The Unseen (26 page)

Rich bit back a smile. The ball seemed to be bouncing back into his side of the court. “It’s just that it seemed like . . . never mind.”

“Rich, please,” she pleaded, latching onto his arm.

Struggling to keep his emotions under control, he reached back into his pocket, drawing the box out slowly before turning toward her. He popped open the lid and reached for her hand. “You’re the most bizarre woman I’ve ever met in my life, but I can’t imagine living without you. Will you marry me?” He watched as her silvery eyes widened and her mouth fell open. Her tan faded instantly from her freckled face.

“Well . . . well . . . um,” she stammered.

“So it really was all about the sex for you then,” he said. As he started to pop the lid closed, she reached toward the box. “Did you want to look at it?”

She pinched her lips together and wiped away a tear that leaked from the corner of one eye. “No, I mean yes. I mean my answer is yes.”

“Well in that case, may I have your hand?”

She extended her hand out and he slid the ring on her finger and leaned over to kiss her.

“Don’t think just because I’m marrying you that you can order me around all the time.”

“Can’t you stop talking long enough for me to kiss you?” He leaned in and claimed her mouth.

* * * *

Tom and Amanda stood on either side of their best friends about to marry. Amanda brushed her fingers over Rebecca’s arm and sniffled. “Are you all right?” Rebecca asked. Amanda hadn’t stopped crying since they’d gathered in the cave.

Amanda offered her a strained smile. “I’m fine. Just happy for you, that’s all.”

Rebecca hadn’t expected her friend to get so emotional. She hoped Amanda wasn’t worried about the future of their friendship. As committed as Rebecca was to her relationship with Kent, she’d never allow her longtime friendship with Amanda to drift away. She’d make every effort to keep the friendship strong no matter what came along. If Amanda and Tom stayed together, the four of them would be traveling together often. Rebecca smiled, looking back on the memories they’d made in the past weeks. They’d make many more, she felt sure. Rebecca squeezed Amanda’s hand. “This trip was quite an adventure. Think of all the others we have in front of us.”

Amanda’s color returned to her face and she grinned. “Yeah, it will be exciting to see where we end up next.”

David walked up to the altar, positioning himself behind Rebecca and Kent. Having obtained a minister’s license in the States, he was authorized to conduct the ceremony.

Wind loosened strands of Rebecca’s hair, neatly plaited into a French braid. It was the ideal outdoor moment. She inhaled the sweet scent of orchids she held in one hand, listened to the crystal birdcalls from the forest, and watched the play of sunlight on the trees outside the cave. The cave felt soothingly cool, a refreshing break from the heavy humid outside air. Her heart felt jittery with excitement. She stood holding hands with Kent, her body angled toward his, realizing that within minutes, he’d be her husband. She studied his towering, muscular frame, his angular face, his sexy cheek dimples, and his brilliant blue eyes.

My husband.

She loved the sound of that. This man she’d been on the adventure of her life with, who had become her intimate lover, her dearest friend. It felt like a dream, marrying someone she loved so deeply and knowing they’d spend their life together outdoors. She’d never be shut inside a department store ever again—every day would be a new adventure.

She couldn’t imagine having their wedding anyplace other than Mountain River Cave. It was this trip, this adventure, that had brought them together and that would bind them together for life. They’d gone into town to buy her dress, handmade from pale blue silk. She’d wanted the dress to be the color of the mysterious rocks. She wondered if they’d ever meet the aliens who brought the rocks here, if they’d ever learn about their lost planet.
It will all be part of the adventure. Our adventure.

“We are gathered today at Mountain River Cave to celebrate the marriage of Rebecca Devereaux and Kent Dunbar,” said David.

Kent’s gaze interlocked with Rebecca’s—never letting her go. She gazed into the blue depth of his eyes, completely captivated. His loving smile, that plumped up his lips and deepened the dimples in his cheeks, warmed her insides.

