- A honeymoon," I asked, completely speechless. Where to?

- We can think about that later," Gabrielo replied smiling. For now, I just want to know if you're interested in the idea.

- I like it, that's for sure.- Then it's decided," concludes Gabrielo beaming. We're leaving in a fortnight. How about the Caribbean?

- Let's get it out in the open, I wouldn't set foot on an island. No matter what it is. I'm afraid of large bodies of water. How about Italy?

- I'm not going to visit a country I grew up in, he complains. If I go, I might as well discover something.

- Why don't we talk about it later? I suggested. I'd like to take advantage of the little free time you have.

What I just said sounded more like a reproach than anything else. Gabrielo looks down at his plate.

- Gabo, I-

- I know, you didn't want it to come out this way. It doesn't matter.

- Of course it does. I am sorry. It's just that right now, you're so busy that I'd like to take time to enjoy being with you. And get to know you a little better.

- I know you do. As soon as the European contract is signed, I'll have a lot more free time. For now, think of a destination for our honeymoon, huh?

Gabrielo grabs my hand and places a kiss on it. I feel my cheeks silently blush. He smiles mischievously and releases my hand. We finish eating in good spirits.

- Shall we go back to the office?

I nod, still on a cloud as Gabo leads me to the car. The ride passes in a comfortable silence while I admire the landscape.

- We've arrived," Gabrielo announces, bringing me out of my thoughts.

- Thanks for the ride! See you tonight," I greeted, kissing him on the lips.

I slam the car door behind me and rush to my office. My meeting starts in less than ten minutes and I'm not ready. Jayna beckons me from her office to come in.

- Relax, we're on time. The meeting will be delayed by fifteen minutes at the request of the planning department. The bookings have been non-stop since yesterday.

- Thank you, Jayna. Tell them I won't be taking any applications that need to be done after the next two weeks. I will only take the important ones. I'm going on holiday in a fortnight.

- That's pretty rare," she says. Don't tell me you've found someone?

- Yes, I have! You'll meet him soon enough. Meavy has already met him.

- Seriously? Can't wait. Now that I think about it, when are you planning to leave for your sister's wedding?

- As late as possible," I mumbled. I'm already coming, I wouldn't want to come early. That'll be the last straw in this whole thing.

- Your relationship is still as explosive as ever, I guess. I'll leave you to it. All the documents for the meeting are on your desk.

I thank Jayna before I get back to work.

Where the hell am I gonna go on this honeymoon?

__________

After several discussions and debates on the subject, we have agreed on a destination. During our three-week stay, we are going to make the most of our time together. I will finally be able to spend time alone with my man!

My bags are already packed as we leave in two hours. I want this trip to be memorable and above all, far from work. That's why I've hidden my computer and Gabrielo's in the house. Let's hope he doesn't find out until we're gone.

- Alma," Gabrielo calls out from upstairs, "where are my suits?

Ah. . I was expecting this question. Well, it's time to tell him what happened to his clothes. I go upstairs to our room before heading to the dressing room. Gabrielo is standing in the middle of the room.

- Hey," I say, giving him a hug from behind.

- What's wrong with you? Gabrielo asks without turning around.

- Me? Nothing. It's just that I thought you'd be better off without a suit for the trip. It's too flashy, not to mention that we're supposed to be relaxing.

- Alma, where are my clothes?

- At Meavy's? I replied with a smile.

- Sweetheart, what are my clothes doing at her place? he asked a little too quietly.

- Don't worry," I answered hastily to divert his attention. They're safe there. She'll put them back here when we get back.

It's better for both of us to stay in the dark. I know Meavy needed them, but as to why, I have no idea.

- Anyway," I said, "we're leaving and you'd better get dressed. I've put some clothes for you in the bathroom, come on!

___________________________

We are currently on the plane. Gabrielo has fallen asleep with my head already on his shoulder. He must be exhausted and so am I.

I've spent the worst two weeks of my life making and fitting dresses last minute. Not to mention rearranging and moving appointments. Jayna looked like she was having a nervous breakdown lately. We worked non-stop until the last second and were working overtime.

Now that I'm on holiday, so is she. Fortunately for both of us, the next three weeks will give us a chance to rest. I thought I was going to die.

When I think about it, I've been married to Gabrielo for two months already. A lot has happened since then. I've even got used to living with him. We have our own routine and it's fine with me. Which is suprising because I hate routine.

- Alma? Gabrielo calls in his sleepy voice.

- Yeah?

- Remind me why we didn't take a private jet when we have a 15-hour flight? he asks, already irritated.

- Because you need to get out of your comfort zone once in a while. Look at you. You're wearing clothes that look your age and you're on a plane in business class. That's a good start.

- I could have done without it, honestly. And slept in a bed. With you. And maybe even do a bit of exercise in bed," he says, whining in my ear.

- If it makes you feel better," I say, sitting on top of him and leaning into his ear, "I'll make it up to you while we're there. By the way, while we're on the subject, do you want to have children later?

- I'd love to. My mother is still waiting for our children and so am I. I'd rather make them for the time being. What about you?

- I really like children. They are all just lovely and surprising. I definitely wanna be a mom one day.

- How about we get started? Gabo suggests.

- To what?

- Making children.

- Not here anyway," I replied laughing.

He starts laughing too. He puts his hands behind my back. I rest my head on his chest to enjoy the moment. Sometimes silence is better than talking.

- What do you think of our destination," I ask to change the subject.

- I haven't been there yet, but it sounds like a good idea.

There is a comfortable silence and I start playing on my phone.

- Where's my computer?

- In your suitcase," I answer without thinking. Oh. We agreed not to do any work so I left it at home.

- Alma...

- No. You need to rest and clear your head for now. And that's what we'll do. I'll even help you do it.

Fortunately for us, each pair of seats is privatized by tinted, soundproof glass walls. Gabrielo refuses to meet my gaze. I place a kiss on his cheek before moving lower. Neck, Adam's apple, collarbone. I unbutton his shirt and continue down his torso. He grabs my chin just as I reach his trousers.

- It's okay," he sighs, lifting my head before kissing me. You'd better stop if you don't want to start something here.

I smile and return to my seat as if nothing had happened. Gabrielo buttons up his shirt and takes a deep breath before giving me a lustful look. Too bad for him, we're on a plane. A stewardess enters and serves us lunch.

We start to eat and it seems that I still don't like the mussels. Their texture disgusts me more than anything else. I attack my dessert before turning to Gabrielo.

- Gabo, would you give me your dessert?

- What do I get in return? he asks, raising an eyebrow.

- Anything you want.

- Then I choose you. For the whole night as soon as we arrive.

He hands me his plate without adding anything. At the same time he asks one of the hostesses to bring more dessert. I jump on him and give him a hug.

- Thank you, I love you! I knew you wouldn't let me starve.

- Me too," he replies, stroking my hair.

The desserts arrive in less than a minute and I start eating. Nothing like sugar to make you feel good. Even more so with the long drive ahead of us.

_________________________________________

"Attention please, the flight to New Delhi, India is about to land. All passengers are requested to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts."