CHAPTER TWENTY
December 22nd...
Brenna’s eyes lit up when she saw a stretch Hummer parked outside the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport on the north coast of New South Wales. When the driver approached Magda and the Carmichael brothers, she knew this would be their transport to the Carmichaels’ countryside resort in the area.
“This is so cool,” she said to Amanda, who was standing next to her.
“I know,” Amanda answered. “When Sarah and I discussed holding a joint engagement party, we were originally thinking of Magda’s Place at the Hunter Valley. We’ve all fallen in love with that hotel, plus it’s next door to Connor’s family’s property. But Jeff suggested another place. Imagine my excitement when it turned out to be the Carmichael Sanctuary.”
Brenna chuckled. “I jumped out of my skin with glee when I heard.”
“Heard what?” Sarah asked from behind them.
“That we’re all staying at the Carmichael Sanctuary for two whole weeks to celebrate your engagements, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. I wonder if we’ll be rubbing shoulders with other famous people.”
Sarah grinned. “Only if they’re on the guest list. But you know what? Jeff told me they had to piss off some very important people,” she said in a low voice. “As you know, the place is uber exclusive and private, so it gets all booked up in advance by celebrity types who want to get out of the limelight and simply chill out during the holiday period. But Jeff gave instructions to cancel all bookings at the resort to accommodate us and our families. When Jeff told me the names of some of those people who lost their bookings, my jaw almost got detached from my face.”
“Wow,” Brenna said.
“But on the bright side for those celebs, not only did they get a refund, but they also got an offer to stay at the Sanctuary for free for double the time they’d originally booked for, and at any time of their choosing. So in the end, everyone was happy.”
“All aboard, peeps,” Greg called out.
They all piled into the Hummer: Magda, Brenna and her four best friends, Ash, Connor and the three Carmichael brothers. Brenna thought it would be great if their families also got picked up by this Hummer. Most of them had staggered arrival, and would be joining them in the next couple of days.
The trip to the Carmichael Sanctuary from the airport was almost an hour, but Brenna didn’t even notice. The vehicle was well stocked with drinks and nibbles, and the conversation amongst friends was free flowing.
She held hands with Ash all the way, only letting go when she absolutely had to.
She couldn’t wait for Christmas Eve to come, when she had a surprise waiting for him with Gemma’s help. He’d probably be shocked, but hopefully it would be a surprise he’d love.
“We’re almost there,” Zach said. “Can’t wait for you to see it, babe,” he added to Rebecca, who smiled eagerly at her husband.
Magda sighed loudly. “Oh, what a shame. I’m enjoying this drive with you young people.”
They all chuckled.
“Here we are,” Greg said as they approached an elegant gate that was already wide open.
“Do you ever close that gate?” Gemma asked. “I imagine some of the guests who stay here would prefer it closed?”
“Actually, it’s almost always open,” Greg said. “Our guests choose this place to have privacy away from their crazy or hectic everyday lives, so it has become accepted practice that they don’t tell anyone that they are due to visit here. When no one knows where they are, reporters or paparazzi don’t know where to go. Plus, the locals are very respectful of the privacy of well-known people who come to the area. A lot of our guests visit the local shops and restaurants, and the fact that they’re around doesn’t get out to the wider world. The more that our guests feel the freedom to move around, the more they spend and leave great tips, so it’s win-win for visitors and locals alike.”
“But the paparazzi know that famous people visit here though, don’t they?”
“Sure. Those who do come don’t get farther than the driveway. We have a security team which mans the premises twenty-four/seven. Uninvited guests are intercepted and escorted out before they get to the main buildings. And since the paparazzi don’t know who exactly is here at any point in time, it’s not really worth their while to bother coming here. Most of them realise that.”
“That’s good to know,” Gemma murmured.
“Don’t worry, Gem. They won’t be around to hound you. I’ll make sure of it,” Greg said with a grin.
Gemma smiled, flushing a little.
Brenna raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this little interaction between Greg and Gemma. She glanced at Magda, who’d previously said that something was brewing between the two. She noticed that Magda was keenly watching Greg and Gemma, with a secretive smile on her face.
Her surreptitious observation was broken by Ash whispering in her ear.
“Excited?”
She nodded, smiling at him.
He grinned back—in an unusual way.
Hm. She was getting more and more certain that Ash was hiding something. She’d been noticing his mysterious smiles lately, and she could generally tell when he was suppressing his excitement. His lips curved in a certain way and his eyes got a particular glint.
She wouldn’t ask him about it, though. It would spoil the fun for him. As for herself, even if she’d guessed that a surprise was coming her way, she still didn’t know what it was and when she was going to get it. So she could still act genuinely amazed.
