CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (42 page)

“Are you looking for anything in particular?” The shop owner
asked me, as I browsed the store.

“Yes. Wedding bands?” I said.

She smiled at me, then led me over to right section.

“Wow, they look really nice, so shiny! If we try them on and
they fit, can we take them straight away?” I asked.

“Of course,” she said. “Unless you want an engraving?”

“Oh...” I hadn’t thought of that...“How quickly can you do
that?” I asked.

“Within a couple of weeks,” she said.

“Ah, we’re getting married on Saturday.” She looked quite
shocked when I told her this. Yeah I know; we are very late in sorting out the
rings!

“Well, if you like what you see, you can always come back
once you’re married and have them engraved?” She suggested.
Hmm...I wonder?

Then she proceeded to tell me about the jewellers, the
history.

“We use shipwrecked Cornish tin in our Gold and Silver
alloys. The ship had been at the bottom of the sea since 1863. The steamer, SS
Liverpool, had left London after calling at Plymouth and Penzance, it was
carrying Cornish tin ingots when it sank after colliding with the barque
Laplata, which had just left Liverpool and was on it’s way to Lima, in Peru.
The wreck lies just off the north coast of Anglesey. The tin salvaged was in
the form of ingots, which bear the Bolitho’s of Penzance smelters mark.” Her
story of the shipwrecked steamer, the sea and the Cornish tradition, it had me
thinking how romantic it all is, she continued.

“You know, jewellery made from our unique and very special
alloy, offers an everlasting memory of Cornwall. Not only for those who want a
reminder of their Cornish heritage, but also for those with a love for
Cornwall.” I immediately agreed. Cornwall has captured me, in so many ways; I
really have fallen in love with the place.

“Also, many people find our jewellery nostalgic, those that
have a nautical connection or an interest in shipwrecks...” I nodded my head in
agreement, remembering the story that goes with my engagement ring – he was a
sailor, lost at sea, and she waited for her long lost love to come home, this
just seems so fitting, so perfect!

I immediately placed a deposit down, asked her to hold both
the rings I had chosen, and hurried back to tell Tristan – Only, that day, when
I got back to the beach, I kind of got side tracked with Tristan doing his diet
coke thing!...

“So what do you think?” I say to Tristan. Both our rings are
plain, white gold, made with Cornish tin, and they are both so shiny – except
Tristan’s is a little wider.

“I don't know Coral,” he says as he stares down at the ring
on his wedding finger.

“Don't you like it?” I ask.

“Yes, of course I do.” He looks over my head at the sales
woman. “Can you give us a moment?” he asks, very politely. I turn around, and
see her blush and smile at Tristan, I want to roll my eyes at her, she walks
over to the other counter and pretends to be busy, I guess that’s so she can't
hear us.

“Baby,” Tristan says, bringing me back to him.

“Yeah?” I look up at him.

“Don't you want...you know something more...well, upmarket, expensive?”
He whispers.

I snort with laughter. “Expensive? You think spending over
£500 pounds on each ring is in-expensive?” Tristan shrugs – I have to remember
he is rich, but that’s not what this is about! It’s nostalgic, romantic, these
aren’t the kind of rings you see every day, not in the big well known jewellers
anyway.

Tristan cocks his head to the side. “It’s the story you told
me, isn’t it?”

I nod my head, and look down at the shiny ring on my wedding
finger for a moment, then look up at him again. He frowns down at me then looks
at his ring again. I shake my head at myself, and look down at the floor – I
don't think he likes them, which is fair enough and if he doesn’t, we’ll just
have to find something else.

“Coral.” Tristan lifts my chin so I have to look up at him.
“What’s on your mind? I want to know baby. I want to know everything, how you
think, how you feel – Tell me.” He pleads.

I swallow hard –
You can do this Coral!

