"You're quiet." Greg was pretty sure everything was okay, but with the vacation they had so far, it never hurt to make sure.
"I'm content," Jennie smiled, squeezing his hand. They were walking down the beach watching their two kids racing along the edge of the sea and playing tag. It was a beautiful morning and they'd just finished breakfast from the kid's favorite diner. "And happy. In fact, I was just wondering if this is how Heaven is going to feel."
"Wow!" Greg laughed. "I have to take you on vacation more often."
"Don't you feel the same?" Jennie question was asked with a knowing smile, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes.
"Of course," her husband replied, pulling her into a hug. "This has been one crazy week so far, but I can't regret a single moment." Jennie looked up into Greg's eyes briefly before kissing him. It didn't last long. It didn't have to. They were never closer than at that moment and they both felt it.
Jennie pulled away from her husband, took his hand and started moving down the beach once more. "Which part of this vacation did you like best so far? Not counting right now."
Greg smiled at the question. It should have been impossible to only pick one moment, but it wasn't. "No question, last night."
"But last night it was just you and me," Jennie teased. "No Mindy or Rosa."
"I know." Greg turned and looked into his wife's eyes. He wanted her to know he meant it. "I've never felt so fulfilled in my entire life."
"Good," Jennie smiled. "That was my plan."
"Plan?" Greg asked, moving down the beach once more.
"I wanted to make sure you knew just how much I appreciated you letting me spend that night with Tara, Joanne and Mindy."
"You're welcome," Greg laughed. "And thanks for letting me spend the night with Rosa."
"It only seemed fair."
Jennie frowned when she noticed how far away the kids were. She called after them, but they couldn't hear her. Greg put his fingers to his lips and let out a loud piercing whistle. Their children turned and Jennie waved them to come back. Jeremy tagged his sister on the shoulder and came running. Both kids were laughing.
"It's time to go back to the car," Jennie said. Greg saw the kids' disappointment.
"Why don't we collect some shells on the way back?" he suggested. The children quickly took to the idea. The four walked together picking and choosing between the shells from the small harvest available as the tide went out. In the end both Jennie and Greg's hands were full. They reached the exit from the beach where the car was parked, but the kids still didn't want to leave yet.
"I'll be right back," Greg said. Jennie continued to search for shells with the children while he went to the car and put the shells he had in the trunk. He also grabbed one of the kid's buckets to hold the others on the way back.
Greg's mind was wandering as he walked back onto the beach. He really couldn't remember being happier. He glanced up and saw that the kids were once more playing tag, only this time Jennie played with them. He laughed as he took in the sight.
Jenny said something to the kids when he drew close. She left their game and ran up to Greg. She threw her arms around him. The kids continued to play. Jennie was laughing as she hugged him tight.
"I forgot to tell you," she said when she was done.
"Tell me what?"
"That last night meant just as much to me as it did to you," she answered. "I'm glad we spent it together and alone. It really was amazing!"
"Yes, it was," Greg agreed. "You have to give Mindy credit. She was smart enough to realize that we needed some time to ourselves."
"Either that or she was just too tired to play. Tara and Joanne can be exhausting." Jennie was grinning as she remembered her own time with couple and Mindy. It was a memory she'd cherish forever.
"I have to remember to thank them," Greg said seriously. "And not just for exhausting Mindy. I think maybe being with them changed you a little. Last night was incredible, but it's more than that. You really do seem far more content and happy than ever before."
"That wasn't them silly, it was you," Jennie replied. "I shared my deepest, darkest desires with you and you not only convinced me that they weren't bad, but then you let me experience them. Not many men would have done either."
"Do you want to spend another night with Tara, Joanne and Mindy?" Greg asked. "Before we go home?" Jennie looked at him and smiled, knowing his offer was serious. He loved her that much.
"No thanks," she replied. "It was great, but honestly I prefer when you're part of that aspect of my life."
"I can't say I'm disappointed," Greg smiled. "But if you change your mind, let me know."
"Liar! You were hoping I'd say yes so that you'd get to spend another night with Rosa." Jennie was joking and they both knew it.
"Not really. Not without you. I don't plan on doing that again." Greg made sure to make eye contact with her so she could see that he was serious.
"Me neither," she smile lovingly, meaning it. They shared a look that would have led to far more if they were alone and not in public. Greg was tempted despite the kids and location. Jennie saw his expression and laughed gently. "Down boy, I can see what you're thinking in your eyes."
"I can wait," Greg grinned. "Until tonight anyway."
"Even if it's just me?" Jennie asked.
"You're more than enough of a woman for me," he replied. "Besides, I haven't given up hope on Rosa joining us. If I know you, there's still a good chance it might happen."
"Working on it," Jennie laughed. "But that woman is stubborn!"
"I know," Greg laughed as well. "Have you ever seen someone so deeply in denial? She watches your every move, but insists she's not interested."