Ah, she wondered which surprise would be better—his or hers?
*****
Brenna breathed in the fresh air as she lifted her face to feel the warmth of the early morning sun. She looked around her in awe. She felt like she was in a magical clearing in the middle of a rainforest with just Ash and the birds for company. It was truly paradise.
She and Ash were in one of the seven private cottages that dotted the vast Carmichael Sanctuary. While the inside was ultra luxurious and modern, it was the outside environment that took her breath away. Each cottage was nestled amongst native trees, secluded from the rest, yet only a few minutes’ walk away from the main thirty-room hotel, which also housed a restaurant, indoor swimming pool, spa and gym. Even from the verandah, where she was now standing, she felt like she and Ash were the only two people in world—so much so that they’d been too naughty yesterday afternoon.
She was blushing at the thought when a pair of strong arms snaked around her waist.
“Maybe we can stay here for the morning and meet up with the guys at lunchtime instead,” Ash murmured in her ear. “We can have fun out here again.”
She giggled, caressing his arm. “You know, I’m still hoping no one heard us yesterday.”
“Fat chance,” Ash said. “You were moaning and screaming—”
“I did not scream,” she said, facing him with eyes wide with horror. “Did I?”
Ash chuckled. “I’m sure no one heard, sweetheart. The other cottages are far enough away, I think.” He cupped a breast. “Let’s do it again out here. Right now.”
“Sorry, honey. I’m going for a walk with the girls to explore this place further. I thought you were going on a bike ride with the boys.”
“Uh-huh. But I’m hard,” he breathed.
Ooh, and she was getting wet. Ash only needed to get a little bit amorous for her to react.
Her phone buzzed with a text message. It was from Gemma, who was waiting in the hotel, wondering where they all were.
“I’m sure she could wait,” Ash murmured, nuzzling her neck.
“No, honey. Even though Gem doesn’t show it, I’m sure she’s feeling kind of left out that she doesn’t have a special someone in an awesome place like this. She’s looking forward to this morning where it’s just us girls. I have to go.”
Ash sighed. “Okay, then. But next time don’t seduce me if we don’t have time.”
“Seduce you? I don’t remember seducing you.”
“Oh? You standing here showing me your neck and straining your chest out wasn’t meant to seduce me?”
She laughed. “I was breathing the fresh air and warming my face with the sunshine!”
“Yeah, yeah. Admit it. You want me right now, too.”
She bit her lip. Seductively. “I always want you, Ash,” she said provocatively. “Always.”
Ash’s eyes darkened further. “Brenna...”
She cupped his groin, making him gasp.
“I thought you have to go,” he said breathlessly, pulling her closer.
“You thought right,” she said, kissing him quickly, then escaping from his arms and running down the path. “I’ll see you later, honey!”
“You’ll pay for that!” Ash called after her.
“I hope so,” she answered, grinning widely.
*****
“Thanks for the walk, girls,” Gemma said as they came back from a two-hour exploration of the property. “Maybe next time we should wear our bikinis and go back to the beach.”
“I’m all for that,” Rebecca said. “Can you believe it’s already Christmas Eve tomorrow? Time for your engagement parties!”
“I know,” Amanda said. “I’m looking forward to it. But quite frankly, I’m more excited about Bren’s surprise for Ash.”
“Me, too!” Sarah said.
“I’m nervous,” Gemma said with a little whine. “I’m already feeling quite sick in the stomach. I hope I don’t let you down, Bren.”
“Oh, honey, you won’t,” Brenna said, putting an arm around her friend’s shoulders. “You’ll be so awesome.”
“I need to practice more,” Gemma said. “Bren, make sure you keep Ash away from the main hotel, especially the piano lounge, all afternoon, okay?”
“Yeah, no problem,” she answered, knowing full well how she’d keep Ash in their private cottage.
“You guys are so sweet together,” Gemma said with a swoon. “You do know that I’m so happy for each of you, right? But I can’t help but be a bit jealous. You guys probably do nothing but have sex in your private cottages, while I’m here with no date.”
“Oh, Gem,” the four cried, huddling around Gemma.
“What’s more, I’m officially the only one who didn’t meet our group New Year’s resolution.”
“Hey, you still have a few days left,” Rebecca said. “Who knows? You might bump into a guy who’ll turn out to be your soulmate. At a place like this, anything seems possible.”
Gemma snorted. “Bump into a guy? There are thousands of men in Sydney, and I haven’t bumped into one who’s a potential happily-ever-after. Now we’re here in this secluded sanctuary with hardly any single men. Unless it’s one of the staff, or a local...”