“Ok,” I take a breath. “It just seems right Tristan, like I
said to you on the beach, my engagement ring had a background story to it, and
so do these rings – Ok, not so romantic, but at the same time I think it is
romantic, because we are here, in Cornwall. I have never had a holiday before,
yet here I am, with you, and...” I break off.

“Keep going,” he prompts – He knows me so well, it’s freaky!

“I just...I’ve really fallen in love Tristan, with
Cornwall...I...” I swallow hard.
Do I tell him, or don't I?
I take
another deep breath. “I think I want to live here,” I say, staring up at his
wide eyes. I shake my head and laugh at myself. “I know that sounds stupid...But
I really feel like this place has got into my soul...like, like it’s,
well...the first
place
that I feel l can call home.”

Tristan gasps; I can see he is totally taken back by what
I’m saying.

“And then I found this place, and the history, and the fact that
they not only have wedding bands, but the two I have chosen fit us both
perfectly, it’s just feels right – like it was meant to be. Like we were meant
to come here on holiday, that I was meant to find this place, it’s like it’s
all happened for a reason.”
There, I’m done – I’ve said it!

“You...you want to live here?” He asks his eyes boring into
me.

“I think so. Yes,” I whisper.

“Leave your family, your friends, your comfort zone?” He
questions.

“Tristan, I don't think you quite understand. I don't need a
comfort zone anymore, because, well to put it simply, I’m not afraid anymore
because I have you. If you had a business opportunity somewhere else in the
world, I would go with you to that place, I would follow you anywhere Tristan,
you know that, right?”

He still looks shocked, but silently nods his head.

“Look, I...I don't quite understand why I feel this way, I
just know I do. From the moment we got here, I just felt so at ease, even
though I’m in a strange place. Each day has just got better and better, I even
spoke to a woman on Friday while I was waiting for your baguette to be made, a
complete stranger!” Tristan’s inhales sharply. “I was telling her how much I
love this place, she said the same, that she had moved here years ago and that
it was the best decision she had ever made. She said her kids are so happy
here, that it’s a great place for them to grow up in, and I agree...” I stare
out the window for a moment. “I think Cornwall would be the most fantastic
place to raise a family.” I smile shyly at Tristan – I have mentioned kids
again! “Well, one day!” I quickly add.

“We have a lot to talk about,” he finally says. I nod my
head feeling guilty. “Don't do that,” he adds, slowly shaking his head.

“Do what?” I whisper.

“Look so guilty!” He leans down and softly places his lips
against mine. “I am so happy you just told me that,” he murmurs against my
lips.

“Why?” I whisper back.

“Because I want you to tell me how you feel, to be honest
with me,” he says, his proximity and his scent, making me catch my breath. I stare
down at his lips – which look so deliciously kissable right now, that I cannot
pull my gaze way from them – which is a monumental tribute to his eyes.

Eventually, I find my voice. “And the rings?” I croak, my
mouth dry.

“I love these rings, I just wanted to be sure this was what
you want baby.” I finally succumb and look up at his eyes; they are soft milk
chocolate, warm and glowing with love.

“Oh Tristan!” I wrap my arms around his back and hug him
tightly, my head against his chest. He wraps his arms tightly around me then I
feel him kiss the top of my head a couple of times.

“Baby,” he says, rocking me gently. “Shall we eat out
tonight, celebrate?”

“Yes,” I whisper.

“Do you feel up to it?” he asks. I look up at him and nod,
smiling like a fool. He grins back at me. “Good. Let’s get these paid for so we
can get back and shower.”

My heart starts pumping against my chest –
Hmm, showering
with my sexy hubby to be...

IT’S
WEDNESDAY, OUR FINAL EVENING IN CORNWALL.
The last day of our almost
perfect holiday. We have spent nine (bar that....glitch) magical days here. I
am trying my very best not to feel glum about going home, and I don't think I
would be if what’s happening tomorrow wasn’t happening – As per my wishes, I am
laying my mother to rest tomorrow morning.

