"There's one more thing you should know, so it's not a shock when you come back. If you choose to continue the relationship with Ethan, the wedding is set for two weeks after you return."
"Why is it already set and so soon?" Seriously they want to push it that quickly. I don't understand any of this, shouldn't I get to help in the decision of when to get married?!?
"Part of the original agreement was that the wedding between our families would take place by a certain time so that it couldn't drag on forever. Unfortunately, Ethan and Charlotte pushed it almost to the end so there's not much time left. They had just over 8 years to get married and they waited until the end of 8 years. So in order to have it in the right timeframe the date is already set with only a few days to spare in case something comes up and we have to adjust the date. I wish you could have more time."
"I'm going to give it my best shot. I appreciate you telling me everything. It has made wanting to do this easier."
"One last thing, Ethan may seem cold but he's a good guy. He just had a rough time with his family not allowing him to be with a girl that he'd met somewhere that his family didn't know. He said he was in love with her but her family was poor and they were worried that she was just after the money and title. They thought he was young and it was a passing fancy and made him end it and they signed the agreement between our families. They didn't give Ethan a choice in the matter. Ethan hasn't been the same since. Maybe you can break through the wall he's built. You both deserve happiness."
Little did my father know he was talking about me. I was that poor girl that Ethan's family didn't approve of. My heart also broke a little knowing that Ethan had a hard time doing what his family wanted. I truly wanted to believe that he wouldn't desert me again, I really did. Part of me wondered if his family would accept me knowing I was the poor girl. Maybe I'll tell them on our 10th wedding anniversary, won't that be a laugh! Look at me, already planning on having a 10th wedding anniversary, I'm so pathetic sometimes.
"Thanks Dad." I actually felt I could call him this now because he was actually acting like one. At least he was expressing that he cared about my future enough to give me some pretty good fatherly advice.
"You're welcome." His voice was a little choked up, and so I gave him a hug. As his arms wrapped around me I knew I had to make this thing with Ethan work. I wanted my father in my life. Honestly, I am pretty convinced that Ethan and I will get married. I'm getting all the fireworks from him and I'm mostly convinced that he is not going to let me go again
My father and I made our way back to the house and by then the others were finished eating. He accompanied Mom, Ethan and me to the private airstrip and showed us around the plane. Dad let me know that he was sending Adam and Seth for security and they'd be joining us the whole time. They had their own room but would be available if we needed them. So in answer to my bodyguard question that I felt silly asking anyone, Yes - if people knew who I was I definitely needed bodyguards. Shortly after Dad left the plane, we took off.
The plane ride was amazing, no crazy passengers, we had all types of snacks and drinks. Plus the seats were so comfy and they even had some beds to lay down on. This was so much better than economy class flights. During the flight, Adam and Seth stayed in the back of the plane and Mom decided to take a nap, so Ethan and I had time to talk. We talked about what we wanted to do on the cruise, favorite hobbies, and just everything. It was almost as if there wasn't an 8+ year gap in our conversations and it just flowed naturally. I'd forgotten how easy it was to talk to Ethan about anything.
Mom joined us after her nap and we had an afternoon meal. Sooner than I thought we were preparing for a landing in Barbados. I was nervous and excited because I knew at the end of this cruise my life would change. Either I'd be completely heartbroken again or I would be getting married. There was no in between, and I hoped, really, really hoped that we really would be getting married in a month.