The Divit Brothers… On Their Way Home

by grannydew, posted in The Divit Brothers Series

Introduction

Efe and Kadir Divit had sailed for weeks….

These brothers had always lived a life full of adventure. Being the sons of Can and Sanem Divit, that came without saying…

So, when they sat off to find the world, so to speak, there had been little doubt that the pair would not experience a whole host of new feelings.

Efe, the oldest Divit son, was a carbon copy of his father. But not just with looks, he also had that undeniable desire to find a woman that would fill his heart with that surprise of love.

His mother and father had found each other in the most unconventional way, and according to the stories that his dad had told them over the years, he had fallen in love with her in the dark, with only her scent to guide him.

Efe wanted that…. that kind of love. A love for a person unseen, but not unfelt. 

On their trip Efe and Kadir stopped in many places, but the most important place was Alghero, Sardinia.

Why was this place so important?

This was the place that Efe Divit first laid eyes on Carolina Munro. A fiery redhead full of life and spark.

She wasn’t at all interested in him at first, but he knew almost immediately that he was interested in her.

She was a challenge, but that’s not what made him weak at the sight of her.

She was different, but that’s not why he stayed in Alghero longer than they expected.

She was beautiful, but that’s not why he couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

Carolina Munro made him feel different.

Carolina Munro made him smile.

Carolina Munro had filled his heart with a feeling that he was not about to walk away from.

Efe Divit was in love with Carolina Munro.

Chapter 1

  Kadir had been in charge of navigating their boat back to the port town of Alghero. The last thing he wanted was to make a mistake, a mistake that would take them off course or hinder in any way their return to Alghero.

      His brother Efe had gone below to get some sleep. It had been a day or two since Efe had closed his eyes to get some rest. The night they left was a night he wanted to forget. He had walked away from a woman that he knew he was in love with. A woman that answered all questions that his heart had asked, and yet he boarded their sailboat and raised the sails and let the wind carry him out into the sea. What kind of man does that, he wondered.

      So, when his feelings became more than he could bear, he turned the boat around and without any explanation he maneuvered the vessel back on the course of Alghero. He was surprised it had taken only 15 hours for him to realize what a huge mistake he had made. 

      Kadir was just as surprised, at both the fact that Efe was for once listening to his heart, and for the fact he was willing to turn the boat over to him to make that journey back to the port city. “Brother are you sure, you’re positive at what you’re doing.” Kadir asked when his brother finally made the confession to him that he was indeed in love with Carolina and was going back for her.

      Efe smiled a very confident smile before going below, ” Never been surer of anything in my life little brother.” He stated his voice quivering with emotion. 

      ” Ok then.” Kadir confirmed, ” Let’s get back to Sardinia.”  Efe slept as Kadir made time back to the port, praying that his brother’s decision would be the right one. He wasn’t at all looking forward to the rest of the trip if this would turn out to be a bad decision. 

      It was well into the evening before Efe finally came to the deck, ” Well brother, where do you think we are. Are we close?” He asked as he stretched his arms up over his head relieving the muscles of their kinks. Kadir was sure they were only a few miles from the port, but there was something about his older brother that alway made him doubt himself, ” I hoped we would have been within sight by now, but I’m not sure.” Kadir replied, peering out across the black water trying desperately to see the lights.

      Efe took his time scanning the horizon, then slowly a smile came across his face, ” Well kiddo, you did it. Look, there, the lights of Alghero.” He shouted, pointing his finger in the direction to the east of them. Efe felt this tremendous weight of anticipation lift from his body, he could see it. In the distance he could see the soft glow of light stretching out into the water. It resembled a carpet of white sand that was sprinkled with glitter as the lights reflected off the water. Now, if he could only find her and make her see what a mistake he had made.

      ” Yes, there it is Efe. We made it back. And in record time if I do say so myself.” he said, slapping his brother on the back. Kadir manned the wheel, veering the boat toward the lights in the distance. Efe went back below and reached for the bottle of whiskey in the cupboard that was calling his name. His nerves had finally surfaced, making him anxious about what was to come.

      He grabbed a couple of glasses and made his way back to the deck. He poured one for his brother and one for himself as he watched the lights from the large pier grow brighter and brighter. They clanged their glasses together, ” Cheers Kadir, I hope I haven’t caused you too much trouble. And thank you for getting us back to Alghero in record time.” Efe made the statement with a broad smile.

      Kadir raised his glass, ” No trouble, I’m here for an adventure and I think we have had just that…don’t you Abi.” He downed the whiskey quickly, making a horrible face, and slamming the glass down on the table. Efe had poured another and was sipping it slowly, trying to gather his thoughts as he recalled the last moments with the love of his life, Carolina.

      He was suddenly overwhelmed with anticipation, ” Abi, what if she doesn’t want me now. What if I blew my chance when I decided to sail away?” Efe asked in a melancholy voice. He looked at his younger brother, uncertain why he was asking him for advice. Kadir had little experience with woman, and was 5 years younger than he, but at that moment, Efe Divit felt much like a high school boy trying to impress a girl for the first time.

      Kadir couldn’t help but laugh. It was more of a chuckle than a laugh, but it still made Efe look his way sharply and with a frown. ” Don’t laugh man, I’m in a predicament here. I want to know what you think…do you think she will take me back?”  Before he could answer a star shot aimlessly across the sky making Efe yell out, ” Hey did you see that. It was a shooting star, did you see.” He remarked excitedly. 

      Out here in the middle of the water things like that were much more noticeable. A shooting star was always a sight to behold, it seemed to be a sign of good luck. Kadir nodded, ” Yes, I saw it. That means something, don’t you think. It means you have made the right decision.” The younger Divit said, wanting to boost his brother’s confidence.

      The wind had made their approach to the port quicker than they thought. Efe took the wheel to maneuver the large boat into the available slip next to the long pier that ran out into the water. ” Let’s stay in a hotel tonight Kadir. I want a good rest before I go to find Carolina in the morning.” Efe said nervously. ” You take care of anchoring the boat little brother while I go below and gather my things.” His heart was beating so fast and hard it was almost making him lightheaded, but he carried on, putting a set of clean clothes in his bag, along with his toiletries. His hands were shaking as he tried to zip the bag.

      ” How’s it coming Abi?” Efe called up to the deck as he glanced around for any last-minute things he might need. He didn’t hear a response, so he yelled again, ” Kadir, hey, do you have it taken care of.” He said as he pulled himself up the ladder from the cabin below. 

      As Efe topped the stairs and stepped up onto the deck the sight of her filled the area. It seemed as if there was a glow, a light that was illuminating the whole upper deck. Kadir watched his brother as his eyes fell on this beautiful creature that had come aboard while Efe had been down below. ” Abi.” Kadir mumbled. ” Abi, Carolina is here.”  

      Kadir smiled at her and nodded her way, as he scooted past his brother and hurried down the stairs to the cabin below. The tears had already begun to form in his eyes just from happiness that he had for his brother…

      The sight of her had shocked him. Efe was sure he would have to go find her and convince her what a terrible mistake he had made. But she was here, right here in front of him….

      ” My god Carolina, how did, when did…. How did you know we had come back……Efe stammered, his heart filled with so much love he thought it may burst. 

      Then she smiled….” Well Mr. Efe Divit, if I’m not mistaken, I told you that you would be back.” 

      Efe wanted to grab her and kiss her, but he was too afraid to move. Afraid it might all be a dream, that she wasn’t really there…….

      ” I told you that you would be back, and I would be here waiting……So, here I am” She replied, as she reached out her hand to him….making that first move toward the man she loved…..

Chapter 2

    Efe seemed glued to the floor, and he was having a hard time taking in a breath, as he watched her shadowed silhouette move closer. She stopped just short of him, “Well, are you going to kiss me?” She spoke, her voice sounding a bit agitated. Efe managed to smile as he reached out for her but he was still in a state of shock..

      ” Carolina, I can’t believe you’re here. I’m sorry for leaving,..but I was…” He hesitated, searching for the right words to say. He took her hand and raised it slowly to his mouth, touching his lips gently to the soft skin of her hand. ” Forgive me, please. But I have never had these feelings before. I have never felt like I was losing a part of myself. I have never felt like I was being crushed and not able to breath. Not ever.” He whispered as he stepped in closer to her, drawing in that smell of her body. 

      Carolina smiled at him, ” Me too Efe, me too. So why do you think we feel that way?” she asked, tracing the well-defined muscles of his bare chest with her fingers. Her heart was racing almost uncontrollably as she leaned in, kissing his body. The touch of her lips to his body had sent a shiver through him,  like a chill you would get from a cold winter’s night. But yet that kiss had filled him with a heat that he was sure she could feel.

      His mouth was dry and his voice was gravely and hoarse, ” I,…I…I’m not completely sure, but maybe,….Carolina, I think I’m in love with you. No,” Efe stammered about trying to form the words that were in his heart. ” No, Carolina Munro….I love you.” He spewed, letting the words tumble out of his mouth in a hurry. He let his breath out in a loud and forceful way, ” There, I said it, that’s why I came back.” 

      Carolina reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck. ” So do you think you love me…or are you sure you love me. Because I would really like for you to be sure.”  Her body was pressed firmly against his as she let her eyes capture his. Efe took it all in, his heart racing with excitement, “I’m sure Carolina, I am sure that I’m pretty much done for. I want you, only you.” He mumbled as he leaned down and covered her lips firmly with his.

      All the things you hear about in those fairytale like stories, the out of body experiences, the sound of fireworks, the feelings that can’t be explained…all of those things happened. They exploded like a bomb right there on the deck of the boat. It wasn’t like he hadn’t kissed her before, because he had. But this time was different. This time would be the first time for the rest of their lives.

      He didn’t want to stop. He could barely pull himself away from her, but they needed to breathe in some air. She kept her eyes closed as they finally separated and drew in a long and much needed breath. She felt like she was on fire, a feeling that she had never had before. It engulfed her deep down into the center of her body.

      His breath spread warmly across her face as he held her there against him. ” Do you love me too Carolina, you haven’t said it yet.” Efe spoke in a voice so softly that she wasn’t sure if she had even heard it. She opened her eyes slowly to see him looking at her intently, almost begging her with his eyes to give him the answer he wanted. Those eyes that were filled with love and desire and had been engrained into her mind. ” Yes Efe, I’m in love with you. My feelings were never in doubt, but you were the one that had to be sure.” She said, as she ran her fingers through his long hair. ” And you are sure, right?”

      Kadir had packed a few things in a small duffel bag and started up the stairs to the top deck. He waited there for a minute to make sure the coast was clear before stepping up on deck. He cleared his throat to let them know he was there, ” Abi, sorry to interrupt, but I’m going on to the hotel. You don’t need me here underfoot.” He replied, lowering his head to avoid eye contact with Carolina. He was embarrassed to even be there in the way. 

      Efe spun around quickly. He had forgotten that his little brother was still there on the boat, ” Oh Kadir, ok you can go  ahead. I’m not sure what we will do yet, but you go on and get a good night’s sleep.” He stammered, looking at him uncomfortably.  Kadir nodded, thinking how funny Efe sounded. He was never that polite to him, but he nodded to Carolina, ” Good night, Carolina.” Then he stopped and turned to her with a smile, ” I was glad you were here. You saved my brother from a night of torment and torture.” Kadir remarked with a bit of humor in his voice. He jumped over the side railing of the boat and headed down the pier.

      Efe felt the heat rise to his face and he was sure it was a red as it felt, ” Don’t pay any attention to my brother, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” He replied, avoiding contact with her eyes. She would know he was lying with just one look. 

      ” A night of torment and torture, hmm. Is that right? Where you worried about coming back?” she asked, forcing him to look her in the eyes. He smiled that halfcocked smile, a Divit trademark, then wrapped his arms around her small frame.. ” Well, that might be right, but I hate to admit it.” He stated, as he leaned in finding that sweet spot on her neck. She stretched up to meet him, giving him easy access to that area of her body. 

      He was filled with that feeling of love and desire as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her down the stairs to his cabin below. She didn’t resist, not at all, as he swung open the door and placed her gently on the bed. This wasn’t anything new for him, or her, in fact. They had already had a intimate relationship, but this time it wasn’t just sex. This time it wasn’t casual….

      The feel of her in his arms was amazing. He ran his hands up her body, feeling her skin as her lifted her shirt up and over her head. Her long, silky auburn hair fell gently across the bed as he tossed the shirt to the side. The sight of her caught his breath. He wondered why he was frozen there, just staring at her. She smiled at him, ” Efe, are you ok?”  He shook his head, ” Yes, I am. But why does this feel so different? You feel different.”

      ” Because I don’t think we are the same as before. We’ve admitted to each other that we are in love. Don’t you think that changes things a little bit.” she added, pushing his long hair back off his face. ” I’m making love to you now, that’s different than having sex.” She whispered as she pulled him down on top of her and kissed his cheeks.

 He had never thought of it that way, but she was right….

They were making love….a commitment for the rest of their lives…..

Efe Divit had listened to his heart……he was in love. 

Chapter 3

The sound of the water as it slapped the side of the boat had woke her. It took a minute for her to define what the noise was, as she gazed around trying to focus her eyes in the dim light. Just enough light streamed in through the tiny oblong window near the top of the cabin wall for her to see this beautiful man lying there. A man that she had spent the night with a man that had filled her soul with so much love she felt she might burst. He was almost what you would call a work of art. 

      He slept on his stomach, with his delightfully defined body fully spread almost the entire width of the cabin bed. His long wavy hair had cascaded over his shoulders and lay in a heap of curls on his pillow, just begging her to touch it, but she fought the urge. 

       As she glanced down, she could see his left arm positioned precariously across her naked body, holding her down. She smiled, thinking how protected and owned she felt at that moment, with his skin touching hers. Carolina slid out from underneath his arm ever so gently, trying not to wake him as she listened to his steady breathing, letting her know he was in a deep realm of sleep, and would probably not be disturbed by her moving about. 

      The sound of voices from the pier made her uneasy, so she grabbed the sheet that had been shoved to the foot of the bed during their night of lovemaking, and wrapped it around her. She crawled over Efe as he continued to sleep and made her way to the head. She quietly closed the door and switched on the light over the mirror. It barely lit the tiny room enough for her to make out herself in the mirror. But she could see enough to tell just how happy she was..

      Yes, she was happy. Or that’s what she thought this feeling was. It was like nothing she had felt before, not at all like the feelings she had for Grant. This morning she accepted that warm and giddy tickle that stirred inside. She smiled at herself in the mirror, and she really liked what she saw this time. All the doubts and excuses that she made for her past mistakes just didn’t seem to matter anymore.

      She took care of business quickly, washing her face and pulling her hair back in a ponytail, using one of Efes elastic band to hold it in place. She giggled at the thought of using the same band as he had to hold his long thick hair. Imagining all the things that they could share, a hair tie was one of the most obvious, but also the thought of sharing his t-shirts and from what she had seen of his jewelry, she wouldn’t mind sporting some of the those as well. But just as quickly she shook her head to get rid of any premature thoughts of what might lay ahead for them

      ” Carolina don’t get ahead of yourself. You’re already thinking about sharing all these things, but what if he’s not going to stay here.” She whispered to herself under her breath. She hadn’t wanted to think about it, but it was there in her mind. What if…. she hated those two words. What if he just came back to say a proper goodbye, what if,..he had no intention of staying with her, then what. She felt her eyes filling with tears as she scolded herself in the mirror, ” Yeah Carolina, what if…. then what will you do. Will it be another Grant Morgan fiasco, will you fall apart and make a fool of yourself again.” She spoke to her face in the small fog-covered mirror.

      His voice startled her, making her jump. She had almost forgotten he was there. ” Carolina, where are you are you. Are you in the head.”  Efe called out. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly blocking the tears from falling down her face before she answered, ” Yes, I am. But I’m coming out. Just a minute.” She gritted her teeth together and blotted the tears that had already escaped and rolled down her cheeks with the towel that was hanging there. She took a deep, much needed breath, and opened the door.

      Efe was sitting up in the bed, his back resting against the wall at the head of the bed.  His arms folded and placed behind his head and his legs crossed…. still with nothing on but a smile and the skin he was born in. ” Good  morning babe, did you sleep well,…and why do you have that sheet wrapped around you?” He asked with a smirk, and then a laugh. 

      She was holding on to that sheet for dear life, so tightly that her hands were hurting, ” Oh, I forgot my clothes when I went to the bathroom, so…I came back to get them, so…I can get dressed.” She stammered, her whole body on fire from the look that came from Efe’s eyes. 

      “The head.” He spoke, not losing that direct penetration of his eyes to hers. ” It’s the head, not the bathroom. That’s the correct term for the boats facilities.” His voice was low, and it sounded as smooth as hot butter. ” Oh sorry, I had no idea.”  She replied. Her body seems to be paralyzed, but she did manage to bend over and pick up her clothes from the floor. She wasn’t sure why all of a sudden, she had been taken over by embarrassment, modesty and completely unsure of herself. Things that she normally wouldn’t be bothered with. 

      Efe was quite confident in his skin. He didn’t seem to be at all embarrassed or unsure with the way he looked sitting there on the bed. And Carolina could not take her eyes off him. He had a serious but determined look on his face as he reached out his hand to her, ” Babe, come here. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s just me, and this is us, together.”  Her hand was shaking as she placed it in his, ” I know. Trust me I know, and I wish I could be as confident as you are.” She answered, as she stepped closer to the bed. He sat upright, soaking in this beautiful woman. Then he took her other hand, releasing it from the hold it had on that sheet and letting it fall in a heap on the floor revealing the splendor of her beautiful body.

      Efe wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her over on the bed. She shrieked and let out that infectious laugh. ” Efe wait….we,….what if,….” she stammered about trying to find the words as he showered her with kisses. His lips landed firmly on hers, giving her a kiss that told her he didn’t care about anything but her. When he finally parted his lips from hers he whispered, ” What if,..what? Wait? Why would we wait. He answered all her questions with another question, making her smile.

      He was as close to her as they could possibly be, she could feel his skin against hers, his muscles as they moved, and hear his breathing become deep and labored. She would never get use to a man like Efe. He was much like that Pied Piper in the fairy tales….someone that everyone would follow. A person that everyone wanted to be with. Most of all her….

      ” But my dear, what if your brother comes back, what if he catches us.” She spoke softly, her eyes closed as he hovered precariously over her body. 

      Efe laughed, ” My brother may be my silly younger brother, but he is not stupid enough to come back to this boat right now. Not until he calls first.” He replied brushing his lips across her lips and traveling down her neck and headed south to her ample breasts.

      She gasped as she felt the excitement grow, ” Ok, if you’re sure he’s not going to walk in on us.” She whispered.

      Efe rolled over on top of her, ” I’m sure, he’s not going to walk in on us…….but I am sure of what I’m about to do.” He told her as he felt the heat radiate from her body.

Chapter 4

Efe opened one eye slowly, then the other, as he looked around the small room. His arms were full of this beautiful woman with the luscious red hair. He smiled as he watched her sleep and thought about the events of earlier that morning. 

      He thought about how self-conscience she had been at him seeing her naked. But to him it felt more than right, it felt like she was part of him. This had to be the feelings his dad had always told him about, because he couldn’t imagine it to be anything but.

      He lifted the covers and slowly crawled off the bed, trying hard not to wake her. He pulled on his shorts and pulled his t-shirt over his head. He really needed a cup of coffee, so he flipped the button in the coffeemaker and headed up top to the deck. The sun was shining bright, and he could tell they had lounged away the first half of the day. He smiled thinking how accustomed he could become to this kind of life.

      The pier was alive with activity, as the fishermen were hurrying about getting ready to head to their favorite spots to fish. This was their way of life, their way of support their families and Efe watched it in awe. He had known plenty of fishermen at his home in Malaga, and he had a deep respect for them and their determination. But that had to be a job of love, a love of the sea and of the elements. 

      He could smell the coffee as it brewed so he headed back down to pour a cup. He would let her sleep; he didn’t have the heart to wake her as he peeked in the door of his cabin and saw her sprawled out across the bed. She looked magnificent, and she was all his. 

      He took his seat on the deck, watching the people as they went about their lives. His phone rang, he looked expecting it to be Kadir, but he was surprised to see it was his dad. ” Hello Dad, how are you.?” Efe replied, excited to hear from his dad. ” I’m fine son, but I want to know how you are?” Can asked, hoping his son would tell him the truth. Efe couldn’t keep his excitement from spilling out, ” Well dad, you might say I have never been better. Yes, I think you could say that.” He told him.

      ” That’s great son, but what brought on all of these good feelings, or should I say, who?” Can asked. Efe smiled, ” How did you know it was someone. But you’re right, I have met my soulmate, and dad, it happened just like you said it would.” He beamed, his voice vibrant from the joy of talking about her. ” You have your little brother to thank for that. He called us earlier this morning to check in. So, tell me about her.”  His dad said, ready to hear all about this woman that would tame Efe Divit.

