Her Royal Ties (Book 2)

Chapter Four ~ Change of Plans!

Crystal POV

            I have the best husband, mate, king in the whole wide world. I couldn’t believe Caelan brought me to Jamaica for our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. I was even more surprise that he had made arrangements for us to stay a full week. Today makes twenty-five years I have been married to this amazing man; it has been an amazing twenty-five years. I have five amazing children who are an exact blend of me and the man who has life worth waking up for every day.

            As I lay here in the arms of my husband trying to not awake him because he really needs rest, I smile knowing that my life has been a dream that I never had to wake up from. Caelan’s arms tightened around my waist, and I felt his lips graze my neck sending chills through my body. It’s almost 12:00 noon but we didn’t get to bed until after sunrise this morning.

            “Good Morning Gorgeous, Happy Anniversary!” He whispered in his sexy morning voice.

            “Good Morning Love, Happy Anniversary” I said back with a seductive smile.

            “You’ve been up awhile, are you okay?” He asked me with slight concern in his sexy voice.

            “Yes, I was just thinking about the amazing twenty-eight years we have shared together and the last twenty-five we have been married. If someone would have told me that day you walked into Ms. Williamson office that this was going to be my life, I would have told them to take their lies somewhere else. I thought you were sleeping and was enjoying just being close to you and in your hold, but I didn’t want to wake you. I’m sorry if I did.” I said smiling at him and he lifted himself to kiss my lips.

            “That is one of my best memories, walking into Ms. Williamson office and my eyes landing on the most gorgeous woman in the world and your cinnamon roll scent had me in heaven.” He said to me taking my lips with his again.

            “I’m hungry can we make it to the lunch buffet?” I asked him as I pulled away from his kiss that he was getting ready to deepen.

            “I suppose.” He said with a pout and a raised eyebrow.

            “We will have plenty of time for that, my Alpha, so no pouting.” I said tapping his nose with a giggle.

            “Yeah, how much time because we have to get back stateside tomorrow and then you’re leaving me to go to Morocco.” He said in a very attractive whining voice, and I laughed. I absolutely love when he allows himself to be vulnerable with me.

            “Well, I may have a solution to that but I’m not telling you until you feed me.” I said with a laugh then jumped out the bed and ran into the bathroom. Caelan jumped out of the bed and ran into the bathroom also wrapping me into his arms and kissing my neck with passion before kissing his mark.

            “You are very lucky that I know when to bow to your hunger and I also know that I worked that hunger up this morning so I will feed you.” He said with a chuckle.

            We took a shower together and quickly got dressed. As we walked into the sitting room of the suite there was a light knock on the suite door and Caelan answered it.

            “Special delivery for a Mr. & Mrs. Parks.” The service attendant said as she walked into the room with a large bouquet of flowers and two envelopes, one addressed to me and the other addressed to Caelan

            I looked at the flowers and noticed a small card, so I removed it, my mouth dropped when I read the note, it said.

            “Happy 25th Anniversary Best Friends’! We love you both dearly! Always, Brian & Kendra. P.S. The kids are fine, Crystal! Enjoy!”

            Tears begin to form in my eyes as Caelan took the small card from me and read the note. Then he handed me the envelope with my name on it. My envelope had a card with a spa gift card and a note that said.

            “Happy 25th Anniversary to the best parents in the world! We love you both, enjoy! Love, Christopher, Cyir, Amir, Christian, and Angel with a little heart” I smiled brightly and showed the card and gift card to Caelan.

            When Caelan opened his envelope, there was a receipt inside with the words PAID IN FULL written nicely at the top and on the bottom, it said.

            “Happy Anniversary Son & Daughter! We love you two. Be safe. Have Fun and be sure to go see the Blackstone’s. Love Dad & Mom.” He smiled and looked at the receipt again.

             I was a little overwhelmed by all the love we were receiving from our family. I smiled as the tears threatening to fall finally slid down my cheek just as my phone rung. I grabbed my phone to a text notification from Mia asking me to call her.

            “Mia is asking me to call her.” I said to Caelan and his smile fell matching mines.

            “Ok well, let’s get this call over with. The buffet ends in two hours so we have about twenty minutes. Hopefully it doesn’t take longer than that.” He said looking at me with sincere eyes. I nodded my head and dialed Mia putting the call on speaker phone.

            “Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Parks!” Mia yelled through the phone as she answered the call.

