A woman in a swimsuit hurried up to John and me as we were enjoying our anniversary bliss on the beach. She bowed before him and said his name. My heart gave out. What could she possible want from my spouse, and who was she? I had no idea that day would bring such a tearful awakening.
“JOHN… No, please don’t leave me… John!” I cried out, startled to find my bed deserted. As soon as I understood it was only a nightmare, my heart began to race. My name is Rosa, and I had the most horrible dream ever. John, my spouse, had left me alone in a tropical paradise with turquoise waters and waving palm palms. I attempted to get rid of the anxious sensation when the early morning light broke through the drapes.
“You, Rosa? Are you alright?” From the hallway, John’s voice could be heard. With a worried expression, he emerged from the doorway.
I exhaled a breath of calm. Yes, it was only a bad dream. What time is it exactly?”
It is about nine o’clock. He grinned and replied, “I made coffee. “Oh, and happy anniversary, sweetheart.”
My pupils expanded. How could I overlook it? It was the tenth anniversary of our union! I leaped from my bed and embraced him tightly. “John, happy anniversary! It’s unbelievable that ten years have passed already.”
Excitement sparkled in John’s eyes. “I’m going to surprise you. Put your hands out and close your eyes.”
I followed his instructions and felt something light touch my hands. I noticed two aircraft tickets as I opened my eyes.
“No way,” I exclaimed as I looked at the location. “Dominican Republic? Are you really real?”
<
John smiled. “My dear, pack your bags. In three hours, we depart.”
I kissed him all over his face, squealing with excitement. John, this is incredible! I’m amazed that you accomplished this.”
“Hurry up,” he chuckled. “You’ve got 20 minutes to pack before we need to hit the road.”
I couldn’t help but feel a hint of shame as I hurried to pack clothing in a suitcase. John hadn’t been around much lately because he’d been so busy at work. We needed this trip to rekindle our relationship just right.
“Ready for our adventure?” John leaned against the doorframe and inquired.
Grinning, I zipped up my bag. “With you? All the time.”
Excitement and expectation ruled the flight to the Dominican Republic. The pleasant tropical air embraced us as soon as we got off the aircraft.
“Oh my God, John, it’s beautiful!” Glancing around the airport at the rich vegetation and vivid hues, I let out an exclamation.
John gave me a tight squeeze. “Just wait until you see where we’re staying.”
Our resort was waiting for us in a sleek black sedan. I was enthralled by the glistening blue waves as we drove along the shore.
“It’s unbelievable that you concealed this information,” I turned to face John. “How long have you been planning this?”
He smiled slyly at me. “Let’s just say it wasn’t easy with all those late nights at the office.”
I felt a twinge of shame as I realized how aloof we’d become lately. “I apologize for being so preoccupied with personal matters. I am aware of how difficult your new project has been.
John’s face became more amicable. That’s why we’re here, hey. Absence of labor and diversions. Only the two of us.”
The car drew up to a gorgeous resort on the beach. I could hear the soft lap of waves on the shore as the palm trees waved in the breeze.
With a smile, our driver exclaimed, “Welcome to paradise!”
I couldn’t stop staring at the opulent foyer as we checked in. I muttered, “John, this must have cost a fortune.”
He gave me a wink. “Nothing but the best for my girl.”
Even more amazing was our room, a large suite with an own balcony that overlooked the ocean. I opened the balcony door and inhaled the briny air.
John approached me from behind and put his arms around my waist. “What are your thoughts? Was the wait worthwhile?
I spun around in his arms and met his warm brown eyes. It’s flawless. You’re flawless.”
As he bent to plant a kiss on me, all my anxieties vanished momentarily. John’s stomach gave a loud growl as we broke apart, and we both laughed.
“I guess that’s our cue to find some food,” I chuckled. “What do you say we hit the beach and grab some snacks?”
John smiled. “Race you to the water!”
I couldn’t get rid of the idea that this trip was going to completely transform my life as we went hand in hand towards the glittering water.
The sun, sand, and sheer delight filled the following few days. We ate delicious fish and sipped from fresh coconuts while relaxing on the beach. We used to dance bachata outside every night, our bodies moving in perfect unison.
We spent our third evening lounging on a sun lounger while the sun sank and the sky was brilliantly colored in shades of pink and orange. John’s heartbeat was steady as I laid my head on his chest.
“Why haven’t we done this before?” I asked, circling his arm in a casual manner.
A deep laugh rumbled in John’s chest. There’s not a greater occasion in mind than our anniversary. In addition, I desired it to be unexpected.”
I raised my head to give him a glance. “Well, consider me thoroughly surprised and completely spoiled.”
I was thinking about the small surprise I had planned for John as we laid there. Unconsciously, my hand went to my stomach, the developing source of our little secret. Just before the trip, I had discovered I was pregnant, and I had been waiting for the right opportunity to inform him.
“What’s on your mind?” John enquired after observing my pondering look.
I gave a cryptic smile. “Oh, not at all. Just reflecting on my good fortune.”