      ” Dad, she’s perfect, she beautiful, she’s spunky, she’s funny, she’s like no one else I have ever known. I have told her, so I think I can tell you too, I’m in love with her dad. I am truly and wholeheartedly in love with her.” He boasted, his heart filling up with joy. Can had never seen this side of his son before. As he thought back on the women that had tried to capture his sons’ heart, none of them had been this important or this worthy of his praise. ” So, you are sure about this. She’s the one?” Can asked as he smiled at Sanem sitting across the table. 

      ” Dad, nothing in my life has ever been so perfect. Yes, I’m sure. And dad, I want to bring her home with me. Is that ok with you and mom?”  Efe said, the words were even unexpected to him, but he knew he meant them. Can nodded, ” Of course son, you can bring her home with you, if that’s what you two have decided. But what about her family, Kadir said she is from the United States, will her parents be ok with that.” Can answered. 

      Sanem motioned for him to give her the phone, ” Efe, your mother wants to talk to you. I’ll give her the phone then we can talk again before you hang up” Can handed the phone to Sanem who was aching to speak to him, ” Efe Divit, don’t you dare whisk that girl off to some strange place without first talking to her parents. You will make sure she calls them and explains the circumstances. But son, I am happy for you both and I can’t wait to meet her. What’s her name? She asked. It was as if her son had come alive over the phone, she could almost see the glow of love, ” Her name is Carolina….Carolina Munro. She is wonderful mom, she has fiery red hair and an attitude to match. I’m so in love with her I can barely stand it.” Efe stammered, his voice full of emotion.

      Tears filled Sanem’s eyes, ” I’m happy for you my dear. And I can’t wait for you to get home. But don’t forget what I said. Respect her parents’ son, they can make or break your relationship.” 

      She knew this better than anyone. Her parents had not always been on Cans side. She knew how hard it was to love someone with all your heart but have to go against your parents to do so. It was the worst thing in her life to turn her back on her dad for Can, but she would do it again in a heartbeat.

      ” I know mom, and I will make sure they approve. I haven’t even asked Carolina yet, so wish me luck.” He laughed. But the thought of her saying no to him made his heart skip a beat. He quickly dismissed it from his mind and finished his talk with his dad. ” So, I hope to start homeward in about a week. If we can get things taken care of here, and her parents agree, we will shove off soon.” He explained, telling him he would let them know their itinerary as soon as possible. 

      Can seemed to be reliving his past through the eyes of his son as he thought back all those years ago. The thought of leaving Sanem for that year still made his heart ache, but when he remembered returning to Istanbul and finding his dad at the farm with Sanem, that’s when his heartache really began. That year had been a hard one for everyone, including Sanem. Thanks to Huma and Yigit they had almost destroyed her and their relationship. So, for him to leave the second time was her idea, but it had proven to be the biggest mistake of her life…

      Can and Sanem had never hide the reason that their love had been put to so many tests, or the reason they had taken so long to realize they couldn’t life without each other. Efe and Kadir had been told the story since they were old enough to understand, so Can prayed that Efe would not let foolish pride come between him and Carolina.

      Efe was just getting off the phone with his dad when Carolina stepped up on the deck of the boat, ” Good afternoon sailor. Who were you up here whispering to, it better not be your secret girlfriend.” She spoke as she let her hand glide down his muscled back.

      ” Oh no, you don’t have to worry about that my love. I have no secrets.” He answered as he stood and circled her slender body with his arms.

     She smiled, ” I hope not, because you are mine and mine alone……She muttered as she slid her hands along his rippled chest. 

      He breathed heavily, ” I wouldn’t have it any other way”……..Then he covered her delicious lips with his, sealing those words of promise….

Chapter 5

Carolina pushed back from Efe, ” Wait, everyone will be watching us.” She stuttered as she shyly looked about at the people on the pier. Efe grinned, ” So let them watch, we have nothing to hide.” He answered as he buried his face in her neck and covered her with kisses. She giggled but pushed away from him again. ” Be serious Efe,…who were you talking to. Was it Kadir? ” 

      Efe held on to her tightly, hovering over her, ” No, it was my mom and my dad. It seems that Kadir had called them to check in and gave them our news. So, they called me to hear it from me.”  He told her in between the kisses he was delivering to her cheeks. 

      Carolina stepped back, forcing herself out of his arms, ” So your parents know already, and what did they say. Are they upset that you wandered off to some other country and found a woman. I hope they don’t think I’m easy, or a woman with a bad reputation. You know what I mean, someone that would take advantage of you.” She blurted out almost in hysterics.

      Efe threw his head back and let out a loud and boisterous laugh. ” Carolina, my precious woman, trust me that’s the last thing they would think. They are happy for me…for us. And they are dying to meet you.”  He stated, in a firm and demanding voice. His face turned serious as he reached for her, pulling her against his body, ” Carrie, I love you, more than anything in this world, so that means that my mom and dad will love you too…trust me.” 

      Carolina tilted her head to one side and squinted her eyes, ” Carrie….so is that what you’re going to call me. My granny used to call me that when I was little.” She smiled, ” Ok, I guess I will let you call me that, but just because it has such sweet memories.” She replied, wrapping her arms around his neck. ” So, what’s next. Are you going to stay here for a while? ” She asked in a low sexy voice.

      He smoothed her hair back from her face and gazed into her  blue/green eyes, ” My beautiful woman, of course I’m going to stay here, at least for a few days, until you get your things together. Then we will be on our way.  That look of confusion slipped down over her face, ” What do you mean, get my things together. Am I going with you and your brother….on this boat.”  She said, her voice sounding shrill.

      The statement took him by surprise, ” Well I thought that was the whole idea. You will be coming home with me, you will meet my parents and then we can make our plans to get our own place….. She waved her hand in front of his face, ” Wait a minute, so I’m going to your country, to your home, and be what,…your live-in girlfriend.” She stammered. Efe swallowed hard trying to keep calm, ” Please let me finish, I want us to get our own place and then get married. I wanted to ask for your hand in a more romantic way than that, but….you didn’t let me.” 

      She let a slight smile creep across her face, ” Oh, I’m sorry. But what about my friends here, and my dad. I have to call my dad.” Efe nodded, ” Absolutely, you call him and let him know what’s going on and pack up your things and we can sail out in a couple of days. What do you think your parents will say? he asked, almost afraid to bear the answer.

      Carolina shrugged her shoulders, ” I’m not sure, it’s only my dad, but it was hard enough to convince him to let me come down here to work. So, I don’t know what will happen when he finds out about you.” She whispered,  brushing her lips ever so slightly against his. He drew in his breath at the feel of it, as he felt a chill travel down his spine. ” Carrie, he has to allow you to go with me,…he has to, because I can’t live without you.” He mumbled as his body grew weak from her touch.

      Carolina continued her assault on him, as she rubbed her body slightly against his. He felt that wave of weakness travel up his body. ” Carolina, if you keep this up, I will not be responsible for what comes next.” He muttered in a whisper as he pressed her tightly against his chest. 

      The sound of his brother’s voice made him look around. ” Good morning you two. Sorry to interrupt but I left my cash in the pocket of my other pants.” He announced with a broad smile as he climbed aboard the boat. Efe rolled his eyes, ” Good morning brother, I wish you had called before coming.” He said, annoyed at the unexpected visit. 

      Carolina clapped her hands together, ” Kadir, good morning. Efe just got off the phone with your parents.” She spoke. Kadir nodded, ” I guessed they would call. I talked to them earlier this morning. I gave them the good news and let them know we were ok.”  He told them, quite proud of being the one to to their secret.

      She could see that Efe was annoyed at his brother, so she offered a suggestion, ” Hey are you hungry, I’m famished. Let’s go to the cafe and get lunch, then we can go see to the apartment and I can let Michelle know I’m ok. She’s probably worried about me.” Efe agreed, as he stepped down below to change his clothes. 

      The cafe was busy, so it took a while to get their lunch. Carolina and Efe tried to keep their hands off one another, but it was harder than they expected. Kadir watched was they played handies under the table, ” Come on you two. Can you give it a rest. At least in front of me.” He laughed, making Carolinas face turn red. ” So what did dad say Efe, and mom. I bet they can’t wait for us to get home. You are coming with us, aren’t you Carolina?” He asked.

      She smiled, ” Well, I have to call my dad and talk to him. He doesn’t know anything about Efe, so it will be a shock.” Efe watched her expressions, she seemed hesitant to make that call, he thought. What if she doesn’t want to go back to Spain with him…what if that’s not what she wants? He let those thoughts pierce his mind. ” Carolina, are you afraid to tell your dad about us. Because if you are, I would be happy to make that call for you.” he said, reaching for her hand.

      Carolina shook her head, ” No, I’m not afraid, I’m just a little nervous. He can be a bit unreasonable sometimes.” She mumbled, shifting her eyes away from Efe. ” But I’m sure he will be ok with it, especially when I tell him how happy you make me.” she said shyly, stroking his face with her hand. Efe didn’t like the look in her eyes. They said one thing while she was speaking another…

      She was already living that conversation in her head, a conversation she knew would not go well….

      How would she convince her dad that they were in love…..how would she be able to leave with Efe if her dad forbid it…..

     Her heart wouldn’t let that happen…..he had to understand….Or she would have to go against her dad..

Chapter 6

      After lunch, they went their separate ways. Efe and Kadir were returning to the boat to make their routine check of everything. It was important to keep all the parts of a boat in proper working order if they were to head out In a few days. They had just came through a storm and Efe was anxious to check all the rigging. 

      Carolina had wanted to make that call to her dad on her own. She knew there would be an argument and she didn’t want Efe to witness the stubbornness of her father. As she sat there on the bed holding her phone in her hand, all the things that she had told her dad before she came to Sardinia flooded her mind. She had promised him she would not do anything  foolish, she would not go looking for someone to ease the pain of what Grant had done to her. And she knew he would think that is just what she had done, but in reality it wasn’t at all what she had done. 

      Efe was nothing like Grant. He was kind, confident, and knew exactly what he wanted. Those were traits that Grant had never possessed. So, her dad should be happy for her that she had found someone she could trust. But that would be in a perfect world. He was still her father, and she was his only daughter, so she knew he would be hard to convince.

      She took a deep breath before pushing that button to call her dad, bracing herself for what was to come.

      Efe and Kadir were busy checking all the ropes and rigging on the mast. But Kadir could tell that his brother was preoccupied, ” Abi, when do you think we are going to shove off? If it’s soon, like in the next day or two, then we need to talk about our living arrangements in the cabin. I’m sure that Carolina will want to have your privacy down below. So should I plan on sleeping up here on the deck if the weather permits.?” He asked, waiting for an answer. Efe had been so involved with his thoughts of Carolina and the way she seemed to want to avoid calling her dad, that he hadn’t heard his brother, ” Efe, hey can you not hear me. When do you want to leave.” He asked again, 

      Efe looked around at his brother, ” Oh I don’t know, probably in a couple of days. We have to check the weather to make sure there aren’t any storms headed our way. And we have to see what Carolinas’ dad is going to say.” he muttered; his eyes full of that doubt.

      Kadir squinted his eyes at him, ” What does that mean. Do you think he will forbid her to go with us. Abi, I don’t see Carolina letting her parents dictate to her.” he stated, shaking his head.

      Efe smiled, ” I hope not, but she was hesitant about calling her dad, and when I offered to stay and talk to him, she nearly panicked, saying she had to do this on her own. So, what am I supposed to think?” He spoke, busying his hands with checking the ropes. His heart was already in turmoil, so keeping his hands busy was the best bet. 

      Efe wondered how long he should give her before walking back to her apartment. He wanted to be there right then, to help her, to support her as she made that call. He would do anything for her, and if that meant taking a butt chewing from her father, then so be it. 

      The time was ticking by. It had been two hours since he had left Carolina’s apartment and there hadn’t been a word from her. He was beginning to worry. Kadir was taking inventory of supplies down below, so he took advantage of his time alone to give her a call.

      On the fourth ring she declined the call. His heart dropped, as the phone went dead. His mind was full of negative thoughts, but most of all his head was full of fear. He yelled out to Kadir below, ” Hey kid, I’m heading back to Carolina’s, can you take care of stocking the boat?” Kadir poked his head out, looking up the stairs, ” Sure, but what happened. Why can’t you just call her?” 

      Efe hung his head, ” Can you just do as I asked, do you always need to know the reason?” He spewed with anger. Kadir held up his hands, ” Ok, ok. I’ll take care of it. What kind of food does Carolina like so I can pick her favorites up too.” He asked. Efe whirled around to face his brother, ” Just get the basics right now. I need to find out what’s going on” He replied.

      Kadir nodded, knowing not to push any harder. He knew something wasn’t right as he watched his brother hop over the side railing of the deck and walk down the pier toward Carolina’s apartment. 

      Carolina had just hung up with her dad, and his words were exploding like thunder inside her head. The phone call had not gone as she had hoped, as she relived the conversation. 

      ” Carolina, what do you mean you have met someone. I thought you went there to clear your head, and to have an experience. Isn’t that what you told me?”  Her dad questioned. Before allowing her to answer he went on. ” We agreed, you would concentrate on work and making money for your final year of the university. And now you tell me you met a guy. Well, you can just forget about that.” Her dad said.

      Adam Munro was one of those fathers that expected the word of his daughter to be just that, the word of his daughter. He was strict, and even more so after the event that nearly broke her. Grant Baxter had almost ruined his only daughter, and he vowed he would not let that happen again.

      ” Now just get any notion of this boy out of your mind and get on with your work. You have a little over a month before you leave there and come home, so just think about that.” Her father said, being as firm as possible. 

      Carolina felt the world being ripped away from her as she listened to her father. ” But dad, he isn’t just some boy. He is a very smart and confident man, and on the brink of becoming a very successful businessman.” She blurted out, defending Efe as vigorously as she could. ” Dad, he is wonderful, thoughtful, beautiful and I love him completely. If you would just trust me.” She announced, changing her voice from asking to telling. 

      ” Dad, I love him. Do you understand, I love him. I want to go with him…and I think that’s what I’m going to do. Please give me your blessing.”  She begged, feeling her heart being pulled in every direction. 

      Her father took a deep breath, ” Carolina, you will not go with this man. Do you understand me. And where would you go anyway. Isn’t he from Sardinia.” He asked, confused at what she was saying.

      Carolina smiled slightly, ” No daddy, he is from Spain, his name is Efe Divit and he is the son of a wealthy and world known photographer and his mother is a bestselling author. Their family is famous, and rich.” She stated, feeling proud of this man she loved. ” And he’s a sailor. He and his younger brother are sailing the Mediterranean Sea for a while before he settles down to work.” She tried to make it sound adventurous and totally normal.

      ” A sailor…and he is sailing around the sea in his boat. And you want me to be fine with that.” 

      ” Well, I’m not fine with that Carolina, and you will not go off anywhere with this man. Do you understand what I’m saying.  I will be there as soon as I can get away, and you will come home with me, got it?” He yelled into the phone.

      ” No dad don’t come. I won’t be here when you come. I am going to go with Efe. Trust me, please trust me.”…She replied, standing her ground for the first time….

Chapter 7

Efe walked toward Carolina’s apartment, hoping that she was there. She had declined his two phone calls and did not return his text, so he was sure what he would find when he got there. 

      The closer he got to her door the faster and more impatiently his heartbeat inside him. His mind was wondering all sorts of things, “Would she be there, or had she run the other way. Had she talked to her dad, maybe he wouldn’t allow her to go with him.”   If that was the case then Efe had already made up his mind to call her father himself. He would make this work,….because he could not leave there without her. His eyes had filled with tears as he finally reached her door, which was quite unlike him. 

      Before he was able to knock on the door it swung open furiously and Carolina came bounding out the door in a hurry, running directly into Efe. ” Oh Efe, sorry. What are you doing here.” She asked her face red and blotchy from crying. 

      He had caught her up in his arms as she rushed out, ” I came to see if you were ok. You declined my calls, so I was worried. What’s wrong, I can see you’re upset.”  Efe softly wiped the remnants of her tears from her face and brushed away that strand of hair that had fallen across her cheek. ” I take it the phone call to your dad didn’t go well” He said, already knowing the answer.

      Carolina put on a bright smile, desperately trying to hide her feeling. ” No, you’re wrong, it went just the way I thought it would. My dad is thrilled for us and sends his blessing.” She spoke, not making eye contact with Efe. ” I have my bag packed and was just coming to the boat. Maybe we could just leave tonight, if the boat is ready.” She gushed, trying to hold back the tears.

      Efe was hesitant, ” But why are you crying, what did he say to make you cry. I will be more than happy to make a call to him myself to explain. Please Carolina, don’t keep me in the dark about your feelings.” He gently stroked her cheek and kissed her forehead. He couldn’t stand to see her cry, it hurt him so deeply he could barely breath.

      She quickly returned a kiss to the lips, ” Come on, my dad was so happy for us he just made me cry, that’s all.” She grabbed his hand, and they started down the street toward the pier. She knew she wanted to leave as soon as possible, before her dad had a chance to get there and make a ridiculous scene. 

      They climbed over the railing and onto the boat. Kadir had gone to pick up the last minute supplies, so they had some time alone. Efe took her bag down to his cabin and picked up one of his blankets from his bunk before going back up top. The evening air had turned chilly, so they wrapped up together in the blanket on the deck bench. Carolina couldn’t get her dad’s words out of his mind. He was coming there to take her home, and she knew that’s exactly what he would do. He was probably already on his way to the airport to catch a flight to Sardinia. She shuddered at the thought.

      Efe hugged her tighter, ” You’re shivering, are you still cold?” He asked. She laid her head on his shoulder, ” Efe, let’s just leave tonight, ok. I want to get started on our journey to your home.”  She told him as she wiggled in closer to him. His mind was foggy with desire for her as he felt each curve of her body melt against his. 

     ” There’s nothing I would love more than to float out of here with you in my arms but sailing at night is a bit more dangerous than sailing when the sun is up.” He tried to explain, as the touch of her skin altered his thinking. ” So, why don’t we plan to leave at first light. We will be rested and ready to go. Carolina, this trip home will be very important to me. I have to be extra careful on this journey.” He whispered to her as his lips nibbled at her ear. 

      She felt the excitement and desire building as she spoke to her. ” Ok, then first light it is.” She replied, in a whisper as well. Her breath coming short and uneven as he continued to explore her neck. 

This was more than a feeling; this was a newfound way of life. She was willing to defy her dad, climb aboard a sailboat of which she had never done before, and sail away with his handsome man. It was all so romantic and so unlike her..But she couldn’t stop herself. 

      Kadir had bought all the things they would need for the first few days on the boat. He was sure they would have to make more stops on the way home to accommodate Carolina. She had never sailed before so they would have to take that into consideration. He had his hands full of bags as he started down the long pier. The other boaters, which were mostly fishermen, were sitting out along the pier swapping stories about the sea as he walked along. For some reason the whole thing had made him homesick. ” Yep, I’m ready to get home. He thought. Ready to hear the same old stories that his dad had told them for years. But he never got tired of hearing them.” 

      As he neared the boat, he could see Efe and Carolina on the deck, ” Hey, I could use some help brother.” He called out to Efe. ” Hello Carolina, you made it.”  Carolina waved as Efe jumped up to grab a couple of the bags from his brothers’ hands. ” Did you get everything? he asked as they disappeared down the stairs to the galley. 

      Kadir nodded, ” I did, what’s wrong, you look funny.” Efe held his finger over his mouth to shush his brother. ” Quiet, I don’t want Carrie to hear. She wants to leave now. She’s in a hurry to leave here and I’m not sure why. I think she had words with the dad about it and she doesn’t want to say.” Efe explained, shifting his eyes back up to the deck.

      Carolina gazed out across the channel of water that made up the pier. It all seemed fine, the water was calm and smooth. But as her eyes went further, looking out past the shoreline of Alghero she saw the endless water. It made her shiver, they would be out there in the middle of that vastness of water tomorrow, was she sure she could do it. The thought scared her, she had to admit, but she also couldn’t imagine not going with him.

      The longer she followed the sea with her eyes the further away it got. The sun was spreading out its color across the water as it slowly dipped its toes into the sea. She watched as the fiery red streaks of light bounced along on top of the water. Maybe she could learn to love seeing this everyday….no, she would learn to love this, why….because she loved him..

      She smiled to herself, yes she would learn to love this life, and the boat. She would show her dad she wasn’t being stupid. This love wasn’t stupid….it was magical..

Chapter 8

      Carolina was off in a sweet daydream when Efe came back up top. He slid in beside her and gathered her up in his arms, ” What are you thinking about, and you better tell me.” He joked, burying his face in her soft, voluptuous hair. 

      She giggled with delight as he nudged his way under her hair and to her ear. It sent a wave of chills down her spine as she leaned in to welcome the feeling. ” I’m sorry but I wasn’t thinking about you. I was just looking at the water and thinking about the trip all the way to Spain.”  She spoke, her voice taking on a faraway sound.

      Efe turned her face toward his and delved into her eyes, ” Are you having second thoughts about the trip. Because if you are we can figure something out. Maybe you and Kadir can catch a flight to Malaga, and I will come back in the boat.” He stated. He was worried that the boat may cause her more problems, and he didn’t want her to be sick.

