Their marriage was based on mutual respect, friendship, a shared passion for life…and for each other.
So while Granny might have been Bernard’s soul mate, he certainly wasn’t hers.
I glance at the engagement ring on my finger. The matching wedding bands Jayden and I are wearing aren’t anything special. They’re simply part of our cover.
The vintage engagement ring is another matter. Tiny diamonds embedded in the braided silver band beautifully highlight the large teardrop diamond.
It’s elegant.
It’s timeless.
It’s gorgeous.
And from what Jayden told me about his grandparents, they were very much in love while they were both still alive. Who knows if they had believed in soul mates. But either way, they’d enjoyed a love that most people dream of.
Jayden laughs from the back. “And that’s why you created the resort—because you lost the love of your life?”
“No, I created it because I wanted to ensure that people who have found that special someone to share their life with have a place where they can nurture the flame between them. So they don’t make the same mistakes I did. What happens when you deprive a flame of oxygen?”
“It dies out,” I say.
“Exactly. My resort is that oxygen. It’s making sure the flame between a couple never burns out.”
“But why only married couples?”
“Because I’m old-fashioned.”
“You’re telling me you never had sex with your soul mate or any of the other women in your life?” Jayden asks, not sounding like he believes it for a second.
Bernard chortles. “I said I’m old-fashioned. I didn’t say I was a monk.”
“So do as I say, not as I do?”
“Pretty much.”
Bernard checks the rearview mirror for the tenth time in the past few minutes. The farther we drive from Huntington Beach, the more relaxed he seems to become.
“We’re almost there,” he eventually says.
“Where’s that exactly?” Jayden asks.
13
Jayden
Several rulesof self-preservation keep me alive on the job. Number one: be aware of your environment.
Are there any dangers—visible or potential?
What is your exit strategy?
Can you maintain communication with the outside world?
Where can you take refuge if shit goes to all hell?
Which is why the moment my phone indicates a lack of cell reception, I’m mentally cussing.
And my body is gearing up for fight or flight—with an emphasis on the former.