            “Thank you, we were just heading out to get lunch. What’s up?” I asked her trying not to show my irritation.

            “Well, I wanted to send you a nice anniversary gift, but I don’t know where you guys are so instead, I’m calling you to tell you that I’ve had our flights to Morocco rescheduled because I have a few pressing matters here at home, so we leave Saturday morning now instead of Tuesday. My father is stable and has not gotten any worse since I was originally informed of his condition and if I’m leaving my children for an un-estimated amount of time, I need to ensure proper protocols are in place.” She said quickly and I smiled but laughed.

            “You said all that without taking a breath Mia.” Caelan said with a light chuckle.

            “I was trying to not keep you two from lunch.” She said in a teasing tone, and I laughed.

            “Well, Caelan was thinking to make it a family trip and bring our kids when they were done for Spring Break, we thought about asking you if you would like him to bring your children with him so they can see their grandpa you know just in case.” I said and I heard Mia breath stop.

            “I didn’t even think of that. I’m treating this like a regular trip to see my parents. Thank you! I would love that but let me talk it over with Kurt.” She said in a somber tone sadness laced in a quick sob.

            “Okay, just let us know. It’s not a problem. Kurt can come with me also if he wants to.” Caelan said noticing her mood change.

            “I will talk with him, and we can talk about it when you guys get back from your trip. Where in the world are you two anyway?” She asked cheering up a little bit.

            “Jamaica!” I exclaimed excitedly and she laughed at my excitement.

            “Well, I know what that location means to you top ten, no top five I believe, so I will let you guys go and enjoy. Take lots of pictures. Happy Anniversary again! I love you guys, enjoy!” Mia said before hanging up the phone.

            I stood staring at my phone for a second then I finally sat it back on the table. Caelan was smiling brightly at me, and I wasn’t sure why.

            “What?” I asked looking at him confused.

            “Change in Plans! We can do the buffet tomorrow. Right now, we’re going to order Cheeseburgers and Fries with a scoop of Strawberry and Vanilla Ice Cream.” He said with a mischievous smirk wiggling his eyebrows, I couldn’t help but laugh at him.

            “Okay, so does this mean we are going home as originally planned?” I asked with a big smile, and he nodded at me seductively. Goddess I love this man!

            We ordered our food on the tv and while we waited for it to arrive, we talked a little.

            “Do you remember today twenty-five years ago?” I asked him

            “Like it was yesterday. I will never forget the third happiest day of my life.” He said smiling.

            “Third?” I asked looking at him with confusion.

            “Yes, third! The first happiest day of my life was the day I first laid my eyes on you. The second happiest day of my life was the day I marked you as my mate and Luna. I remember you were so gorgeous… and I was so nervous.”

                                               ~ Caelan’s Flash Back twenty-five years ago~

            ‘Why are you so nervous Cae? She is already your mate and you already marked her.’ Brian said through mind link as we stood at the altar waiting for my bride to appear.

            ‘I know but something about this unnecessary ceremony just makes my nerves rattle like something is going to go wrong.’ I told him shifting onto my left foot full of nerves.

            ‘It’s going to be fine, just relax. Here comes your bride!’ He said to me, and my head snapped in the direction of the aisle.

            When she finally came into view I was frozen in place with the brightest most sincere smile on my face. She was gorgeous. She was wearing a floor length silk pearl white gown with a long train. Her hair was pinned up into a curl bun with her crown placed gently on top of her head. Her make-up was so light and natural that you could barely tell she was wearing it. She had on my mom’s pear shape diamond necklace and long dangling matching earrings. She was bare foot with just a diamond anklet on. She was looking down at the ground until she reached a certain point, before she looked up at me and flashed her most valuable asset, her perfect white teeth.  

            The ceremony was beautiful and short, but the reception was very long. I thought it was never going to end. I didn’t care because the joy and happiness I watched her glow in was all I needed to calm my nerves. Like this morning, I made tender love to my wife all night and into the early hours of the morning. I catered to her body in a way that helped me appreciate her half human side.

                                            ~End of flash back: Return to Crystal’s POV~

            A light knock on the door brought him back to the present and he stood from the couch and walked over to the door to take off the security lock. A man and a small-framed woman walked inside with a tray of food and a large gift box.

            “Sir, this was delivered by Mr. Jahir Ajobia this morning, he said his boss send Anniversary wishes.” The man said as the woman set our food on the sitting area dinner table.