“Or Greg,” Brenna quipped.
Gemma pouted. “If only.”
The other women gasped.
“Oh my God, Gem. You like Greg?” Rebecca asked.
“Hey, come on, Mrs. Carmichael,” Gemma said. “You know it’s not hard to develop a crush on a Carmichael brother. Greg is just as hunky and hot as your husband. And your fiancé,” she said to Sarah.
“We know that,” Sarah said. “It would be great if you and Greg end up together!”
“Yeah, right. Dream on, girls,” Gemma said. “Not only is the man a confirmed bachelor, but he hasn’t shown any romantic interest in me whatsoever. And since he’s the last single Carmichael, don’t you notice how every woman out there wants to snare him? If I were a man in his shoes, why would I want to tie myself down to one woman when there’s a plethora clamouring for my attention? No. Greg seems more trouble than he’s worth.”
“I guess you have a point,” Amanda said.
“Gosh, he’s hot, though. I wonder what sex with him is like?” Gemma mused.
Brenna laughed. “Listen to you!”
Gemma rolled her eyes. “Ugh, I know. It must be this place. Or thinking about what it’s like in those private cottages. How romantic.”
“Hey, girls,” Sarah said. “Are we going to let Gemma give up on her New Year’s resolution, even though there’s still time?”
“No,” Brenna, Amanda and Rebecca said in unison.
“What do you mean?” Gemma whined.
“You still have a few days left,” Sarah said. “At least try to fulfil the part where you have someone to kiss at the stroke of midnight. Forget about the happily-ever-after for now.”
Gemma sighed. “I don’t want to be the pathetic one who stands there all by my lonesome while you all kiss your men. But what choice do I have?”
“You know, Gem, you didn’t even ask one guy out, and you had all year,” Amanda said.
“I haven’t met one who was commitment material,” Gemma justified.
“Is that really it? Or are you all talk and no action?” Amanda demanded.
“There wasn’t anyone interesting enough,” she said weakly.
Brenna looked at the other women. “Girls,” she said quietly. “How about we promise not to kiss our men on New Year’s Eve unless Gem has someone to kiss herself.”
The other three nodded their heads eagerly.
“I can’t ask you to do that!” Gemma cried. “It's not fair to you. You all fulfilled the resolution. You should go ahead and pash to your heart’s content. Besides, where am I gonna find one?”
“Jeff invited a handful of single friends, and so has Connor,” Sarah said. “I’d say there’d be at least eight of them unattached, including Greg. You can practice on them. Flirt outrageously. Kiss one or two on New Year’s Eve. Just have fun! Those guys won’t bat an eyelash. They’re used to being approached by women. Then, when we’re back in Sydney, you’ll have more confidence doing it with a man you like.”
Gemma made a mewling noise.
“See? It’s all because you’re scared,” Rebecca said with a shake of the head. “And to think our group New Year’s resolution was your idea.”
“Fine,” Gemma said with a sigh. “I’ll think about it. Now let me go back and practice for tomorrow night. Bren, as I’ve said, keep Ash away.”
“No problem.” All the earlier talk about sex already had Brenna looking forward to seeing Ash again.
*****
Brenna patted her palms with a serviette. Geez, they were getting sweaty. She shouldn’t be the one to get so anxious. Gemma had more right than her to feel the nerves. Her friend was the one who’d be playing the piano while singing a song she’d written for Ash.
It had taken Brenna five days to write the words to the song. Gemma had been working with a musician friend of hers to create a melody for it. She’d heard the final version just before they left Sydney, and it was beautiful. She couldn’t wait for Ash to hear it.
Most people had already finished their desserts. Jeff, Sarah, Connor and Amanda had already made short speeches, thanking the guests for attending their engagement party. Any second now, the MC would request Gemma to make her way to the front, where a band had been playing for them during dinner.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the MC said.
Ah, here was the announcement. Brenna glanced at Gemma, who smiled nervously. She gave her an encouraging wink.
There was a delighted murmur, then clapping, from the crowd when the MC announced that a professional pianist from Sydney was now going to play a few pieces.
Brenna watched while Gemma gracefully made her way to the stage, fierce pride hitting her. Gemma was a talented pianist who made her living teaching kids how to play the piano. But she’d never performed in front of a crowd that included some very wealthy and famous people. What was more, she’d be singing too! A song no one had ever heard of and that Brenna had written.
Oh, God. Now Brenna felt sick too—for herself and for Gemma.
Her heart was in her throat for her friend, but she calmed herself down. Gemma was a phenomenal talent. She’d blow everyone’s socks off.