      She smiled and stroked his face with her fingers, ” That’s sweet, but I’m going where you go my love. I will be fine, please don’t worry about me. I’m very anxious to get started though.” 

      Efe breathed a sigh of relief, ” Ok then, I say we leave at first light.” He replied. ” Kadir, come up here. ” He yelled out to his brother. In a second his brother was there, ” Yep, what is it. If you’re asking about dinner, I’m working on it right now.” he answered, holding up his hands.

      ” No, it’s not that. We will be shoving off at first light, so let’s make sure everything is taken care of tonight before we turn in.”  His brother informed him, his face glowing with excitement.

      The younger Divit smiled and nodded, ” I got it, and dinner is almost ready. Carolina, I hope you like my cooking, because I will be doing all of it, since my brother doesn’t have a clue about it.” He smirked, giving his brother a wink before hurrying back down the steps to the galley.

      Kadir had thrown together a small feast for their last meal before they started their journey home. The smell drifted slowly up from the galley below as Efe prepared the table. ” Hey kid that smells pretty good, how long before we eat.?”  Kadir poked his head around, ” Just moments, I promise. Would you open that bottle of wine that I left in that burlap bag up there. I’m bringing the glasses.” Kadir ordered.

      Efe wrinkled up his nose at his little brothers’ words, ” I guess, but only because you asked so nicely.” He spit back in a huff. He smiled to himself, knowing his brother was trying to make an impression on Carolina with his cooking and his obvious attempt at giving orders.  

      Within minutes Kadir appeared on the stairs with a huge platter of fettuccini, smothered with shrimp that had been sautéed in a creamy butter sauce. Carolina quickly reached for the platter, ” Here let me help you, oh my, Kadir this looks beautiful and delicious.”  Kadir bowed his head, “Thank you, I hope you like it. Let me get the salad and the plates.” he said, hurrying back down to the galley.

      Efe was proud of his brother for trying to make Carolina feel at home. He knew this was going to be a difficult trip for her and having Kadir along would help make it better.

      Kadir returned with a bowl of salad and a basket of bread. The spread was quite impressive and Efe couldn’t wait to dig in. ” Kid you have out done yourself; this looks great.” Efe grabbed Carolinas plate a piled it high with the pasta, ” There, is that enough?” he asked as he sat the plate down in front of her. She smiled, ” Thanks, yes that’s fine.” She answered.

      Before they began to eat, Kadir raised his hands, ” Wait, before we start let’s have a toast.”  he said, grabbing his glass of wine. ” To Efe and Carolina.” He remarked firmly. ” And to a safe trip back home. May the god of the sea smile on us.” He smiled, holding his glass high in the air.

      Efe laughed, ” Yes, I’ll drink to that toast little brother.”  They all clinked their glasses together and took a drink. Carolina was the only one that thought the toast was a bit strange, would they need the God of the Sea to smile on them she wondered. And she wasn’t even sure who the God of the Sea was. But she just smiled and took a drink, praying that these two knew what they were doing, and they would get to Spain in one piece.

      After the delicious dinner of which Kadir had received many compliments, they cleared the table, and the two Divit brothers went about the boat checking over each and every detail. Efe wanted nothing to go wrong on their trip home.

      Carolina went below to check her phone and change. There were two missed calls from her dad and a text message. Her stomach tightened as she saw his words, ” Carolina, I have a flight out tomorrow evening. I will be there by Wednesday morning, so make sure you are packed and ready to go. I will not tolerate any more nonsense about this boy and Spain. This is for your own good.”  Carolina shuddered as she read his message, thinking they would be long gone by the time he got to Alghero. She knew she would have to keep this from Efe, if not he would want to stay and confront her dad, and she knew that would not be a good thing.

      With the boat secure and ready for travel, the guys were ready to turn in for the night. The next day would be a hectic and nerve-racking day to say the least. It always was when they were pulling out of a port. 

      Efe went below to his cabin, ” Well we are ready to sail my lady.”  He joked as he entered the small room and closed the door. The room was dark except for the few rays of light that streamed in through the little window at the top of the room. But she could see him, and the look of desire that seemed to illuminate from his body. He was a magnificent man, so broad and firm, she thought, as he moved slowly toward her on the bed.

      He had moved up close to her on the bed and caressed her face with his hands, ” Carrie, I hope this is truly what you want. I want you to be happy, of course I want you happy with me, but I don’t want you to regret this move.” He spoke, his voice soft and caring.

      He gently leaned her back against the bed. He towered over her, his body hovering there as if it was levitating there. His eyes smoldered with desire as she tried to hold it together…

      ” Efe, what about Kadir?” she asked, her voice small and innocent sounding.

      He smiled but just slightly, ” Well I can tell you this my love…. In the Divit family there are some things that us men just don’t share….and you would be that thing.”  He mumbled, his lips brushing ever so slightly against hers.

       Her eyes grew big, ” No that’s not what I meant, I mean, won’t he hear us.” She replied, with her face turning a bright shade of red.

       ” Don’t worry, he’s sleeping up top, we have the whole place to ourselves.” He answered. 

       She felt her stomach explode with all the butterflies of the world……….This was going to be a trip to remember……

Chapter 9

Carolina slowly opened her eyes. The room was still dark, and she felt cold as she reach across the bed for Efe. The other side of the bed was empty, so she turned over, looking around the room, searching for him. 

      She heard voices coming from the deck, so she listened. It seemed they were already up and preparing to shove off, she thought. She got up and rummaged through her bag for a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. She quickly slid into her clothes and started up the stairs to the deck. 

      She stopped near the top, listening to them talk, ” Listen Kadir, I want you to make sure you try and entertain Carrie on this trip. You know how quickly the weather can change out there so be sure you watch the radar very closely. I don’t want any storms sneaking up on us, and she loves playing games so bring out the board games we brought.” He barked out the orders to his brother. 

      Kadir nodded, ” Ok Abi, I’ve got it. I did see a little line of rain moving in from the north a little later this morning, but I don’t think it’s anything serious. We should have good sailing weather. And I will be happy to keep Carolina entertained, she’s more fun than you are anyway.” He replied, mocking his brother. 

      Carolina stepped up on the deck and cleared her throat to let them know she was there. “Good morning guys, you’re up early.” She said looking around at the pier. It was just beginning to come alive with activity as the fishermen were preparing for the start of their day. The wind was stiff and had brought on a bit of cold with it.

     She crossed her arms and rubbed up and down briskly trying to warm herself up, ” How about some coffee. Do you like it strong?” she asked as she turned to go below to the galley. Efe laughed, ” That’s the only way to drink coffee is strong, and yes, we would love some. But you don’t have to make it, let Kadir do it.” He called out to her as she went out of sight.

      Kadir gave him a look, ” Let her do it if she wants to. She probably makes great coffee.” He said, trying to finish the calculations on the map.

      ” He’s right Efe, I do make great coffee. And I want to do it.”  She replied, hurrying about in the small galley to find everything. The words she had overheard were still echoing in her head about how quickly the weather could change on the water. But she tried to push them away, telling herself that Efe had to be experienced in dealing with such things, so not to worry….

      She heard the pinging sound of a text coming in on her phone, so she stepped inside the cabin to get her phone. The text was from her friend Michelle, “ Hey your dad called me asking me what’s going on with you. He’s on his way here to get you. He will be here in the morning…. what do I do. 

       Carolina read the text, hating the fact that she had put her friend on the spot. She replied…  “I’m sorry, but don’t say anything to him about anything. We are getting ready to leave right now. Just play dumb, please, we will be far away by the time he gets there. Thank you and I’m sorry to do this to you.”

       Her heart was full of regret for what she was doing, but not that she was listening to her heart and leaving with Efe…but the fact she was going against her dad. 

       They had always had a strong relationship; he was really all she had. Her mother had died when she was twelve and it had left her and her dad alone. But he was holding on to her way too long, he didn’t want her to find anyone to spend the rest of her life with. That was never more apparent than when she met Grant.

      The smell of the coffee seeped into the cabin, letting her know that the coffee was done. She tossed her phone into her bag, not wanting to see any more messages, not even from her dad.

      She carried the coffee up the stairs to the deck, ” Coffee is ready sailors. Hot and strong, just like the two of you.” She blurted out, followed by that laugh that was like music to Efe’s ears.

      Efe and Kadir finished the preparations as they enjoyed the coffee that Carolina had made. Kadir for one was glad that she was along, maybe it would take some of the cooking responsibilities from him. 

      Efe fired up the motor and motioned to Kadir for him to untie them from the pier. Carolina felt a rush of emotions as the boat slowly but steadily slid through the water. They inched away from the pier; she watched in silence. She knew if she was to change her mind it would have to be now.

      The pier grew smaller, and the lights that illuminated it grew more dim. Efe studied her face as she watched the town of Alghero disappear into the early morning darkness. She didn’t know he was watching her, so she didn’t hide that look of hesitation that had covered her face, or the tears that glistened in her eyes like diamonds. But she didn’t say a word….

      It was some time before she finally spoke. The lights of Alghero had almost disappeared on the horizon and the predawn sky was still filled with all those magical stars, when she mumbled, ” Well that’s that…we’re on our way.” She spoke the words so quietly that he could barely hear her, but he did hear her. 

      She looked around the boat, blinking her eyes as if she was just coming out of a trance. When she finally looked at Efe, she could see that he had been watching her. She gave him a smile, as confidently as she could, ” How about another cup of coffee, then I will make us some breakfast.” she asked, giving Efe that look of love that he had needed to badly.

      She hurried below to pour the coffee. The slight motion and swaying of the boat made her feel queasy. She closed her eyes, wishing it to go away. She had hoped that this wouldn’t happen, but there it was. She grabbed the coffee and a piece of that crusty bread left from the night before and headed back up the stairs. 

      Efe could tell by the paleness of her face that she was feeling the effects of the rocking and dipping of the boat. Kadir immediately reached for the cups to help her, ” Here sit down, you look pale. Is the motion getting to you.” He asked. She nodded, ” I guess, I didn’t think it would but down below is pretty bad.” 

      Kadir motioned to Efe, and he pulled back of the throttle slowing the boat down. ” Here just nibble on this bread, it will help if you keep food on your stomach.”  He said, giving Efe a wink. 

      Efe sat down beside her on the bench, ” Are you ok, the fresh air will help too. Maybe you should stay up top for most of the day, you know, until you get used to the motion.” He pulled her in close to him and gave her a kiss on her forehead. She felt the tears coming, but she wasn’t sure why.

      ” Efe I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would affect me like this.” she muttered, fighting hard to keep the contents of her stomach down.

      He stroked her hair…” It’s ok my love. But are you sure that’s all it is.”

      She snuggled in closer to him. ” Yes, I’m sure….I don’t regret a thing. That I’m sure of.”

Chapter 10

 Efe had positioned her on the deck bench, a pillow at her back to cushion her against the hard railing, and a blanket from their bed to keep her warm from the cool air that blew across the sea water. ” Ok, how’s that. Are you comfortable. Don’t worry about breakfast, Kadir will take care of that. You just concentrate on breathing in this fresh sea air.” Efe told her, as he smoothed down her hair.

      Carolina smiled at him, ” Thank you, I feel terrible for being so much trouble. And I wanted to help Kadir with the cooking.” She said, as her stomach was still wreaking havoc. She drew in a deep breath, ” This fresh air does make me feel better though.” She replied, holding Efe’s hand up against her cheek. ” Thank you for being so patient with me.” 

      Efe bent down to give her a kiss just as Kadir stepped onto the deck with a tray of food. ” Hey now, we won’t have any of that. Carolina, I’m made us some oatmeal and toast, and I cut up some fresh fruit. It will help your stomach.” Kadir stated, sounding as if he had been through this himself. 

      The thought of food had made her stomach lurch up into her throat, but she would do her best to eat, for the sake of Kadir. 

      Efe grabbed a slice of toast and some fruit and took his place back at the wheel, ” Ok, I think we will make our way slowly. The weather is good, and I want to take advantage of it.” 

       The calmness of the water had been a welcome treat for all of them. They were well away from the port now and easing out into the main body of water. Carolina lounged on the deck, in awe of how the beginning of the day was spreading out across the horizon. That big golden ball of light was just peeking up above the waves. It was like nothing she had ever seen before, and she was entranced with it. It had been a welcome distraction from the uneasiness of her stomach.

      The boat was clipping through the water at a good pace. Being on the deck was making her feel better, her stomach had calmed down to a mere twinge of nausea.

      She watched Efe man the boat with such precision and care that it made her love him even more. She had given up everything for him, but she hoped eventually her dad would come around.

      She wondered about her dad, and how he felt went he got to Alghero, and she wasn’t there.  What would he do? That thought terrified her. Her eyes filled with tears as she felt her heart break, “He would have to understand. Efe wasn’t like Grant, not in any way. Her dad had disliked Grant so much that she wasn’t sure if he would like any man that tried to take her away from him.”

      Efe had decided to maneuver the boat a little farther north, toward the Balearic Islands. Just for the sake of Carolina and being able to dock for a day. He knew she wouldn’t be able to handle the open sea for very many days at a time. Efe headed for Palma de Mallacor, it had a beautiful port, easy to get in and out of, and the city was beautiful as well. A good place to rest for a few hours.

      By the late afternoon of the first day, Carolina seemed to be adjusting to the rocking and dipping of the boat. She was laughing and talking, even moving around the deck with ease. She sat next to Efe at the wheel, ” When are you going to let me try?” she asked, hugging up against his firmly muscled and tanned arm. 

      ” What, try what? ” He replied, acting as if he didn’t have a clue what she meant. He was already getting that feeling inside him with the just the closeness of her. The feel of her arms wrapped around his, the feeling that made his hair stand up all over his body. Suddenly he wished his brother wasn’t with them on this trip.

      ” The wheel, when can I try the wheel. It looks like fun.” She said, as she ran her hand along the length of his arm. She could feel each muscle, each ripple of strength that lay beneath his skin,…and it excited her. 

      He stepped back away from the wheel with a sly grin, allowing room for her to slip in front of him and grasp the wheel. She giggled, wiggling in between him and the wheel. ” Now you let go, I think I can do it.” Her face took on the look of a child at Christmas time, about to open the largest gift under the tree. 

      ” Are you sure, you have to hold it tight, or it will jerk to one side.” Efe explained, forming his body against the back of hers. He slowly released his hold on the wheel, giving her complete control over the boat. 

      The feeling was exhilarating as she felt the power of the wind jerk the wheel to one side. ” Oh my, I can feel that. It’s like a force is pulling us.” she said loudly, as she tried to steady herself against his body. 

      Efe rested his arms on top of hers, helping her keep hold of the wheel. The wind had blown her long copper colored hair back exposing her neck. As if it was an open invitation for his lips. The smell of her hair and the feel of her body pushed hard against his was almost more than he could stand. He leaned down kissing her neck and breathing in the smell of her skin.

      She jumped, ” Efe, you can’t do that while I’m driving. I can’t concentrate.” Then she snuggled back harder against him, begging for more of the same. 

      That raw and deep-down urge to feel and touch every inch of her body had overtaken him as he dived into the softness of her neck. His lips traveled down her neck as he wrapped his arms commandingly around her waist. 

     She felt her breath suck in as his hands began to search her body. She was losing it, and fast. Just when she felt herself getting weak and ready to relinquish the steering of the boat, Kadir came bounding up the stairs.

      ” Hey Carolina, how about a game.”  He stoped short as he saw the two of the jump back, trying to regain control of their feelings. ” Oh crap, I’m sorry. Do you want me to take the wheel for a while,…..you probably need a rest. Uhh, that is if you’re tired, … I can take over.” He stammered, trying to cover up his embarrassment. 

      Efe threw his head back and exhaled forcefully, ” Its ok, but I could use a break from the wheel, if you don’t mind.” He answered, giving his brother that look.

      Kadir nodded, ” Sure thing, I can take over for a while. Go below and get some rest.” He replied, slapping him on the back as he walked by. Efe winked at him he guided Carolina down the stair to their cabin.

      How he wished he hadn’t walked in on them, but it was bound to happen being in close quarters on the boat. Maybe he should have caught a plane home instead of sailing back with the two of them. That thought left his head as quickly as it entered, ” No way, I wouldn’t have let him sail all the way back home alone. I would never forgive myself if something were to happen and I wasn’t here to help.” 

       Efe was his older brother…..and this was the place he needed to be..

Chapter 11

Efe shut the door to the cabin, ” Now where were we.” He grumbled, groping at her t-shirt. The room was dimly lit so it was all left up to the touch and feel to get undressed. He quickly pulled her shirt up and over her head, exposing her bare breasts. 

      She was fumbling with the button on his shorts, trying desperately to unfasten them. Finally the button released and she pushed his shorts down, letting them fall in a heap on the floor. 

      The breathing was heavy as they had finally shed each other from their clothes. Efe pick her up laid her gently on the bed, ” Don’t worry, Kadir isn’t about to come down here. And just for the record, you look beautiful.” He whispered in a voice full of desire.

      Carolina giggled, amused that he even thought about his brother, because she hadn’t. Even her annoying nausea had disappeared. All she cared about was this man, and the way he made her feel.

      The heat of passion had reached its height with Efe exploring every spot on her body in detail. The touch of his hands sent a shock wave of ecstasy through her, almost making her crazy. The thought of having this man for the rest of her life and feeling like this each day was unbelievable, but she wanted nothing else but that. Her body was on fire with love for him….

      Efe held her tightly against his naked body, not sure if he could ever let her go. He was satisfied completely, his body and soul he been filled to the brim with love. The rocking of the boat had lulled her to sleep, but he was happy just watching her.

       The sound of a loud bang from the deck brought him up off the bed in a hurry. That was followed by the sound of the sail flapping furiously in the wind. He hadn’t even noticed the wind had picked up, but it had his attention now. 

     The next sound was from his brother, ” Efe…Efe. Get up here quick. The clip on the main sail snapped.” Kadir called out, yelling loudly over the howling of the wind.

      Efe sprinted through the galley and bounded up the stairs in one leap. Kadir was leaning over the the edge of the railing holding his head. When he turned to look at Efe his brother could see the blood run profusely down his hand and onto his arm.

      ” Oh shit Kadir, what the hell happened.” He yelled, pushing his hand away from his face. The gash on his forehead was gapping open and blood was flowing out. Efe let out a string of profanities as he looked around frantically for something to hold on the wound.

      Kadir continued to wipe the gushing blood from his face, while leaning over the side of the boat. ” Efe, we can’t get blood all over the boat, Dad will kill us.” Efe jumped down the stairs to the galley to grab some towels just as Carolina stepped out of the cabin, ” Babe what’s going on, why are you yelling.” She asked. Her question went unanswered as Efe turned and ran back up to the deck.

      He pushed Kadir down on the bench seat, taking a half-used bottle of water he poured the clean water over the cut. Kadir winched in pain as the water ran over, washing the blood away. By this time Carolina had made her way to the deck, ” Oh my god, what happened.” she asked, seeing the open wound on his head. 

      Kadir just waved her off, ” It’s nothing, Efe will fix it.” He answered, having all the confidence in the world of his brother. Efe shook his head, ” It’s quiet a cut, I will try to close it up, but I’m afraid we may have to get you to the hospital.” The look in Efe’s eyes told Kadir it was more than a scratch…

      The rope and the sail were flopping and whipping around fiercely in the high wind. Efe knew he had to take the time to secure them both before it caused more damage than could be repaired. ” Abi, look I have to lower the sails before I do anything else. Let Carolina tend to your cut while I get the sails under control.” he ordered, nodding at Carolina. ” Here take the cloth and see if you can get the bleeding stopped.” 

      Efe jumped up making his way to the bow of the boat. The sails were flailing about making it hard to secure them, but he knew the urgency of making sure the sails were all lowered. 

      It took a while and a lot of muscle, but Efe finally had everything under control. He hurried back to the deck to check on Kadir, ” Hey kid, how are you doing. Is the bleeding stopped?” He asked. Carolina smiled, ” Yes babe, don’t worry. The bleeding is stopped, and I put a large butterfly bandage on it to hold it together. I think it will be fine.”

      Efe turned Kadir around to look at him, ” Yes that looks good, but I want a doctor to look at it. We will dock at Palma de Mallorca and take you to the clinic there.” he stated, his voice shaky. Kadir grabbed his arm, ” Abi, I’m fine, please don’t make a big deal out of this.” He mumbled almost in a whisper. The last thing he wanted was for his big brother to treat him like a child, especially in front of Carolina.

      Efe rubbed his face with his hand, an action that he had inherited from his father. ” What were you doing Kadir, what happened.” He questioned, letting the sound of fear escape in his voice. 

      ” We’ll, the wind came up suddenly, and I saw the rigging was loose on the main sail, so I was going to fix it before it broke, but just as I reached the bow the clip gave way and it caught me in the head.” He explanied. ” It was totally an accident.” Kadir studied Efe face, hoping he wouldn’t see any anger.

      Carolina put her arm around Efe, ” It was an accident babe, it could have happened to you just as easily. Don’t be upset.” 

