“Everything,” he replied.
She smiled and played with her wine glass. “I feel like I'm failing them,” she said. “Like the universe is determined to put me in my place. I have to take the place of my parents, and I don't know what the hell I'm doing.”
Ethan shook his head. “Laura, you're not failing them. I've seen the way they look up to you, and it's obvious how happy they are. You've been through things that most people on this earth will never have to go through and yet, you've managed to create a life for two kids who lost their parents. You are doing a fantastic job. Don't sell yourself short.”
A tear slid down Laura's cheek, and Ethan reached forward, wiping it away with his thumb.
“You know,” Ethan continued. “If anything, I think you need to learn to live your own life a little, too. You've spent so much time taking care of everybody's happiness, that I think you've forgotten about your own.”
Laura's face softened, and she chuckled. “That's what Elena is always telling me, too. I'm trying, though. I just never want to take away any attention from the kids. All I care about is doing right by them because I think that's what my parents would want.”
“Your parents would be proud of you,” Ethan said. “Their daughter is the most courageous and strong person I've ever even heard of. I mean, jeez, I'm proud just to be sitting here with you.”
“You're way too sweet,” Laura said, with a sniffle.
Right then, Daryl appeared back on the deck with the main course.
“Chicken Wellington, Rack of Lamb and of course, Ruby Red Trout,” he said, as he carefully set each plate down onto the table. “Please, enjoy.”
“We will,” Laura said, eyes widening.
Daryl left Ethan and Laura to themselves. The main course looked even more incredible than the first and Laura could hardly wait to dig in.
“Looks good, doesn't it?” Ethan said. “I hope you enjoy it. Before we jump in, though, I want to tell you that I have a surprise for you.”
“More surprises?” she said. She motioned to the view.”This is already over the top. You don't need to get me anything else.”
Ethan waved off the meal. “This is nothing. The surprise I have is much more exciting. I'll give it to you after we eat but before dessert. It will give us something to look forward to.”
This guy sure has a way of spoiling a girl, Laura thought. I could definitely get used to this.
Chapter 20
Laura
The main course turned out to be just as amazing as Laura thought it would be. She especially loved the rack of lamb and couldn't believe how tender the meat was. After they'd eaten, Daryl came out and cleared the dishes then went back inside to get dessert ready.
“I'm stuffed,” Ethan said. “However, I'm going to eat dessert one way or the other. I can't resist his toffee pudding.”
“I'm so full, too,” Laura said. “You're right, though. Dessert is going to happen one way or the other. I have an insatiable sweet tooth.”
Ethan's eyes lit up, and he reached for his pocket.
“Oh, I nearly forgot,” he said. “Your surprise.”
She smiled. “You really didn't have to, Ethan.”
“I know I didn't have to. I wanted to.” He slid the white envelope across the table.
Laura opened it up and pulled out a blank piece of thick stationery. It was folded in half, and something was inside of it.
“What is it?” she asked, carefully opening the stationery.
Two plane tickets fell out onto the table. She didn't notice anything specific about them at first glance, except for what was written underneath the line that said “Destination.”
“The Caribbean?” she whispered, then immediately brought her gaze up to Ethan. “Ethan, I don't understand.”
He smiled. “What's there to understand? I want to take you to the Caribbean. Everything's already paid for and arranged for us. All you need to do is pack your swimsuit.”