For my beloved wife
"Oh My God! Are we really going to do this?"
"Certainly."
Regan grinned while taking Anna's hand before diving into the coral reef for snorkeling. After receiving instructions from the professional crew, they were set to dive in for the first adventure of the day. Anna's heart was thudding against her chest. This time, instead of fear, a bubble of excitement was ready to explode in her chest on the adventure laying ahead her. She was a bit nervous, but Regan's presence was enough to calm her racing heart, well aware that nothing wrong would happen with her around him. She had decided to keep her anxiety at bay and live in the moment with the man who was the reason of her new found happiness.
As soon as her body landed into the cold water, she quivered taking a sharp breath to stable herself enough to feel the new life around her. She was amazed to watch the magnitude of sea life beneath the stagnant water. Her eyes went wide in amusement to witness the thriving life underwater. Her lips stretched into wide smile when Regan grabbed her from behind and steadied her to watch the shoals of fish that darted this way and that. They snorkeled and kicked their flippering feet so that they could swim parallel to each other. In between, they paused for a while, breathing steadily through the plastic tube to observe the sealife around them. Anna clutched Regan's hand when a huge fish passed five feet under them. She could feel the thumping of her chest that got haywired on witnessing something so huge. She screamed in her snorkel in excitement mixed with fear while meeting Regan's eyes that reflected the same.
They soon came on the surface while panting heavily with wide smiles on their faces. Finally, after reaching the shore, Anna lunged forward and surprised Regan with a bear hug while kissing his cheek in elation.
"That was so amazing Regan. Thank you."
Without giving him a chance to react, she tugged his hand and walked ahead to their next destination that was the Duval Street renowned as a shopping destination and a paradise for food lovers. Although, she was not a fan of shopping, she made sure to buy the best gifts for all her people in New York including his parents in Seattle. Regan was surprised to see the new Anna that was so carefree from all kind of worries and hesitation. He silently patted himself for taking the decision to come to this trip which really worked wonders to keep her stress free, bringing them more closer to each other.
The next few days went faster than they thought with their amazing water adventures in the morning and sight seeing afterwards along with beach walks till late night. Meanwhile, Regan also made sure that Anna get plenty of rest as suggested by the doctor earlier. It was the last day of their vacation and they decided to keep it low by resting in the resort for the day so as to not exert themselves. Anna didn't seem to mind it as the constant outing has certainly taken a toll by exhausting her beyond belief. She was in the ensuite while packing her luggage for the next morning on which they were supposed to leave for New York when Regan approached her with a tray of breakfast in his hands.
Taking her hand, he led her to the coffee table and signaled her to eat along with him.
"We are here to rest Anna. This could have been done by anyone."
"We have a whole day to rest. Besides, I like to do my work on my own."
She was eating while going through the messages dropped by Stella and Emily inquiring about her previous day when she heard Regan clearing his throat to draw her attention.
"So?"
She tilted her head to the side in bafflement.
"So?"
"How do you like it? I mean the whole experience?"
She beamed with the most pleasant smile on her face warming Regan's heart.
"It has been so lovely over here. Thanks for bringing me here."
He nodded silently and she resumed to finish her breakfast as she was looking forward to read a good book later from the rich collection which she had spotted in the large case in the study room. After a while, she looked up to find a brooding Regan lost deep in some thoughts.
"Regan, are you okay?"
"Huh?"
"I asked if you are alright? What happened?"
"Nothing that you should be worried about."
"Are you sure? I mean.....you look.....off. I mean....."
"Go on a date with me Anna."
It was more like a statement instead of a question. She was taken off guard for not expecting something like that coming from his side. Before she could ponder over his abrupt demand, he spoke again.
"I want to spend some time with you.....alone. This whole time we have been friends, but i want my wife back now. I want to spend this last day with you by making it more memorable for us. Just you and me... as husband and wife. So, will you? I won't force you. I understand if you don't want to.....It's just that."
"I would love to." She replied softly.
She had to butt in to stop his nervous rant. For the first time, she felt him being nervous around her.
Regan stood up instantly and stepped forward hovering over her petite frame seated on the couch. He pressed his lips on her forehead and went outside after assuring to see her later. The gesture was so natural and instinctive that she lost the count of pecks that he frequently gave her during those days. It was his love for her that shine through his grey orbs making her giddy all the time whenever he was around.
'Was he really so nervous to ask me out?' She thought with a soft smile on her face.
The week that passed in a blur was nothing but a blessing in her messed up life that brought ripples of happiness and excitement in it. The way he took care of her touched her heart. She had to admit that although she was initially reluctant about the idea of that vacation with him, he made it full of worth showering her with his love and care making every moment special for both of them.
----------------------------------
Later, Anna was in the study while reading a book of her favourite author Thomas Hardy when someone knocked on the door. She was expecting Regan as she hadn't seen him since a couple of hours. She was surprised to see the housekeeper who handed her a red envelope.
"Mrs. Knight. This is for you from Mr. Knight."
She nodded while taking it and opened it after the housekeeper left making her palms sweaty in anticipation.
'There's something waiting for you in our room. I hope you like it. Be ready by 7 in the evening. I will be awaiting for your presence heart.
Love
Regan'
Her heart palpitated on the endearment once again. Although, it was a short message with simple, limited words, she couldn't help but feel warm and giddy. Before she could comprehend further, her feet took her in the direction of the surprise awaiting for her, wrapped up delicately on the bed with 'for my beloved wife' written on it. She gasped in surprise on opening it. It reflected his thoughtfulness once again, making her realize her new identity that didn't bothered her like before. 'His beloved wife'.