“You’re awfully quiet” David said to Bonnie when they got into the taxi that was supposed to take them to High Tide Harbour. She had been that way during the flight and David was starting to get worried.
“I’m not” Bonnie protested, but even she knew that she didn’t sound convincing enough.
“Yes you are. You barely spoke to me on the flight except for when I asked you a question. And you slept during most of it. Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong? You can tell me and I’ll make it right.”
Bonnie gave him a small smile. She felt guilty for making him think that he’d hurt her. He’d been perfect the entire time even after they said goodbye to her parents. The truth was that she had a lot on her mind. Her fears had been confirmed. She was pregnant!
The weird thing was that she was thrilled about it. She was happy in fact. She was having a child… David’s child was growing inside of her and she knew she’d love the baby with all her heart, but she was worried too. Having a baby changed a lot about a person, and she didn’t know if she was ready for that change… or if she’d be ready for the challenges that came with raising a child. As for David, she had no idea how he’d feel about it, and that made her even more worried.
She’d tell him soon, but now wasn’t the right time, so she tried to put a bright smile on her face. “I’m fine” she replied, “And trust me, you did nothing wrong at all. If you did, I’d tell you. I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.”
“Do you still have those headaches?” David asked with concern. He still didn’t look like he believed her.
“No I don’t” Bonnie replied truthfully. Thankfully the headache was gone when she woke up this morning and apart from a little fatigue, she felt okay. To make him stop worrying, she relaxed and placed her head on his shoulder while he immediately kissed her forehead. The fact that he was here with her made her feel so much better…. whatever happened, they’d get through it together.
“Are you excited about seeing Duchess again?” she asked, trying to change the topic.
David chuckled. “Surprisingly, I am,” he replied. “That bird is trouble that you don’t want to get rid of. She must have bothered Mavis and Mandy so much”
“I can imagine. But I think they like her so much so they wouldn’t mind.” She placed a hand on her belly and hoped that David wouldn’t mind either when he found out about their child.
———–
High Tide Harbor was amazing, peaceful and welcoming, just as it had been the first time they arrived. Bonnie was excited to experience and enjoy everything about High Tide harbor as she didn’t get to spend a lot of time there because they had to leave almost immediately they had arrived. They weren’t in any sort of danger now, and Bonnie had every intention of staying as long as she could.
Mandy and Mavis seemed very excited to see both of them and Bonnie smiled broadly as they welcomed her with warm hugs.
“You’re back” Mavis said to Bonnie with a smile, “And I can see David took my advice for once in his life… and he didn’t get himself killed. How’s the shoulder?”
Bonnie blushed while David rolled his eyes as he pulled Mandy towards him for a big hug. “The shoulder is much better…. How’s Blue Blood?” he asked.
“Right where you left her,” Mavis replied. “By the way, you’re going to have to pay me for keeping an eye on her and for taking such good care of her. That boat is really hard to clean”
“Squawk! Guaca-mooleeee!”
They all turned around and Bonnie’s eyes shot open. She gasped as Duchess landed on a table and blinked those beautiful black eyes at her. Bonnie laughed and settled into a chair. She was so happy and couldn’t hide it at all.
“Oh Duchess, there you are” she said as she carried the bird carefully in her hands and gently stroked her feathers.
“How are you doing? Did you miss me, Duchess? I sure did miss you you”
“Pretty bird.” Duchess said again and Bonnie laughed.
“She sure did miss the both of you” Mandy said, “But we’ve enjoyed having her around”
“Of course. It’s really hard not to love her.” said Bonnie. “I missed you, and you’re right Duchess. You’re a pretty bird.”
She put Duchess back on the table and she and David followed Mandy and Mavis into the house.
“I’m glad you guys showed up today,” Mandy said when they got inside. “Rita and Evan got married this afternoon. The after party is at Skipper Park this evening and we’re all going.”
