While John and I were celebrating our anniversary on the beach, a swimsuit-clad woman bent down and called his name. My heart stopped. Who was she and what did she want from my husband? I had no clue that day would make me cry.
“JOHN… Do not leave me. John!” Suddenly waking, I yelled in an empty bed. My heart raced as I realized I was having a nightmare. Rosa here, and I had the worst dream. My husband John left me in a tropical paradise with turquoise waves and waving palms. I tried to shake my bad mood as the morning sun streamed through the drapes.
“Rosa? Are you okay? John spoke from the hallway. He looked worried at the doorway.
Let out a sigh of relief. It was just a horrible dream. “What time?”
“Almost nine. “I prepared coffee,” he smiled. “Happy anniversary, sweetheart.”
My eyes grew. How could I forget? It was our 10th wedding anniversary! I got out of bed and hugged him. “Happy Anniversary, John! Unbelievable, eleven years have passed.
Excitement filled John’s gaze. A surprise awaits you. Eyes closed, hands extended.
I followed his instructions and felt lightness in my palms. Two plane tickets appeared when I opened my eyes.
“No way,” I screamed, reading the destination. “What about Dominican Republic?” Are you serious?
John grins. Pack up, Babe. We depart in three hours.
I excitedly kissed his face. Wow, John! I can’t believe you achieved this!
“Better hurry,” he laughed. “You have 20 minutes to pack before we leave.”
I felt ashamed as I frantically put things into a suitcase. John had been working hard and we hadn’t seen much of him. This vacation was ideal for reconnection.
“Ready for our adventure?” Leaning against the doorframe, John inquired.
My bag was zipped and I grinned. “With you? Always.”
Flight to Dominican Republic was a whirl of excitement and expectation. Warm tropical air greeted us as we exited the plane.
Oh my God, John, it’s gorgeous! Looking around the airport, I shouted at the beautiful foliage and brilliant hues.
John took my hand. “Just wait until you see our lodging.”
We were taken to our resort in a stylish black vehicle. As we drove down the shore, I couldn’t stop staring at the blue sea.
“I can’t believe you kept this a secret,” I told John. “How long have you planned this?”
He smirked secretly. “Let’s just say it wasn’t easy with all those late office nights.”
I regretted our recent estrangement. “I apologize for my self-centeredness. I understand your new project is hard.
John’s face relaxed. “That’s why we’re here. No work, no distractions—“Just us.”
The car reached a lovely beach resort. The breeze blew palm trees, and I heard calm waves on the coast.
“Welcome to paradise!” our driver grinned.
I couldn’t stop admiring the lobby as we checked in. I said, “John, this must have cost a fortune.”
Just winked. Only the finest for my girl.”
The ocean-view balcony on our enormous suite was even better. I walked out onto the balcony and inhaled salty air.
John grabbed my waist from behind. Whatcha think? Was it worth the wait?
I looked up into his warm brown eyes as I twisted in his arms. This is perfect.” “You’re perfect.”
I temporarily forgot my worries as he kissed me. We laughed as John’s stomach grumbled as we parted ways.
“I guess that’s our cue to find some food,” I smiled. “What about hitting the beach and getting snacks?”
John grins. “Race to the water!”
I felt that this vacation would alter everything as we went hand in hand toward the dazzling water.
The next days were filled with sun, beach, and happiness. We had fresh coconuts and delicious fish on the beach. We performed bachata under the sky every night in perfect harmony.
On our third evening, we watched the sunset from a sun lounger in beautiful orange and pink. I lay on John’s chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.
“Why haven’t we tried this?” Asking, I traced lazy circles on his arm.
John laughed softly in his chest. “Our anniversary is the best time. I wanted it to be unexpected.”
I looked up at him. “Well, consider me thoroughly surprised and completely spoiled.”
I contemplated my tiny surprise for John as we lay there. My fingers instinctively touched my tummy, where our secret was blossoming. I found I was pregnant just before the vacation and was waiting to tell him.
What’s on your mind? John asked, seeing my concerned face.
My grin seemed odd. Nothing. “Just thinking about my luck.”
I was kissed on top. “I’m lucky.”
John suddenly sat up as the last rays of sunshine lit the sky in vivid oranges and pinks. Do you want to walk on the beach? Sunsets are usually gorgeous here.”
I nodded happily, planning how to tell the news. Sound perfect.”
The warm surf lapped at our feet as we strolled hand in hand. A golden glow from the leaving sun made the beach seem beautiful.
I breathed deeply and felt my tiny New York gift box in my pocket.
John, I have something to tell you— “I said.”
A figure appeared in the dimming light and hurried toward us. A woman in a white bikini kneeled before John before I could understand.
“John!” she yelled. “You are my life lover.” Stop faking and tell her everything. I want only you.Will we wed?
I froze, holding the item in my pocket. I saw the world tilt as I looked from the woman to John. I waited for his explanation.
John’s face was colorless, and his mouth moved quietly. He came out laughing, surprising me.
As John’s laughter resonated over the beach, my pulse raced. Was this a nasty joke?
He lifted the woman to her feet and hugged her, horrifying me.
“You couldn’t pick a better time, right?” John laughed while holding the stranger.
Finding my voice brought tears. “What the heck? John, who is she? Joy faded like mist in the light as I coughed out.
I remembered my anniversary morning nightmare. John left me alone in a beautiful paradise… Was that fantasy twisted into reality?
John looked to me, his eyes widening at my tears. He quickly muttered, “Rosa, honey, I’m so sorry,” approaching me. This is Julia. “We studied together in college.”
Julia laughed and offered her hand. Rosa, wonderful to meet you.” I hope I didn’t terrify you.
I gazed at her hand, confused. John said, “I mocked her at a theater performance, and everyone laughed. I assume this is her revenge, as she promised!”
Julia nodded excitedly. That’s right! His appearance was questioned for 20 minutes after I spotted him from afar. I couldn’t resist pranking when I was sure!”
As their words set in, my body relaxed. It was a joke. Untimely prank.
“You won’t leave me, right?” I anxiously questioned John.
His features softened as he hugged me. Never, Rosa. I’m sorry we terrified you. I had no clue Julia was here or would do this.”
Laughing, I gently hit his chest. “I almost had a mini heart attack, you jerk.”
I recalled my little gift box as relief flooded over me. This may have been the best time.
“Sweetie,” I said, drawing back to face John. “I apologize, but I won’t kneel.” “I was going to tell you something a few minutes ago.”
I unzipped the package from my pocket to see small baby shoes. John widened his eyes as he absorbed them.
“Rosa,” he mumbled, filled with grief.
I smiled through tears. “We’ll be parents.”
John hugged me tighter than ever, his shoulders heaving with laughter and sorrow. I find this the most wonderful surprise. I love you Rosa.
Excited, Julia clapped. Congratulations, both! “What a great anniversary surprise!”
As we stood on the beach, listening to the waves and watching the sunset, I knew John and I would always find one other no matter what life threw at us. As in the joke, I knew John would never leave me. A rock, best friend, and father to our child.
As we returned to the resort hand in hand, I was more sure than ever that we were destined to be.