      Efe looked away so neither saw the tears that were forming in his eyes. The words from his mom drowned out any words that they were saying to him, as he remembered the conversation he and his mother had before they left, ” Efe you must watch over your younger brother. He isn’t as knowledgeable about the boat as you.”    

      Efe closed his eyes, trying to close off the tears and the regret that he had for putting Kadir in harm’s way. But had no way of knowing the rigging would break, or the wind would suddenly bear down on them with a vengeance…. but he did let his feelings for Carolina put them in danger.

      He cleared his throat, but still having to yell over the sound of the howling wind he motioned for Kadir to go below, ” Ok, go below and lay down for a while, I’ve got the wheel. We are probably way of course now. But don’t go to sleep, not with an injury to the head.” He ordered him, as he took his place behind the wheel. 

      With the sails down the boat was still pretty much on course. He would have to fire up the motor to get them headed in the right direction. His mind was still full of that vision of blood pouring from his brother’s head. It made him weak and sick at his stomach but thank goodness Carolina was there.    

      All he could think of was that it was his fault….If he had been manning the wheel, maybe just maybe, he might have seen the loose rigging sooner….before it broke.

      But…no, he was satisfying his sexual hunger for the woman he loved instead…..How would he explain that to his mother…

Chapter 12

Even with all the luck in the world, they still wouldn’t arrive in Palma de Mallorca until late the next day. Efe had planted himself at the wheel of the boat and he wasn’t about to leave it until they docked.

      Carolina had even forbidden Kadir to do any cooking. She had taken over, making sure he stayed off his feet. ” No, I will do the cooking for now. You just sit back and relax. Read a book or something.” She told him, pointing her finger at him.

      She made him laugh. He had taken quite a liking to the woman that had tamed his brother down to the likes of a docile and love-stricken lion. ” Yes ma’am, whatever you say. But I am more than able to give you a hand.” He urged, as he symbolically stretched his legs out on the deck bench and rested his head back on his folded arms.

      Efe snickered as he watched the two of them banter back and forth. ” Abi, you need to let her do what she wants. She has a mean streak in her, I’m not sure what she would do if you crossed her.” He blurted out in a laugh. 

      Kadir held up his hands as if to surrender as Carolina made her way down to the galley. Efe kept a close eye on his brother, not wanting him to overdo. The quicker they got to the port the better. The gash on his head seemed to be sealing up nicely, but the bump and the bruise from the blow looked to be getting worse. 

      With dinner over and the cleanup done, Kadir had settled down on the bench with a pillow and a blanket. Efe had pushed the boat at a good clip through the water. The stars had filled the night sky letting him know that there should be smooth sailing for the time being. He had intended to stay at the wheel for as long as his body would let him. His guilt over Kadir getting hurt was running like wildfire through his mind.

       Carolina had come up from the cabin below, a blanket wrapped around her to ward off the chill of the night air. ” Hey sailor, are you coming to bed? It’s a little lonely down there.” She mumbled quietly so Kadir wouldn’t hear. She opened the blanket, displaying her naked body, as she stepped closely up against Efe. She encased Efe’s body with the excess blanket, rubbing her body up next to his.

      Efe smiled at her, he wanted nothing more than to throttle back the engine, drop the anchor and wrap up with her on their bed. But that guilt from before was still there, making him feel like he was a small boy ashamed of what he had done. 

      ” I think I will keep going for a while. We need to get to the port quickly.” He said, letting the warmth from her body make him regret what he was saying. She looked so good standing there only inches away from his face. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her in, giving her a strong and demanding kiss. He let his hand slide down her body, feeling each curve of her silhouette.

      Carolina drew in her breath as he explored her body, ” Are you sure, I will stay awake and wait for you if you want.” She whispered, pulling up her leg and rubbing it softly down the the lower part of his body. He closed his eyes, letting her movement fill him with heat.

      She could feel his erection, the warmth that radiated from his body, and she knew he wanted her as much as she wanted him. ” Carolina, please, not tonight. I need to get us to Palma de Mallorca by early to tomorrow. Let me just sail tonight, ok.” He told her, hating to say those words to her.

      She nodded but stayed connected to his body. ” Babe, Kadir getting hurt was not your fault. It was just a freak accident.” She spoke softly into his ear. She knew he blamed himself for Kadir’s injury, and the fact they were below in the cabin when he got hurt. She kissed his cheek tenderly, letting him know she understood.

      ” No, it’s not that, we just need to get there quickly, you know to get the rigging repaired.” He explained, not looking her in the eye for fear she would see he was lying. How could he tell her how awful he felt. They were making love, filling their bodies with all the desire that you could imagine, he was satisfying himself….While his little brother was left to man a boat that he might not have been experienced enough to handle. And he would have to explain all of this to his mother…

      She wrapped the blanket back around her body and gave him a wink, “You know where to find me if you change your mind sailor.” She said in that sultry and sexy voice that drove him crazy. He watched as she sauntered across the deck and down the stairs, wishing with all his heart that he could join her. 

      But now wasn’t the time for that, now was the time to take responsibility for the boat, for Carolina and for his brother. He felt like in that one moment he grew up, he felt like a man for the first time. He could imagine this is what his dad had felt like on his journey as he tried to forget about his beloved Sanem. Like he had to do this, he had to step up and be the one that they could depend on. 

      It had been hours that he had gripped that wheel of the boat, feeling the urgency to get to port. His body was tired, but he would keep going, he had to. He could see that faint hint of yellow sky was rising along the horizon. A new day was about to begin but the stars had disappeared, replaced with grey fluffy, boiling clouds. He didn’t like the looks of it as he strained his eyes to get a better look at them.

      Kadir hadn’t moved all night, so he hated to wake him. But he was the one that watched the radar and the maps, and he really needed him to lend him a hand. He pulled back on the throttle, slowing the boat to a mere float, and went to Kadir. He gently shook him, ” Abi, Abi, I hate to wake you, but it looks like a storm is coming and I might need your eyes on the radar.” He spoke softly.

      He stirred, moaning and stretching, ” What, there’s a storm coming?” Damn what time is it anyway.” he asked, squinting his eyes as if there was a bright light shining in them. 

     Efe looked at his watch, ” It’s 5:40. Do you feel well enough to help me out? He asked, staring at the cut on his head. The cut was still pulled together tightly, but the bump was huge, and the bruising had turned a deep reddish purple, expanding halfway across his forehead. He tried not to look shocked, but the sight of the injury made him shiver.

      Kadir sat up on the edge of the bench trying to get his bearings. ” Ok, let me get to the radio.” He made his way across the deck to the radar and the map. He took a minute to look at the sky, ” Yes I think we have a good one coming in.” 

      Efe instantly thought about Carolina. He had to make sure she was safe. ” Hey kid, I’m going to wake Carrie, you take a look at what we’ve got coming. This might be trouble.” 

      The thought of something happening to Carolina was now his biggest worry. 

      His heart was beating hard as he went below….He didn’t think he had ever been “scared” on the boat before, but that’s exactly what he felt, “scared.” 

       But this just wasn’t any other time on the boat, this time he had the woman he loved with him….

      He felt a feeling of panic, as he heard the wind begin to howl….

Chapter 13

He gently nudged Carolina, not wanting to alarm her any more than necessary. ” Babe, Carrie wake up.” She jumped, coming to an upright position almost instantly. “What, Efe what is it.”

      He smiled, as he smoothed down her hair. ” It just a little storm, it might get a little rough. I just wanted you to be awake and know what was going on. I think it best if you stay down below until it has passed.” 

      Carolina rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. ” And Kadir, where is he. Is he ok?” She asked. She reached for the long t-shirt that was draped over the foot of the bed and pulled it over her head to cover her naked body.

      Efe felt the need to lay her back down in the bed and touch every inch of her body. Her skin had that look of rich amber colored silk, flawless and glowing.  Before the t-shirt had a chance to cover her, his hand reached out and touched her shoulder and then glided majestically down her back, sending a chill through her body. 

      ” You look absolutely ravishing;  you know that don’t you.” He whispered, leaning in close to feel that silky skin against his lips. He let his lips graze over her shoulder and halfway down her back. 

      Carolina sat frozen in place, letting the sensation of his lips light a fire inside her. Efe moved away, ” Sorry, didn’t mean to start something I couldn’t finish, I just want to know it might get a little rough. I’m going back up top to get us through this.” He whispered as he traced the lines of her face with his finger. 

      He could see the fear that had already sat up in her eyes, ” Hey, don’t be scared. It’s just a little storm,  maybe some wind and rain, that’s it.” He nodded and gave her a wink of reassurance before he turned and headed back to the deck.

      The wind had already whipped itself up into a frenzy by the time Efe had positioned himself behind the wheel again. He didn’t like the look of it, not at all, he just knew he had to bring them through it in one piece. 

      The white foam from the waves exploded against the side of the boat, drenching both Efe and Kadir as they cut through the water. Efe had the throttle buried, giving them all the speed he could, but they still seemed to be sitting still, just rising and falling at the mercy of the waves.

      ” Hey, what does the radar look like, how long before it passes.” Efe yelled to Kadir over the noise of the wind and the crashing of the waves. Kadir was tracking the line of storms with precision, but for some reason his eye sight was not up to par. He blinked his eyes a couple of times to try and focus better, but the double vision didn’t seem to want to do away.

      Efe could see that Kadir was having trouble, as he watched him shake his head and rub vigorously at his eyes. ” Abi, are you ok. Give me something on the storm.” Kadir nodded, ” Ok, looks like the storm is bearing down on us from the northeast. The line is intense, but it looks like it should pass by quickly.” He yelled out over the noise. 

      The swaying and dipping of the boat was dramatic but Carolina was determined not to lose it. She closed her eyes trying to imagine herself floating somewhere on the water, the sun beaming brightly and the smell of the salty air relaxed her. She always loved the ocean, it reminded her of home. 

      She let her mind drift back to that small town set beautifully out on the edge of nowhere. Hull, Massachusetts is set all alone out on the southernmost point of the Boston Harbour. From that thin narrow strip of land you could see the ocean spread out itself forever. It was a view she never got tired of. These thoughts seem to calm her nerves as she heard the deafening howl of the wind and the gushing sound of the rain as it beat down hard on the hull of the boat.

      Her next thought was of Efe, was he ok, they prayed that he would be able to get them through this storm. Just then, a loud knock on the door startled her, ” Carolina are you ok?” Kadir yelled. Then he swung the door open and looked in, seeing her sitting in the middle of the bunk, her body formed into a ball and wrapped tightly in a blanket. He smiled at her, ” You ok. Efe was worried about you, so I came to check on you. The storm is almost passed.” He could see the concern in her eyes, but she smiled back at him. 

      Kadir gave her a wink, ” Hey don’t worry, my brother has brought us through worse than this. Besides my dad, Efe is the best sailor I know.” He told her with a confidence that made her feel good.

      Carolina smiled and nodded, ” Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.” She told him, noticing the bump and bruise on his forehead had gotten worse. It instantly worried her but she tried not to let her concern show. ” How are you feeling Kadir, does your head hurt?” She asked him. He shrugged his shoulders, ” Ehh, a little but I can handle it.” 

      The boat bucked and dipped, almost throwing Kadir to the floor. He grabbed the door to steady himself, ” I’ll get back up top with Efe, just stay put until this is over, ok? He ordered, giving her a wink.

      He closed the door and made his way through the cabin to the stairs. Just the simple chore of walking was almost impossible to do with the rocking and bucking of the boat. Kadir knew this could be a dangerous situation, but he didn’t want Carolina to sense his fear.

      He approached the deck and was able to see his brother. He was drenched from head to toe, and he looked as if he may collapse at any moment. ” Abi, here let me fight the wheel for a while.” Kadir yelled to him, waving him over to the side. Efe shook his head, ” No kid, I’ve got it. Just keep me on course.” He said, his eyes squinting to see through the driving rain.

      Efe appreciated his brother wanting to help him, but it was all he could do to keep the boat on top of the water. He wasn’t sure if his little brother could handle it.

      ” Just be ready to take over when this storm has passed, I’m going to need a rest.” He said with a nod and a smile toward his brother. Kadir took his place at the radar map, trying to find a better path to take to carry them out of the storm…

      The line of storms had shifted, as best he could tell. It looked like they were turning back to the north a bit. They could be out of this storm in a short while, that is if he was seeing everything right. His head was becoming fuzzy and his eyes were hard to focus, almost to the point of seeing double. He shook his head tryin to clear the cobwebs. But he felt that something just wasn’t right…

      The wind and rain began to lessen, almost as fast as it started. The clouds were visibly rushing off to the north, bringing back the soft blue color of a late morning sky. Efe took a deep breath, loosening his grip on the wheel. They had made it, he thought, as he glanced over at his brother. Kadir was slumped over on the bench seat, his eyes closed, trying to stop the violent spinning that had attacked his head.

      ” Kadir, Kadir.” Efe screamed at the top of his lungs. But his brother didn’t answer…He released the wheel and ran over to Kadir.

      A fear so intense settled inside him, the most fear he had ever felt….

      ” Please little brother, wake up.” His heart beat so hard he couldn’t breath. What would he do if something happened to him……the thought paralyzed him, as he felt the tears sting his eyes…..

Chapter 14

The minute that the light from the port became visible Efe pushed on the throttle, cutting the boat through the water at a record speed. He had to get to Palma de Mallorca as soon as possible.

      He kept one eye on his brother and one eye on the approaching lights of the port. The sight of his brother slumped over on the deck seat was stuck in his head like a magnet. He didn’t care what his brother said, he would get him to a hospital as soon as they docked. 

      Carolina was tending to Kadir, trying to relieve his headache and dizziness. “Carolina, you don’t have to treat me like a child. I’m really ok, just a little dizzy. I think it has something to do with this bang on the head.” He laughed, trying to lighten the mood. 

      She shook her head, ” Nope, you will do as I say, or I may just give you another knot on the head.” She spewed, shaking her finger at him. Kadir smiled knowing not to push this fiery redhead.

      She examined the cut, which was healing nicely, but the bruising was spreading and the protrusion from the bump seemed to be sinking in. It was definitely something that concerned her.  Efe could tell she was more worried about Kadir than she was letting on.

      As they arrived at the port, the search for an open spot took some time.  But in no time Efe had them docked and securely anchored to the pier. Helping his brother up and down the plank to the pier wasn’t a challenge, Efe simply picked him up in his arms and maneuvered his way down, with Carolina close behind. 

      One of the fishermen that was also docking at the pier gave them directions to the nearest clinic. It wasn’t a far walk so Efe continued with Kadir in his arms. Efe knew that his brother was in worse shape than he thought for the fact he wasn’t putting up any resistance to being carried like a baby by his older brother…

      It was well past midnight before the doctor can out to talk to them. ” Are you Mr. Divits brother?”  the doctor asked, reaching out his hand for a handshake. Efe nodded, ” Yes, Efe Divit. How is my brother? He asked as me squinted his eyes at the doctor.

      The doctor smiled, ” He’s better. It seems the clip on the end of the rope did a bit more damage than you both had thought. He has a slight concussion. It’s nothing to worry about too much, but he will need to rest here for at least 24 hours.” The doctor explained. 

      The words that Efe heard from the doctor made his stomach churn. He rubbed his face with his hands, (a clear nervous habit he inherited from his father ) as he tried to process the implications of his injury. ” Are you sure he will be ok, there won’t be any other problems associated with this concussion?” He knew he would have to make that dreaded call to his parents and he wanted all the information that he could get before he did so.

      Carolina slipped her arms through his and gave it a hug. ” It will be ok, I’m sure of it. Right doctor.” She said, her voice full of enough confidence for the both of them. She could see that look of uncertainty on Efes face and she could tell he was accepting the blame for Kadirs accident. ” I know he will be, but I want to be sure. So doc, what’s the worst that can happen.”  Efe asked, bracing himself for the answer.

      ” I assure you both that with some rest for the next day or two that he will be ready to go. But he will still need to take it easy. No vigorous activity, or any more bangs on the head.” He said with a laugh. ” So, you three are sailing across the Mediterranean I take it. Sounds like a life of adventure. But please be sure and get your rigging fixed up before you head out.” 

      Efe shook the doctor’s hand and thanked him for everything. He stuck his head in to say good night to his brother before heading back to the boat. ” Well looks like you get a nice soft bed for the night and maybe even a cute nurse to wait on you.” He told him jokingly. 

      Kadir smiled, ” Looks like it. Hey, I’m sorry about all of this. I know you want to stay on schedule. I think I should be ok to leave tomorrow afternoon.”  Efe shook his head vigorously, “You will do as the doctor says, and when he says you can go, then we can go….look Abi, this is my fault not yours. And you know I have to call mom and dad and let them know what’s going on.” 

      The walk back to the boat with Carolina was quiet. He had his mind on the conversation that he would have to have with parents in a short few hours, …something me dreaded. He could already hear what they might say, ” You were the one in charge, …or ” What were you doing while he was in the deck alone.”  All the things he didn’t want to hear. All the things he was already blaming himself for.

      Carolina knew that Efe needed to be alone for a while, so she went below to get ready for bed. Her phone alerted her of a text, it startled her, they had been without service for a while on the water, so she hadn’t even looked at her phone. She grabbed it at read the message. 

      “Carolina, your dad got here early today. He is very upset with you and us. He has tried to call you and text you, but you didn’t answer. Please get back with him. “

      She closed her eyes, why did he have to come there, she thought.  She knew what she was doing, she was following her heart. She checked her messages, 6 text messages and 3 missed calls. Yep, he was angry, she thought. 

      She typed a message,..”Dad, I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me. Just go home and I will call you as soon as we arrive at Efes home. Dad, please understand, Efe he is the man I love.” 

      Carolina read over the message several times before deciding to press that send button. The memories of all things that her dad had done for her over the years that they were alone made the tears form in her eyes. But she was old enough now to make her own decisions, and Efe was what she wanted.

     She closed her eyes and said a little prayer, then she tapped the send button. She stared at the screen for a second, her whole heart dreading that she had to make a choice like this. But that was just it, this was her choice.

      The sound of Efes footsteps as he came down the stairs to the cabin brought her back to reality. Immediately she turned off her phone, knowing her dad would call the minute he read the message. She fought back the tears as she heard Efe open the door and come in. ” Hi, are you ok.” She asked as she reached out her hand to him….

He slid into the bed next to her, but he didn’t speak. 

      The thought of calling his parents still weighed heavily on his mind. At first light he would make the call, he thought, as she wrapped Carolina up tightly in his arms….

      ” Just love me Carrie…..I will be ok if you just love me.”  He mumbled in her ear softly.

Chapter 15

She had slept soundly but she woke up to the sound of Efe’s voice in the galley. He had left the door partially open to the bedroom so it wasn’t like she was eavesdropping. His voice sounded different, was he crying, she wondered as she listened.

      ” Mom, I know, but it was truly an accident. For one thing, I wish it had not happened, but it did.” He said, as his voice broke with emotion. ” He will be fine mom; it is just a very mild concussion. I will try and convince him to catch a flight from here and come home.” Efe spoke, trying to be confident.

      Carolina listened at the door, feeling sorry for this man she loved. It hadn’t been his fault that the rigging broke, she thought. She began to feel a bit defensive as she listened to the rest of the phone call. She wanted to go grab the phone and tell his mother that Efe couldn’t control Mother Nature, and that Kadir was a grown man able to handle something like this. But she refrained, knowing that his parents didn’t  know her at all and she wasn’t about to start off on the wrong foot with them. 

      She stepped back into the bedroom and grabbed her blanket, wrapping it tightly around her, she opened the door and entered the galley. Efe turned quickly as he heard her coming, giving her that slight half smile that made her shiver with excitement. He held his finger up to his lips, signaling for her to stay quiet, as he went on with his conversation. 

      ” Hello dad, mom told you what happened? I’m really sorry, but it’s not as bad as it sounds really. The rigging on the main sail just gave way in the wind and snapped.” He added, sounding a bit more confident. ” No, I was in the cabin when it happened. Yes, it was just a freak accident.” He went on to say….” First thing this morning dad, I’ll get it fixed up before we leave out.” He smiled and gave Carolina a wink.

      She smiled and winked back, but she could see he was a much different person when it came to his parents. It made her feel good to know that he respected his parents so much and didn’t want them to be disappointed in him. Typical first-born behavior….

      Efe ended his call telling them both he loved them, and a solemn promise to be careful on the rest of their trip. Carolina reached out for him, pulling him close to her. He circled her tightly inside his arms, ” I’m glad that’s over with. I knew they would be upset.” He whispered as he kissed her neck. She was seeing a whole new side of him, a side that made her love him even more.

      By mid-afternoon Efe had gotten the rigging repaired and had restocked the boat with supplies. Carolina had walked to the hospital to sit with Kadir while Efe took care of things. Kadir was feeling better and was anxious to get out of the bed and continue on with their trip.

      The doctor had given Kadir his final check over just as Efe got there. ” We’ll it seems that your brother is well on his way to recovery, but he will still need to be careful. No more bumps on the head.” He replied, patting Kadir on the shoulder.

