He rolled on to his back while Aaliyah straddled him. “Never leave me,” he whispered to her, stroking her back.
She kissed his neck and nuzzled against him. “Never.”
~~~~~~
High Maple, Maine was different from any place Aaliyah had ever been to. In fact, she wasn’t sure how she would describe it other than being awesome.
Clear blue skies matched the lake. Old homes reflected the wealth and simplicity of those who lived there. The city had a lot of old charm but adjusted to the current times. The old clock in the middle of the town still rung every hour and half-hour while a digital clock beneath it total the temperature, a crisp 75 degrees.
Families strolled along the lake with dogs or each other, while the teens were glued to their cell phones. Older folks complained about today’s youth, while they checked their Facebook accounts and liked photos.
There was a central church that everyone went to and every Sunday, the shops were closed from eight to one p.m. in observance of service. Old buildings were made out of stone and brick, and often contained small antidotes of the town. They all had a colonial, almost royal feel to them and that was intentional.
Every fall, the town boasted of one of the largest squash and pumpkin festivals and people from all over came to showcase and eat savory dishes. During Christmas, the whole town lit up with numerous plays, musicals, and various people singing carols. There was a two-day festival on the days leading up to Christmas, where last-minute shoppers could buy crafted gifts at the fair.
At Ellison’s, the town’s local pharmacy and soda counter, everyone was welcomed like they were a part of the family.
Ocean took Aaliyah to see his aging grandparents for a weekend getaway and brought the camera crew with them. Not only did they stay with the grandparents, but Aaliyah also helped in the shop.
She helped make saltwater taffy and took a liking to the peppermint one. She restocked shelves and swept outside. She also talked about her various tattoos with curious onlookers.
Ocean resumed his duties and didn’t miss a step. He scooped out ice cream, swept and mopped floors, and posed for pictures for everyone who wanted one. The local press discovered he was in town and he did a small interview and posed for the camera with his grandparents. Another picture included him and Aaliyah.
In the evenings, Aaliyah and Ocean had dinner with his grandparents, along with some other family members. Every dinner was hearty – full of great food, laughter, and love. Ocean’s grandmother, Meredith, made a killer apple pie and talked about current events; being sharp as a tack at her golden age. Aaliyah soaked up the history and smiled.
It was like she was a part of the family before it became official.
She was outside sipping tea and lightly swung on a bench as she watched the sunset. She wondered if she would always feel that kind of peace with Ocean. Or would yearly trips to High Maple would be a necessity on the list?
“Rainbow,” Ocean’s deep voice greeted Aaliyah before he appeared. He was wrapped in a blanket and brought an extra one for his fiancée. He covered her with the blanket before he joined her. “I was wondering where you were.”
“Just here, baby.” Aaliyah sighed as she looked out. She saw a lighthouse in the brief distance and numerous homes all over. The sun reflected on the lake and she thought it was one of the best things God had ever created. “Just here enjoying the view.”
“There’ll be more like these, I promise.” Ocean kissed her temple as she snuggled against him. “This is only the beginning. I plan to come here every summer and bring our children.”
“Children, huh?” Aaliyah emphasized the word. “How many were you thinking?”
“As many as you’re able to have,” he replied. “I would love three, but I’ll settle for two.”
“Two’s a good number,” she nodded. “Do you know what else is a good number?”
“Hmm?”
“Six weeks.” She sipped her tea and turned towards him. “Six weeks and a few days to be exact.”
Ocean turned to his fiancée with a gaped mouth and bright eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Very,” she softly replied. “I cleaned out all of the pregnancy tests at your grandparents’ store. Fifteen tests aren’t wrong.”
“I guess not,” he kissed her and put his hand on her tummy. “So the next generation of Ellison’s continues, huh? Lyric is going to have a cousin to play with.”
“Your father is going to be upset,” she replied. “The impending marriage will piss him off but the baby will really send him over the edge.”
“He’ll deal.” Ocean replied. “Nothing is more important than the three of us.”
“Are you going to deliver our babies?”
“I would love to.” He answered. “Are you going to promise me you won’t kick me while you’re in labor?”