            “Thank you, can you contact Mr. Ajobia and let him know we will need transportation at 6:00pm I wish to take my wife to the shops on the grounds.” Caelan said and the man nodded.

            “Yes sir, right away but we have a shuttle bus that can take you as well. It runs every half hour. There will be one at 6:00 pm and at 6:30 pm.” The man said with a smile.

            “Very well, then we will take the shuttle, there is no need to contact Mr. Ajobia.” Caelan said

            The woman finished setting up our lunch and the man and woman left closing our suite door behind them. I sat down at the table looking at the large box and smiled at Caelan.

            “What do you think it is?” I asked Caelan and he smiled before walking closer to the box and untying the ribbon around it.

            “I have no idea but let’s open it and see.” Caelan said intrigued.

            I nodded as he ripped the box open, and it was a blank canvas with a note taped to it. Caelan grabbed the note then came to sit next to me and we read it together.

            “Alpha Caelan & Luna Crystal Parks, Twenty-Five Years of marriage is something to celebrate and remember. My artist John Baptiste will be contacting you to schedule your photo sitting, hopefully this gift isn’t intrusive. John will use this blank canvas to paint you a masterpiece. I look forever to dinner with you two and I hope my driver is treating you well. Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Parks. Sincerely, Alpha Jameson Blackstone Jr.” the note said.

            “That is extremely nice of him, I wonder when this John Baptiste will be contacting us. I hope we are able to get this done before we go back home.” I said as we heard the suite phone ring and Caelan grabbed it.

            “Hello… Yes, this is Caelan. Ah yes, hello Mr. Baptiste… No, I think that would be fine. Could you stop by around 5:30pm? Yes, we have plans to take the shuttle to the shops around 6:00 pm. No, no, we will be here a few more days. Sounds good, we will see you at 5:15pm. Thank you.” Caelan said into the phone then hung it up.

            “Mr. Baptiste, I presume?” I asked and he smiled.

            “Yes, he’s going to come by at 5:15 pm to discuss the process and to see what we would like our portrait to look like.” He said then took his seat at the table and uncovered our lunch.

            The food here was really delicious. We finished our cheeseburgers and fries and grabbed the ice cream before plopping on the couch and turning on the television. It was only 2:30 pm but it felt so much later. I think all the love and unexpected surprises just had me overwhelmed. I walked over to the bed and grabbed the throw blanket then returned to the couch and wrapped the blanket around me then leaned back onto Caelan. His arms instantly wrapped around my body, and I felt the warmth of his touch.

            We both must have fell asleep because a light knock on the door caused him to jump and woke me up. I looked at the clock and it said 4:45 pm. I heard the knock again and slowly stood to allow Caelan to answer the door.

            “Good Afternoon Sir, would you like me to collect any trash or replace your towels?” The same man server from earlier asked.

            “Sure, what time does the restaurant open this evening?” Caelan asked and the man smiled.

            “7:30 pm and it closes at 12:00 am, would you like a reservation?” The man asked.

            “Yes, please reserve us a table for 9:00 pm and we would like to meet the chef. Today, is our twenty-fifth Wedding Anniversary and I want to do something special for my wife.” Caelan said and the man nodded before collecting the trash and replacing the towels.

            “Would that be all for you sir?” The man asked and Caelan nodded.

            “Umm, what’s your name? Are you our personal attendant?” I asked the man and he smiled.

            “Yes, Mrs. Parks. My name is Jordan Colt and I am the honeymoon suite attendant. Marcel Rose is my assistant, and Jessica Batelin is your housekeeper. We are at your service, please feel free to request our assistance by dialing 0717 on your suite phone. Jarell Thorton is your morning guard and Carlton Pike is your evening guard they can also reach us by coms. All you need to do is open your door and request assistance and the guard will contact the appropriate party for you.” Jordan said with a smile, and I smiled back.

            “That’s good to know. I apologize I didn’t ask earlier we didn’t know we had an attendant. I assumed you were all housekeepers and kitchen servers. But it is nice to meet you, Jordan. Thank you for taking care of us.” Caelan said reaching his hand out to shake Jordan’s hand.

