First a Dream (Dreams Come True #1) (20 page)

Hungry as they were, the children were charming and well behaved, which didn’t go unnoticed. “Please pass the bread.” Rebecca had her butter knife at the ready.

“You like bread?” Mr. Charmant tried to make conversation with her.

“Uh huh. And tonight I get to butter it all by myself with a knife.” She could barely hide her excitement.

“Please don’t let me regret this.” Isabella’s face turned up to the ceiling.

Mr. Charmant chuckled. “I’m right here. I’ll be more than happy to assist if she needs it.” He looked down at Rebecca and winked. When she winked back, Isabella could’ve sworn she saw tears come to his eyes.

While Isabella cleared the table, Gabriel picked out pajamas for the kids. She turned when she heard footsteps behind her. Mr. Charmant laid a hand on her shoulder.

“I want to thank you for a lovely evening. Your children are wonderful. I understand why Gabriel is so taken with them, and you.” He kissed each of her cheeks.

Wiping her hands, her brow furrowed. “You are leaving yet, are you?  We still have dessert.”

“I’m afraid I have a business call in a little over an hour.” He checked the time on his phone.

“The challenges of doing business overseas,” she murmured. “Well, let me pack your dessert. And please don’t be a stranger.”

“That would be nice. Thank you.” Then he walked to the kids’ room and spoke with Gabriel.

“You were right. I was wrong.” She could hear Mr. Charmant’s voice echoing in the space. “Isabella and her children are lovely. Did you say she’s working on her first gallery show here in Montreal which opens in January?”

“Yes, father. We’ll be sure to invite you. It’s at Jean Paul’s gallery.”

“Oh, not Sebastian’s?  Impressive. Is there anything she can’t do?”

“Well, she hates flying.” The men both chuckled.

Gabriel was ecstatic that night, and still exuberant as they prepared for bed. “I think you may have just done it, Bella. I think he now sees the woman I fell in love with. Oh, and Rebecca and Konnor!  They were...perfect. He definitely likes them.” He picked her up and whirled her around in the air. “Oh Bella, this is more than I ever could have hoped for.”

Chapter Sixteen

Isabella

The weekend before Thanksgiving was Konnor’s birthday. “You know,” Gabriel remarked, “I never really had a birthday party until I was old enough to invite people. I guess I was...oh, maybe twelve.”

“Twelve!  What did you do prior to that?  Didn’t you celebrate at all?” Isabella sat visibly stunned at this new revelation of Gabriel’s childhood. “I mean, I was expecting that you had miniature circuses, or magicians, or something.”

“No,” Gabriel answered matter-of-factly. “We would have a cake and presents at dinner. They were always big presents, but that was it.” He glanced at his watch. “Hey, speaking of cake, don’t you have to run and pick up Konnor’s and the balloons before everyone gets here?”

She eyed him suspiciously for a moment. “This is the third time you have tried to get me to leave. Tired of me?” She batted her lashes at him teasingly as he shooed her out the door.

Isabella made three stops, which kept her away no more than two hours. She went and picked up the balloons, the plates, napkins, and cups, all in the Toy Story II theme Konnor requested. She was about to get the cake when Gabriel called her cell phone. Apparently they needed more chips and drinks.

Her return to the barn was further hampered as she struggled through some unusual traffic to get home. The two-lane road had turned into a parking lot. Looking ahead she could barely make out cars parked on the road and people out taking pictures. Her stomach lurched as she realized her place appeared to be the center of attraction.

“What is going on?” This reeked of Gabriel. What had he done now?

At last she finally managed to pull into the driveway, but stopped at the end in shock. Across the top of the porch swayed a huge banner. “Happy 3rd Birthday, Konnor!” An enormous heated outdoor tent had been erected. Buzz Lightyear, so authentic she’d have sworn he came from Disney, walked around greeting the kids. An enormous air filled space ship stood in front of the house for the kids to bounce in. A horse, decorated to look like Bullseye, wandered the yard giving rides and being led by none other than Jessie, Woody’s sidekick. Oh, and Woody seemed to be manning the camp fire built in the front yard where many of the guests stood cooking hot dogs and marshmallows. For a moment, Isabella didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Gabriel rushed over to greet her and seek her approval. He appeared to be bursting with pride at his accomplishment. “So what do you think?”

“I don’t know what to think. How did you...?   My landlord...” She couldn’t seem to complete a thought with the crazy atmosphere around her.

“Don’t worry,” he said gently. “I have taken care of everything. You just sit back and relax.”

Between the fire and the farm animals, Isabella guessed it would be easier said than done. She stood there in shock for a few moments watching it all until a voice spoke from behind her.

