A Step Towards the Future

[Cmdr Ridire 0]

Aidan settles quietly against the lounge chair and watches the waves come into the beach. This was their third day in Hawaii, on the island of Lanai to be specific. They spent the morning on a cruise boat that went to the main islands in Hawaii. The day before had also spent going from island to island, though with an eye towards the future. Part of this trip after all was to get some idea of where in Hawaii they would like to live when they retired from Starfleet. He covers a quiet yawn before deciding that all he wants to do right now is stay right where he is and relax. Hopefully tomorrow, or at least one of the upcoming days, they'd be able to spend not venturing too far from their temporary home. Some quiet time alone would be good as well. He closes his eyes, enjoying the feel of the sun against his skin.

 

"Talk about polar opposites," thought Deb. "The weather here is so different from what we experienced in Ireland." She was standing just inside the small bungalow they'd rented for their last week of leave. After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas at the Ridire family castle, both Deb and Aidan were enjoying the laid back atmosphere on Lanai....not to mention the balmy weather. It was wonderful spending time with her in-laws. They were really great people. But Ireland in December was cold and pretty miserable. Though it was sad to say good-bye to the relatives, neither she or her husband were sorry to bid farewell to the icy wind and heavily overcast skies.

 

So far, they'd done a bit of sightseeing since arriving on Lanai. She smiled as she thought about the little trip they would be taking a bit later that afternoon. All Aidan knew was that she planned something for them to do. It involved a "guide" and he would arrive around noon. Glancing at her watch, her smile broadened. She stepped outside and down the narrow path to the beach where Aidan was glued to one of the lounge chairs. "Time to come in," she called lightheartedly. "Our guide will be her in a few minutes."

 

He says wryly "I was just relaxing. I was looking forward to a quiet evening here, watching the ocean, and perhaps holding my wife." He shakes his head slightly as he stands and steps towards her. "But I suppose since we have this guide of yours showing up....though you still haven't told me what that is about...that relaxing can wait until later." He leans in to kiss Deb just below her ear. Softly he murmurs "But can we please stay close to here tomorrow? Really would like at least one day to just relax and do nothing much..."

 

"I promise," whispered Deb with a seductive smile, "tomorrow we won't leave the house unless you want to. But I've been planning this little excursion for a long time so I hope you'll bear with me one more day."

 

He smiles as he reaches for his shirt and pulls it on. "So much for working on the tan," he comments wryly. He steps towards her and reaches a hand out towards her. "Might be a good idea to make sure that we have sufficient food here for tomorrow. I think I might take my wife up on her offer of not leaving the house at all tomorrow. I'm sure we'll think of ways to pass the time, yes?"

 

Three hours later, they stood on a fairly large parcel of land on the east side of the island. A soft breeze washed over them as they gazed beyond the Au'au Channel to the much larger island of Maui. Aidan had finally figured out what was going on. They'd already seen four other properties and Deb had all but admitted she was hoping he would like one of them enough to purchase it for a future home site.

 

But she had saved the best for last. This particular parcel was, by far, her favorite. It offered a raised elevation perfect for a home complimented by a gentle slope leading to a private beach. They had seen other properties earlier in the day. Some with gorgeous ocean views and access to the beach. Others were carved into one of the mountains...a bit more remote with the guarantee of privacy. But this one was perfect. Deb studied Aidan's every move hoping he would think as much of it as she did. If he didn't, they would continue the search during their next visit but she sincerely hoped he would be as enchanted by this place as she was.

 

They had talked about using the trip to Hawaii as an opportunity to do some future home sightseeing so it didn't take Aidan long to figure out what Deb had planned. They had visited a few places that were all great in their own way. But, Aidan thought to himself, this particular place is the one that feels the...the most right to him. As such he takes his time walking the property, enjoying it and imagining that future. He feels Deb watching him carefully, he was sure she's trying to gauge his reaction. Finally he returns to her side and slips an arm around her waist. Quietly he murmurs "If this was somehow available when we retired, this would be heaven."

She could barely hear what he said. The one word she was certain of was "heaven." Stepping closer to him, she wrapped her arm around his and smiled up at him. "This is really nice, isn't it? I wouldn't mind living in a place like this. Would you?"

 

He smiles and leans against her. "Well, anywhere would be fine as long as you were present, you know that. All I need is a nice home to grow old with my wife in. But this..." His voice trails off and he looks around again. "...would definitely be something special." The wistful smile on his expression fades after a few seconds. He doubted this place would remain available until the two of them were ready to start moving on and to make this sort of change and commitment. In fact he's more then a little surprised that this particular property is available at all, given how perfect it is.

 

"It's yours if you want it," replied Deb, her tone as nonchalant as she could muster. "I realize we aren't ready to retire yet but maybe we should buy this property so it will be here when the time comes." She gazed up at him with a knowing smile. "It will also give us something tangible to look forward to."

 

What she said doesn't process through his brain right away. It takes his mind a few seconds for it to catch on. He blinks several times and finds it hard to breath for a few seconds. He covers a cough then asks "What was that? Mine if I want it?" He looks at her with a confused expression.

