When Love's on Vacation (Sequel one of the Embracing Love Trilogy)

When Love’s on Vacation

Sequel one of the Embracing Love Trilogy

By Merri Hiatt

Copyright 2012 Merri Hiatt

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

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Cover image credit: NatUlrich/Shutterstock.com

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Visit Merri Hiatt’s website! http://merrihiatt.com

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Chapter One

Jeremy and Jacob were sprawled on the living room floor as Misha, the family cat, and Pinky, a three-month old black Labrador Retriever, fought for their attention.

Mom! Misha’s hissing at Pinky again, Jeremy said.

They need time to figure out their new roles. We’ve talked about this before, honey. They have to work it out themselves, Meg said, wiping her hands on her apron and checking on the chicken in the oven.

What if they never work it out?

They will. They just have to get used to one another. Right now they both want to rule the house.

It’s really not fair to Misha, she was here first, Jacob said.

It’s not fair to Pinky, either, just because she’s newer, Jeremy said.

As if Pinky understood Jeremy’s words, she jumped into his arms and began licking his face generously.

Stop! Jeremy cried between giggles. Silly dog.

Have you two come up with any ideas for vacation spots? Meg asked.

I have! Jeremy jumped up and ran toward Meg with Bobby’s iPad in his hand. He thrust it at her, saying, Let’s go here!

Meg took the iPad and an image of the Grand Canyon came into view.

It even says you can sleep over in a hotel at the bottom.

Looks like fun. I remember hearing somewhere that you used to be able to ride a donkey down a narrow trail all the way to the bottom.

Can people still do that? Jeremy’s eyes lit with excitement.

I don’t know, but I’ll check it out.

I had an idea, too, Jacob said, coming into the kitchen. He took the iPad from Meg and went to the bookmarks and tapped on an option. When the web page loaded, he handed it back to Meg.

Alaska. I’ve always wanted to go there. What made you choose Alaska?

They have these massive ice formations. They’re called glaciers, I think. And, they have whales and moose. That’s all I really know, but it looks awesome. We’d get to fly and then take a ship.

These are both excellent ideas. You guys have done your homework. Is there anywhere else you’d like to go on vacation?

Does it have to be educational? Jacob asked.

Not at all. This is for fun. It wouldn’t hurt us if we learned something along the way, though.

It’s educational, Jeremy said, with a disappointed scowl.

Where were you thinking about going?

Disneyland or Disneyworld, Jeremy said.

That would be really fun! Meg exclaimed. I haven’t been there in years. I’m sure it’s changed a lot since I was a kid.

So, that would be okay as a vacation choice? Jacob asked.

Absolutely. More than okay. As a matter of fact, it might be my number one selection.

You’re the coolest mom ever! Jeremy yelled, then hugged Meg around the waist.

What about me? Bobby asked as he came through the front door.

Hey, dad, Jacob said.

Hi, dad, Jeremy said.

If Meg’s the coolest mom, I have to be the coolest dad, right?

Sure, Jeremy said with a shrug.

That’s all I get? Meg gets a hug and I get a shrug? Get over here.

Jeremy and Jacob walked toward Bobby and he scooped them both up in his arms.

Look, Meggie, there’s no need to buy that expensive weight set I’ve been looking at. I have my very own weights right here.

The boys giggled and Bobby hugged them tightly, then released them.

What smells so good? He came into the kitchen and began to open a lid on a pot that was simmering on the stove.

Don’t open that. It’s rice. You’ll ruin it by peeking.

What’s in the oven?

Don’t open that, either. It’s chicken. When you open the door, the heat escapes.

I have a feeling you’ve told me this before.

I have.

Did I listen?

Nope.

My bad.

Meg leaned close to Bobby and kissed him. I’m glad you’re home.

He wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair. Me, too.

If you guys are done smooching, can we get back to what we were talking about? Jeremy asked.

What were you talking about? Bobby asked.

Vacation, Jacob said.

Oh, yes, vacation. I was envisioning the sandy beaches of Hawaii. Surfing and watching magnificent sunsets and then going to a luau. Maybe even visiting a live volcano. And, wearing one of those horrible touristy red shirts with white palm trees all over it.

I’ve never been to Hawaii. That sounds like an adventure, Meg said.

Surfing is in the ocean, right? Jeremy asked.

Usually, Bobby replied.

Aren’t there sharks in the ocean?

Yes.

Okay, so I won’t be going surfing.

Mostly, the sharks stay away from people.

Mostly? Nuh uh. If sharks are in the ocean, I’m not going in the ocean.

They only feed in the morning time, Jacob said. I saw a show about it on t.v.

I saw a show, too, and this guy got bit and lost a ton of blood. You should have seen his surfboard! Jeremy’s eyes were wide. No surfing for me.

There’s more to do than just surf, Bobby said. What were your suggestions?

Jacob said Alaska and Jeremy said the Grand Canyon, Meg replied.

Excellent choices. What about you, Meg? Where would you like to go?

Anywhere is fine with me, as long as I’m with all of you.

Bobby kissed Meg on the cheek. Perfect answer. No wonder the boys think you’re the coolest mom ever.

The timer buzzed its reminder that the chicken was done. You guys get washed up for dinner. It’ll be ready in about ten minutes. No dawdling.

We don’t dawdle, Jeremy said.

You dawdle, Jacob said.

Do not.

Do too.

We all dawdle, Bobby said. But, tonight we will not dawdle. We’ll all go straight to the bathroom, wash our hands and come back to the kitchen. Got it?

Got it, Jeremy said.

Got it, Jacob said.

Ten minutes later, the only man sitting at the table was Bobby.

