Page 76 of Retribution

“Ah, give me those,” Indie says, holding her hands out.

I pass her the flip-flops and she puts them into her large white beach bag, filled with fresh towels for us to place on our pre-booked cabana.

“Here–” I hand Indie the small map with our cabana booking details on, “I’ll stop off at the bar, grab us all a few drinks and I’ll meet you there, any special requests?” I ask, pointing over to the crowded station. The sun beams down on us, making it hard to see despite wearing sunglasses.

“I’m a sucker for a piña colada,” she laughs, displaying her stunning smile.

“You got it, baby.” I wink and head off in the opposite direction from her.

I hear her shouting Willow in the distance and turn to see them meeting up, grasping onto each other’s hands.

With the largest grin on my face, I continue walking away.

The beach bar blasts tropical themed music, providing the best vacation vibes. Everyone standing around is singing along, dancing and laughing. It really is a positive atmosphere, especially knowing I’m here with my two girls.

“What can I get ya?” A guy, no older than twenty-one, asks.

“Three straight bourbon shots, a bottled water, a piña colada, and a bottle of Sprite.” I respond, pulling out my phone to Apple Pay the bill.

“Coming straight up,” he nods, moving at the speed of lightning.

I always dreamed of having a summer job, like this. I never got the opportunity to have much of my younger days, I had to mature real fast with having Willow so young. But, if I’m honest, I’m still learning how to be a father every day.

No two days are the same as a parent, you just have to take each day as it comes as you are constantly faced with more challenges, no matter how experienced you are.

I’ve made mistakes in the past, and I will probably make mistakes in the future. As long as I’m living for the moment, then I know everything will work itself out in the end. Sometimes, it may need a little intervention.

“That’ll be sixty-four dollars, sir,” he says, whilst pushing forward the tray of fulfilled drinks.

I scan my phone on the card machine, then proceed to drinking my three shots whilst I’m standing here.

Leaving the empty shot glasses, I slip my bottled water into my shorts pocket and grab the whole pineapple with the straw sticking out, and the Sprite.

As I walk over to our cabana, a warm breeze causes my open cheesecloth shirt to blow behind me, exposing my stomach.

My gaze draws in on Indie, sitting within the cabana and rubbing sun cream on the entirety of Willow’s exposed skin.

See? There is so many things I’d forget about, I’m so glad she’s here.

“Did you manage to pick up any ladies on your Baywatch walk over here?” Indie shouts to me, cupping her hands around the side of her mouth to project her voice.

Chuckling, I shake my head. For some reason, I’m actually blushing a little.

I’m used to compliments from random women, but when she says it, I actually swoon.

“One bottle of Sprite, for princess number one,” I hand Willow the bottle and lean down to kiss her sticky sun creamed cheek.

“Thank you, Daddy!” She boasts, trying to open it straight away.

“And, one piña colada, for princess number two,” I lean down, still holding the pineapple in my hands and press my lips to Indie’s. This is an action I’ll never grow tired of.

She hums against my lips in an attempt of a thank you. Pulling away, I look back at Willow to see she is still struggling with the lid.

“Here, let me help,” I insist, taking the bottle from her and opening it with ease.

“Now, you sit here and relax–” I lean down and place Indie’s sunglasses back over her eyes and kissing her forehead, “and you, are going to get a five second head start for our race to the ocean!” I shout as Willow squeals happily, putting her bottle down and setting off into a sprint in the direction of the water.

“Enjoy, my love,” I beam, placing yet another kiss on Indie’s luscious lips.

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