      ” Great doc, but I think that my brother is going to be catching the next flight to Spain from here. My parents want him home as soon as possible.” Efe announced in his most authoritative voice. Kadir’s eyes squinted, ” I don’t think so, and that’s not what mom and dad said when I spoke to them earlier today.” Kadir commented. 

      He shook his head, ” No, I’m going with you, on the boat, and there’s nothing you can say to stop me. The docs says I’m fine.” he said nodding at the doctor. Efe took a deep breath, “Brother I just think it would be better if you fly home. We still have about 3 days of hard sailing before we reach Malaga and I don’t want to risk something happening to you.” He answered, but he could tell by the determined look on Kadir’s face that he would end up losing this fight.

      In less than an hour the three of them were headed to the pier. Efe still giving Kadir orders about what he could and couldn’t do.  Carolina snickered to herself as she listened to the brothers. She was beginning to grow accustomed to their bickering and couldn’t wait to meet their parents.

      It was late in the day by the time they got Kadir settled on the boat so Efe decided to wait until the next morning to shove off. He was just beginning to calm down from the accident and his feelings of guilt. A good night’s sleep and he would be ready to take them home. 

      With Kadir taken care of, Carolina excused herself to go below. She needed to check her phone again before they left the port, and she didn’t have good reception. She fished around in her bag to find her phone and turned it on. The first message to pop up was from her dad…

“Ok Carolina, if that’s the way you want to play this game then so be it. You have left me know choice….

      She knew she wasn’t going to respond, but she wondered what he meant by that remark. Her dad was a man of very few words, but when he said something, he meant it. She felt the nerves tingle inside her body as she thought of what could happen. Efe footsteps made her quickly shut her phone down before Efe had a chance to see it.

      ” Hi, checking your messages?” he asked, pulling his t-shirt off over his head. She nodded, “Just one from Michelle asking if I was having fun.” She answered, her eyes fixed on his tightly muscled body.  She felt a warm sensation move through her body as Efe moved closer to the bed, ” Oh, and what did you tell her?” He whispered, leaning over her so close she could feel the heat from his body.

     She swallowed hard, her throat dry tight, but she managed to smile, ” I told her that I was having the best time a girl could ever have.” She mumbled, raising up to bite his lips. He responded, teasingly at first, but then almost instantly that fury of desire exploded inside him and all he could think about was taking her clothes off and having his way with her.  

      Within seconds that quiet and calm exchange between the two, had imploded into more than either of them had expected. Pure ecstasy had occurred between them and that was something that Efe had never experienced before…. He was totally and willingly satisfied. 

     He laid next to her, feeling her moist soft skin touching his own, knowing that this woman had unlocked his heart and he would forever need her in his life….

       They had been wrapped up there in silence for some time when Efe spoke, ” So, when do I get to meet your dad?” He asked. His question had totally caught her off guard… she had never thought about it.

      She remembered the last text she had read from her dad before she replied. ” I’m not sure babe, he’s really busy with work and all, maybe later. But I did tell you that he did send us his best wishes.”  She lied, praying he couldn’t see her face there in the dark.

      She hated to lie, but she knew she could never tell him how her dad really felt……or that he was in Alghero right now looking for her to take her home…

Chapter 16

The next morning Carolina joined Efe at the wheel as they maneuvered the large sailboat out of the port. Kadir watched them together, so happy that his brother had found the woman that calmed his heart. 

      ” Perfect weather for sailing.” Efe boasted as they felt the wind fill the sails and carry them through the water at record speed. Carolina was beginning to love the feel of the boat now, the rise and fall of it as the waves took them toward Spain. 

      Efe and Kadir both had the same look about them, the look of excitement, anticipation at the thought of going home. Carolina wondered how Efe’s parents would receive her. Did they wonder what type of woman  he was bringing home. She smiled at the thought of it, knowing they probably didn’t put anything past Efe..

      They pushed hard for the first half of the day, cutting through the water towards Spain. But my mid-afternoon Efe was ready for a break. They had their pick of spots to rest for a while, and with the winds finally easing up he decided to drop anchor and get some food.

      It was so peaceful there just bobbing up and down at the mercy of the waves. She loved the view of that distant stretch of land on the horizon and then the view of her handsome and alluring sailor. She laughed to herself thinking, ” If all my so called friends in Hull could see me now, what would they think.”   This was about as far away from her life she had there as anything could be. This was a dream…

      After a good dinner and a nice lounge on the stern of the boat with a beautiful redhead in his arms, Efe was ready to head on towards home. He would sail through the night if he had to just to closer to the house on the beach that he loved. 

~ Can~

      Can sat out on the dock, watching out across the water. He had always loved the water and being out there on it. The freedom of letting the wind take you wherever it wanted was so exhilarating. But over these years of growing his family he had lost most of his enthusiasm to roam the world.

      This place, Sanem and his sons had replaced that need to explore. He was indeed in his years of contentment. Their two sons had inherited that desire from him, was he happy about it,…in a way, but he hoped they had also inherited the need for their home,  just as their mother had.

      He knew that Efe and Kadir were on their way back home, they had called just before they shoved off at Palma de Mallorca. Efe reported that Kadir had been released to travel and had refused to take a flight home, so he would be coming home with him on the boat. Can smiled to himself when he heard the news. He knew that his youngest son would never agree to fly home and leave his brother to navigate that boat home alone….

      Kadir had hinted that they were bringing a special person with them, but he refused to tell him who it was. Can could only imagine who she was, but whoever she was she would be accepted with love. 

      Can looked at his watch, calculating the time from when they received their call until now. If he had to guess, he would think that they were just now approaching Cartagena, or even perhaps they were as far as Mojacar. 

      He knew his eldest son well, so he knew he would keep the boat close to the coastline. He would sail along hugging the coastline until they rounded the southern tip of Spain and started their final leg of the journey toward home. He wasn’t going to lie, just the thought of them coming home had his heart beating fast. He had missed the two boys more than he would ever let on.

      Sanem came out the door fulling expecting to see Can setting in his chair on the beach, but he wasn’t there. She glanced up and down the beach searching for him. As she walked toward the water she looked toward the dock and there he was. She knew that was where he would be if he wasn’t in their favorite spot on the beach. She folded her arms and breathed in the fresh sea air, it always made her feel refreshed and new. 

      She wanted to walk that short distance to the dock and sit down next to him, but she would let him have this time alone. Sanem knew what he was thinking, she knew he was thinking about the boys and the journey home. She was too, and she was too excited for words. She closed her eyes and could envision them cutting through the water and the waves, their hair blowing back and a smile on their face.

      After a few minutes, Sanem walked down to the dock and sat down next to Can, ” Well, where do you think they are right now.” she asked, laying her head on his chest. He smiled, ” what makes you think that I’m thinking about the boys?” he said, wrapping his arm around her, pulling her in tightly against him. 

      ” Because I know you Can Divit, better than anyone else, better than you know yourself. And right now, you are calculating just how many hours of sailing they have before they reach this very dock. So, I will ask you again, where do you think they are right now.?”  she asked him, reaching up to stroke his beard.

      Can sighed, ” Well since you already know what I’m thinking, I believe they are somewhere between Cartagena and Mojacar. And Efe is pushing it really hard right now because the wind is good, and he can smell the air of home.” He stated, so matter-of-fact that it made her smile. Can kissed the top of her head, ” So are you ready for them to be home, ready for the chaos and bickering to begin again. And you know we will have endless hours of having to listen to all the adventures they had.” He said, his voice sounding full of love.

      Sanem didn’t have to think about her answer, not even a moment. ” Yes, a thousand times yes. I know you wouldn’t admit it, but I have missed them more than I thought I would. Then with Kadir getting hurt, it made me miss them more.” She replied, as the tears filled up her eyes. ” But I do wonder about this mystery person, don’t you. So that’s all Efe said, that they were bringing home a special girl?” She asked, raising up to look at Can.

      Can shrugged his shoulders, ” No, that’s all he said, a special girl. So, I guess we will find out when they get here. Which I think should be sometime tomorrow, late afternoon.” He answered, his eyes searching out to the horizon.

      ” But we have these last few hours to ourselves, you know, all alone. Maybe we should take advantage of this last night of freedom.” He muttered, as he kissed her cheek, then moved further down to her neck. She still excited him like nothing else, the feel of her skin and the smell of her body did things to him he simply couldn’t describe.

      ” Can Divit, are you trying to seduce me?” She asked, batting her eyes at him in teasing way. 

      He smiled ever so slightly, ” Is it working.” he asked, sliding his hand up her leg and under her skirt. 

       She felt her heart stop for a second as he moved his hand along her body. ” You are terrible Mr.Divit, but I have to say, you are very convincing.” She whispered in a breathless voice.

Chapter 17

Efe had sailed through the night. Kadir had gone below to his cabin for a good night’s rest and Carolina had taken Kadir’s spot on the deck. 

      They had made good time with Efe pushing it hard to reach home by the end of day. That beautiful glow of orange was just spreading up from the horizon, a time when it was both day and night. The sun was not visible yet, and the stars were fading, saying that final goodbye until later. That distant array of color was just the preview of what was to come. 

      He loved this time of day, when things were new and the possibilities of what the day would bring was a mystery.

      He could barely see the outline of land in the distance, but he knew they were close to Almeria. He recognized the peninsula that jetted out into the sea from the coastline. His heart was full of love for the country and the excitement of getting home had taken over his body. It felt like they had been gone for years, when it fact it had only been a little over two months.

      He made himself a promise, “ We will be home, our boat docked on the beautiful beach of home, before this day is over.” 

     He smiled knowing he could do it. He glanced over at Carolina, the woman that had changed his life, as she laid sprawled out on the deck bench. He couldn’t wait for his mom to meet her, he knew they would love each other. 

      Kadir poked his head up from below, ” Aye aye captain, how does coffee sound.” He asked, giving him a salute. Efe waved, ” Sounds great, make it strong.” He answered. Kadir disappeared below again to make the coffee. Efe couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so good, so exhilarated,  so excited to be going home.

      Along with the coffee, Kadir had brought some fruit and cereal. ” Here have some food, you’ve got to be starving. Then let me take over for a while and you can get some rest.” He said, feeling better than he had the day before. Efe wrinkled up his face, ” I don’t know, do you think you’re up to it?” He asked. He could sure use a rest, but I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize his brother’s health.

      ” Of course I am. I feel even better than yesterday. And I promise I won’t get us off course.” He joked. He looked around to get his bearing, ” Hey is that Almeria over there. Wow Abi you made good time. At this rate we will be pulling up to our dock before nightfall.” Kadir boasted, giving his brother a high five.

      Efe smiled broadly, proud that they had accomplished what they set out to do. They had sailed for weeks, had some close calls with the weather, had some equipment problems and even an accident, but they made it back home in one piece. He had never felt so worthy of being a Divit than at that moment.

      As the morning hours ticked by, the scenery became more and more appealing as they got closer to home. Each one of them excitedly pointing out all the features of the beautiful coastline of their homeland. The resorts that line the beaches, then the vast areas of the forests that separated them all. It was a sight to behold, especially from a boat’s point of view.

      Carolina was taking it all in as they cut through the water at record speed. She could tell how excited the guys were to be nearing their home, and that, in turn, made her excited as well. But she was also terrified as the thought of meeting his parents. She had heard so much about them, how perfect and beautiful they were, that she was sure she would never measure up in their eyes. 

      What would they think of her, a woman that would meet a man in another country, spend the most wonderful few weeks of her life with him, and then jump on a boat with him and sail away. She couldn’t believe it herself, she had actually thrown caution to the wind and followed her heart.  Not at all how she handled Grant back home. But now that she thought of it, she never followed her heart when it came to Grant, she just loved the thought of him, his attention. 

      But that was over, she had learned her lesson on older men…they were all shallow and petty, and married!! 

      Carolina knew that one day she would have to tell Efe about Grant Baxter, but not this day. This day was a happy day, a day they wanted to remember together as a day of a new beginning. She would keep that little secret to herself for a while longer. But she knew she would have to tell him before he met her dad.  

      The winds had picked up, the sails were bellowing out full of wind, as they sped across the water toward their dock. Efe checked his watch, it was 7:18, and they were at least 40 minutes from home. His heart was beating faster as he saw all the landmarks of his home. He wondered if they should call ahead and let his dad know they were about to dock. But he decided against it, ” let’s just let it be a surprise” he thought. 

      That morning they had left their dock seemed like a lifetime ago. The lights of Malaga were visible and bright as they veered around the huge port of Malaga. The sky was changing from that brilliant clear blue to a soft muted color of amber. 

      Kadir had joined his brother at the wheel, just as he did the morning they left. The both soaked in that view of Malaga as if they had never seen it before. Carolina was quite in awe of it all. The tall, towering hotels that loomed out over the long white beaches. She had no idea that Malaga Spain was such an enterprising city, so large and full of life. She couldn’t wait to get acquainted with it all.

      They sailed past the port and on to the southwest a bit. Their home was outside of town about 5 miles, toward Churricana, but it wasn’t far now. 

      Kadir jumped up pointing toward the lights in the distance, ” Abi, look there it is…our dock.” He yelled. The long dock protruded out from the beach a good way, and it was lined with white lights all around the outside. It was very easy to spot from a distance, but there was one other light visible, a huge amber spotlight that their dad had installed to help guide them into the dock. Their dad would have their mom turn it on for them when they were coming in from one of their sailing trips. He told them it was the welcome light….

      ” The welcome light is on; do you see it Efe.” Kadir said, his throat tightening from emotion. The tears had filled his eyes as they got closer, and the view of the home became clear. 

      They were home, they had done it……Efe’s chest ached with pride as he maneuvered the large boat toward the dock.

      Then they saw him, their dad, sitting there on the end of the dock. Waiting……waiting for his sons to come home…

Chapter 18

Can… Earlier that afternoon….

      Can had paced back and forth on the beach all afternoon. Sanem knew that he was counting the hours until the boys got home. And if she knew him as well as she thought he did, he had already marked a time in his head when they would arrive. 

      She headed down to their spot in the beach, just wanting to be near him as they waited for their sons to come back home. ” Hey handsome, what are you thinking about.” She asked with humor in her voice. Can turned quickly, startled at her voice.

      She held up her hand to him, ” Wait…I think I know,…..you….are thinking about two handsome young men that will be sailing into our dock at any time. Am I right?” She joked, wrapping her arms around his neck and gazing into his eyes.

      He smiled and rolled his eyes, ” You know perfectly well that’s what I’m thinking about. And I think they will be here about before nightfall.”  He announced, confident in his calculations. 

      The thought of it made Sanem smile. She had missed her sons tremendously but more than that she was glad they would return in one piece. ” Oh, you know this for a fact do you. So, should we turn on the welcome lantern for them? She asked.

       He nodded, ” Yes, I have already thought of that. If you don’t mind, I will go to the dock and wait for them. Do you want to come along? He asked stroking her hair.

      She shook her head, ” No, you go ahead, I know you need to see them first at the dock. I’ll wait here for them.” She told him kissing his chest. Sanem knew how important it was for him to watch them pull into the dock. Like watching the brave warriors returning home from battle. She was amused at the thought of it, and how differently they looked at things. She would just be happy to see their faces.

      Sanem went in to fix a snack for them when they arrived. She knew they would be starved and tired. The sun was dipping down low into the water, signaling that this day would soon be over. It was always a beautiful sight to behold, but none more beautiful than this day, the day when her babies would come home..

      She watched Can out the window as he looked at his watch, then he started off down the beach toward the dock. She felt so happy just knowing it wouldn’t be long now until she would see her sons. The dock was down the beach, and with the light in the sky giving way to the night, she knew it would be hard to see them coming in. But she poured a cup of tea and found her lounge chair on the beach. Just to be able to see the lights from the boat as they came in would be enough right now. She would let Can give them their first welcome home hug….

      Can walked out to the end of the long dock, squinting his eyes as he looked out across the channel. He reached over and flipped on the huge amber light, letting it illuminate the dock and spread out onto the water a good 60 or 70 feet. He perched himself at the end of the dock and leaned back against the tall post that supported the dock and also the sign letting everyone know that they had arrived at ” Divit Estates”.

      He was prepared for a wait, but he didn’t think it would be long, if his calculations were right and he knew his boys, he would be able to see the lights from the boat just anytime now. He was more excited than he thought just to be able to see them, touch them, give them a hug. He felt his heart beat with pride as he waited….then he saw the two bright lights from the stern of their boat as the rounded the coastline and entered the channel. He couldn’t keep from smiling as he watched the image of the boat grow larger and larger as they approached…They are home!

      Kadir had seen him first, ” Dad, Dad. We made it, we’re home.” He called out across those last few feet of water.  He waved and Can waved back. 

      ” Ahoy there captains.” Can yelled to them. ” Welcome home boys.” The emotions of seeing them sail into this dock again, safe and sound had taken him over. The tears seemed so easy to appear anymore, but he didn’t care, he was just happy they had made it home.

      Efe maneuvered the large boat up to the dock with precision, gently tapping the side of the dock. ” You got it son, now ease it in.” Can said, directing him as he brought the boat to rest against the dock. 

      Efe waved his hand, ” Thanks dad… hey we made it.”  He announced with a broad smile across his face. Kadir tossed out the heavy rope to his dad to secure the boat to the dock. It seemed as if it took forever for them to get secured and make their way off the boat. 

      Kadir was first, jumping over the side railings to get to his dad. ” Dad, it’s good to see you.” He spoke, as he embraced his dad, hugging him tightly. “How are you…where’s mom?” He said looking around through the darkness. 

      Can held on to his youngest son, feeling that relief of knowing he was ok, ” She’s waiting for you at the house. You know she wants to have you all to herself.” He replied, as he stepped back looking at his son. ” You don’t look so bad, just a little bump on the head, right” Can said laughing.

      Kadir shook his head, ” Yeah, that’s all it was, just a bump. I told Efe he shouldn’t have made such a big deal out of it.” He replied, rubbing his hand over the well healing gash on his forehead. 

      Efe bounded over the side of the boat next, grabbing his dad forcefully. ” Dad, I’m glad to see you.”  He said feeling his throat tighten with emotion. Can held on tight, ” Son, it’s good to see you too.” He said, rubbing the back of Efe’s head, a gesture that he had done since Efe was a small child. 

      Can couldn’t really explain his feeling at that moment, he just knew he felt a huge relief just holding these men in his arms again…..Yes, men,…they had left as boys in his eyes, but they had returned as men…

      Carolina had been watching this very affectionate exchange between these three men from the deck of the boat. She could see how much Efe and Kadir loved their dad, and she hadn’t wanted to interrupt their happy home coming. 

       This first glimpse of their father had impressed her. The long dark hair, the fit and muscular body of this man, she could clearly see the resemblance of this handsome older Divit, in the younger man she had fell in love with. 

      After a few minutes Carolina cleared her throat loudly, to remind Efe that she was still there on the boat, waiting for her turn to step off the boat onto the sacred land of the Divit Family.. 

      Efe turned quickly, embarrassed that he had forgotten about her on the boat. ” Oh babe, I’m sorry. Here let me help you.” He said to her, extending his hand out to help her down to the dock. She smiled at him as he did so, ” Thanks love, …i’m excited to meet your dad. Aren’t you going to introduce us.” She asked, as she stood there on the dock smiling.

      Everything seemed right at that moment…..as Can watched his son help her from the boat.

      The special woman that Efe had mentioned……It was her, this beautiful woman that had landed on the dock of  ” Divit Estates ” ……

      Can smiled, as he watched the love transfer between the two of them with their eyes.

” Welcome, I’m Can…..Can Divit, and you must be Ms. Carolina Munro..

Chapter 19

Efe smiled, letting his feelings spread broadly across his face, ” Dad, yes this is Carolina. Carolina, this my father, Can.” He announced, feeling as proud as ever of his dad and his home. ” And this is our home, Divit Estates.”  

      Carolina shook Cans hand vigorously, ” Hello Mr. Divit. I know I must be quite the surprise for you. But your son made me an offer that I couldn’t possibly refuse.” She spoke lovingly, looping her arm through his and laying her head on his shoulder. 

      Can nodded, ” Of course, welcome to our home. Boys grab your bags and let’s head to the house. Your mother is waiting for you.” He spoke. A little twinge of uncertainty tickled his stomach as he motioned for Carolina to follow him. ” Carolina, right.” he asked, glancing at her as the made their way up the long dock. She nodded, ” Yes, that’s right. I know this is a shock, but Efe was adamant about me coming with him.” She answered, looking at Can for his reaction.

      ” No, not really,  …no I mean. Not that Efe brings women home every day on the boat, but I’m not surprised, that’s the way Efe does things.”  He remarked, trying to unstick his foot from his mouth. 

      She laughed, a bit of a nervous laugh. As they walked down the beach toward the house. She looked around, even in the dark she could see how special this place was. Just like Efe had told her, ” It’s a place like none other, like a piece of paradise “…

      She could see the lights from the house as they approached. The light from the moon spread out across the front of the house, making it glow. It made her gasp with just the sight of it. Efe had told her all about the cottage by the sea, and how unique it was, but this was much more than a cottage, this was a beautiful Spanish villa.

      There was a small, but beautifully decorated courtyard that adorned the front of the villa before you even reached the front door. It was lined with lights along the top of the terracotta-colored stucco walls that formed the lavish patio. She gazed at it in wonder, why had Efe not described to her this amazing home. 

      The courtyard was filled with flowers and plants, with only a couple of chairs for setting. The front door itself was even a statement piece. The bright red door stood out vividly against the creamy beige color of the home. Not to be left out were the many wind chimes that hung randomly about the courtyard. Most of them brightly colored in yellows, purples and pinks. Carolina new instantly that the woman that lived here and decorated this wonderland of color had to be an amazing woman.

      They walked through the large, curved archway and entered the courtyard. They followed the stone walkway as it wound around through the plants and flowers, making its way to the front door. Carolina felt as if she had entered another time, or another realm of the living as she tried to refrain from gazing about with her mouth open. 

      Before they reached the door it flew open vigorously, and this beautiful woman with long dark brown hair, all but flung herself into the waiting arms of the two boys. ” Boys, you’re home. I can’t believe it; you came back in one piece.” She wailed through her tears of joys. Efe laughed, ” Mom, please. You make it sound as if we’ve been gone for years.” he replied, holding on tightly to his mother. 

      She turned quickly to Kadir, ” My baby, how is your head. Let me see. Oh, is that it. The wound is all but healed up.” She said, squinting her eyes together. Kadir nodded, ” Yes, see I told you not to worry, it was nothing.” He told her, wrapping her up in his arms.

      Can stood by watching as his wife inspected the boys making sure they were ok. All of this happened before she even noticed the other person standing there. 

      It took a few minutes, but Sanem finally noticed the woman standing off to the side, almost in the shadows. It startled her at first, ” Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there. You must be our guest, Efe’s special guest.” She said, looking straight at Efe. 

      Carolina quickly stepped forward into view, ” Hello Mrs. Divit. I’m Carolina Munro. It is my greatest pleasure to meet you.”  She stammered, extending her hand as she introduced herself. Sanem smiled and grasped her hand, ” Welcome my dear.”  She replied, trying not to let her enthusiasm show.

      Efe smiled broadly across his whole face, ” Yes mom, this is Carolina. Can we go inside and relax while I tell you the story.” He asked, a little embarrassed. Can spoke up quickly, ” Yes let’s go in. I’m sure that you are tired Carolina. Had you ever sailed before?” Can asked nervously as he ushered them all into the house.

      Sanem took Carolina’s hand and led her into the main living area of the house. The inside was just as impressive as the outside, Carolina thought, as they sat down on the large sofa. It all seemed so cozy and warm; she couldn’t help but feel right at home there.

      Can and Sanem sat together at one end of the sofa with Carolina at the other end. ” Well, my dear,” Sanem spoke, ” I’m excited to find out how you two met.” She spoke. Efe had sat down in the chair next to Carolina, so he leaned over as he answered, ” Mom it isn’t at all what you might think. In fact, Carolina and I had a bit of a quarrel in our first meeting. Right Carrie?” Efe explained, reaching for her hand.

      Carolina felt that first heat of embarrassment rise up her neck and spread across her face. ” Well I don’t know if you would call it a quarrel, because I was already quite angry by the time you came into the conversation.” Carolina replied, trying to explain. ” But Efe wasn’t the one that made me angry, it was the hotel clerk.” She quickly reiterated.

      Sanem felt Cans hand stroke her shoulder, as if he was trying to calm her down. But to be honest she found their first meeting to be pretty amusing. ” So, you two didn’t have the best first meeting?” she asked, smiling to herself as she recalled the first meeting with Can in the agency. 

      That first meeting had been over 30 years earlier but it still lived in her mind as if it was just yesterday. She looked over at Can with a slight smile, ” Well, if you can believe it, the first meeting of Efe’s father and I wasn’t the best. I guess you could say I insulted him almost to his face.”….Sanem replied, reaching up to caress his cheek.

      ” Yes mom, I have already told Carolina all about the way you and dad met. I don’t think she quite believed me though.” He said, giving Carolina a wink. 

      Carolina had heard the love story of his parents at least a couple of times since they had met. And to be honest, she wasn’t sure if she believed everything he said…..this is until now..

      There was just something about Mr. and Mrs. Divit that she just couldn’t quite put her finger on….

There was a glow, this aura of something special that vibrated from them. She could see it, feel it……And she knew she wanted nothing less than the love that had….

Chapter 20

It was well past midnight by the time that everyone got to bed. They had moved Efe into Kadir’s room to bunk with him, so that Carolina could have Efe’s room to herself. 

      Sanem wasn’t naive enough to think that Efe and Carolina hadn’t already confirmed their relationship with sleeping together, but she was still the daughter of Mevkibe Aydin, and for now she felt it more appropriate for them to sleep separately. 

      Efe agreed along with Carolina, as they said their good nights outside his bedroom door. ” I’m sorry my love, Efe said, as he stroked her hair, ” but my mother is old school.” He spoke. Carolina smiled, ” I don’t think so, I think she is perfect. And your parents are just as you described them.” She mumbled, as he brought his lips to hers. That feeling of heat started to penetrate up through his body as he felt her breath cover his lips.

      He gave her a long passionate kiss before turning quickly and heading toward his brother’s bedroom. She smiled as she leaned back against his door closing her eyes.  She was happy, content and overwhelmed at how beautiful this place was, and how perfect his parents were. That’s just what she wanted, that glow of love that beamed from them as bright as the first stars of the evening. “Yes,” she thought, ” That’s exactly what I want, a love that’s as visible as a million twinkling stars.” 

      Efe hadn’t slept much due to all the excitement. So when that first hint of light peeked in the window he knew what he had to do. He slipped out of bed and pulled on his clothes, making his way to the kitchen. The steam was already bellowing from the spout of the tea pot so he knew his mom was already up and sitting in her favorite spot on the beach. 

      He poured himself a cup of tea and started out to the beach. He relived in his mind the thousands of times that he had done this in his lifetime. The times he had sought his mother’s company in the early morning hours. It was her most favorite time of the day, and it had also become his favorite time. 

      He sat down next to her in his dads’ chair, looking out across the water. She smiled, ” Good morning. You’re up early.” She spoke softly as she patted him on the hand. 

      He nodded, as he marveled at the view of the sun breaking through the sapphire-colored water. ” You are too mom, but that’s the way we like it, isn’t it.” He said, as he grasped her fingers in his hand, holding on to them tightly.

      Sanem felt that lump start to form in her throat as she tried to speak, so the words came out more as a whisper, ” So my dear son, is Carolina the woman you have been looking for. I hope you are honest with her and yourself about your feelings. If you are in love with her, treat her as if she is the only person in the world.” she told him, as the tears quickly formed and ran down her cheeks.

      ” She is mom.” Efe said without hesitation. ” I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but….tell me mom, how long did you know dad before you knew he was your destiny?” He asked, turning to look at her.

      Sanem’s mind flew back in time to that second day that she worked at the agency. That first time that Can Divit had appeared in front of her. That’s the day she knew. That’s the day her life changed. Even though she fought it, ran from it, denied it with all her strength, she knew on that day she would never love anyone but that man. 

      So, she told her son her story of how she fell in love with their father……That was something she had never told him before, the shocking truth of how they fell in love, and how they loved each other through so many bad times. But how they never once, ever fell out of love with each other……

      Efe had only heard this story from his dad over the years. To hear his mother’s account of their love story had brought him to tears. He had tears for all that they had been through, all the people that had tried to hurt them, all the things that they had afflicted upon themselves………….But still they loved.

      Sanem patted his hand, ” My beautiful son, you are so much like your father, so sensitive, but still stronger than most men would be. Just listen to your heart, it will tell you. And don’t let anyone come between you, not if she is your destiny. That only comes once in your lifetime….so  be happy to grab it and be determined to hold on to it with all your heart.” 

      His dads voice interrupted their conversation, ” Hey there you two are. I’ve been looking for you, but i should have known where you were. Watching a new day begin, just like you always did.”  He said, as he bent down and kissed Sanem on top of the head. 

      He knew he had walked in on a conversation that had made them emotional. The tears were still visible on his wife’s face. ” Should I go. I think I came at the wrong time.” Can asked, noticing the emotion on his sons face as well. 

      ” No dad, stay. ” Efe said, jumping up to give his dad his chair. ” Mom was just giving me some very good advice.” He replied, winking lovingly at his mother.

      Can nodded and sat down in the chair next to Sanem. ” So, what good advice were you giving Efe my dear. I hope that you were telling him how to treat a woman like Carolina.” Can said, giving his son a sideways glance. ” She seems to be a very unique woman son, and from the States.” He added, noticing that Efe had turned an awkward shade of red. 

      ” Yes, I know she is dad, that’s what first attracted me to her. She pretty much told me off the first time we spoke. That’s when I knew that she wasn’t going to be easy.” The young Divit told him. ” But that’s also what made me take notice. She reminded me of mom, that same fire and how she doesn’t let you get by with anything.” He laughed, patting his dad on the shoulder.

      Can laughed that big bellowing laugh of his, ” So she has fire huh…well son those kind of women are the best to have,  they will keep your life full of love and excitement.”  He replied, reaching for Sanem’s hand.

      Carolina had been standing a short distance behind them in the beach, listening to the conversation between Efe and his parents. ” So, he thinks I have fire does he.” She thought, reminiscing about that first night they had met in the hotel lobby. If he had only known then how attracted she was to him the first time she saw him, all that hostility was only to protect herself from him. But her she was, standing barefoot on the beach in front of his house….

      ” So did I hear my name?” Carolina said, interrupting their conversation.  Efe looked around quickly to see her there, ” Oh, good morning babe. Did you sleep well. And yes, we were talking about you.” He told her his face transformed into a look of love.

      Sanem could tell immediately that this was the girl for her son…No reason to doubt.

The look on his face was the only think she needed to see……

She saw that soft look of love….the same look his father always had…

Chapter 21

  The morning was hectic with Efe showing Carolina all around the house and the beach. He told her everything he could about how they all came to be here at this beautiful place. Carolina loved the stories about his parents, they seemed so much like a fairytale. 

      By lunchtime they had explored the whole area and were lounging on the beach. Efe had her wrapped up comfortably in his arms as they watched the waves move in and out on the shoreline. It was quite hypnotizing and relaxing. Enough so that she had almost forgotten about her dad and the way she had left things with him on the phone the last time they spoke.

      She already knew that her dad wasn’t going to leave it alone. That’s just not the type of person he was, especially with her, his only daughter. He would put up a fight. But at least he didn’t know where to find her, not yet anyway. Until then she was going to enjoy this time with Efe and his family. She would deal with her dad later. 

      Sanem called out to them on the beach, ” Hey you two, Dad has fixed some lunch, come up to the courtyard and join us.” 

      Efe waved at her, ” Ok, we’ll be right there.” He answered. ” Come on babe, let’s get something to eat. Then I’m taking you to town and giving you a tour of that beautiful place.” He kissed her cheek, grabbing her hand to help her up off the blanket. She nodded, ” Ok, but we don’t have to do everything in one day, I plan on being her for a while you know.” She replied jokingly.

      Efe pulled her closely up against his body, ” I beg your pardon my dear, but I think you are her to stay, not for a while, but for the rest of our lives.” He mumbled, brushing his lips against hers ever so slightly. She giggled, ” That tickles.” She said, pulling back a bit to look in his eyes. ” And so this will be our home, here with your parents, for the rest of our lives?” She asked, her eyes questioning him. 

      Efe stepped back, ” You don’t like it here. This place is great, why wouldn’t you want to stay here?” He said, baffled by her statement.

      ” Oh no Efe, don’t get me wrong, this place is great. But if I’m going to stay her for the rest of my life with you,…we will have to have our own place.”  She stated, not pulling any punches. She smiled, ” Don’t you agree.”  She asked, giving him that look that could convince him of anything.

      He pushed the hair back from her face, ” Anything you want my love. But let’s talk about this later, come on let’s eat.” he said quickly, grabbing her hand and pulling her through the sand toward the house.

      The lunch was delicious, and she was becoming more and more comfortable with Can and Sanem. They seemed to have welcomed her with open arms, and she could see how Efe and Kadir had turned out to be such wonderful men. 

      After lunch Efe and Carolina headed into town. He couldn’t wait to show her around, and maybe even introduce her to some of his friends. They offered an invitation to Kadir to come along but he declined, ” No thanks, I have a couple of things to do myself.  I’ve got to go see if I still have my job, and visit the university.” He explained.

      Efe shook his head, ” Come on brother, that can wait a few more days, we just got home.” He said, admiring the dedication of his little brother. Kadir laughed, ” I know, but I can’t put it off. I’ll get bored if I don’t get back into the swing of things.” He told him. He laughed and patted him on the back as he climbed on his motorcycle, ” See you at dinner.” He yelled as he sped off toward the highway.

      Efe took Carolina to the center of town. It seemed to be the place where everything started. All the cafes, restaurants and the bars that Efe visited were there. He was a regular in most of the hotspots around town, so Carolina wasn’t at all surprised when they entered the first club, and everyone called out his name. ” Efe Divit, where have you been keeping yourself.” The man behind the bar yelled out as the couple found a table and sat down. 

      He waved, ” Manuel, how are you. Oh, I’ve been around. Hey, send us a couple of beers.” He ordered. Carolina smiled at the exchange between the two, ” Everyone knows you, I not surprised. Do you come here often?” She said, leaning over close to him. 

      He smiled as he caught her holding her there up against his body. ” Well, I have been known to spend a few evenings here, and some of the other spots too. But don’t worry, I won’t be doing that much anymore.” He spoke, brushing his lips against hers. 

      The waitress slammed the two bottles of beer down on the table, making Carolina jump and Efe pulled away quickly giving her a dirty look. ” Hey Martina, be careful. You’re spilling good beer.” He replied jokingly. 

      ” Hello Efe, so you’re back I see.”  she replied, her voice full of sarcasm. ” That didn’t take long, you could always find a replacement wherever you wanted.” She spit out the words with venom. Efe glanced quickly at Carolina before he stood and faced the girl. ” Look Marty, I know you are Paolas’ friend, and you will believe whatever she says, be there’s always two sides to every relationship. And I certainly don’t have to explain my side of it to you.”  

       Her face turned a slight shade of red, as she tossed the napkins on the table, turned and walked away. Efe rubbed his face, trying to wipe away the embarrassment of that exchange with Paolas best friend. Carolina had been silent through the conversation, but she knew that this was only the beginning of her trouble there when it came to the other women of Efe Divit.

      He looked at Carolina, seeing that look of doubt. ” I’m sorry love, I shouldn’t have come in here, but I forgot that she worked the day shift. She is Paolas friend, and there’s not much telling what all she told her about our breakup. Are you ok.” He asked, entwining his fingers with hers and giving her fingers a kiss.

      She looked around to see if the girl was watching. This may be more than I bargained for, she thought, as she felt the icy stare front the girl behind the bar. 

      But it only took one look at Efe, those distracting and alluring eyes, to make her forget all about all those other women. She hoped she wasn’t wrong about him. All the things he told her, all the promises he made, she prayed they were true. 

      Martina had disappeared to the back, and Efe was sure she had gone to report to Paola that he was back in town. They quickly down the beers and Efe laid the money on the table. 

      He waved to the man behind the bar, ” See you later Manuel. Thanks for the beer.” Manuel returned the waved as they left. Efe ushered her down the street toward the center square. He wanted to get away from all those eyes that seemed to be staring at them. 

     Paola hadn’t been far away when her friend called her, telling her that Efe was back in town, and sporting a new lady on his arm. 

      Paola watched them from across the street as he showed this other woman around the square, even stopping long enough to give her a kiss. She smiled, as she watched…

      ” Well, Efe Divit, a new woman. I wonder where you found this one.” She said out loud. Her feelings for him hadn’t changed, but the direction she would take now would be totally different…

Chapter 22

Paola watched Efe and his new woman for a while longer before turning and continuing down the street. She felt a new kind of pain inside, a pain that needed to be dealt with. She had given Efe several years of her life, and unselfishly at that, with the understanding that they would one day marry. She knew that he had never actually said those words to her, but it was never denied when she brought up the subject.

      She was deep in thought about her past life with Efe when she rounded to corner and bumped abruptly into Kadir. He grabbed her arm to keep her from falling, ” Oh excuse me….Paola is that you.” He said, shocked to see her. 

      She grimaced as she felt the pain from her twisted ankle. ” Kadir, yes, I think I’m fine. It’s just my ankle. I twisted it in the sudden move.” 

      Kadir held her steady until he was sure she could stand on her foot. ” Of all the people I could have run into, it had to be her.” He thought.  He quickly tried to move on down the street without having to have that conversation he knew she was wanting. 

      ” I see you’re back from your trip. I hope it was everything that you and Efe had hoped it was going to be.” She spewed, with more than a hint of sarcasm. She already had a welcome home plan for Efe brewing in her head, but knew she had to be careful about how she proceeded from here.  ” Kadir, tell your family I said hello…I just may come by to visit very soon.” She said with a smirk.

      Kadir nodded but didn’t reply as he hurried off down the street toward the newspaper office. He was a block away from her before he finally took a breath. He was relieved that she hadn’t bombarded him with questions about his brother. There were many times he had witnessed Paola’s fit of rage toward his brother over the other women, and he knew he wasn’t going to be the one to tell her about Carolina. He shivered at the thought as he shook off that feeling of a close call.

      Paola looked back at Kadir as she continued down the street. She smiled to herself as she setup her plan in her head. She really was surprised that they were back so soon, she was expecting a longer time to bring this plan all together, but she would do what she had to do.

      It was late in the afternoon when they were on their way back to Efes house. He was driving her along that beautiful stretch of road that ran along the sea. That long beach that was decorated with the whitest sand she had ever seen. It was much like the road that led to Hull from Boston except that was a road she had seen and traveled so many times that it didn’t seen special anymore. But this was new and fresh, and not so heavily populated, so it made it look like they were the only people there. 

      They were getting close to ” Divit Estates” when he took a quick left off of the highway. “Where are you taking me now?” Carolina asked, reaching over and stroking his cheek. 

      Efe smiled, ” To a very special place. In fact, it’s the reason my dad bought our house. I’ll explain when we see it.”  he said, a smile covering his face. 

      They came to a stop on the edge of a deserted-looking beach. Efe jumped out, motioning for Carolina to come along with him. ” Come on, I have something to show you, and I will tell you the story.” He explained.

      She climbed out of the car, grabbed his hand and followed him down the beach. They stopped when the beach turned into a pile of large rocks. They stretched down the coastline for quite a distance, with most of them covered with a dark green moss and all the litter from the sea that had been washed up on the rocks, trapping it there. 

      She looked around, then she looked at Efe. “Ok, what’s so important about this pile of rocks, I know they mean something or you wouldn’t have brought me here.” She asked, wondering how these rocks could be the reason for his dad buying their home.

      Efe guided Carolina over a few of the rocks before picking one and sitting down. She sat down beside him, still waiting for the story behind this place. Efe gazed out over the rocks, his face changing from excited to thoughtful and melancholy…

      ” My dad brought me here for the first time about 18 years ago. Kadir was just a tiny baby. He told me the most beautiful story about a place in Istanbul that looked just like this place. A jetty on rocks that ran along the coastline near my mother’s old neighborhood.” He told her, as he looked around. ” They, my mom and dad would go there when they were getting to know each other. But in the beginning they would always get in an argument there, they would yell and scream at each other and storm off from each other.” He continued, his voice quivering with emotion.

      Carolina watched his face and the tears that rimmed his eyes as he told this story. She knew his parents love story meant more to him than any other story he had been told. She loved the fact that his dad didn’t hide anything from his sons, he told them everything about his love for their mother and her love for him. 

      Efe closed his eyes briefly before going on with the story. ” But over time that place also became the spot where their best memories were made. My dad made his first suggestion of marriage to my mom there, but even before that, it was the place my mom told him she didn’t want him.” Efe choked back the tears as he continued.

      ” That was the place my dad found her bandana, she had lost it there the night she told him to leave, that she didn’t want him. That night, my dad said, was the hardest night of his life. But he didn’t leave, he stayed, he went back to those rocks and that’s when he found the scarf.” 

      Efe looked at Carolina, his eyes wet with tears, ” These rocks are the reason my dad bought our house just down the beach. He felt the closest to her when he was here. So, he bought the cottage and decorated it just like my mom would like and waited for her to come.” 

     Carolina felt her emotions come to the surface. She hugged Efes arm, ” They have a special love Efe. Their story is like a fairytale.”  She told him, hoping that their love would be as wonderful and fulfilling as his parents.

      Efe smiled, ” Yes, it is, they lived through many hard times to get to where they are today….

” I want that love Carolina, I want our love to be like that…. That strong, and everlasting love. A love that we can’t live without”…… He told her as he looked into her eyes.

Chapter 23

Kadir was still concerned about running into Paola in town as he arrived home. It was just getting dusk, and he could see his mom sitting in her spot on the beach, as she did almost every night, waiting for the next spectacular showing of the setting sun. 