Well, I can see the boys really listened to my ‘no dawdling’ speech well.

They’ll be down in a minute, Meg said.

How can you be so sure?

Jeremy’s favorite meal is roast chicken and Jacob loves my rice; neither one will want to miss dinner.

Now, I see how it works.

You know when you asked before about where I’d like to go on vacation?

Yeah.

Well, there was one place I’d really like to go.

Where?

The Redwood National Forest in Northern California. I remember going when I was really little. The trees were overwhelming in size. I loved it.

You know, we’re going to have a hard time choosing a location that everyone can agree on.

I know. I wonder where Pure and Court will want to go?

Courtney will probably want to go somewhere artsy like a gallery or museum.

I don’t think so. Court is down-to-earth and likes to get her hands dirty. Purity, on the other hand, would much rather have some kind of experience.

What do you mean, experience?

"Theme park or some kind of guided tour. She doesn’t like to think when she’s on vacation. She just wants it all laid out before her, so she can sit back and enjoy it.

Courtney would be up for herding cattle or white water rafting. Neither activity would be suitable for the boys, of course, as they’re too young."

Nine and eleven. Where did the last year go?

Beats me.

We’re here! Jeremy yelled as he jumped from the third stair.

Nice landing, Bobby said.

Jacob followed behind Jeremy. We got sidetracked a little bit. Sorry.

Meg suppressed a smile.

That’s okay. I just ate your portions. We’re done with dinner now. Hope you don’t get hungry, Bobby said.

Dad! Jeremy exclaimed.

This time Meg laughed out loud. Your dad did not eat your dinner. Bobby, you really shouldn’t say things like that.

We knew he didn’t eat it. He’d never do that to us.

I might, Bobby said.

No you wouldn’t, Jacob said. Besides, all the food is sitting here on the table. If you’re going to lie, you’re going to have to do better than that.

Jeremy giggled. Good one, he said to Jacob as he jabbed him in the ribs with his elbow.

Let’s say grace and then eat, said Meg.

I’ll do it, Jeremy said.

Meg nodded.

Hey, God, it’s the Zyetta family, again, remember us? We just want to thank you for this amazing food mom made and you created. We think you’re pretty cool. Amen.

Amen, they repeated, then began to dish up their food.

Chapter Two

What time are we supposed to meet at Meg and Bobby’s? Alex asked.

Six o’clock, Purity answered. Are you really going to wait until we all get together before you tell me your vacation choice?

Yes, he said with a smile.

You know it’s torture for me to wait?

I know.

I could get it out of you, if I really wanted to.

I’d like to see you try.

Purity closed the distance between them and kissed Alex’s cheek tenderly. She ran her hands across his biceps and pressed her body closer until there was no space between them.

You’re going to fight dirty, I see, Alex said.

You threw down the gauntlet, not me.

Purity began unbuttoning his shirt.

Alex took her hands in his. We don’t really have time to play this game. We’re supposed to be there by six.

Then just tell me your choice.

No.

We’ll just have to be late. Purity ran her tongue along Alex’s neck, then slowly kissed her way down his body.

Tell me.

No.

Purity slid her hand low, until she had a firm grasp on the object of her desire.

Alex gasped as his body reacted to her touch. Purity, we…

Tell me.

Alex shook his head.

Purity increased the pressure as she leaned closer and nibbled on Alex’s ear. She moaned and blew a soft breath onto his heated skin.

Well, I guess if you’re not going to tell me, I’ll go get ready. Purity pulled away and began walking toward the bathroom.

You’re just going to leave me in this condition?

Pure turned back around. Not if you tell me.

You’re not playing fair.

Neither are you. You knew it would kill me not to know. Spill it, McCallister. I’ll finish what I started, if you tell me where you want to go on vacation.

Alex muttered, Blackmailer.

Purity grinned and walked back over to Alex. Tell me.

A working ranch.

Seriously? You want to go to the country?

When I was a kid, I imagined working on a farm; collecting eggs at sunrise, milking cows, herding sheep, the whole thing.

I had no idea.

I think the boys would love it, too.

I’m sure they would. Okay, I’m satisfied, so it’s my turn to make sure you are satisfied.

I like the sound of that.

I thought you would.

After a twenty minute enjoyable delay, Pure and Alex began getting ready to head over to the Zyetta’s for dinner.

We’re going to be late, Purity said.

It’s your fault.

My fault? You’re the one who wouldn’t answer a simple question.

What are we supposed to be bringing to this thing?

Dessert.

Did you make something?

I certainly did. How does chocolate dream pie sound?

Delicious.

I’ve never actually made it before today, but how can you go wrong with chocolate, sugar and cream?

I don’t think you can. Will one pie be enough for everyone?

Not with this crowd. That’s why I made two.

Always thinking ahead.

I try. Are you ready?

Yeah. Want me to carry the pies?

Please. They’re already in plastic containers.

You think of everything.

It’s my organizational, checklist-making mind. It never stops.

They made their way to Alex’s car and placed the pies in the trunk to keep them flat and level for the trip.

Can we swing by McDonald’s for a…

Diet Coke.

Yes.

Of course. I planned on it.

I love that you know me so well. It was just over a year ago that I was applying for the job as events coordinator at The Kids’ Place. So much has happened since then. We got married, Meg and Bobby got married and adopted Jacob and Jeremy, Courtney met Brad and had her gallery showing in New York, and, of course, Derek Worthington is no longer in the picture.

It’s been quite a year, that’s for sure.

Does it feel a bit boring to you now that things have settled into a steady routine?

Life with you is never boring.

What a great answer! Purity leaned across the seat and kissed Alex on the cheek. "I