She came out of the bathroom just as I was walking into the room. Callie had on a light purple sundress, and her hair was down and curly. She also had no makeup on. I rarely get to see her natural beauty like this. This was the real Callie once again, my favorite. She looked perfect.

“You look beautiful, Callie.”

Her cheeks pinked up. “What’s that?” She pointed to the flowers I had in my hand. I handed them to her. She smiled as she smelled them.

“They aren’t your bluebells, but they are blue,” I said.

She blushed a little. “What are they for?” I shrugged. I didn’t want to sound like a complete pussy and say it was because I just wanted to see her smile. “I still hate blue,” she added. She smiled and looked at me.

“I know, but it's our thing.” I smiled back.

“Thank you.” She went up on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek. “They are perfect.”

I tried to play off the thrill that just went through me and linked my arm with hers. “Are you ready to go, Sweets?”

“Yes, sir.”

She was trying to kill me with all the “Yes Sirs”. I didn’t even know I liked that type of thing until she said it.

“Complimentary bottle of our best champagne for the newlyweds.”

Our server held out the bottle to us, and Callie smirked at me, wagging her eyebrows.

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