Chapter 18

"Happy birthday to you..." they all sang even the crew members that were with them. Everyone was there except for the captain, of course, who was busy wielding the yacht to its destination.

Apart from the captain and the crew members, it was only Robbie who knew where they were going. His initial plan was only to roam around on the river but he changed his mind. He thought a visit to the beachfront house will help ease the tension by preparing themselves before his mom arrives in two days.

As soon as the song finished, the candles had been blown by Sasha. A smile wide enough to reach her ears had formed in her face as she thought of what she had wished for in her mind. She could never asked for more and yet, she suddenly thought of the conversation awhile ago. She knew she would love to have a sibling but was she really ready to share both of her parents? It might be selfish but she really wanted to be the center of their attention now... especially her dad.

And her wish was just that... to spend more time with her dad before she get a sibling.

The cake had been cut up to pieces and was distributed to each one of them at the table. Everyone had their piece of the chocolate cake with a few M&M's scattered inside. Sasha was so delighted that she was the first one to take a bite of her cake. Her craving for sweets was finally sustained and she was satisfied.

Robbie thought it would be the best time to make his announcement. So, he set his fork down and started.

"Since it was quite late tonight, I decided we should go sail to the beach house by tomorrow," it was more of a statement rather than a simple announcement.

"That means we're staying overnight here, Daddy! Oh wow!" Sasha with her chocolate-filled teeth smiled widely, and Robbie laughed at her.

"Yes, my princess. Now please finish your cake and wipe that chocolate off your mouth. You don't want me taking pictures of you like that and posting it on youtube," he teased.

Sasha pouted at him and he remembered the same pout as Alex usually did when they were kids. That was the most adorable thing she ever did... and somehow he suddenly saw himself wishing the night would be over.

After eating so much sweets including ice cream, Sasha felt very sleepy.

"I think I ate too much sweets today," Sasha commented as they were sitting down on the white-cushioned couch in front of the fifty-inch wall-mounted tv.

They had already gone up to the upper deck where there was a living room area. The upper deck was mainly reserved for the owner of the yacht, and most of the time, it was only Robbie who sat in the couch. He barely watched tv except if there was a launching of a new product commercial or local news.

But today, he felt home having Alex beside her on one side and his daughter on the other side. Nothing could be better as they stared at the screen which was showing a movie personally picked by Sasha.

Alex who was silent since the the candle blowing was staring at the screen blankly. Her mind could still not understand what was really happening between her and Robbie. She tried many times not to replay the scene a few moments ago but the memory of his lips just kept lingering on her mind that left her with hot cheeks.

Robbie placed an arm around his girls. One arm each, as Sasha snuggled beside him, while Alex leaned her head back on his arm. It was a picture perfect moment that he would always have in his memory and hopefully theirs, too.

Moments passed and soon enough, Sasha fell asleep beside him. Clutching her with one arm, Robbie pulled her to him as she hugged his waist. Though she turned ten yesterday, he still thought of her as very small compared to his large stature. He took off his arm from Alex and scooped Sasha up in his arms.

He then carried her to one of the VIP staterooms, a cabin which was usually reserved for the guests. There was a double bed with a nautical theme colored sheet, navy blue and white. The light turned on automatically the moment they came in. He placed her on top of the bed and took off her sparkling sandals, dropping them on the floor. Taking the blue blanket folded at the bottom of the bed, he spread it on top of her as she shifted on her side.

"Sugar crush," Alex commented, smiling. She walked inside and sat on the chair leaning against the wall. "Thank you for today, Robbie. You really made her day special."

Robbie smiled and shoved a strand of hair from Sasha's face. He ran a finger on her cheek, as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. He could never ask for more. Just watching his daughter asleep was the most rewarding thing that he ever had today.

Alex took off her stilletos. It had been awhile since she wore this kind of shoes and her feet was aching so much. She tried to massage them as Robbie stood before her.

"I think you might need my help," he commented. "I'm an expert with foot massages."

Alex smiled faintly. "It's okay. I think I just need to take a rest."

She actually needed it but she was afraid the moment his hands touched hers it would definitely send some sparks through her veins and that's the last thing she ever wanted.

'F-k! Stop it, Alex!' she hated herself for even having those thoughts.

She stood up to erase that thought and took a step towards the bed when Robbie took her arm.

"What?" Alex was confused. "Robbie-"

"No! You're sleeping with me tonight," he replied sternly and dragged her out of the room. Her feet suddenly felt cold on the wooden floor as they got out of the room.

"No! I want to sleep with Sasha," she stated as she pulled her arm from him. She was determined. She would never let him get his way this time. Sleeping beside him would only make her feel uncomfortable especially if her mind still had that memory of his kiss.

Robbie rolled his eyes in frustration.

"The bed is not even big enough to accomodate both of you."

"I'll sleep in another room then," and she raised an eyebrow at him.

He chuckled. The other room, which was identical with the other stateroom where Sasha was sleeping, has another double bed. Bernie was now resting there and probably snoring like a grizzly bear. He had retired right after eating the cake which was about two hours ago.

"With Aunt Bernie? Are you sure? You hated his loud snoring!"

It's true. He sounded like a large drill whirring a tunnel on the ground. The last time Alex slept in the room with him, she didn't fall asleep until one o' clock in the morning on a school day.

She vowed never to sleep in the same room with Aunt Bernie again.

Alex clenched her jaws as she reluctantly agreed.

"Fine!" she scowled. "But make sure you keep your hands to yourself."

Robbie laughed and leaned closer to her. She gulped as she gazed into his brown eyes.

"What are you so afraid of, Alex? We used to sleep together so many times before. Have I ever violated you in anyway?"

"No, but-"

"Good," and he straightened up. "Then that would not be a problem. So, let's go."

And he took her hand as he led her back to the stairs.