 

For once, she'd managed to pull one over on him. He was genuinely surprised and Deb was thoroughly pleased about the whole thing. "Yes," she replied proudly. "All I have to do is sign the document transferring the funds and this lovely piece of land is yours." She glanced back at their "guide" who had maintained a discreet distance. Motioning him over, she couldn't repress smiling as he rushed toward them, PADD in hand.

"Is this the one?" their guide asked anxiously.

 

Debbie nodded. "Yes, Alile. I believe it is." She took the PADD he offered her and then grinned at her still confused husband. "So, do you want it? Just say the word and it's all yours."

Aidan ignores the guide or rather the obviously not a guide as he focuses his attention on Deb. "If I want what? This land? And what funds are you talking about? Love, you're being more then a little confusing." He shakes his head slightly as if trying to shake the sudden cobwebs from his mind. "Why..."

 

"Yes," replied Debbie placing one finger over her husbands lips to shush him. "This land. It happens to be for sale. I've made arrangements to purchase it....if you want it. And don't worry about the funds. That's been taken care of as well."

 

Aidan blinks a couple times and takes a couple seconds before responding. His response, however, is rather nonverbal in that he pulls Deb against him and kisses her for a long minute. He blithely ignores the other person present clearing their throat a couple times. Breaking off the kiss finally he murmurs "I trust that will do for an answer?"

 

She hadn't been prepared for the intensity of his response. It left her breathless....and very pleased. She'd gambled on him falling in love with this property....of wanting to build their future home here. And the gamble had paid off. They finally had a place to call home once they gave up life aboard ship.

 

Deb smiled brightly as she removed the stylus from the PADD and quickly signed her name. Returning the PADD to their guide, she slipped her arms around Aidan's neck. "Merry Christmas and Happy Anniversary," she whispered. "This is one I'll never forget. I hope you feel the same."

He strokes her left cheek and smiles gently, "Forget the day we bought the location of our home? And my wife managing to snow me about it? I very much doubt it." He's about to kiss her again when he notices the continuing presence of the realtor. To the realtor he remarks, "You can go if you wish. There are some things Mrs. Ridire and I need to...discuss. Thank you very much, however, for your assistance." He waits for the realtor to walk a sufficient distance away before he kisses Deb again for a long while. Breaking it off, he breathes, "Merry Christmas and Happy Anniversary, my love."

 

Slipping an arm around her waist he walks towards the beach nearby. He kicks off his shoes as he steps onto the sand. "However, you are going to tell me where you got the financing for this. And you're going to explain to me how my giving you a necklace, imported Swiss chocolates and your grandparents being there at my parents for Christmas is somehow me going overboard but you pulling this off isn't overboard?" He smiles wryly as he says the last.

 

"Your always going overboard, " she replied as she removed her shoes. "And you've paid for everything up until now....the wedding, most of our vacations and all of the expensive gifts you've given me." She leaned against him and smiled. "It was my turn this time. Financing wasn't necessary. I had enough put away to buy the property outright. Now when it comes time to build.....well....we might need some financing then....because I'm pretty much wiped out."

 

 

He walks nearer the ocean so that the incoming waves wash over his feet. He closes his eyes briefly and takes a deep breath, letting it out in a contented sigh. He opens his eyes and turns his attention back to Deb. "Well, I think we should work on planning the house together, of course. And I’ll handle paying for it. This should be a joint project, yes? But I definitely think the house should be something that fits in with this place. Something Hawaiian in style or at least in decor. Something European would look more then a little out of place" He smiles then purrs "And if I go overboard, love, its because my wife very much deserves it."

 

He pauses for a second then asks "And perhaps we should have my parents and Ciara watch over this place, keep an eye on it as it were?"

 

Images of Hawaiian homes danced in Debbie's head as she listened to Aidan. She looked forward to a comfortable place with lots of windows and porches to take advantage of the mild temperatures and steady breezes. She continued leaning against him and gazing out at the varied shades of blue ocean. "I have no problem with your family keeping an eye on the property for us. They might even want to construct a temporary home of some kind." She nudged him slightly. "But no castles!"

 

He smirks "Of course not. Would be completely out of place." He kisses her forehead before murmuring "But that’s enough talk about the future, I think. I would like to concentrate on the present for the rest of this vacation, if my wife agrees? Spend the rest of my time here tending to what is within my arms." He smiles and purrs "After all, she is very much a blessing to me. Not quite sure what exactly I did to deserve her or this place."

 

"I have no problem with that," whispered Deb. She nodded toward their guide who was patiently waiting near the drive. "But I think we should reserve any future activities until we get home. I'm sure Alili is anxious to get back to his office and I don't feel like walking home." She took his hand and pulled him back up the beach to where they left their shoes. As they slipped them on, Deb started giggling. Aidan looked at her inquisitively. As they started toward their smiling guide, she took her husband's hand and grinned. "Do you suppose he would mind stopping at the market on the way. I have a feeling we won't have time for that sort of thing once we get home."

 

"Oh I’m sure we can convince him, he is earning a rather large commission off this I suppose. Besides, I think we should have a quiet romantic dinner and need a couple things for that. And some wine to celebrate would be nice as well." He closes his eyes and lets her guide him back to the vehicle. Meanwhile images of the future run through his mind.