      His dad was just putting the finishing touches on the dinner table as he he went in. ” Hello son, did you get all your things taken care of today. Are you ready to start back with your classes.”  His dad asked, giving him a pat on the back. 

      ” Yes sir, everything is back to normal starting tomorrow. Where is Efe and Carolina?” Kadir asked, hoping that they hadn’t run into Paola, and she had caused a scene. He knew it would be just like her to do something like that.

      Can shrugged his shoulders, “Not here yet, but they should be here anytime now. Did you see any of your friends in town.” His dad asked. Kadir nodded, ” I’m not sure if she’s a friend, but I did run into Paola. She said to tell you and mom hello…and she plans on coming for a visit soon.” He said, the words coming out hesitantly.

      Their conversation was interrupted by Efe as he came in, ” Good, just in time to eat. I’m starved.” Efe replied, ruffing up his little brother’s hair. Can looked around, ” Where’s Carolina?” He asked. Efe smiled, ” She’s out there with mom. Watching the sunset. I think they will get along good, don’t you dad? He asked as he watched out the door at the two most important women in his life.

      Sanem motioned for Carolina to sit down in the other chair. ” This is the most magical place on earth, well…it is for me anyway.” Sanem stated sounding as sure of that statement as anyone. Carolina smiled as her eyes followed the water out to where the sun was slowing disappearing beneath it. ” I can see that. It’s really beautiful, and I bet the sunsets are never the same here.” Carolina had remembered the times that Efe had told her about this spot on the beach and how cinematic it was.

      Sanem was slow to answer, ” No, you are right, there’s is never two sunsets alike, never a carbon copy of how the days end or how they begin here.” Sanem replied, feeling nostalgic about all those years she had spent watching all those sunrises and sunsets with Can and then later with her sons.

      Sanem slowly turned looking at Carolina, ” My dear, I know my son very well. For him to bring you home with him all that way on the boat tells me that he is more than dedicated to you. What I want to know is, are you as dedicated to him. Efe is not an easy man, he’s not like his father in the display of affection for a woman. He has always held back, in fact there was only one other girl that he had ever brought to our home, and that wasn’t very many times.” Sanem revealed, studying the woman that sat next to her on the sand. 

      Carolina listened quietly, deciphering the meaning of what she was saying. ” Yes, I know, Efe has told me about Paola and their relationship. He explained that it didn’t mean the same to him as it did to her, and they parted on bad terms.” She spoke softly, her head down as if she was ashamed. ” You know, Efe is looking for a love like you and his father have. But I’m not sure that we all get that type of love, that special, unforgiving and so deeply felt love.” Carolina turned and looking at Sanem, her eyes already rimmed with tears.

      Sanem took her hand, ” No, we all have that kind of love inside us, but only if we have found the love of our lives, the one that makes us whole, the one that makes us want nothing in our lives but them.” She patted Carolina’s hand, ” if you can’t recognize yourself without Efe, then he is the one person that must be in your life. If you can’t imagine not hearing his voice each morning when you wake up, then he’s the person that is in your soul.” Sanem leaned over and gave her a hug, giving her one last bit of advice, ” If those feelings are there, then you have found your destiny in life.” 

      ” Hey you two, dinner is getting cold. Come on let’s eat.” Can called out to the two women sitting on the beach. 

      Sanem waved, ” Ok we’re coming.” She stood up reaching her hand out to Carolina, ” Let’s get up there before we make my husband upset.” She replied, looping her arm around Carolinas as they headed toward the house.

      Carolina had suddenly been filled with questions, or was it doubt, she wasn’t sure. She wondered if she felt that kind of love for Efe. Did she have all those feeling that Sanem had just described. The two women stepped inside and was met by the three most beautiful men they had ever seen. Efe grabbed Carolina hand and escorted her to her chair next to him. At that moment she felt as if she knew exactly what Sanem had been talking about. Efe made her complete, Efe’s touch made her tingle with excitement. His smile made her feel like everything was as it should be….like it was her destiny.

      The dinner was perfect and delicious. Efe and Kadir had offered to do the cleanup so Can and Sanem made their way to the beach for some time alone and Carolina went to her room to change. She had forgot all about her phone and decided she should check her messages. The first three messages were from her dad…

      ” Carolina, your games of hide and seek are not funny anymore.” The first message read….

Carolina flinched at the words. She knew he was angry, and she was sure he would not stop until he found her.

      ” You are being childish Carolina….you know I’m going to find you.” Was the second message.

      ” Carolina I’m on my way. Please be ready to go when I get there.”  The third message read…

Her eyes couldn’t believe what she was reading. Had he found out where she was? How had he found out ……who told him?

     The next message was from her friend Michelle……” I’m sorry Carolina, he forced me to tell him…. He’s on his way to Malaga, Spain….

      Carolina felt her hands begin to shake as she looked at the time that Michelle had sent the message. It had been sent early that morning, so for all she knew her dad was already there. He was probably looking for them right now….

      A panic began to erupt inside her, what was she going to do. Where was she going to go. A knock on the door made her jump, ” Carrie, you ok” Efe said as he opened the door to come in.

      The look on Carolina’s face told him immediately that there was something wrong.” What’s wrong, Carrie are you alright.” He asked, stroking her cheek with back of his hand. She felt the tears slowly overflow from her eyes as the thought of having to tell Efe about her dad became evident….

      ” Efe my dad is on his way here. He found out where I am and he’s coming.” She spoke, her voice trembling as she spoke the words. She threw her arms around his neck, ” What am I going to do?” She cried.

      ” Its ok my love.” Efe whispered. ” I can’t wait to meet him. It will all be fine.” He said, stroking her hair.

      ” No Efe, it won’t be ok….he’s coming here to take me back home.” She said, pushing herself away from him and looking him in the face.

      ” He is going to take me away from you.” 

Chapter 24

Adam Munro was the type of father that would protect his only daughter at any cost. So, when he finally convinced Carolinas best friend to tell him where she had ran off to, he took a taxi back to the airport to catch the next flight out to Malaga Spain.

      It didn’t matter to him that his daughter was 24 years old and an adult in the eyes of everyone he knew. She was his daughter and sometimes she didn’t make the best decisions when it came to love. 

      He was the one that held her all those nights after Mr. Grant Baxter ripped out her heart and stomped on it. He was the one that watched her as she struggled to get over a man that had lied to her for over a year. And this time he couldn’t, no he wouldn’t let another guy hurt her like that. 

      He would fly to Malaga and find her, and they would be on the next plane back to the States, kicking and screaming all the way if that’s what It took. He would have to be ready for that.

      As he arrived at the airport to check for a flight, he text Carolina one last time, letting her know that he was on his way. He had a two hour wait for the flight and then an over two-hour layover, so that meant he wouldn’t arrive in Malaga until after midnight. 

      The wait was long and excruciating, but finally he was boarding the plane. His determination was all that was holding him together right now, that and his love for his daughter. 

      ” A sailor, a man that was sailing the Mediterranean Sea for adventure.”  He thought, his fears rippling through his heart. That’s the way that Michelle and Nick had explained this man to him.  ” Well, we will see about that.” He voiced out loud as he settled into his seat for the first leg of his journey to Malaga.

      Carolina was pacing the floor of the bedroom, waiting for Michelle to answer her call. It rang 5 times before she finally hesitantly answered, ” Carolina, I’m sorry. There wasn’t anything I could do.” Was her friend’s opening sentence. Carolina took a deep breath, ” What do you mean, all you had to do was tell him you didn’t know where I had gone. I wish I had never told you where Efe lived.” She blurted out over the phone.

      ” Look I know you are upset with me, but he was going to the police and press charges against Efe for kidnapping. What else was I supposed to do. I figured it would be better trying to handle your dad than the police.” Michelle explained, trying to defend herself. 

      Carolina flopped down on the bed, ” Whats going to happen Michelle, he could be here any minute. And in his text, he told me to have my things ready to go, that he was taking me home. Michelle I can’t leave, I can’t leave Efe. I love him, I love him to much to leave.” She whispered desperately through the phone.

      Efe walked out to the beach, confused and more unsure of himself than ever. Carolina had told him that her father was fine with her going with him. That he gave his blessing and told her he couldn’t wait to meet Efe. But all of that was a lie, she just told him what he wanted to hear. He should have known something wasn’t right when he wanted to call her dad to give him their itinerary so he wouldn’t worry, and she refused, saying here dad trusted her decision and Efes intentions. 

      Can watched from the front entryway as Efe paced back and forth in the sand. He knew he was upset about something, and it probably had Carolinas name written all over it. He waited a few minutes before he headed out to see if he could help.

      ” Son, are you ok. I heard some loud voices coming from your bedroom. Is it something you want to talk about.” he asked as he sat down in his chair.

      Efe shook his head, ” I’m not sure dad. I thought I knew her, but she lied about her dad. He gave her strict orders not to leave with me and she did it anyway, then told me he gave us his blessing. You know, I wondered why she didn’t want to call him when we would dock. Now I know why, he was on his way to Alghero to get her. Now dad, he is on his way here to Malaga.” Efe muttered, hanging his head as if he had been defeated before the game had even started.

      Can raised his eyebrows, ” So her father is coming here. Do you know when he will be here?” He asked his insides beginning to rumble. He didn’t want any trouble for his son or Carolina, but he didn’t want to get in the middle of a family problem. Efe shook his head, ” No, just that he is on his way. What do I do dad. I don’t want to lose her.” His voice shook as he tried to control his emotions.

      Can mind flashed back to the night he had found out that Sanem and his brother had been lying to him. He remembered that hurt like it was yesterday, but his love for her never was in doubt. So, he knew that Efe would find the same solution he had, if he gave himself time.

      ” Efe, lying to someone you love to keep them from being hurt isn’t a deceitful lie, it is a way to calm the heart. It is an unselfish act of love. So don’t be to hard on Carolina, she was protecting you and herself.” Can told him, remembering how long it took him to come to that realization himself.

      Efe smiled slightly, ” Thanks dad, I know you have been through the same thing. I know she did it because she loves me. Whatever it is we will get through it. Mr Munro will see how much we love each other when he gets here, he has to.” 

      Carolina checked her messages for the 100th time to see if her dad had texted her. She sighed as she looked at the same messages from before. ” Where is he. When will he be here.” She wondered. She jumped at the knock on the door, ” Yes, who is it?” she asked, her heart beating hard. ” It’s me.” Efe said quietly. ” Can I come in?” He asked.

      She opened back the door, ” Efe is he here. Please don’t tell me that he’s here.” She replied, her voice quivering. He cupped her face in his hands, ” No he’s not here yet. But I did tell my dad he was on his way. We have to be prepared.”  He said, wiping the tears that slide down her cheeks with his thumbs. 

      ” Please babe don’t cry, we will work it out. He won’t force you to go home with him, not when he sees how much we love each other.”  His word’s sounded so soft and comforting, she almost believed him.

      If he only knew, if she had told him everything from the start. All about Grant and all the things that happened with him. The lies he had told her, and the lies she had believed. The way she turned against her dad because of Grant…only to find out that this man she loved and trusted had a wife and 2 kids and had been playing her for a fool. 

      She would have still been in Hull Massachusetts, living a lie with that man if his wife hadn’t found out and confronted her. Telling her she was a homewrecker, and slut, and a kept woman. All those words still ring violently in her head. 

      The worse thing about it was…. she was right. She was all those things, because she loved him. 

      Grant had rented her an apartment, leased her a car and gave her a credit card. He traveled for business, and this all seemed to make perfect sense to her. She lived in the apartment, and he came ” home ” every other week from his business trips. It was a perfect situation…..until the wife found out….

      Now everyone would know….They would know how stupid she had been, how naive and gullible…..

      Maybe it would be best if she just went home with her dad….

Chapter 25

 The evening was definitely not what Efe had envisioned for them. He had finally gotten Carolina calmed down a bit from the reality of her father coming to Malaga. 

      He had propped himself up on the bed a wrapped his arms around her, holding her as tightly as he could. He knew there was more to this story than she was telling him, but he also knew he couldn’t force her to tell him about it. But nothing could surely be as bad as she was portraying It to be. 

      I’m sure her dad would be upset with her for going against his instructions and leaving with me, but he wouldn’t physically force her to return home with him, he thought as he laid there with her. She had dozed off from pure exhaustion and worry. 

      Efe would stay with her for the night, just to hold her and make her feel safe. He wasn’t sure what was to come with the next sunrise, but he knew he would be there for her, no matter what he would be there.

      Can had filled Sanem in on what was going on, ” It seems that Carolina hasn’t been completely honest with Efe about her dad. It seems he was totally against her coming here with Efe and is on his way to get her and take her home.” Can explained as Sanem listened intently. Sanem grimaced at the thought if her going against her dad and knew the sick feeling she must be experiencing right now.

      Sanem was shocked to hear that her dad was in his way to Malaga to get Carolina, ” Can please, I don’t want any trouble for Efe or Carolina. See if you can talk to her father when she gets here.” She told him. But she knew that Efe would need to be prepared if Carolina decided or was forced to go back to the States with her dad. As hard as that would be, it was a possibility.

      It was 1:15 in the morning by the time that Adam Munro arrived at the hotel. The flight had been long and mentally draining, but he was here now. All he wanted was to get his clothes off and stretch out for a few hours before trying to find this deadbeat person that had kidnapped his daughter. She had to have been brainwashed by him. She was always so easily impressed by men, she let them talk her into anything. ” Well not this time, he wouldn’t let her be used for good knows what.” He said as he drifted off to sleep.

      Adam woke startled and sat upright in the bed, looking around in the room in confusion as to where he was. A second later he remembered where he was and what he was doing. He rubbed his eyes vigorously trying to wake up. He was riddled with fatigue from traveling all this time. He hadn’t even slept since he left Massachusetts. 

      He needed coffee and a hot shower. He ordered his breakfast and jumped in the shower, after that he was ready to find this man and get his daughter. How hard could it be to find him anyway, he thought. He dressed and quickly devoured his breakfast, now he was ready to face whatever was to come.

      The front desk clerk wasn’t any help when he asked about a man named Divit. He explained he had only been in the country for a few months and wasn’t acquainted with anyone yet. Adam nodded and went on his way. His Spanish was rusty, so he wasn’t sure if anyone even understood what he was asking as he wandered the busy streets stopping people randomly to ask about the Divit family.

      Carolina slept longer than Efe had expected.  It he knew that she was completely worn out from all her emotions. He went down to the beach to watch the water as it moved in and out along the beach. It was always so hypnotizing to him; he could just get lost in watching it. 

      Sanem joined Efe on the sand, she reached out weaving her arm through his.  She leaned her head on his shoulder, knowing he needed to hear some kind of encouragement, ” Son there will always be hard times in a relationship. Just don’t let them win, not if you really love her.” She spoke quietly to him, speaking every word from experience. Efe smiled and brought her hand to his lips, kissing them gently. ” I know mom, I don’t have any intention of letting her go.”

      The sun was in full view when she opened her eyes. She sat up quickly, the first thought was of her dad, was he there. But she knew if he was already there, he would have woke her up. She climbed out of bed and dressed, every ounce of her body dreading to start this day. She had no idea what to expect, but she knew she had to tell Efe everything before her dad showed up.

      As she made her way through the house, she wondered how she was going to tell him. How would he tell this man she loved how she had allowed another man to deceive her, trick her and make her feel less than a decent human being. She thought she was over all of those feelings of guilt and shame for coming between a man and his family. But there they were again, all the words that his wife had screamed at her that day when she opened her door to find her standing there. The hurt in her voice and the look of anger and disgust on her face was all that Carolina could see.

      She walked out to the beach to join Efe and Sanem. ” Good morning babe…Mrs. Divit, how are you this morning.” She asked, her voice full of caution. Efe looked around giving her a smile, ” Good morning my love.” He said quietly, as he reached out for her. He pulled her close to him.

      Sanem gave them both a hug and then walked on down the beach to give them time alone. She knew there would be a lot for them to talk about. 

      Carolina was nervous as she stood there with Efe. ” Well I have a confession to make. I haven’t been completely honest with you about my situation with my dad.” Carolina started, avoiding his look. ” I will need to tell you everything for you to understand what’s going on. But I can assure you that this is nothing I’m proud of. I made some bad decisions and I have paid for them, but I wouldn’t have made it through if it weren’t for my dad.” She spoke, finally looking into his eyes and feeling the regret of it all.

      Efe smiled, ” Haven’t we all made mistake or done things we which we hadn’t. We are human my love, so tell me what you have done that has caused you this much pain.” He said as he stroked her face. He knew that nothing she said would make his heart feel differently. 

      She felt like a weight had been lifted from her heart as she took his hand, and they walked down the beach. She took the next hour explaining to him what had happened to her some 8 months earlier. She didn’t leave out anything, she told him everything that happened and how she felt…

      Efe listened as she explained her life and how much she loved Grant Baxter at the time. He hadn’t expected a story like that, so it was hard for him to take all in. But he understood now why her father was so adamant about her returning home with him……He was trying to protect her.

      After Carolina finished her story, she waited for Efe’s response. ” Well, that’s it. I know that’s not what you expected, but there it is, all my dirty little secrets.

      Efe cupped her face in his hands, ” Carolina, that relationship is over. You were a victim, just as much as Mr. Baxters wife was.” He replied, kissing her cheek. ” I think you need to forgive yourself and move on, and I think we can make your dad see that….

     ” See what Divit, what will you make me see.” A voice said….

They both turned to see Carolina’s dad standing there on the beach……

      Carolina felt weak and held on tightly to Efe’s arm…” Dad, you’re here.” She mumbled, her voice trembling….

      ” Carolina, get your bags….we’re going home” ….Her dad announced, his voice strong and firm…..

Chapter 26

 Efe quickly stepped forward and extended his hand to welcome Mr. Munro to his home. ” Mr. Munro, welcome to my home and to Malaga. If you had let me know you were here, I would have been more than happy to pick you up and bring you here myself. ” He spoke, feeling the anger from the man’s stare. 

      ” Is that so.” Adam replied. ” Well, it took me a while, but I found my way here. I did some asking around, but it wasn’t until I stumbled onto a dingy little bar in the center of town where I found out all I needed to know about Efe Divit.”  He said, his voice full of sarcasm.

      Carolina reached out for her dad, ” Dad look, I know that I went against what you said, but this really isn’t Efe fault. He didn’t know that you had told me not to go with him.” She replied. Her father still kept this eyes on Efe, letting him know that he didn’t believe him for a minute.

      Adam Munro smiled, no it was more of a smirk as he looked Efe up and down. ” Just as a thought, you’re nothing more than a beach bum. And from what I hear quite a womanizer and partier” He blurted out moving closer to Efe. ” The waitress at the bar seemed to know you quite well, in fact she found one of your girlfriends to bring me here.”  He said pointing toward the house. 

      Efe had been so occupied with Carolina’s dad that he never even saw that Paola was standing not far behind him. ” Paola, what……Mr. Munro look there has been some sort of misunderstanding. Paola is not my girlfriend, and I’m not what they said I am.” Efe stammered around trying to make sense of what was happening. 

      Paola walked a little closer, ” Efe, my dear, I thought that Mr. Munro had a right to know what was going on, and Carolina too for that matter. But it does seem that you have yourself in quite a jam.” She told him, laughingly. 

      Can walked out in the middle of all of this, ” Efe, is everything all right?” He called out, making his way down to the beach. He stuck out his hand for a handshake, ” Hello, I’m Can Divit and you must be Carolina’s father. Welcome, come up to the house and let’s have a drink.” he said, motioning him toward the house. Munro accepted his offer and followed him up the beach to the courtyard. 

      All kinds of thought were running through Efe’s head as him and Carolina followed along behind. Why was Paola here, and what had he found out about him….

      They sat down in the courtyard and Can was desperate to find out what was going on. ” So, Mr. Munro, I think you may have gotten the wrong impression of my son. Maybe you could give him the chance to explain himself, before judging him.” He said his voice calm, but he let him know he wasn’t intimidated by him. 

      Efe was quick to speak up, ” Sir I assure that I have the best of intentions towards Carolina. It’s true that I didn’t know that you hadn’t given her your blessing to come home with me, but it is very true that we love each other and want to be together. ” The words tumbling out of his mouth like water. 

      Paolas anger and hurt was coming to a boiling point as she listened to what Efe was saying. No, she wouldn’t allow this to happen, she thought. She would have to put her plan into action now or it was never going to work, so she would have to pick the right time to deliver her big news….

      Munro nodded, ” I understand, but according to the people I spoke with, you have quite the reputation as a lady’s man. And Mr. Divit I have no intention letting my daughter get involved with someone like you.  She has already been through a situation that made her look like a fool and won’t stand by and let it happen again.” His words spewed out with vengeance.

      Carolina stood, ” Dad Efe already knows all about Grant and what happened, so there’s nothing to hold over my head. Just let us explain how we feel about each other. Efe is a wonderful man and I love him.”  She told him as her voice shook with emotion. ” Daddy, please I want you to understand….