Last week, when Edith called Tristan to let him know my
mother’s belongings had arrived at the house, I asked him to organise for us to
plant the tree before the wedding – I didn’t want it hanging over my head when
I said ‘I do’ – and the only time they could fit us in at short notice, was at
ten o’clock tomorrow morning, hence the reason we are flying back so early, and
the reason we are heading straight over to Woodland Burial once we get back to
Brighton.

I swallow hard. It’s going to be weird, really weird.

And to make matters worse, Tristan is going back to work
tomorrow. Joyce is officially leaving the company Friday so he’s got a lot of
work to do. Tristan is not happy about this, he doesn’t want to leave me, but
as I pointed out to him, I won't be alone. The moment Tristan told me when the
burial would happen, and that he reluctantly had no choice but to go back to
work, I called Gladys. I wanted to spend some time with her – my real mother –
but she’s going to be out for the day with Malcolm.

However, she did inform me that Bob is back in his studio,
and I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m worried about him being down there on his
own. The moment I thought that, I decided to take him out for lunch tomorrow
and get some food shopping in for him. So after speaking to Gladys, I called
Rob to see if he and Carlos wanted to come with me, which they said yes to, it
will be nice to catch up with everyone.

I also need to speak to Susannah, which I need to do before
a court date is issued – something else I’m not looking forward to –
Snap
out of it Coral!

I sigh inwardly and look out at our beautiful surroundings. We
are sat outside on a decked terrace at Watergate Bay Hotel. The Beach Hut, is
one of the hotel’s many restaurants, and looks directly out to sea, it’s simply
breathtaking. When we came here on Sunday, we both agreed it would be the
perfect place to spend our last evening, and we were right, it is perfect.

The restaurant is busy, which is always a good sign, and
there are still lots of folk out on the beach, soaking up the last few hours of
daylight, before the sun sets. Outside on the terrace, I can hear the waves
gently breaking, feel the wind in my hair, and I swear I have seen a seal bob
his head up to say hello, but I haven’t seen him since, so maybe not!

Earlier, after our very lazy day on the beach, Tristan made
love to me – twice – then we took a long, lazy shower together. As he did
before, he gently washed my hair then slowly dried it for me – God knows what
state it would be in if he hadn’t been doing that for me!

Major plus point is that I am healing so quickly – apart
from all the sex, which I am not complaining about – I have done nothing but
eat, sleep and sunbathe. I feel really, really, good. As each day has passed,
the pain I was suffering has become less severe, and I know Tristan can tell,
because he seems really relaxed and content, like me.

I look across at him. Hmm...Tristan looks very handsome this
evening. He’s sitting adjacent to me, soaking up the views, so I stare at his
profile. He’s really caught the sun, and his hair is a little lighter, the
copper tints shining brightly in the evening sun. He’s wearing a pair of light
beige suit trousers, a cream shirt with the sleeves rolled up on his forearms,
and the top three buttons open, giving me an eye full of his very bronzed sexy
chest – he looks tanned, healthy, happy and very sexy!

I am wearing my new olive green, halter-neck dress, with
matching stilettos that Tristan bought for me yesterday. I feel sexy! I’m still
dumbstruck that Tristan bought it for me. He was only meant to be getting our
lunch, but he’d seen it in a shop window and thought it would suit me – I can't
say if it does, but I love it – He is so sweet.

The waiter has been over to us and given us our menus and
some bread and olives to nibble on. Tristan has had a glass of wine, and so
have I, just the one – I must be good!

“So,” Tristan says, bringing my attention to him. “I think
it’s time for your other birthday presents.”

“What?” I chuckle nervously.
Did he just say presents?

With his most sexy smile, he pulls a small white envelope
out of his jacket pocket and hands it to me. “Happy belated birthday. Open it
baby.” He smiles.

“Ok,” I say a little nervously. I tentatively rip open the
envelope, and carefully pull out the contents.
Whoa!
Two return tickets
to Hawaii – he remembered! And it’s for a whole month in January?