“He’s really something, isn’t he?” Jessie marveled.

“Yes,” Isabella replied wryly. “At the moment, I’m just trying to decide what.” She crossed her arms over her chest in dismay.

Shaking her head in disbelief, her friend chastised her. “Look at all he’s done, Isabella. Have you figured it out yet?”

Turning to her friend with a quizzical look, she asked, “What?”

Smiling, Jessie murmured in her ear as she walked towards Jeff who was motioning to her. “This is what forever looks like.”

Before she could get over her initial shock and question Jessie thoroughly on what made her think so, her friend was halfway across the yard.

***

Gabriel

Although he had never planned a three-year-old’s birthday before, Gabriel felt confident it was a success. Everyone was smiling. Well, almost everyone. Isabella seemed a bit nervous. He smiled. He knew how to take care of that later. He couldn’t wait to drop into bed with her at night, even without the promise of sex.

Of course, Isabella’s mother and Angelica were none too happy. They stood on the fringe of the party with Jack. Gabriel tried to hide a scowl as he glanced their way, but he apparently wasn’t terribly successful.

“Careful,” Jessie joked as she stood beside him, “those could be your in-laws.” She smiled at Gabriel as she watched his reaction.

“I never thought of it that way,” he admitted, now pondering the idea.

“Ah, but I see you aren’t overly distraught at the concept.” She smirked. “I knew it.”

“Knew what?” His ears grew pink even as he feigned confusion.

“You plan on marrying Isabella,” she announced proudly.

Gabriel took a sip of his drink and responded calmly. “I never said that.”

Shaking her head, Jessie smirked. “You didn’t have to. I can see it in everything you do. Have you picked a ring yet?” The way she said it was almost a challenge. She even arched an eyebrow.

Clearing his throat but denying nothing, Gabriel decided the best move would be to change the subject. “I may have a custom jeweler designing something.”

Jessie squealed in response and threw her arms around his waist. “Thank you. I’m so glad Isabella has you. All she has ever wanted is a happy family.” She shot a look over at Angelica and her mother. “She never had that before.”

Gabriel pulled on his chin. “Speaking of family, I noticed Isabella looks nothing like her mother or sister.”

“Oh, Isabella didn’t tell you?” Jessie squirmed uncomfortably for a moment. “Well, it’s not like it’s a secret, I guess.” She seemed to be choosing her words carefully. “Isabella is adopted.” She shrugged.

Gabriel frowned. “But not Angelica, right?” He watched as Jessie nodded weakly. “Well, I suppose that explains some things.”

Sighing, she tilted her head to the side. “I never really thought about it, but you’re probably right.”

His heart hurt thinking about the kind of life she had led, but he knew if he confronted Bella about it, she would merely turn philosophical on him and tell him she had no regrets; and these experiences had shaped her into the woman he loved. Gabriel swallowed. He never knew love could be like this. Of course, he had never met a woman like Bella before. Scanning the crowd, he found her. Bella and his father we standing next to the fire with the kids, roasting marshmallows. When he caught her eye, they both beamed and she motioned for him to join them. “Please excuse me,” he murmured. Moving on autopilot, he strode across the yard.

“Hello, my love,” he whispered before kissing her tenderly on the lips. Then he nodded at his father. “I never thought I’d see you roasting marshmallows.” He smiled knowingly.

“Well, Isabella said I had to try a S’more, whatever that is.” He shrugged.

“I’m so sad for you.” Isabella shook her head playfully. “This…will change your life.” After examining his marshmallow, she positioned it on top of a graham cracker topped with a Hershey bar, then place another graham and Hershey combination on top of it before puling out the stick. “Try this.” Her eyes sparkled in unbridled delight.

They watched as his father tried a tentative taste. His second bite was much larger. His eyes widened and he nodded. “This is delicious.”

“Success,” Isabella proclaimed.

Gabriel held her close. Tomorrow was Sunday and he’d have to return to Montreal without her. They’d spend another four days apart until the weekend arrived once more. Monday morning, first thing, he’d check on the ring. He wanted to remedy this whole living in two separate countries nonsense as soon as possible.

That night, after everyone had at last departed and the yard was restored to its original look, Gabriel began addressing the upcoming holidays while lying beside her in bed. “What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Do you have the kids?”

“In the past everyone would go over to my mother’s house for Thanksgiving,” she stated. “Jack still may. I do get the kids for the actual holiday because he has them for the weekend.”

“What if we go away?” Gabriel asked hesitantly. “My father is out of town, and you seem to feel as though you have nowhere to go. Let’s go someplace. Start our own custom.”

