"Have you ever wanted to go to Tennessee?" Byron asked quite casually one evening as they were dining out in one of the city's best seafood restaurants.Emily looked out the window, the pane marred by sad streaks of rain. It was the coldest and wettest time of the year, and now that Christmas was over, the winter season seemed to drag on and on. Who wouldn't want to be in the warm, green valleys of Tennessee?"That seems like a random question," Emily said, "but I'm guessing it's not. Wait a minute… does this have something to do with Quinn Faines?"Byron's lips formed a mysterious and sexy smile. "It might…""What have you discovered?" she asked eagerly."Nothing," Byron said. "Which is why I'm going to see him in person.""It sounds like he wants to be left alone," Emily remarked, "Whatever is going on with him, maybe he doesn't want to do private concerts for us anymore.""I don't believe that." Byron picked at his mashed potatoes with his fork. "And if he doesn't want to do
Since it was past lunchtime already, there was lots of time to kill. Luckily, the city provided a lot of distractions."We could go to the country music museum," Emily suggested."Sounds like a plan," Byron said.They walked down the sunlit streets, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city, and the fact that it wasn't raining."Any more thoughts on how to convince Quinn that you're not crazy?" Emily asked."I'll improvise." Byron's face had the same focused look as when he was thinking of business deals. "When I see him, I'll know what to say.""Is that how you get the ladies to like you too?" Emily asked, feeling flirty."That's right," he said, one side of his mouth curling up in a lop-sided smile. "It worked for you, didn't it?""I'd say it did."The next day, they made their way over to the Outback Buffet long before noon, trying to make sure not to miss Quinn."I understand Quinn Faines has lunch here sometimes?" Emily asked their server."Oh yes he does," the young
Quinn Faines's country mansion just outside of Nashville was booming with people. When he said a 'barbecue' what he probably meant was a huge party."This is the classic southern hospitality," Emily said. "They sure love to have company over."Music played inside the house and on the deck by a sizeable pool. Byron and Emily made their way through the crowd, some of whom looked like Hollywood celebrities and pop stars. "It's Perry McBee," Byron said, and Emily recognized the famous country singer with his trademark cowboy hat and dark goatee. They came over to where he was lounging by the pool with a couple of beautiful women by his side.When they introduced themselves, the country star actually seemed to know who they were. "Quinn told me about you. He said your tropical island was quite the trip!""Well, you're welcome to visit anytime," Byron offered."I might take you up on that," Perry replied. It seemed they were hitting it off already. Emily always did admire Byron's easy
Emily woke up to find the hotel room empty. It was probably a good thing, she figured, if Byron was out for a walk to clear his head and get those silly ideas out of there.She started to get dressed and was brushing her teeth when she heard him come in. She turned to see him carrying a bouquet of freesias. The beautiful flowers competed with the beautiful man carrying them. Byron looked adorably penitent, and she was already tempted to hug and kiss him despite their argument the previous night."I let my imagination run away with me. I'm sorry," he said. "Sometimes I worry that marriage is not what you were looking for when you met me, and it might not make you happy.""Of course it'll make me happy." Emily realized she was spitting toothpaste everywhere. She returned to the sink to rinse out her mouth and then accepted the bouquet of delicious smelling flowers. "I know that when we first met I wanted to have fun and not get into anything too serious, but that changed once I got to
Back in Vancouver, the winter didn't seem as dreary after their brief journey to the south. It felt like a little bit of sunshine and warmth remained with them. Emily's workplace seemed like a more happening place too since people brought their dogs along and everyone was in a better mood because of it. A husky, a chihuahua, and some kind of mutt filled the offices with their friendly doggie energy. Turtle Corner was already built, and the resident turtle grazed on some leafy greens.With the company now producing men's and women's clothing and becoming more famous on the international scene, Emily was known as the head of a fashion empire. She let Michelle manage the business side of the company while Pam dealt with international sales.As her company grew exponentially, winter turned to spring, and then to early summer. Family and friends poured into the city for Emily and Byron's wedding, which was only a few days away. Soon it was time for the rehearsal dinner.One of the peop
Makeup brushes tickled her face as Emily tried to remember to breathe, waiting for her bridal look to be completed. She couldn't wait to open her eyes and look in the mirror."You look like a real lady!" Pam commented. "Not that you normally don't look like a lady." She burst into laughter, the champagne kicking in and making her even more giddy than usual.Emily found herself laughing too, much to the annoyance of the makeup artist, who had to pause so as not to smear eyeliner all over her face. "You look like a real lady," too, she said to Pam, who was wearing a magnificent green dress with hoop skirts and a white lace trim."Sorry, I'll sit still now," Emily said to the woman who was doing her makeup, a professional artist who worked with fashion models.She had woken up that day feeling different. It was a feeling like her life was going to change for the better. Even though weddings might not mean that much in the modern world when people usually lived together before getting