“Tristan!” I gasp. “You remembered.”

He smiles widely at my shocked expression. “Of course I
did.” He takes my free hand and gently kisses it. “I know it seems strange,
giving you this now instead of at the party,” he smiles, his eyes downcast for
a moment, then looks up at me again. “I didn’t want to overwhelm you,” he adds.
He’s right, this would have had me blubbering like a fool!

“I don't know what to say...” I choke. I cannot believe I am
finally going to Hawaii! “For a whole month?” I question.

“Yes. When I had a look on-line, I wasn’t sure which surfing
competition you wanted to see – there are lots of them,” he adds, then
continues. “So, I figured if I booked a long stay, I’ve covered all the
competitions. Besides, I want you to be able to explore all the islands, really
soak it up. I want to make up for all the holidays you’ve never had.” He says,
gazing adoringly at me.

Oh Tristan!
I swallow hard against the lump that’s
formed. I just keep on falling deeper in love with him, much deeper than I had
ever imagined – I could not ask for more!

“Tristan, you are so sweet.” I lean forward, caress his
cheek and softly kiss him. “Thank you baby.”
Wow! Hawaii!
I carefully
stow the tickets in my clutch.

His grins widens. “I’m not done,” he says.

“You’re not?” I squeak, my eyes wide.

His grin deepens, his dimples making me swoon.
“Do you remember that I had a surprise
organised
for the Saturday after your birthday?” He asks, totally throwing
me.

“Um…yeah…?”
Breathe Coral, breathe
…

“Happy belated birthday darling,” he says,
handing me another envelope, grinning broadly at me.
Another present?

“What’s this?” I ask feeling shocked. My
heart strumming loudly in my ears.

“Open it and you’ll see,” he teases. I smile
and shake my head at him. Opening the seal and pulling out several pieces of
paperwork, I read the first paragraph….
Holy Crap! Tristan had
organised
a full course of sailing lessons!

“Tristan!” I gasp.

“Obviously, I had to cancel last Saturday,
we’ll re-arrange it when you’re better,” he says.

I suddenly remember our conversation that
occurred after dining at The Hilton with Gladys and Malcolm. He
had
organised
something for the Saturday after my birthday, I
remember him teasing me about it.
Wow, it seems so long ago…

“You did this…ages ago?” I whisper in
disbelief. “When you asked about my birthday?”

“Yes.” He smiles triumphantly at me.

I swallow hard. “Tristan, I can't believe
you remembered that…” I croak. Then I think about getting better, going out
there and learning to sail…Panic suddenly grips me, I don’t want to do that on
my own.
What if I get it wrong and fall overboard?

“Hey,” Tristan says tugging on my chin so I
have to look up at him. “I’ll be with you,” he says, reading my anxiety. My
fears instantly fade and I start to feel a little calmer.

“I can’t believe you did this,” I whisper
staring at the paperwork. “You really are a wonderful man,” I say.
This
is too much!

“And you are a wonderful woman,” he says,
melting my heart.

I swallow hard. “Thank you Tristan, this is...overwhelming.”
I look up at him smiling back at me and shake my head at him, tears pooling in
my eyes. “You’re spoiling me,” I sniff.

“No, I’m not.” He states in his authoritative voice. It
makes me chuckle at him. “Coral, are you sure you don't want to try this on
your own? I don't want you to feel like I’m suffocating you.”

“Suffocating me?” I squeak.

“I don't have any friends, or many hobbies that would take
me away from you, but I don't want that to influence you. I don't want you
feeling like you have to do everything with me, I want you to have the choice.”
He says, gazing intensely at me.

“I want you to come with me,” I whisper, gazing back at him.

“You do?” He clarifies.

“Definitely,” I scoff. “Who will save me if I do something
daft like fall overboard?” I add, my tone dry.

Tristan chuckles at me. “Ok, ” he says, squeezing my hand –
Oh,
I’m so in love with him.
“Now, on a more serious note, I want to talk to
you about what you told me the other day.”