“When two people meet and know they’re right for each other, it’s a life-changing experience. Finding the right partner is something most people only dream of. As all of you know, Kent and Rebecca met here in Vietnam. We all saw how their relationship began right here inside this cave. Both of them have had some challenges in the past, weren’t sure they would be able to move forward to commit to love. But they realized in the end that the gift they found in each other was too precious to let slip away and so they decided to move forward with their lives together. Today, Kent and Rebecca asked you to witness this commitment they’re making to each other. Kent, would you like to read your vows?”

Rebecca could barely breathe as she watched the man she loved so much lock his gaze with hers and declare his commitment to her.

“I, Kent, take you, Rebecca, to be my wife. I vow to love you and protect you for as long as I live. I promise to walk beside you during the best and worst of times, in sickness and in health, to comfort you whenever you need a shoulder to cry on, to support your dreams and most importantly, to be your best friend and number one supporter for as long as we both shall live.”

“Rebecca, you may go ahead now,” said David.

Rebecca wiped tears from her eyes. She’d never forget watching Kent’s full lips speak the vows, the depth of feeling she read in his brilliant blue eyes, which glittered with tears. His love for her felt so palpable, warm waves of euphoria rushed through her body. Her voice shook with emotion. “I, Rebecca, take you, Kent, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will trust you and respect you, laugh and cry with you, love you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we face together. I give you my love and commitment today and every day as long as I live.”

“Now we’ll have the ring exchange.”

Rebecca extended her hand and watched as Kent slipped the twinkling diamond ring onto her finger. The touch of his strong masculine hand against her skin elicited pleasant tingles. The wedding band looked beautiful, bonded to the engagement ring he’d given her two weeks earlier.

Rebecca met Kent’s gaze again, feeling it pull her heart in nearer to his. Rebecca held onto Kent’s tanned, sinewy left hand, her hand trembling as she slid the gold band securely into place. They belonged to each other now. She leaned in toward him until their noses touched, so excited for the future, so this is the best day of my life happy.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” said David. “You may kiss the bride.”

Their faces already touching, their lips almost instantly collided. Rebecca met his lips in a frenetic kiss, wrapping her arms around his back as his strong embrace encircled her. His blue eyes danced mischievously and his words breezed against her ear. “I wanted to let you know I ordered up the honeymoon suite at the hotel tonight.”

Rebecca groaned. “Are you serious? Does that one have a collapsed ceiling?”

Kent laughed. “I’m not sure about that. All I said is I wanted a king-sized bed.”

Tom walked up and mock-slapped Kent’s face. “You’re just married and already feeding her crap.” He looked toward Rebecca. “He’s not taking you to that shithole, I promise.”

“Hey, I wanted to surprise her.”

Tom gave him a friendly shove. “Well, off with you. Ray’s out there waiting.”

Kent wove his fingers through Rebecca’s and they walked as Mr. and Mrs. Kent Dunbar outside the cave to board the helicopter.

* * * *

Bunny watched the helicopter lift off the ground, carrying Kent and Rebecca away for their honeymoon. It had been a beautiful wedding. She’d dabbed her eyes repeatedly, especially when they exchanged their vows. Love had been so evident in their eyes.

Winston had held her hand the entire time, occasionally meeting her gaze during the most touching parts of the ceremony. She wasn’t’ sure what would happen next. The expedition was over and everyone would return to their normal lives. But Bunny didn’t have a normal life. She had no home to go back to. She wanted more than anything to stay in Vietnam. Winston had mentioned her staying on, but she needed him to ask again or she planned to leave. She had too much pride now to force something if it wasn’t right for both of them.

“Well I guess this is it,” Bunny said.

Shards of silver appeared in Winston’s blue eyes. “What do you mean?”

Bunny shrugged, aiming for nonchalant. “Well, the expedition’s over and so now I should probably get my stuff from the hotel and head to the airport.”

Winston’s wide-eyes made his blond eyelashes stand out. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Well I’ve already been enough of a burden to you, there’s no reason to stay any longer.”

Winston’s brows tipped in and the expression on his face looked tragic. “But what about us? Isn’t that a good enough reason?”

Bunny’s throat felt so tight, she could barely speak. “I want it to be . . .”

“Well I’m sorry, I suppose it’s my fault for not making myself clear. I see us as having something lasting. I don’t want you to leave—not today, not ever as a matter of fact.”

