Page 3 of NYE in The Cayman Islands

Looking around, I listen to the girls already talking about leaving the kids, which ones cried, how many were still asleep when they left, and of course, the hassles of just trying to organize to leave them for a few days. I’ll give them an hour before the worry about the kids will be forgotten, and they will be relaxing into just enjoying each other’s company.

As it should be.

ARABELLA

I didn’t have the heart to tell Tate that I already knew where we were off to for New Year’s Eve this year.

Just after Millie was born, he took away my laptop, iPad, and phone for a few days so I would rest once we were home. With her arriving so early, I wasn’t prepared to be away from theoffice just yet, and he knew I would continue to work. I mean, a bit hypocritical coming from the workaholic that is my husband. But anyway, when I was up feeding Millie one night, and he was exhausted from a long day of surgery and was snoring like a champion, I may have snuck into his office and opened his computer to just quickly log into the hospital to check on my patients. I had a four-year-old who had come in with a heart problem and I wanted to see what they had found in the tests.

The moment I moved the mouse to bring the computer to life, there was the email open confirming some of the bookings he had made earlier in the year. Part of me was so glad because I hate surprises, but the other part of me felt guilty because it would ruin his hard work, not to mention that I had gone against his doctor’s orders of resting and not working. So instead, I just kept my mouth shut and acted as surprised as everyone else.

What it did do was give me time to find a bikini that hid all the stretch marks that are still all over my stomach. I love my kids and am so grateful every single day that I have them and they are healthy, but man, what they do to your body is crazy. In my chaotic world there is no time for the gym or to eat super clean. I’m lucky to get sleep and be able to turn up to work wearing clean clothes most days. Although I’m currently on leave, I’m doing consulting from home on any cases that my interns or the doctor who is covering my patients need help with. In other words, I’m a control freak and can’t be away from the hospital completely.

I must admit, trying to find a bikini in Chicago in the middle of winter was a challenge, but I finally managed it. It’s not skimpy like I would have worn pre-children, but it covers all the important parts, including all the marks, but still manages to make me feel like a woman.

Put me in a doctor’s coat and hang a stethoscope around my neck and I have all the confidence in the world, but I have neverbeen a woman who puts herself out there. Tate has helped me feel loved and to find the place in this world I feel I fit, and I love him for it, but I still will never be out there trying to gain attention.

The flight was perfect as usual. When we have our own private pilot, he is going to make sure that the flight is as smooth as possible and that we arrive safely. The moment he walks out of the cockpit is when the party finally begins.

We have flown into Grand Cayman which is the main island and where Tate has booked us a hotel. He had two cars pick us up from the airport, and I’m glad he reminded us to strip off a few layers of clothes on the plane, because the moment we stepped onto the tarmac, the air was beautiful and warm, the sun was shining, and all the doom and gloom of winter in Chicago was gone from our minds.

The moment we pulled up to the front of The Ritz Carlton which sits next to Seven Mile Beach and stepped out of the car, I could smell the ocean. Tate and I spent our honeymoon in Australia, and we absolutely loved the beaches there but haven’t had time to take a proper vacation since then where we could swim in the ocean.

“We are actually staying in the residences, and we each have our own. I’ll get us checked in.” Tate takes control which is actually really hot to watch. Normally he is the joker of the group and not the organized one, he leaves that to the others, but I know he is taking this trip quite seriously. Not that he will admit that to anyone, but he doesn’t want to mess this up and have them talking about it for years to come.

All our bags have been brought in by the bellhops and we’re waiting for instructions.

This resort looks like the epitome of luxury but in a coastal theme, with soft creams, blues, and greens. It’s very calming, and I can feel the tension in my shoulders dropping already.

“Okay, here are your keys, and before you make comments when you get to your residences that they are too big and we could have all shared one, you’re right. But we all deserve some space and alone time with our spouses. Wouldn’t you all agree?” Tate hands the keys to the guys, and I can’t help but giggle.

I rise up on my toes and whisper in his ear, “That’s the politest way I’ve ever heard you describe that you want loud, wild sex with your wife.” The little smack on my backside and wicked grin from Tate tells me I’m spot-on.

The guys all just nod and get instructions on which way to head to their residences. Thankfully, we are all next door to each other which makes things easier.

As we get to the juncture on the path where we all need to separate, Tate gets everyone’s attention.

“Okay, you have fifteen minutes to get changed. Read the itinerary that will be on the table in your rooms. I don’t want to hear any complaints or questioning it. Just be ready and meet back in the lobby.” He has his official tour guide voice on now, and I can see everyone looking around at each other.

“Should we be worried?” Lex asks. He’s the most cautious of the guys, and he has those wrinkles across his forehead.

“It’s Tate, of course we should be.” Gray slaps him on the back and starts heading off to their place.

“Let’s move, people. Tick-tock, time is a-wasting.” Taking my hand, we start moving toward the door of residence 505 that is ours for the night. We walk through the front door and into the living room that has full-length windows and glass doors that head out onto a balcony. The doors are open, and the curtains are blowing gently in the breeze, the sound of the waves wafting in.

“Oh, Tate, this is stunning. I could just curl up on the chairs out there and snooze, listening to the crashing waves all day.With you being my waiter and bringing me drinks.” It’s like the sound of the ocean is a soothing melody.

I feel him step up behind me after he tipped the bellboy, who has delivered our bags.

Wrapping his arms around my waist, he rests his head on my shoulder.

“There will be time for that, but not just yet. I know you need a bit of a timeout, but we have some fun planned first. Let’s get changed, I’m determined not to be late.” Letting me go, I can tell the child in him is in the house, and we need to get that hyperactivity out of him first. I’m like Lex and afraid to ask what we are doing. When I look on the table, there isn’t an itinerary for me.

“Umm, excuse me, where’s my list of activities?” I call out as I follow him to what looks like the master bedroom. I wish I could explore, but apparently, there is no time for that.

“There was no way I was emailing your personal itinerary to anyone. Yours is right here.” A devilish grin widens on his face as he hands over an envelope.

Pulling it out, I scan down the activities that are all things that don’t surprise me. Stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, and pickleball. Oh God, that’s not going to end well with these competitive idiots. A cruise on a yacht—oh, that sounds more my style.

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