Propping herself on one side, Isabella selected her words carefully. “I love everything you do for us,” she began slowly, “but I don’t ever want to be accused of taking advantage of you.”

“Who would do that?” He shrugged.

“Well, your father might.” She continued quickly before he could interject. “And you always have to do everything so...big.”

“Hey, Konnor is only going to be three once. And besides, I just thought about what would have made my eyes go wide at that age and provided it.”

Isabella rolled her eyes. “Well, you certainly did accomplish that.”

“So, do you trust me to plan this holiday?” He folded his hands prayerfully.

“Oh, okay,” Isabella acceded hesitantly, “but let’s go for something traditional. Okay?”

***

Gabriel had a way or making everything magical, and making her want to eat her words all at the same time. On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, he met them at the barn after everyone was off for the holiday. They had packed as he had instructed, and were ready to go.

“We’re going to drive,” he began, watching the kids for a reaction. They frowned in disappointment. They had quickly discovered Gabriel flew everywhere and were adjusting better to the trappings of his billionaire lifestyle than Isabella had. “To the airport.” Rebecca and Konnor jumped up and down. Isabella looked at him anxiously. “Relax, my Bella. I did as you asked. We are going traditional.”

Traditional wasn’t the word for it. He refused to divulge their itinerary prior to landing, but Isabella began to have her suspicions when she realized the flight had been scheduled to land in Boston. Upon arrival, they once again located a sign bearing the words “The Charmant Family.” A limousine drove them to Lewis Wharf in Boston’s historic North End.

“What do you think so far?” He reached over and held her hand during the ride.

“I’m feeling a little better.” Isabella smiled. “I was beginning to think we were going to be walking around in pilgrim attire eating with our hands this trip.”

“Now, Bella,” Gabriel chided seriously, “that is only on Thursday.”

“You’re joking.” She started to laugh, but stopped as he shook his head solemnly. “I don’t believe you.” She eyed him suspiciously.

Gabriel pushed the button to drop the privacy glass between themselves and the driver. “Oh, good sir,” he said seriously, “can you please tell my family where you will be driving us on Thursday.”

“Certainly, Mr. Charmant,” the driver answered jovially. “Mrs. Charmant, you and your family will be enjoying a Thanksgiving Feast at the Plimoth Plantation.” He smiled widely, obviously pleased with the plans.

“Why?” She lifted her hands in shock.

“You said stick with something traditional. You can’t get any more traditional than that.” He shrugged, completely confused.

Then Isabella burst out laughing.

When they pulled up to the wharf and piled out, a friendly gentleman stood on the dock waiting for them. “Are you the Charmants?” They nodded, and shook hands before being led to a cabin cruiser named The Golden Slipper.

“I’m a little nervous about this,” the man said seriously. “We don’t normally rent the boat out this late in the season, but since it had been unseasonably warm, and you took care of those other arrangements with my wife...well, I just hope you are comfortable here.”

Gabriel reached into his inside coat pocket and passed the man an envelope. “Has your wife taken care of the special provisions for tonight?”

The man nodded and they climbed aboard. His wife emerged to present the table she had prepared for their arrival. “As you requested, Mr. Charmant,” she said smiling. “I hope it meets your approval.”

They fed the kids and tucked them in early, which wasn’t a challenge since the travel had exhausted them. Then Gabriel and Isabella dined in peace by candlelight. They, too, quickly retired for the night, but lay awake in their berth pouring over brochures, trying to plan the next day.

“We have a little errand to run first. We’ll see what we can fit in after.”

They decided to visit the Museum of Science, feeling that with the Ancient Egypt exhibit, the IMAX theatre, and the planetarium there, Rebecca’s mind would be plenty stimulated. “Thanks,” Isabella murmured. “Her teacher already thinks she is too intelligent, if there is such a thing. I think the woman just feels threatened, doesn’t know how to challenge her.”

“Want me to enroll her in a private school?” Gabriel asked offhand.

“No,” Isabella replied, stunned. “Why would you do that?”

He appeared as though he had something he would like to say, but simply shook his head. “No reason.”

Isabella changed the subject. “So, why were they so reluctant to let us stay here?”

“Well, the boat is rarely in the water this late in the season. It isn’t exactly winterized. They thought we might be cold, didn’t want a lawsuit.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“So, what were the provisions you made...?” She glanced around the cabin.

“Well, I bought these down comforters for our bedding and had them shipped here. I ordered these space heaters and promised to only allow to burn while they were being watched, never while we were sleeping or off touring.” Seeing the serious look on Isabella’s face, “And as a last resort I told them that they need not worry about us, our love would keep us warm.”