Debbie turned in bed and rested her head on Carlos' arm, her cheek against his chest.
With the woman he loved sleeping in his arms, Carlos felt deep contentment at heart. What else could he wish for? Looking at her affectionately, he reminded her gently, "Honey, we have to get going. We can continue to sleep after we come back from the airport."
"Mmm…" she muttered, and buried her cheek deeper in his chest. "One more minute," she said.
"Honey, your mother-in-law's plane is about to land."
'Mother-in-law!' Now she totally woke up. Looking him straight in the eye, she could't help but smile at his handsome face. "It's great," she said.
"What's great?" asked Carlos.
Debbie locked her arms around his neck so that half of her body was on his. "This. Us. When I wake up and find you, my handsome, well-heeled husband by my side, it's the best feeling there could ever be. You complete my dreams."
"You'll get used to it, because you'll wake up in my arms every day."
"I want to, but it's impossible, since you're so busy. You have business trips from time to time. How am I going to wake up in your arms when you're not even at my side?" Once again, she snuggled closer and pressed her cheek against his chest.
The force of his heartbeat's throbbing made her feel so close to him. For the first time, since her father's death, she felt safe around a man.
Caressing her gently, he kissed her eyebrows. "If you like, I can take you with me wherever I go. You can go with me on my next business trip."
When his hand slid across her skin, she savored the slight ticklish feeling. "It would be quite an honor to go with you. I'd gladly follow you around like a shadow," she giggled.
"I'd like it even better if you and I became a part of each other," Carlos said.
Huh? The expression on his face looked familiar. "Get up. Time to pick up Mom," Debbie said abruptly, trying to divert his attention. But her bait didn't work. Instead, he grabbed her. "It's ticklish," she screamed between bouts of laughter.
Outside, the sun shone with an enchanting sparkle, especially after the previous day's dull, cloudy weather. From the willows around the stream, birds chirped pleasantly, jumping here and there among the boughs. It was a good day. Hypnotized by the beautiful music of nature all around him, Carlos savored how Debbie's mellow laughter blended into the symphony.
At the entrance to the arrival terminal of the airport, two Bentleys came to a halt. In the driver's seat of the one in front was Emmett. He got out first, trotted to the left back door and opened it respectfully. A pair of feet in brand-new black leather shoes stretched out and stepped on the ground. Then emerged Carlos, in a long brown overcoat and sporting trendy flat top sunglasses.
He turned around and stretched out his right hand, saying, "Be careful."
In a long, light tan overcoat, also wearing sunglasses, Debbie took his hand and smiled, "You're being overcautious. I'm wearing sneakers, so I won't fall."
Carlos returned her a tender smile. Straight out of the car, they sauntered into the waiting room arm in arm.
As they waited, Debbie was on the lookout, keenly observing every woman of about fifty and above. Fidgeting, she wondered if Carlos' mother looked her age, or if she was one of those few who retained youthful looks even in old age. Luckily, before long, a middle-aged woman in a limited edition Giorgio Armani white mink walked out of the VIP passage, accompanied by two bodyguards.
"There's Mom," said Carlos. Debbie had butterflies in her stomach.
As Carlos walked over for a hug, Debbie watched from aside. The woman too was wearing trendy sunglasses and carried herself with grace that spoke for her blue blood.
'Is that his mom? She looks amazing.' From the way she talked to Carlos, Debbie could see a gentle, caring mom that many could only dream of.
After greetings, they hugged again before Carlos turned around as if to introduce Debbie.
But Tabitha had noticed the girl behind him, so she took off her sunglasses and beamed, "Son, is this Debbie? Come on. Introduce us."
Clasping Debbie's right hand, Carlos pulled her beside him and proudly announced, "Mom, this is Debbie Nian. We're married." Then he turned to Debbie and said, "Debbie, this is Mom."
The word "married" froze the smile on Tabitha's face. 'Married? This is huge. How come I wasn't told?'
Without noticing the change of the woman's facial expression, Debbie greeted, "Mom, I'm Debbie. Glad to meet you!"
Tabitha had seen the world. She put on a smile and embraced Debbie. "I'm glad too. Debbie, you're beautiful. My son has good eyes."
To which Debbie blushed, her nervousness obviously showing on the face. Carlos took her into his arms and suggested, "Mom, this is not a place to talk. Let's get in the car and go home."
Tabitha knew how influential her son was in the city. Although they had made their appearances at the airport for only a few minutes, by now, a lot of people in the hall were already gazing at them. Tabitha nodded in agreement to his suggestion, so they turned and walked towards the exit.
Debbie opened the passenger door and intended to get in so that Carlos and his mom could sit together and talk in the back.
But Tabitha stopped her. "Debbie, let's sit together in the back and let Carlos sit in front," she said warmly.
Feeling flattered, Debbie reflexively looked at Carlos, who nodded resignedly. After helping the two ladies into the back seats, he took his place in the passenger seat.
The car drove away slowly. On the way, Tabitha held Debbie's hand in hers all the time, asking about this and that, to which Debbie replied politely.
"Has Carlos ever pushed you around ever since you two got married? If he has, tell me. I'll kick his ass," Tabitha said.
Debbie shook her head. Reacting to the question, Carlos cut in, "Mom, maybe you won't believe it, but I'm the one that gets pushed around here."
Tabitha knew he was kidding. 'Carlos gets pushed around? Is that even possible?'
But innocently Debbie protested, "No. I never…" She explained incoherently. She was clumsy at socializing. Carlos telling his mom on her threw her off guard.
"Well done, Debbie!" Tabitha remarked, to her surprise. "Somebody has to let him know that women can't be bullied. He used to belittle women all the time. That is about to change. Don't be easy on him if he does that again."
"Huh?" 'Is she kidding me?' Debbie wondered. 'But she doesn't seem to be joking. Usually moms are protective of their children. Why is she not? Is Carlos adopted?'
Tabitha and Debbie had a good time chatting. The amiable chitchat left Debbie relieved.
When they arrived at the villa, Tabitha looked at the new structure and asked, "Carlos, don't you live in the manor?"
"No, but with time. I'm planning to move into there," said Carlos, pulling Debbie into his arms. Once the lab and music studio were built and the other rooms were decorated, he and Debbie would move in.
'Manor? What manor? Is it some place Carlos used to live in?' Debbie was curious, but she was cautious not to ask him about it. At least for now, in Tabitha's presence, that wouldn't be wise. So she put those questions behind her.
When they were about to walk in the house, a red Mercedes pulled to a halt near them. Glimpsing the license plate, Carlos stopped.
The driver's door opened and a girl in pink rolled out and threw herself at Carlos' mom. "Tabitha! I missed you so much," Megan said.