      Efe was very uncomfortable with Paola being there and hearing their private conversation. ” Paola, what are you even here.” Efe asked, pulling her to side away from Carolina. ” You did the damage, you brought her father here, now I think you need to leave.” Efe said through gritted teeth. The last thing he needed was his ex-girlfriend to stir up more problems…

      Paola had no intentions of leaving as she jerked her arm away from Efe, ” Are you kidding, I wouldn’t miss this for anything. We haven’t even heard the best part yet.” She boasted, as she stroked Efe’s cheek.

      Efe pulled away, ” Paola stop, you just need to go. This doesn’t concern you.” He pleaded, but she refused to leave. 

      Carolina’s dad stood up quickly, ” Carolina, come on, get your bag and let’s go. I have a room in town, we can wait there for the next flight out to New York. Come on, don’t give me any problems.” He ordered a voice she knew all too well. ” There’s nothing more to gain here by all this talking, let just go.”

      There was a wave of fear that swept over Efe as Mr. Munro pulled Carolina to her feet. ” Please if you would just listen to what we have to say.” Efe stammered, his body starting to shake. Carolina moved back from her dad, ” I’m not going with you, I can’t, so please don’t force me.” She begged, the tears filling up her eyes. 

      But Adam Munro wasn’t going to take no for any answer, ” Carolina you will go, and that is a fact. There’s nothing you can say that would change my mind about Mr. Divit or this place. 

     Can quickly stood to confront him, ” Mr. Munro, I won’t let you insult my son like that, I am sorry about the way they handle their arrival here, but they are both adults and are able to decide for themselves what they want.”  

      Adam spin around to face Can, ” Mr. Divit I’m sorry if I have offended you, but there is simply no way that I will allow my daughter to stay her with your son. There may be a few surprises that you’re not aware of yet but it’s not my place to say. But I will take my daughter and leave.” He spewed out the words as if they were fire, making Efe and Can cringe.

     ” What are you talking about dad. What surprises? ” Carolina asked choking back all her fears as she waited for his answer.

      Paola smiled proudly as she looked at Efe, ” Well I think he might be referring to me my dear. I really didn’t want to give you such happy news while you were in such turmoil….But istseems it can’t be helped.

      She reached over to take Efe hand in hers, ” My dear, while you were gone, I found out the most wonderful news.” She spoke, her face glowing…

      ” We are going to be parents………we are having a baby”……

Chapter 27

Carolinas whole world seemed to be spinning around and her stomach had jumped immediately into her throat. She tried to swallow but she seemed to be paralyzed.  

      Efe stood in complete astonishment as he let her words echo in his head. He wasn’t sure if he had heard her correctly so he stepped a little closer, ” Paola don’t talk nonsense, there’s no way you can be pregnant. You can’t be.” Efe stammered, feeling weak and sick at his stomach, hoping desperately his words were true. 

      Paola laughed, ” Yes Efe, there is a way, and I am pregnant with your child. This may not be the best time for you to find this out but aren’t you happy about me carrying you first born child.” She stated her voice talking the sound of a small child as she talked.

      Can put his arm around Efe’s shoulder, ” Hold it together son, let’s go inside and find out what’s going on. Carolina, Mr. Munro shall we go inside and sit down. There has to be a simple explanation for what’s going on.” His dad said. He dad could always make things better and find a solution for everything.

      Efe dreaded looking at Carolina since Paola had made her mind-blowing announcement. He knew her face would be full of hurt and disappointment, but he turned to her, reaching for her hand to lead her into their house. Carolinas eyes had filled with tears and her face was covered with pain, just like he knew it would be. 

      He tried to pull her close to him, but she shied away from him, turning her head away as she walked into the house. Mr. Munro followed his daughter and Can more confident than ever that his daughter would see the type of man that Efe Divit really was. 

      Sanem was just returning from her long evening walk and went in, ” Oh hello, we have company. Can why  didn’t you call me and I would have come back sooner. Hello I’m Sanem, Efe’s mother.” She said ready to welcome their visitors. ” And you must be Carolinas father, Adam…right.”  She extended her hand for a handshake. Instantly she could tell that things were not like they should be, as she looked around the room finding Can, she looked at him questioning him with her eyes.

      Can nodded toward the other person in the room, Paola. Sanem was shocked to see the young woman there, and she knew that something was terribly wrong. ” Efe, what’s going on my dear.” Sanem asked, looping her arm around his in a protective sort of way. 

      Adam was the first to offer an explanation, ” Well Mrs. Divit, it seems that your son has just received some joyous news, him and this beautiful woman are going to be parents. Your exceptional upstanding son has gotten Ms. Paola pregnant.”

      Sanem felt the heat travel through her body as she listened to Mr Munro insult her son. “Excuse me Mr. Munro, but I would like to hear this from my son. Efe, what is going on.” She asked her voice calming and soft.

      The words were hard to come but he finally turned to his mother and nodded, ” It seems Paola thought this would be the best time to let me know about this. ” Yes, she says she is pregnant with my child.” He reported, his eyes glaring into hers. 

      She smiled as she nodded toward Sanem, ” Yes Mrs. Divit, you and your husband are going to be grandparents for the first time. Arent you excited.”  She replied, as she clapped her hands. Her mind was swirling with excitement as she carried out her plan. She knew when she saw Efe and Carolina together earlier in the day that she would need a iron clad plan to make this work, and she had found it..

      Sanem looked around the room at each person, in shock as to what was happening. The only two people that were smiling were Paola and Mr. Munro. She knew something just wasn’t right but the look on Cans face was confirming her worst fear. 

      Adam Munro pulled Carolina away from Efe, ” Carolina, please go get your bag and let’s go. There is nothing to accomplish here. Once again you have made a bad decision about a man.”  He said with the sound of disgust in his voice. 

      Carolina had been silent the whole time, her mind reeling from it all. She looked at Efe as she moved over closer to her dad, her body weak from the news. ” Efe I don’t know what to say. Why didn’t you tell me you were still in a relationship with her. I don’t think I can trust you anymore.” She stuttered, as the tears ran down her face. She looked at Paola and saw a woman that had just taken away everything that ever mattered to her, and she looked so happy about it.

      ” Carolina, come on we need to talk. Let’s go outside and talk, please. I can explain if you will just listen to me.” He pleaded as if his life depended on it, because it did.  He wasn’t even sure of what he would say, put some way he would have to convince her that what Paola was saying simply wasn’t true.

      Reluctantly Carolina followed Efe outside, against the wishes of her father. ” Carolina what can he say to change what just happened. He lied to you and now he’s going to make you believe it. Have some commonsense girl.” He father said smirking at Efe.

      They walked down to the beach, a way from the house, and stared out at the beautiful deep blue water. This place had always been his place of happiness and contentment, a place that he thought would be his home forever. But today this place seemed to be his most dreaded place on earth. 

     She hadn’t looked at him, because she knew if she did, she would believe everything he said, she would get lost in that charismatic charm of Efe Divit. Right now, she needed to be strong and not let him sweep her off her feet. ” Efe, please say what you want to say. But I’m not sure if it will make a difference.” She spoke her voice full of hurt and pain. ” Had everything been a lie, had all the words you whispered to me as we made love had just been that…. just words.” She whimpered, feeling her heart break with every breathing moment.

      Efe turned her to look at him, his eyes glaring at her, ” No Carolina, nothing that I said to you was a lie. I love you more than life itself. You have to believe me. You knew about Paola; I told you I broke it off with her before we left on our trip. That was not a lie.” Efe pleaded with her to understand. This must be some type of horrible nightmare, he thought, and he would wake up soon. He prayed…

      She sighed, ” I want to believe you, I want to be the only woman in your life, but now I don’t know. I won’t be the only woman that has a claim on you. Now there will always be Paola…and your child.” 

      She let the tears of her heart break come flowing down as she clung desperately to the man she loved.

      How would she be able to let go of him. He had become the person that she craved, the person that made her feel like herself….

      He was the person she loved with all her heart…….but would she have to walk away from him….

Chapter 28

 Efe felt as if the world was crashing down around him, but he pulled Carolina close to him. The feel of her body next to him and the smell of her skin seem to comfort him. ” Carolina, please you have to believe me. I have no feelings for Paola, and if what she says is true, well we will deal with that when the time comes.” He said, stroking her hair as he spoke. ” I want you and only you. You are my destiny; you are the reason I want to breath. I love you.” 

      Carolina closed her eyes, clinging to him with desperation. She wanted so badly to believe him…but Grant had said almost the same words to her. He had given her the same reason to hope that this was a love that was true. But it had all been a lie….

      ” Carolina please say something. I can’t stand your silence. Tell me that you still love me.” Efe begged. He was afraid of what was to come, afraid that she would listen to her dad and leave. Carolina sighed, ” Efe my love, I do still love you, but I can’t, or won’t come between you and your child. That child will need you, not part time but full time.” She replied, her voice shaking from all the emotions that were running through her heart. 

      She was broken, her heart and soul, but she knew she couldn’t stay and be the person on the outside of their family. She recalled the words that’s Grants wife had spewed at her that day in her apartment, ” You will never be the center of Grants world, you will never be the most important person in his life……that will be us, his wife and children.”

      Mr. Munro came out of the door, ” Come on Carolina, we are leaving. There’s nothing more to say. I have your bag so let’s go.” He yelled out to her. 

      Carolina knew she had to go. She stepped back, looking into his eyes, ” Efe I’m sorry. But be happy with your child.” She muttered, her throat tight and aching as she fought back the tears. She rushed to her dad, and they quickly walked to the taxi that was waiting for them.

      And just like that she was gone….Efe watched as they drove away down the road. He was stunned, and he felt as if he would pass out, but he knew he couldn’t let her go. 

      Can walked out to console his son, ” Efe, are you ok. Let her come to terms with what just happened, and I think she will be back. She loves you son, just remember that.” He said his voice calming as a warm breeze.

      Efe plopped down in the chair, looking out across the water, thinking how happy they had been the day before. Was he living his father’s story. Was he living the same heartache that he had lived before his mother came back to him……If he was, he didn’t know how his dad had survived all that time here alone. How did he live from one day to the next without his love beside him…

      Can and Sanem watched out the window as their son stared at the sea for hours. The sun had set, and the stars had made their entrance along with the moon. But still Efe sat alone there on the beach. He let all those feelings of hurt and anguish simmer as he recalled all the things that they had said to each other All the promises they had made, all the plans for their life together….but now she was gone.

      Maybe his life was catching up with him. Kadir had always told him that one day he would pay for being so indifferent and not taking his life seriously. Maybe this was his punishment for his wild lifestyle and all the women. But he didn’t want any other woman now but Carolina.

      Just the thought of her name in his head felt like a knife to the heart. She would never forgive. He would never forgive himself.       

      Efe never even heard his brother come in on his motorcycle. He didn’t know anyone was around until Kadir slapped him on the shoulder, ” Hey brother, what are you doing out here all alone. You’re supposed to look at the stars with the woman you love.” He laughed. ” Haven’t I taught you anything about women.” 

      Efe jumped, startled at his brother’s gesture. ” Abi, sorry but I didn’t hear you come up.” He replied. ” I would love to be looking at these stars with the woman I love….but it seems the woman I love has left. The God of Love has shown me no mercy.” He said in a whisper.

      ” What are you talking about Efe. What happened. Where is Carolina.”  Kadir asked.  He was beginning to feel that since of panic for his brother. ” Tell me what happened.” He said dreading the worst.

      Efe shook his head, ” She’s gone, she left with her dad. He is taking her home. I’m still not sure what happened, it’s a blur. But evidently Paola is pregnant, and she chose this very day to happen upon Carolina’s dad in town and bring him here. Then she delivers her great news to everyone.” He mumbled, his heart crumbling as he spoke. 

      Kadir listened, not believing what he was hearing. ” No Abi, she didn’t. You know I ran into her earlier today in town and she told me that she was going to come and visit real soon, but I sure didn’t know that was the reason why.” Kadir explained. ” Are you sure it’s true, I mean she could just be saying that to cause trouble. She has caused you trouble before when you tried to breakup with her.” 

      Efe looked at his little brother, ” No,..do you think she would do that. Do you really think she might do that. That’s pretty low, even for Paola.” He replied, his heart beginning to feel a bit lighter. ” How would I find out is it true or not, and anyway Carolina and her dad are on the next plane to the States, so what difference does it make.” He whined, hanging his head.

      Kadir jumped up, ” Where the hell did my big brother Efe go. Where is that person that is so confident and sure of himself. You’re going to let an ex-girlfriend and a dad stand in your way.” He raved, throwing his arms about in a crazy motion. ” Get up man and go find her.” He ordered.

      ” But,..but, I don’t know where they are staying, and I don’t know when their flight leaves. For all I know they are already on a plane.” He said, giving his mind time to caught up with what he had to do…He jumped up from the chair and begin to pace back and forth on the beach, trying to come up with his plan. 

      Kadir shook his head, ” Come on man, use your brain. First call the airport and get the time of the next flight out to the States, then you get yourself to the airport and wait, if you have to wait all night, you be there before she boards that plane.” Kadir yelled at him.

      ” You’re right.” Efe said, a smile spreading across his face…

      He knew what he had to do. He remembered a conversation he had had with his dad years ago as they were on one of their sailing trips…” You don’t ever let go of the woman you love…..if  you do….it’s like you never found her.”  Those words rang loud and clear in his head as he headed for his phone…

     He stopped and looked back at his brother, ” How did you get so smart little brother”…He yelled back to him…giving him a wave.

Chapter 29

       All the way to his hotel Carolina listened to her dad give her the same speech he had given her a year earlier. She sat in a trance hearing how irresponsible she was, how easily influenced she was. All these things he had told her before.

      She stared out the window wishing she had never left Efe. He was different, he wasn’t like Grant, she knew he was. But her heart was so broken right at that moment she couldn’t make a sane decision. All those scenarios were running through her head as pulled up to the hotel. 

      So, if they had a child, she knew that Efe didn’t love Paola. He would only be responsible for his child. Couples do it all the time, and she knew that Efe wouldn’t turn his back on his own child. But then there was Paola, could she accept the fact that Paola would forever be in their lives. That Efe would be linked to her in the most intimate way, with their child. That was the one thing she was having trouble with.

      Adam Munro was concerned about his daughter. She hadn’t spoken a word since they left the Divits house. He hated that he had to be the one to hurt his daughter once again, but she seemed to always be blinded when it came to men. 

      He paid the taxi and reached for hand to help her out. Her face was blank, without any kind of emotion. He had seen this look before and he knew she was in for a long recovery, just like with Grant Baxter. He led her to the elevator, trying to make small talk, “Would you like to have something to eat. I can order room service if you like. Carolina, are you listening.”  he asked, dreading the whole ordeal again.

      He knew what she would do, she would just shut down. Fall back into that same pattern of hopelessness. But he would be there for her just like before. 

      She went in and straight to the bedroom, curling up in a ball as if she was hiding away. Still never saying a word, but her mind was racing. All the what ifs, the whys, and that sinking feeling of being alone rushed over her. Maybe Efe was right, they could make it work. She loved him more than anything, and she believed he loved her, so why not try.

      Her dad was on the phone making their reservations for their flight home. She knew the time was running out if she were to stay here with Efe. ” Carolina, baby, can I come in” Her dad asked as he slowly opened the door to the bedroom. She didn’t answer, but he entered anyway. ” We are all set. The flight leaves in 4 hours, so get a little rest and then we will head to the airport.” He told her. ” I know you are in pain, but by tomorrow afternoon you will be back in your own room.” 

      His words made her cringe, her own room. No…..it was his room, his house and his rules. It always had been and always would be. The thought of it made her ache to have Efe arms around her. How would she be able to leave him.

      Adam softly closed the door behind him, leaving his daughter alone to deal with her broken heart. 

      Efe had gotten to the airport faster than ever before. He checked all the flights that were headed to the States and the the lady behind the desk told him the first available flight to New York was leaving in 4 hours, but all the seats were booked. Efe smiled that infectious Divit smile, ” No I don’t want on that flight, in fact I want to make sure that one person doesn’t get on that flight.” He stated, in that confident and assured way, that was only Efe Divit.

      Efe found the departing gate and checked the time. “Ok I have 3 hours and 45 minutes to wait. You better come up with the best speech of your life Divit or you are going to be leaving here alone.”  He thought as he found a seat close to the boarding gate.

      The minutes seem to be ticking by slowly, as he nervously checked his watch for the time. He knew they would arrive a little early so he would need to be ready at any moment. Just the thought of seeing her had him on edge. What if she wouldn’t listen, what if her dad wouldn’t allow him to talk to her. All these things had been roaming through his mind like a horror movie. But Efe had never been one to give up on anything that he really wanted….and Carolina was something he really wanted, no Carolina Munro was someone he needed in his life. He smiled as the vision of her flashed in front of his face, ” Yes Carolina was his life, his meaning, his reason for living.” He said to himself.

      Adam hailed a taxi outside of their hotel, opened the door and helped his daughter inside. She was moving, she was breathing, she was going through all the motions of living, but she was dead inside. 

      ” We are going to the airport.” Her dad told the driver. ” Can you please hurry, our flight leaves in an hour.” She flinched and tears stung her eyes as she heard what he said. An hour, one hour and she would be on her way back to Massachusetts, and back to the place where her life was planned and orchestrated by her dad. A place where there was no Efe Divit, no man that made her feel like she was the only woman on earth, no man that made her heart and soul happy by just his presence. A place that she had been running from.

      The airport was busy as Adam took their bags from the back of the taxi. Their gate was at the other end of the terminal so they would have to hurry to get ther in time. ” Carolina come on, please hurry or we will miss the flight.” He begged as they weaved their way through the crowd of people. 

      For some reason her eyes were scanning the crowd, wishing and hoping she would see that all too familiar body of Efe. Would he come to stop her from leaving, her heart was praying that he would. But if she knew her father, that would be harder than either of them could imagine. 

      ” Here Carolina, it’s over there. The boarding gate is over there.” Her dad said pointing to the gate down the way. 

     She looked in the direction of the gate, her heart beating hard, and then she gave one last look around the seating area, just hoping he was there.

      Her eyes seemed to be blurry from the rush of all the people getting to their gates, but as she looked about in the seating area, she spotted a man that looked just like Efe from the back. She blinked her eyes to focus, ” Yes that looks like Efe, is it him.” She thought to herself, or was her eyes playing tricks on her……

      Efe had been watching, straining his eye to find her in the crowd. He turned just as they appeared at the gate. His heart jumped with excitement as he saw her face. Carolina stopped when she realized the person she was looking at was Efe. “He came, he was here.”  as her eyes locked with his.

       She smiled as he looked at her, ” Carolina, we have to talk. Please don’t leave without letting me explain.” He spoke, as he grasped her hand, holding on for dear life. 

      Carolina reached for him, wanting so badly for him to tell that everything was going to be ok…. 

      But her father was going to make sure she didn’t have the chance to do that….She was going home with him if he had to drag her..

Chapter 30

Adam pulled his daughter away from Efe and on toward the boarding gate, ” No, Carolina, there is no explanation, he will just tell you nothing but lies.” He said as they entered the long walkway to board the plane. He pulled Carolina along trying to get her to the door of the plane, but she was hesitant, as she jerked her hand away from her dad.

      With each step she took further away from Efe, the more she wanted to stay. All those things just didn’t matter anymore.

      She stopped; she knew she had to go back. How could she do this, how could she leave him……She heard Efe call out to her from the boarding gate door, ” Carrie, please, you can’t leave me”……

      Her dad looked at her, his eyes more furious than hurt, ” Don’t Carolina, don’t do it. You will make the biggest mistake of your life if you do this.” He told her.

      She turned and looked at Efe, ” I’m sorry dad, but I can’t leave him. I hope one day you will forgive me, but I have to stay here with the man I love.”

      Carolina rushed back down the walkway and through the door. Efe scooped her up in his arms, holding on tightly to her, ” I’m not going anywhere Efe Divit. You are stuck with me for life.” She told him, wrapping her arms around his neck….

      Efe’s heart was so full of love for her it was almost more than he could stand as he held her next to him. He knew it wouldn’t be easy and one day he would have to answer to her dad, but now all that he wanted was Carolina. 

      Adam watched his daughter walk away from him and into the arms of another man that night…his heart broken.

He wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to forgive her this time……

      Carolina knew she had walked away from her family, possibly for good….so she would have to make a new family…..Their family, her and Efe…a family full of love..


      Lives are complicated enough when two people meet and fall in love. But when their lives 

and families are completely different in every way, it’s even harder.

     Efe and Carolina had made a commitment to each other that very night that they would always…always be there for each other. They would never doubt their love for each other, and

Whatever would come their way they would handle it together.

      Carolina knew she would have a life dictated by Paola and the child that she was carrying. But

just knowing that Efe loved her and only her was enough. All the rest of it didn’t matter.

      But there are times when things are not at all what they seem to be…….things that are

hidden and lies that are told.

      And in time, all those things will come to light…..

For Efe and Carolina, the most truthful thing was there love for each other. And that was one

thing that would never change….

      They would make this their love story…..

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