Epilogue
Barron
“Ihaven’t seen the shopping area on board yet.”
“Seriously, Mom,” I kid, standing here loaded down with all the things she bought while we went through half the stores in town.
“Barron, Miss Opal does enjoy browsing when she has a chance,” Abigail says, backing up her wheelchair so they’re not in the middle of the corridor.
“I adore the bear cubs on Abby’s top.” She cranes her neck to see Abigail’s T-shirt. “And with most people ashore, it’s the perfect opportunity.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t think to get one for you as well.”
Abigail burst into tears when I gave her the bag I had sitting on the dresser. Had I known she was really missing her clothes, I would have given them to her sooner.
Then again, if she had something to wear, we would likely still be on opposite ends of the suite. So no, definitely not.
“That’s perfectly fine, Son. I think I would do best to look at them myself,” she declares.
Behind her, Abigail is pressing her lips together to keep from laughing. She mouths, “all of them,” so only I can see.
“Use your medallion to pay for the T-shirts and anything else you decide to buy.” I’m resigned to the shopping spree and the dent she’ll put in my profits. “All the proceeds for those items go to charity, so don’t hold back.”
“That’s very generous of you, dear.” She tilts her head, offering her cheek.
After a peck for her, I do my best not to devour Abigail as she holds on to the handles for dear life. I’m more than pleased with the streak of desire in her eyes as I pull away.
“Have them deliver everything,” I suggest. “So you don’t have to carry them.”
“We can hang the bags on the chair.” She pats the handle, and I’m reminded she’s already gone through this with my mother. But they won’t be alone anymore.
“Get some swim shorts while you’re browsing,” I suggest.
Abigail loses some color in her cheeks.
“Oh, you’ll need a bathing suit if you’re going to learn how to swim,” Mom chimes in.
“Swim.Shorts,” I reiterate. I don’t need anyone ogling her while we’re by the pool. In fact, I might teach her myself, at night. “Go on. I’ll order lunch to be delivered within the hour.”
“I’ll keep an eye on the time,” Abigail promises. “You ready, Miss Opal?”
“Yes, dear.”
She pushes away in the opposite direction as I watch.
“I mean no disrespect, Abby. But now that we have nuptials coming, youcouldcall me Mom,” Mom says tentatively.
Abigail brings her hand to her mouth. “I would love that,” she says in a tearful voice.
A sense of satisfaction fills me as I walk down the long hallway.
While my plan to become a billionaire in my own right has run its course, I’m okay. I had nothing to prove to anyone but myself. The more important thing is that I managed to make my family truly happy.
The elevator opens, letting out a lone passenger.
“Barron.”
“Rhys.” I nod in greeting. “I know now’s not the best time, but I want to talk to you later on.”