Ash reached for her hand from under the table.
She glanced at him, surprised that his hand was as clammy as hers. He smiled, his nervousness apparent. She guessed he was feeling for Gemma as well.
“Good evening, everyone,” Gemma said through the microphone. “This first song I’m going to play is written by a very good friend of mine. It’s dedicated to the love of his life.”
Brenna raised her eyebrows. Love of his life? It should have been love of her life. Gemma must be more nervous than she’d thought.
As Gemma played the first notes, Brenna frowned. This didn’t sound like her song. Had Gemma and her friend changed the melody without telling her?
Then Gemma started singing the first verse. Brenna’s mouth dropped and tears rushed to her eyes. Ash squeezed her hand again. It was his song. She recognised the words. It was the one where he’d written that even when his heart was broken into tiny pieces, each of those fragments kept beating for the woman he loved.
She turned to Ash and mouthed I love you, trying desperately to stop the tears from falling. Oh yes, he’d surprised her. She wasn’t expecting this. He’d said he didn’t want anyone else but her to see what he’d written. Now everyone was hearing it.
She focused her attention back to Gemma. She was singing beautifully and playing flawlessly, enthralling each person in the room.
At the end of the song, everyone stood up, giving Gemma a standing ovation she thoroughly deserved.
“Thank you, everyone,” Gemma said as everyone sat back down. “Before I play my next song, I want to hand the show over to someone else first for a few minutes. Ash, it’s your turn.”
Brenna’s head whipped towards Ash in surprise. He stood up, then... knelt on one knee beside her. The tears she’d been trying to hold back now came out unrestrained. From the other side of her, Amanda handed her a tissue.
“Bren,” Ash started nervously, his eyes moist.
“Wait, wait!” someone cried. Connor came running with a microphone and handed it to Ash.
Everyone in the room chuckled, including Brenna and Ash.
“Thank you, bro. I’m glad you remembered,” Ash said to Connor. “Now let me start again.” Ash cleared his throat and took Brenna’s left hand. “Bren, I love you. I’ve loved you for so long and I know I’ll never stop loving you. I can’t imagine feeling this whole, this complete, this happy with anyone else but you. I want us for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”
Brenna sniffed and nodded her head, emotions blocking the word from coming out of her throat.
“You have to speak through the microphone, baby,” Ash joked, pointing the mic at her mouth.
She chuckled. “I love you, too, Ash. And yes, I’ll marry you,” she said clearly through her tears.
Applause rang out, and there was another standing ovation.
Ash slid a beautiful, brilliant diamond ring on her finger. Then he gave her a long kiss on the lips before sitting back down in his chair, grinning happily at her.
Brenna glanced back at the stage where Gemma was patiently watching them. She mouthed thank you to her friend, who smiled in response.
Ready? Gemma mouthed back.
She nodded.
Gemma went back to the piano stool and positioned the microphone close to her mouth. “Okay,” she said. “It’s time for our next song. This one was also written by a very good friend of mine—one of my sisters-by-choice, in fact—and it’s dedicated to her new fiancée, Ash Payne.”
Brenna heard Ash gasp. She moved her seat closer to him so she could lean on his chest while they listened to Gemma singing the song she’d written for him.
She could feel his heartbeat against her back as he hugged her tight.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you,” he whispered, as he raised his hand to his face to wipe a stray tear.
*
“Merry Christmas, honey,” Brenna said, kissing Ash on the dance floor after the MC announced it was midnight.
When she let go, she caught Gemma greeting the people around her. Gemma was about to go to Sarah, but stopped when Jeff pulled Sarah for a kiss. Then Gemma swung around only to find Rebecca and Zach kissing. Amanda and Connor weren’t far away, locked in a tender embrace.
Then she saw Gemma smile ruefully. She followed her friend’s line of sight and saw Greg hugging one of the pretty female guests—the daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur who was equally as powerful as the Carmichaels.
“We have to find someone for Gemma,” Brenna said to Ash, knowing it would be harder for her friend on New Year’s Eve.
Ash sighed. “All we can do is introduce her to nice single men. The rest is up to her. I do hope she finds someone, too. Being in love is bliss. Pure bliss.”
She smiled at him, loving his statement. She bet there was a big stretch of time there where he’d thought the opposite.
“I love you, Ash,” she said, kissing him again.
“Will you love me always?”
“I’ll love you always.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Good. ‘Cause my life is dull and grey without your love.”
She chuckled, recognising that as a line from the very first song he’d written for her.
Well, she didn’t want dull and grey either. She wanted Ash. Always.