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Rex
Laura was worked up, so I tried to calm her down. “Sweetheart, he’s your father. He’ll probably visit Savage Paradise at some point.”
She crossed her arms, “I know, but it’s been two weeks since everything happened. He didn’t apologize, and it doesn’t matter if I’m madly in love with you, that never changed. Dad was wrong. He should admit it.”
I pulled her into my arms, “I’m not picking his side.”
“You are,” Laura sighed. “Dad didn’t even like you until he realized you were worth like a billion dollars.”
I chuckled, “It’s not that much.”
“Don’t be modest,” she quickly replied.
Laura was upset. We wouldn’t make it to the party until she felt better, so I tried a different approach.
“What can I do to put your mind at ease? I want you to feel your best.”
Laura sighed, “Aww, thanks for saying that. I want my Dad to respect our relationship and not make it seem like you’re the perfect choice because you’re successful. He had a part in how things went.”
I carefully chose my words, “He’s making up for it.”
“He should still apologize,” Laura left my embrace and marched around her bedroom.
She looked good from every angle, so I wanted a kiss. “You’re beautiful, and I love your pretty dress.”
“Thanks, hopefully, it’s the right choice.”
“It is. My Mom and Grandfather will be happy to see you wearing a traditional sarong.”
Laura smiled, “I’m excited to meet your parents.”
“I get that, but shouldn’t your Dad be there too? We can get all the introductions out of the way.”
“I don’t want him to make a scene.”
“He won’t,” I promised.
“How do you know?” Laura studied me. “Did he call?”
I chuckled, “No, your old man loves you, so he’ll try to make it right. You said we’d have to talk. It can happen tonight. I’ll never ask you to choose between us, but you and your Dad are close. We should give him a chance.”
“I want the night to happen without a hitch. I’ll be so embarrassed if he says or does something crazy.”
I chuckled, “I don’t think he’ll risk it. Come here.”
Laura sighed but slowly walked across the room. “Rex, our night should be perfect.”
I wrapped my arms around her, “It will be, you look beautiful, and I like the flowers in your hair. I gave her a kiss, “You’re everything to me, and if that means I have to mend things with your old man than I’m willing to do it because I won’t give you up.”
Laura responded with a passionate kiss. She felt good in my arms, but I broke our kiss because we would spend more time in her bedroom. “Will you be ready soon?”
Laura replied with a breathless yes, “I need to add a few more touches.”
“I’ll wait right here for you,” I smiled as she hurried to her vanity.
I relaxed to check my messages. Mom arrived last night with her fiancé, Kristoff. They were staying with Grandfather. Dad arrived a few hours ago. He would check into a lavish hotel where his crazy nights could happen without drawing attention. At least, that’s what I thought. My old man was a wild card, so I texted him to make sure.
Laura fussed with the flowers in her hair. “Are you sure these aren’t too much?”
“You look very pretty,” I gave her a gentle kiss before she could second guess it.
We left her place a few minutes later. Laura was nervous, but she would feel better after the introductions. Laura was quiet on the drive to Savage Paradise, but she was excited by the time we parked in the lot. Seductive music carried on the breeze. Laura stood on her tiptoes to see what was happening, but she couldn’t from where we were. “I’ve never been to a Luau,” she confessed in an excited whisper. “Rex, this will be so great.”
I chuckled, “I’ll make sure you have a good time.”
We made our way around the winding path and across the sand. Grandfather and Mom were waiting near the entrance. Mom put a lei around my neck and kissed my cheek. “Son, I love what you’ve done with the bar.”
Mom celebrated all my accomplishments since I was a kid. I kissed her forehead and stepped back.
Mom put a lei around Laura’s neck and then held her hands, “Welcome to our family, although, I’m told you’ve been family for some time.”
Grandfather chuckled, “Laura was fresh out of college and terrified when she first came to work for Amcor. She was like a little shadow, following me everywhere while learning about the company.”
“You’re the best,” Laura blushed. “Sorry Rex.”
Everybody’s laughter caused her to blush more. Grandfather pulled Laura into a bear hug. She couldn’t stop giggling. “I miss you at work,” she sighed.
“You’re doing fine on your own,” he teased her.
They talked for a few minutes. I was glad Laura would be able to spend time with Grandfather outside of work. He was still her mentor. Retirement couldn’t change that. “Where’s Dad?” I asked.
Mom responded with a careless shrug. I tried keeping a straight face. My parents were intense together. Mom was engaged a few times over the years, but she never made it down the aisle.
Mom motioned to Kristoff. “Come say hello.”
He came to shake my hand. “This is paradise.”
I acknowledged his compliment and introduced him to Laura as Mom’s fiancé. She said congratulations and then politely asked to see Mom’s ring. The ladies talked in hushed whispers about the rare gem. Dad showed up as if on cue. Grandfather silently warned him not to cause mischief. Dad shook my hand, pulled me into a hug and then spoke to Kristoff. I was surprised but relieved to see him on his best behavior.
I introduced Laura. She managed a shy hello and then glanced at me. “You two look so much alike.”
“He’s his father’s son,” Dad smiled at Laura. “How are the luxury rentals these days. My understanding is there were renovations done.”
“Yes, last year. I was lucky enough to be on the team that decided what upgrades to get,” Laura talked shop with my old man for a few minutes.
Dad was impressed by her. He looked at me. “I have to agree with your Grandfather, marry Laura, and she can run the company.”
I laughed, “Thanks for believing in me.”
“Son, you’ve had plenty of success in business and have been in charge of three companies.”
“Four,” Mom corrected him.
“Thanks for setting me straight,” Dad winked at her.
Mom blushed. Kristoff didn’t miss their exchange.
Grandfather shook his head. He said Mom wouldn’t marry Kristoff. He was good for her, but she was still in love with Dad.
I didn’t get involved in their situation, but I redirected Dad’s attention for the time being. I made my rounds and then hung out with everyone on the beach.
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