"That's enough, both of you!" Emily said, stepping between them. "I'm not having any shenanigans on my wedding day.""That's why I'm going to kick this douche bag out of here," Byron said."Bring it on!" Carter called. The only thing stopping them from fighting was that Emily stood directly between them."Carter, I already told you ages ago that I love my fiancé. Now go back to your bench and sit down!" she ordered in her 'stern teacher' voice.Carter paused for a moment as if deciding whether to continue blustering, but then he sighed and returned to his seat."And apologize for making a scene at my wedding!" Emily added."I'm sorry, Emily," he said dejectedly. "I didn't mean to make a scene. Byron, I consider you a friend, and I'm really sorry to interrupt your wedding. I just didn't want these important things to be left unsaid.""Well now you've said them," Byron grumbled, "But this better be the last time you try to steal my bride."Emily expected Byron to be mad at her or
Emily and Byron went up to their suite in the farm house. The ceremony had been intense, and they needed a bit of time to recover and be alone for a half hour before the reception began. Meanwhile, the guests could wander around the farm or hang out in the barn, which was decorated for the reception with flowers and fairy lights.The suite they were in had a simple but lovely décor. There were paintings of horses on the walls, and the furniture was old-fashioned and functional. It felt like a restful country retreat."We pulled it off," Byron said, putting his hands around her waist like he couldn't wait for their first dance… or their wedding night. "I hope you were happy with how it all went, minus the Carter incident?"Emily placed her hands on his shoulders and returned his admiring look. Gazing up at him, she could hardly believe they were married. "I'm glad we managed without a martial arts demonstration. Some other time, sure, but not at our wedding. You don't think Carter ru
Emily felt such a strong current of desire running throughout her frame. It was always the most overwhelming sensation, being engulfed in the torrent of his kisses. It was one of those times when she was reminded how fierce and powerful her love for him really was. Sometimes day-to-day life interfered and made her forget that there was a man by her side who would do anything for her. When he showed how much he loved her, whether it was with grand gestures and romantic trips or simply the way he kissed her, it felt like the rebirth of a love that was too beautiful for words.Holding him in her arms and knowing how much he desired her nearly made her faint every time. It enchanted every single cell of her being, making the rest of the world a mere blur compared to the hot passion coursing through her body."I love you," she murmured as they rested in the sumptuous bed. "Thanks for always being there for me.""You don't have to thank me," he said, gazing back at her with a look fi
A few days later, Emily woke up to a grey and rainy day, but she was eager to get out of bed. It was the day of their trip. Byron was already up, pulling a tight t-shirt over his muscular torso. He looked way too awake for the earliness of the hour."Today's dress code: motorcycle gear," he said, eyes shining eagerly."It's a road trip?" Emily exclaimed."Yes indeed!"They could have flown anywhere in the world on their private jet, but for some reason Emily was more excited about a trip to the nearby mountains, just like they had always done. It reminded her of the early days of their relationship when they swiftly fell in love, and she had fallen in love with everything about this landscape too. And in some ways, not that much had changed."It's going to be a rugged journey," Byron said, "but don't worry, I've prepared some amenities at our destination.""What is that supposed to mean?" she asked."You don't need to pack too much stuff, just your basic clothes."They left t
Byron poured a lot of funds into the construction of the wave pool, and a few months later, it was built and ready for use.The building looked sleek and contemporary on the outside, while inside it was a warm oasis away from the autumn chill.Mandy swam and frolicked in the waves with her friends, stopping only to sip a bit of juice, then she was back in the water for more splashing. The high ceiling allowed natural light to come in through its numerous skylights, giving the space the ambience of a warm beach. The wave pool was definitely a hit. Emily and Byron watched the kids, lounging on deck chairs by the water."It's not quite as relaxing as a real beach, but it'll do," Byron said as the echoes of children's voices bounced around the vast space. Ripples of sunlight reflected off the water and played over his face."The kids don't seem to care if it's relaxing or not," Emily said, observing them race each other in the waves. "But as long as they're happy…""Do you think Man