“The other day?” I whisper, folding the paperwork and
popping it into my clutch.

“Yes, in the jewellers. I don't want to sound pessimistic
Coral, but lots of people get that holiday feeling. A feeling of never wanting
to leave, imagining themselves living at the place they’ve come to visit – It’s
very common,” he adds, popping an olive into his mouth.

“It is?” I say, feeling morose.

“Hey.” Tristan pulls his chair closer to me. “Why don't you
tell me why you are feeling this way?” I stare back at his wide eyes and slowly
nod.

Then I take a deep breath and begin. “Ok. I love the house
that you’ve bought for us, so much so that if we could, I would say let’s bring
it with us, but we can't do that. It’s just...I guess, I bought my studio
because it was right on the water, it calms me, and I guess being here has made
me realise how much I miss that, that it’s more important to me than I thought
it was. I know it sounds crazy, but even though that little villa we are
staying in is only two bedrooms, I’d gladly swap it for Brighton. I think it’s,
you know, just waking up every morning to that view, and I know we have amazing
views in Brighton, but it’s the other aspects too.”

“Like what Coral?” Tristan asks. He’s being very serious
again, soaking up every word I am saying, but I love that he is. I have
overheard so many women at work moaning about the fact that their boyfriend, or
husband, doesn’t listen to them – So right now, I feel like a very lucky woman.

“Being able to hear the water for one, the gentle lapping of
the sea when she’s calm, the roar of the waves when it’s windy, and the smell
of the sea – it’s so potent, don't you think?”

Tristan nods once, still listening intently.

“It’s always been my dream to live in a house on a beach,
like literally
on a beach
– but I never thought I would be in the lucky
position to be able to have that. Maybe that’s why I subconsciously went for my
studio, even though it’s so tiny. It’s used to drive me mad sometimes...” I
laugh, shaking off the memory.

“Coral, why didn’t you tell me this when I made it perfectly
clear to you that I was buying a house for us?” he says.

My face falls. “You know why,” I whisper, remembering how I
felt back then –
Like a different person compared to how I feel now!

Tristan shakes his head in frustration.

“I knew I shouldn’t have told you,” I add, looking down at
the weather worn, sun bleached wooden table.

“Hey, that’s not why I’m frustrated,” he says, so I look up
at him. “You didn’t say anything to me because you couldn’t see yourself in a
relationship, right?” I nod once. “But you thought the house was magical?” he
questions. He’s still being serious.

I smile and nod again. “Tristan, I’d never seen inside a
million pound house before, at the time, I was so in awe of it all. I can
remember feeling like I was a princess at the top of a castle that over looked
the sea, and well...then there was you.” I stop right there.

Tristan smiles his shy smile. “So, if we had dated and I
say...had stayed in hotels while we did, then we decided to move in together,
that wouldn’t have been the house you would have chosen?” He concludes.

I shake my head. “No, I don't think it would have been. But
please understand me Tristan, because I don't want to sound unappreciative of
what you did, I really do love that house and I really do think it’s magical, I
just know it would have been a different house I’d have fallen in love with.”

“One right on the beach, or at least over looking it?” He asks,
deep in thought.

“Yes.” I swallow hard and take a sip of my wine.

“Well, I guess that changes things,” he says.

“Changes what?” I whisper, slightly panicked.

“My plans,” he says, with wide teasing eyes.

I smile back at him, feeling calmer. “What plans?”

“Well, I had every intention of buying more property now the
houses in Birmingham and Leeds have sold. I suppose those plans don't
necessarily have to change, but where we live will change the other plans I had
set in motion.”

“What other plans Tristan?” I ask, giddy with excitement.

“Oh no,” he says, shaking his head at me. “For my eyes
only,” he adds teasingly.

“You are such a tease!” I say pouting at him.

“As are you.” He laughs.

I take a deep breath and ask the question. “So you wouldn’t
mind living here?” I ask.