David cast a glance in Bonnie’s direction. “That sounds great, but I think Bonnie would like to rest this evening. She’s been tired for a….”
Bonnie shook her head. “Hell no, I’m going,” she said. “I didn’t get to stay here for long last time and I’m sure as hell not missing a party at the park….” She pointed a finger in David’s direction. “You’re coming too”
David nodded. “I guess she’s not as tired as I thought,” he said, but he was smiling.
————
David stood back and watched as his family, friends and guests celebrated with the newly weds into the late hours. Hundreds of strings of lights brought Skipper Park into full view, casting shadows against the growing darkness as guests danced and laughed and toasted the happy couple and their new life together.
The entire town had shown up; or at least it seemed that way. Mavis and a guy David got to know as Gerald mingled around the dessert bar that featured a chocolate fountain and an endless supply of marshmallows and strawberries. Mandy spun a still wheelchair-bound young man named Kyle around the edge of the dance floor,
Bonnie and one of his friends, Vincent shared a slow, careful dance. The smile of contentment on Bonnie’s face sank into him, leaving him with a feeling of contentment he couldn’t describe.
David couldn’t believe how happy he was. He was, finally, in his own words, putting Bonnie first. He was already looking at property in High Tide Harbor for the many visits he planned to make in order for them to spend more time together. It would be amazing if she came with him every time he visited as High Tide harbor would never be the same for him unless she was with him.
“It’s been a good evening.” Mavis said as she slid her arm into David’s and offered him an understanding smile. “It’s been a good day.”
“It’s been a busy one, that’s for sure. How’s your man over there doing?” David asked and grinned at her. “You never told me about him.”
“Better, thank you.” She offered a smile. “I mean, so far, better than the other guys. We have been friends for a while and he recently asked me out. So far it’s going really well and I do like him a lot.”
“You’re really in a relationship?” He shook his head like he couldn’t believe it. “That’s great. Maybe this time you’ll focus on your love life and not mine.”
Mavis patted David’s hand, then nodded towards Bonnie. “You love her, and she feels the same way about you. I’ve never seen you this happy and relaxed… ever. Don’t let her go.”
David felt himself tear up as she moved off to find a glass of champagne. When he caught Bonnie’s curious gaze on him, he smiled. And joined her on the dance floor. “May I cut in?” he asked.
“You may indeed.” Vincent handed her off. “You did a wonderful job finding this one, David.”
Bonnie’s face turned pink with happiness. When she stepped into David’s arms, she sighed and sagged against him. “I’m going to sleep for a week after this.”
“Anything you want, sugar. And he’s right. Everything is perfect when you are around me.”
Bonnie giggled and he pressed his lips to the top of her head. “I have everything I’ve ever wanted. Ever dreamed of,” she whispered. “And all because of you.” She looked up as a wide-winged parrot soared overhead, demanding guacamole. “I’m home whenever I’m with you.”
“And you’re loved.” David added.
She was loved. She knew it. Love was everywhere in High Tide Harbor. Her eyes met David’s and she smiled, touched her hand to his face. She was home. She knew it.
“There’s something I want to tell you” Bonnie whispered, “But I’ve been worried about how you might react.”
David frowned. “You sound serious,” he said. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong,” Bonnie replied. “It’s just…. I recently found out that I’m pregnant”
She waited for his reaction, but then his eyes widened and she had to put her palm over his mouth to stop him from screaming.
“You are pregnant?” he whispered when she finally let him go.
Bonnie nodded. “Are you okay with that?”
“How the hell are you asking me that? Of course I am” David said. He brought his mouth down on hers, Bonnie’s heart swelled to where she could barely breathe. She was so happy. In a short time, she’d found friends, a new family, people to belong to. She had the promise of a future. She’d found the father she’d spent a lifetime longing to connect with. And she’d found a man she loved. Loved to the absolute core of her being.
She smiled through her tears. “I love you, David” she said.
“I love you more, Bonnie”
He drew her close and they finished their dance.