He gave my head a kiss on top. “I’m the lucky one.”
John abruptly sat up as the last of the sunshine cast a stunning orange and pink sky. Would you like to go for a stroll on the beach? This place always has a stunning sunset.”
With excitement, I nodded, making plans on how I would break the news. “Sounds perfect.”
With the warm ocean lapping at our feet, we strolled along the shoreline holding hands. Everything on the beach appeared wonderful as the last of the light shed a golden glow over it.
Inhaling deeply, I reached into my pocket and felt the little present box I had taken with me from New York.
“John, there’s something I want to tell you—” I stated.
Abruptly, a silhouette emerged in the waning illumination, sprinting in our direction. In front of John, a woman wearing a white swimsuit bent down to her knees before I could even comprehend what was occurring.
“John!” she exclaimed. “My life’s love is you. It’s time you tell her everything and quit acting like a fool. You should be my only and only. Are you going to marry me?
With my hand still holding onto the gift box in my pocket, I froze. I turned from the woman to John, waiting for him to say something, anything, to make sense of what was going on, and it felt like the world was tilting on its axis.
John’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly, his face devoid of color. And then he started laughing, which shocked me beyond belief.
The sound of John laughing reverberated around the beach, and my heart began to race. Was this a cruel prank of any sort?
He bent down, lifted the woman to her feet, and pulled her into a tight hug, which I watched in horror.
“You couldn’t choose a better time, right?” With a laugh, John continued to grasp the stranger.
My eyes watered as I discovered my voice. “What in the world is happening? Who is she, John?” My former happiness dissipated like mist in the sun as I coughed out.
Resurfacing was the nightmare I’d experienced on the morning of our anniversary. John abandoning me in a tropical paradise by myself… Was that dream coming true in a warped form?
John turned to face me, his eyes bulging at the sight of my tears. He hurriedly murmured, “Rosa, honey, I’m so sorry,” and moved in my direction. “My name is Julia. In college, we took classes together.”
Julia smiled and held out her hand. “Hi Rosa, nice to meet you. Hopefully, I didn’t frighten you too much.”
I couldn’t believe what was occurring, so I just stared at her hand. John went on, “I used to make fun of her at a play, and it made everyone laugh.” I suppose this is the time she’s going to exact her retribution, like she promised.”
With enthusiasm, Julia nodded. “You’re correct! I looked at him from a distance and tried to determine if it was actually him for twenty minutes. Once I was certain, I couldn’t help but pull a small practical joke.”
My body started to relax as their words started to sink in. It was all in good fun. A foolish, misplaced joke.
“You… you’re not leaving me, right?” I questioned John tremblingly.
His expression softened as he drew me into his embrace. “No, Rosa. I’m really sorry if we alarmed you. I was unaware that Julia was present or would take this action.”
I laughed a little, putting my fist softly into his chest. “I almost had a mini heart attack, you jerk.”
I felt a wave of relief and then I thought of the gift box in my pocket. Perhaps this was the right moment after all.
With a “Sweetheart,” I turned to face John. “I’m sorry, I won’t kneel, but… there was something I was gonna tell you a few minutes ago.”
I took out the little package and gave it to him.
When John opened the box and pulled out a delicate silver chain with a tiny locket shaped like a pair of baby feet hanging from it, his eyes widened and a smile of pure joy spread across his face.
“You’re… we’re… Oh my God, Rosa!” We both laughed as he pulled me off the ground and twirled me around.
“I’m pregnant!” I grinned as I revealed.
Julia grinned as she observed us. “I suppose that means I missed my opportunity. You two deserve congratulations! Permit me to snap a photo to capture the occasion.”
John looked to Julia as he laid me down. “I’m grateful, Julia. And this time, you truly won me over!”
“I told you I would!” Julia chuckled. “But really, congrats. You two deserve to be happy beyond measure.”
We took a quick picture of ourselves, silhouetted against the vivid pink and orange glow of the setting sun. John put his arm around my waist and watched Julia stroll back to the shore after saying her farewell.
“So,” he remarked in a surprised tone, “we’re going to be parents.”
Leaning into him, I nodded. “Yes, Dad! Are you content?”
John responded with a kiss so intense it took my breath away. Upon our eventual separation, he laid his forehead against mine. “I’ve never felt more content. Rosa, you have my affection.”
I returned the whisper, “I love you too,” as I put my palm over his and entwined our fingers.
I felt both excited and at ease as we stood there, the warm breeze caressing our hair and the sound of the waves echoing in our ears. I was looking forward to nothing but bliss with my John by my side and this little bundle of love tucked inside me.
“Ready to head back?” As John picked up our baggage, he inquired.
I nodded while giving the stunning sunset one more glance. “Ready for anything, as long as it’s with you.”
With our hearts full of love and our minds full of future aspirations, we strolled back to our resort hand in hand. There had been more to this vacation than just celebrating the anniversary. Our lives had just begun a completely new chapter, and I was eager to see what experiences awaited us.