Bunny clasped her hands over her face, so excited she wanted to jump up and down. “Are you serious?”

Winston’s expression turned from dismayed to elated. “Of course I’m serious. I’d like you to move in with me. And go with me on any adventure travel trips I lead that you fancy.”

Bunny leaped into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. “Oh, Winston, I’d love that.”

“And I love you. Especially in that black swimsuit.”

Bunny laughed and pulled his head of blond curls in toward her neck.

* * * *

Once airborne, Rebecca peered down, watching acres of jungle pass by before she saw scattered buildings and then a wide swath of ocean. She leaned over and nudged her husband, who was squeezed tightly in the seat beside her. She kissed him on the neck. “So when do you plan to tell me where we’re going?”

He turned toward her, his blue eyes dancing with mischief. “After we’re there. I want it to be a surprise.”

She traced a finger over one of his dimples. “I know we’re not going to the hotel from hell. Thank God. But now we’re flying over what I assume is the South China Sea. I can’t imagine this helicopter has enough fuel to fly much further.” Her ears popped as the helicopter descended steeply toward an island in the middle of the sea.

“You’re right. And that’s why we’re going down now. Our destination, my love, is Phu Quoc Island. We’ll be staying in a little apartment at a quiet little seaside resort. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

She pulled him into a tight embrace, feeling secure and happy in his arms. “Oh, Kent this sounds just lovely. I’m so excited. I’ve been wanting to spend some time alone with you for weeks.”

Lust flickered in Kent’s eyes. “I’m excited to get you into bed.”

Rebecca swatted him affectionately. “I bet you are. Although I have to admit, I have a few plans in mind for you.”

Kent’s hand slid up her arm to her breast. He circled his hand around it over the thin blue silk fabric until her nipple peaked.

Rebecca gasped, feeling her hot spots ignite.

His breathing grew ragged. “Oh, I’ve got way more than a few plans in mind for you. But the first one will have to wait—we’ll be on the ground in a minute and on our wedding night, it seems appropriate that I should make love to you on a real bed for once. “

After Raymond landed the helicopter on the beach, Kent snatched up their luggage, jumped down to the ground and reached for Rebecca’s hand to help her down. “See you in two weeks,” Kent said to Ray before slamming the door shut.

Rebecca drew the sea air into her nostrils and raised her arms, letting the breeze ruffle her clothing. It felt amazingly freeing to have no schedule, no death-march walk ahead, and no gun-wielding men pursuing them. “It’s just lovely here. What a quaint little resort this is.”

“Yes, this place is very laid back—the perfect place for us to relax. The owners said they’d leave the key in the room, so all we have to do is find it.” They walked hand-in-hand toward a row of thatched roof buildings, which were perched just a few steps away from the ocean. “They said our unit was painted blue. It must be this one.”

Kent opened the door and placed his hand at her back to urge her inside. Rebecca inhaled the aroma of orchids as she stepped inside the room and set her backpack down. A bouquet of the fragrant purple flowers sat in a vase on the kitchen table. Beside it was an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne. She walked around in circles, glancing at the rustic furniture, the windows that provided a view of the white sand and cobalt ocean and the painted tile kitchen. “Oh, Kent, this is completely amazing. I just love it here.”

Kent took off his tie and tossed it over a chair back and unbuttoned three buttons on his shirt, revealing an alluring slice of his muscular chest. “Now that we’ve seen the downstairs, I think we should familiarize ourselves with the bedroom.” He crouched and slid his hands under her legs and picked her up. The stairs creaked as he carried her carefully up the stairs.

When they reached the small bedroom, he walked her over to the bed and bounced her down on the woven purple bedspread. As he kneeled over her, she gazed up at him, admiring his chiseled face and physique. He leaned over to capture her lips. Tasting those plump lips is sinful, she thought, as she devoured them until aching want rushed between her thighs. But not nearly as sinful as what she wanted him to do to her next. She moaned into his throat. As if responding to her call for more, he raised her torso to slide the zipper on the back of her dress down. She saw a devilish glitter in his eyes. “You look gorgeous in this dress. But I know you’ll be even more beautiful completely naked.”