Is this destiny?

~ Dallas, the White Rock Lake ~

Friday

The atmosphere was lively on the property at the White Rock Lake.

Like every time they come to this property to relax, kids organized a number of games and events, and the staff was ensuring that snacks and drinks are fresh and chilled.

Michael and Oni were referees for the one-legged race on the lawn that stretches between the main villa and the docks.

Daniel and Xiaohui were spraying water and foam respectively on a long tarp that was used as a waterslide for individuals who were sliding from the right side of the lawn directly into the lake. The tarp was placed next to the area where one-legged race was held, so the racers were occasionally splashed by water. No one complained because it was a hot afternoon.

The slight incline at the end of the water-sliding tarp provided a boost for participants to fly in the air and strike a pose before plunging into the water. Imani and Jamari recorded the event and posted a separate file for each participant on the family's share for others to view and vote in one of the categories such as the most daring, the funniest, etc. Each will get a reward.

Every event over the weekend will be scored and winners will get trophies and awards on Sunday afternoon, before they pack to head back home.

Sarah and Aiden decided to take a break after lunch and the two of them disappeared in the grove which is located beyond the garden. They relaxed in the hammock that was set between two trees, close enough to hear the commotion their kids made, yet far enough for the foliage to provide them with absolute privacy.

Aiden cradled Sarah in his arms and his right leg was dangling down, touching the ground occasionally to give them a push that swayed the hammock.

Sarah's head was on Aiden's shoulder and occasionally she would hum in satisfaction of doing absolutely nothing with Aiden.

Aiden caressed her belly with his left hand. "I think it started showing."

Sarah knew that Aiden was talking about her pregnancy stomach. She was not sure how much it was showing. When she checked herself in the mirror earlier that day, her lower abdomen looked a bit bloated, but now when she was lying down it was absolutely flat. However, she knew that Aiden was eager to see the signs of her pregnancy. "Your boy is growing."

Aiden grinned. He loves when Sarah reminds him that she is carrying his child. It makes everything feel more real. They were finally on their territory, surrounded by people who don't mean any harm and she was in his arms, safe, together with their baby, and he couldn't be happier. He wanted to jump and shout from the rooftops that Sarah is his wife and that they will have a baby so that everyone can know and maybe celebrate with him. While on the topic of celebrations… "I wanted to ask you a few things."

Sarah waited for him to say more, but after nearly a minute of silence, she had to ask: "About?"

Aiden didn't want to spoil the surprise, but he had to get a few inputs. "Uhm… Remember that I told you how I want us to have another wedding?"

"The one where you marry the mother of your children?"

"Yes."

Sarah let out a long exhale. She remembered several long talks on that topic while they were undercover in the main base of the Voronin family, and at that time she was looking forward to another occasion to celebrate their love, but now it was different.

"Can that wait a bit?", Sarah asked.

"Why?"

"It will feel off to celebrate while Vasily is in his current state. I'm not saying that we should hold off all celebrations, but I feel guilty that Vasily didn't attend our first wedding, and I would like him to attend the second one. It won't be late to have it after Logan is born."

Aiden pursed his lips. He really wanted to organize this for Sarah. He imagined a day filled with good energy as they are surrounded by friendly faces and good food. She would be dressed up like a fairy and he would celebrate her and all the happiness she gives him by showering her with endless care and love and pamper her until she gets bored of it on that day and many that come after it.

How Aiden saw it, Sarah experienced too many stressful situations since she got pregnant and Aiden wanted Sarah to relax and do nothing in particular, at least until the baby is born. But he understood her sentiments. The Hill sisters misunderstood Vasily, and they all want to make it up to him.

"Sure, it's not a problem."

Sarah felt that his agreement was not sincere. "But?"

Aiden smiled. Sarah knows him well. His agenda was to get Sarah to relax and if they can't have a wedding, then they will have something else. But if he says that it's only for her, she will refuse, so… "With me being kidnapped, we didn't celebrate our anniversary properly. I want us to go somewhere for a few days. Just the two of us, off-grid."

Sarah didn't object. No matter what Aiden's motives were, she would never object to spending some time with him off-grid. She loves to travel and experience different environments, but when they are near people, there is always a risk of something going wrong; like how it went in Fairfield when one casual visit to their store turned out in teaching a lesson to pretentious employees.

Going off-grid, just the two of them (and baby Logan), sounded fantastic.

"I will leave it to you. Keep in mind that kids will start school soon and that we should not be unavailable when something important is scheduled. Anything else is fine."

Aiden couldn't believe it. This was too easy. "You are agreeing, just like that?"

Sarah stifled a laugh. "Just like that. I will not even ask any questions. Surprise me. I am pregnant and I will let you pamper me."

Aiden opened his mouth to respond, and at that time they got a notification from Eve that Charlie, Emma, Ryan, and Sean arrived on the property. Charlie waited for Emma at the airport so that they can come together.

"You said I can surprise you. Don't go back on this.", Aiden warned Sarah. "Let's go and greet our guests."

"Do you think Emma's trip went well?", Sarah asked while wiggling out of the hammock. She put her legs outside, from knees down, but getting the rest of her body out was challenging.

"Considering that they came together, it was not a disaster.", Aiden shared his thoughts. "As for how well it went, we will need to talk to Emma."

Aiden didn't move as tried not to laugh at Sarah who reminded him of a turtle that was stuck on her back with her arms and legs flailing in the air.

Sarah was cautious not to strain her abdominal muscles too much, so she ended up struggling to get out of the hammock.

"Some help here…", Sarah said impatiently when she realized that Aiden was enjoying the show and she slapped his shoulder when he started shaking from the laughter he was holding back.

Feeling slightly guilty, Aiden got out of the hammock first and then helped Sarah. He wanted to leave her like that because she slapped him, but he didn't want her to risk injuring herself. He is aware of how stubborn she is, and who knows what she would do if he provoked her further?

The hammock is challenging to get in and nearly impossible to get out. But staying in the hammock is enjoyable so the trouble of getting in and out is worth it.

When Sarah got her footing, Aiden pulled her into his embrace and kissed her thoroughly, to make sure the last bits of her anger melted away. When he saw that her eyelids got heavy and she had a silly grin on her face, he estimated that it's safe.

Sarah and Aiden held hands while walking slowly toward the villa, and they reached the main entrance a few seconds before the car with their guests arrived.

"Thank you for having us here…", Emma said while giving Sarah a hug.

"Not a problem. Thank you for coming.", Sarah welcomed them.

Charlie shook hands with Aiden and greeted Sarah before going toward the trunk with Sean and Ryan to get their things.

"Your rooms are ready. You can freshen up and relax or come down and join in the fun. Dinner will be at seven…", Sarah took on her role as the hostess well.

Sean and Ryan went immediately to settle in so that they can join in the fun. The Ronin twins spend a lot of time with the kids from the Cliffside villa, and this was not the first time for them to come to this property, so they knew how to find their way.

"Thank you, Sarah and Aiden, for taking good care of my brothers over these years. They would not be such good boys if not for your care.", Emma said, and Sarah saw tears swelling in Emma's eyes.

"Aww…", Sarah said, and hugged Emma again. "I take that your trip to Sicily went well?"

Emma sniffled and nodded. "Everything went so much better than I expected. I will tell you the details after I freshen up."

"Sounds like a plan. Let us show you to your room…", Sarah walked with Emma into the villa, and Charlie and Aiden followed their ladies while pulling suitcases behind.

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