"Can I do it when I'm six?" Mandy asked, not letting go of the idea of being on television."No," Emily said firmly."Can I do it when I'm seven?""No.""Ten?""Maybe." Emily hoped the whole discussion would be forgotten after that many years. She never wanted her child on a so-called talent show which was probably rigged anyway.Luckily, Mandy was distracted by her friend, and the two girls went to play outside."She's so talented," Katie said, "You should take her to a music academy. I'll bet she's going to be a sensation."Emily shook her head. "She's way too young. Please don't get excited. I know it seems like showing her talent to the world is a good thing, but too many child stars have started out on brilliant careers only to burn out as teenagers. I definitely don't want that for Mandy.""You're right, Talent Quest is a bit of a freak show," Katie said, "but don't you want her to at least learn as much as she can to reach her full potential?""She's got all the time i
Byron took a long breath. "Okay, don't be mad at me but… I bought Charmers. And now every single branch of Charmers will carry your brand of clothing.""Byron, you promised me you wouldn't do that!" Emily was so disappointed she was hardly even tempted by the creamy pasta."I promised I wouldn't destroy them," he said, a sly smile playing about his lips, "and I don't intend to. I've even kept Simone around, though in a slightly less senior role. She couldn't be induced to resign. The woman is very stubborn, but I know you don't like us to make enemies…""So you took over the company she was running, and you don't think she'd be mad?""Not as mad as I was when you told me she dropped your products," Byron retorted, "But believe it or not she's actually okay with the takeover. Charmers were struggling financially anyway. Believe me, I did them a favor.""Well you didn't do me a favor," Emily retorted. "I didn't want you to get involved.""But—""I'm capable of solving my own probl
"I pet a big white dog!" Mandy announced when they got home.The dogs spun around the new arrivals in a furry whirlwind, and Emily was relieved to be with her four-legged friends. She was glad she hadn't brought them to work that day to be despised by Simone."That's good," Byron said, greeting Mandy and Emily with kisses."I was not so lucky," Emily said."Mommy didn't have time to play with doggie," Mandy said sadly."And on top of that, I lost a really big client…" Emily added. She took off her shoes and collapsed on the living room couch."Lady said the 'f word'," Mandy recalled. Byron raised his eyebrows. "I know I'm not allowed to say it," Mandy continued, "but she didn't know that.""What the heck happened over there?" Byron asked."Ugh! I can't even go into right now," Emily lay back on the couch and closed her eyes, trying to shut out the stress of the day. "Simone made me so mad.""Lady was silly," Mandy said."Yes, she was very silly," Emily confirmed.Byron s
Emily was in a playful mood the next morning. She didn't want to get out of bed, even though she had an important meeting. The date night had ended in a rather passionate episode. Mandy was already asleep by the time they got back home, and they made the most of their time. It was not exactly rare for them to have alone time, but maybe it didn't happen as often as before."You're very giggly," Byron noted. "I thought you'd be tired after last night."He was a bit sleepy but didn't mind indulging her desires when she kissed his face and body all over."Thanks for helping me feel relaxed when I should be nervous," Emily said as she got up to get dressed. "Simone Cather is coming in for a meeting today. I've never worked with her before, but I hear she can be difficult. I'm going to bring Mandy with me to win her over with cuteness."Simone had just taken over leadership of Charmers, the biggest fashion retail store in the country. Emily had a good relationship with the previous CEO
Emily was able to run some errands while Sylvia gave Mandy her first piano lesson. She was glad to have a bit of time to shop, and Sylvia insisted on not having anyone interfere in her tutelage anyway. Emily wondered how Sylvia would cope being left alone with her granddaughter. She had been out a couple of hours, and she hoped they hadn't killed each other.Contrary to her expectations, the house was quiet when she entered. Sylvia and Mandy were deep in conversation over tea and cookies."Mommy! Mommy!" Mandy ran over to greet her."How was your lesson?" Emily asked."I learned to play piano!""She did fairly well," Sylvia said. This sounded like high praise from someone who was more used to criticizing.Mandy sat down at the piano with very good posture to show Emily what she'd learned. She played Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. It was a simple piece that most kids started with, but Emily was amazed that Mandy played it so flawlessly. She kept up a steady rhythmic accompanimen
Unschooling was a little harder to commit to than Emily had imagined. She knew that there were plenty of learning opportunities for Mandy at home, but sometimes work demands, or just wanting a bit of time to herself made her reluctant to teach the kid.It was early September, and the unschooling had been going on for a week. Emily was working on her sketches in her home office while Mandy watched an educational program in the cinema room. It didn't seem like too much time had passed, but when Emily looked up from her sketch, the house felt unusually quiet. She went into the cinema room and saw that Mandy must have finished her program and dutifully turned the screen off. She was an amazingly responsible child in some respects."Mandy!" Emily called, "Where are you, Mandikins?"An eerie silence filled the large house. Emily checked all the rooms, but her daughter was nowhere to be found. Surely she wouldn't have gone outside all by herself? For a chilling moment, she thought the