            “It’s no problem Mr. Parks, I should have introduced myself and my team when you two arrived but when I came the first evening there was no response to my knock after your dinner was delivered. This service is normally an additional charge so most guest on their honeymoon opt out. I was informed this morning that you have extended your stay through Thursday late afternoon and that you have opted into the VIP package or rather it was a gift from a Mr. Cane Parks, your father I assume?” Jordan said shaking Caelan’s hand.

            “Yes! We found out this morning that he paid the bill as an anniversary gift, but we didn’t know he had opt us into the VIP service.” Caelan said with an embarrassed smile on his face and I chuckled.

            “Jordan, we also received a spa gift package is there a reservation system for that or can we just walk in?” I asked with a smile.

            “Mrs. Parks, you actually have two options. You could book an in-suite spa service, or you could make a reservation at the spa. May I suggest the in-suite spa service? It’s convenient, private, together, and four hours long. The spa reservations are only two hours long and separate treatment for each of you.” Jordan said and I thought about it for a few minutes.

            “Jordan, can you book the in-suite spa service for 12 noon tomorrow? I’m sure my wife would prefer us to be together and I like the convenience and private idea of it.” Caelan said and I smiled because that is exactly what I was thinking.

            “Sure thing, I will get it scheduled as soon as I get back to my office. Mrs. Parks, would you also like hair and make-up tomorrow at 4:00 pm after your spa treatment?” Jordan asked with a smile.

            “Yes please, we have dinner reservations with a friend in town tomorrow so that would be perfect, and please call me Crystal and my husband Caelan” I said and Caelan smiled then nodded at Jordan in confirmation.

            “Okay, if there is nothing else, I’ve just been notified that a John Baptiste has arrived to see you. Are you guys expecting him?” Jordan asked.

            “Yeah, we are expecting him at 5:15 pm.” Caelan said looking at the clock that says 5:20 pm

            “Very well then, I will get your reservations in for dinner tonight and your spa, hair, and make-up appointments for tomorrow. Feel free to contact me for anything else you need. I will let Mr. Baptiste in now.” Jordan said as he turned towards the door and opened it, letting John inside then exiting and closing the door behind him.

            “Mr. Parks, Mrs. Parks.” John said as he walked inside the suite.

            “Hello Mr. Baptiste, please call us Crystal and Caelan, come on in and take a seat. Sorry to keep you waiting we lost track of time.” Caelan said and John took a seat on the couch and pulled out a notebook from his small briefcase.

            “Okay, thank you Caelan. I know you have evening plans, so I’ll get started. I paint live portraits. First, I take a photo of you in whatever setting you desire, then I outline your body on the canvas and detail any fine features. That process takes about four hours. Once I have a solid outline, I build the rest of the portrait from the photograph. It normally takes me three to four days to complete a canvas painting size 48 x 60 but I was informed that you will be departing the Island on Thursday and would like to return home with it so I will have it complete and packaged for transport no later than Wednesday evening if we can do the outline sitting no later than early Monday morning.” John said confidently.

            “Early Monday morning would be great! Can you capture us on the beach at sunrise?” I asked hoping he would say yes, and he nodded.

            “Yes, I could capture you on the beach at sunrise. Would you like a formal dressing or a casual one?” John asked and Caelan looked at me with a smirk.

            “John, how well do you know Jameson?” Caelan asked and I raised my eyebrow wondering where this conversation was going.

            “I’m a member of his community. I know him and his family very well.” John said with a smile.

            “Great, does that mean you know who we are?” Caelan asked him and John smiled.

            “Yes, Alpha Parks, I know who you are.” John said and I looked at Caelan watching his eyes cloud over before I heard him in mind link.

            ‘I want him to paint us in both human and wolf form.’ Caelan said through mindlink.

            ‘I love that idea, but do we have the time?’ I asked him and saw his lips start to form a smirk.

            “John, I want to ask you to do something you may have never done but I will compensate you greatly. I would like for you to paint two portraits both 48 x 60 in size and I will pay for them both to be shipped if you can’t complete them before we leave. I would like a portrait of us in our human form formally dressed and I would like one in our wolf form under the moon light.” Caelan said and John’s smile began to grow.

            “I can do that and even have it complete by Thursday morning, if I could get the outline of your wolf forms no later than tomorrow evening.” John said with excitement in his tone.

            “We are having dinner with Alpha Blackstone tomorrow evening at the pack house. We can do the setting tomorrow night there for our Wolf forms.” Caelan said smiling at me and I nodded.