CHAPTER 377: OUR ISLAND (2)

Georgia’s POV

I lifted the binoculars again, more determined this time, and scanned the island like a detective solving a case. And then suddenly, bam! It clicked.

I gasped and pointed so fast my finger shook.

"There! That huge rock beside the cliff, that’s where we used to harvest oysters and mussels!"

Then I swung my arm to the left. "And over there, that’s where the young coconut trees we liked. The ones that were already fruiting! Oh my God, Nick, it really is the island!"

I sounded like an overexcited tour guide, and Nick just laughed, shaking his head with that fond look that always melts me.

"You really do remember. Sharp memory, babe."

"Of course I do! Not only is my memory back, but this place... this place is special to me." My chest tightened in that soft, nostalgic way. "This is where we fell in love. So many things happened here. If only Katie and the whole family were here, they would’ve loved it. Too bad they’re not."

Nick gave me this too innocent smile.

"You think so? Why don’t you call Vicky? I heard she’s with Katie and Wendy today."

"Great idea!" I shoved the binoculars back into its holder and was two seconds from sprinting downstairs before Nick caught my wrist.

"Here," he said, handing me his phone. "Use mine."

I didn’t even question it. I immediately video-called Vicky.

She picked up in one ring.

"VICKY! You won’t believe it! We’re almost at the island, the one where we were before, but it looks completely different now, like a modern tropical resort! You would love it here!"

Vicky blinked at me, unimpressed. "Yeah, same for us, though."

She turned her camera around to a beach.

I squinted.

"Vicky, no. Not the Golden Sands Resort. I’m talking about our island. The one we got stranded on. Nick bought it! We’re almost there!"

Vicky clicked her tongue, shook her head at me, and started walking.

"Katie! Mommy and Daddy are here, you wanna welcome them?"

I heard Katie squeal. Loudly. Happily. In a way that absolutely did not match my expectations.

"Looks like I’ll see you in a bit, sissy!" Vicky chirped before hanging up.

I stared at Nick, frowning. His smile? Pure mischief.

"What does she mean by ’see you in a bit’? Nick... what does that mean?"

He chuckled, infuriatingly calm. "Exactly what she said. If she’ll see you in a bit, that means she’ll see you in a few minutes."

I gasped. "WHAT?! Are they here too, Nick?!"

I snatched the binoculars again and checked the dock; the same people were waving, no new faces. Nothing suspicious.

"They’re NOT here," I insisted. "I don’t see anyone!"

Nick leaned back casually, the picture of smug husband energy.

"They’re not at the dock yet. Go get dressed. They’re coming from the back side of the island, the villas are behind the trees. It’ll take them around ten minutes to reach the dock."

My jaw dropped. "They’re REALLY here? Are you serious?!"

"Yes," Nick answered, completely unbothered. "But only for two nights. I wanted us to celebrate our wedding with just family and friends, the people who actually know us. I invited Jenny, Bella, and Melanie, but they couldn’t come because of their kids and family... but Ella, Oliver, Steven, and Evelyn are all here."

My eyes nearly popped out of my head. "You’re kidding, NO WAY!"

Nick grinned. "Yes... Way? Haha!"

That was all I needed.

"I need to get dressed!" I yelped before bolting down the stairs like a hyperactive squirrel on caffeine.

I practically leapt down the stairs, ready to change, only for my brain to freeze the moment I reached the bedroom.

Right.

I didn’t pack.

Not a single outfit. Not a single bikini. Not even a hair tie.

Because my dear, thoughtful husband whisked me away right after our wedding.

My eyes darted around the room in panic until I noticed a pink suitcase sitting neatly beside the closet. Pink. Mine. Obviously.

Or... hopefully mine.

I knelt down and flipped it open, and gasped.

Inside were clothes perfectly picked for a beach honeymoon.

Khaki shorts.

A sleek black two-piece bikini.

A white crochet sleeveless top.

Light dresses.

Sandals.

Even my favorite sunscreen.

"Nick..." I whispered to myself, feeling my heart melt into a sugary puddle. "You sneaky, perfect man."

I grabbed the khaki shorts, with the bikini underneath, then pulled on the crochet top. A quick brush through my hair, a little lip tint, and I was good.

By the time I hurried upstairs again, the island was so close I didn’t even need binoculars anymore. I could clearly see the tiny dock and the people waiting there.

Katie is bouncing excitedly.

Ella was waving both arms like she was signaling a plane to land.

Vicky was recording everything with her phone because, of course, she’s always capturing the perfect moments.

Evelyn was clapping happily beside them.

And behind them, Steven, Oliver, and Liam, the three adult chaperones, stood there like security detail.

"Oh my god!" I squeaked. "They’re REALLY here!"

Nick turned slightly in the captain’s chair, grinning as I came up beside him.

"We’re nearing the dock."

But my brain was too overwhelmed by the sight of our families waving from the island.

I grabbed his arm. "How did they get here before us? We left last night!"

"They used Dad and Liam’s seaplanes," Nick said with a shrug. "They arrived just a few moments ago."

"That explains it," I muttered, still staring at the dock in disbelief.

Nick squeezed the steering wheel lightly. "Construction isn’t finished. Only the main villa, where everyone will stay and eat, is done. And our villa by the waterfall."

I whipped my head toward him.

"Our what?"

Nick chuckled. "Our honeymoon villa. The contractor rushed that one so we could use it for the honeymoon. Construction for the rest of the island continues once we leave."

My heart... oh god... my heart couldn’t take this man.

Before I even realized what I was doing, I grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him, hard.

Torrid.

Hungry.

Absolutely devouring him.

Nick made a low sound in his throat and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer even though he was sitting. My legs nearly gave out from how fiercely he kissed me back.

When I finally pulled away, breathless, I whispered, "Thank you."

Nick smiled like I had just gifted him the world. "You’re welcome, love."

We both turned our gaze back to the dock.

And there they all were, our family and friends turned family, jumping, waving, cheering, ready to welcome us home.

Or rather...

Welcome us to our island.

"Wait, where are your parents and Wendy?"