Missing Piece

Chapter Forty-One

Benjamin

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!!" Mel chants the mantra from the passenger side.

I kill the engine and my head turns in the direction of my wife.

The sight of her with mouth agape and her beautiful eyes wide as saucers has me smiling broadly. Her eyes don't shift away from the windshield as she gazes at the endless water in front of us. Yeah, she's gonna like this!

With her still gobsmacked state, she glances at me. "You brought me to the beach?!"

I nod, snickering at how shell-shocked she looks. Goddamn she's adorable.

"A little birdie told me that my Mel likes beaches."

I was in my office trying to work but not being able to focus on anything because my mind had some other important plans like daydreaming about my wonderful wife. Then out of nowhere a thought hit me harder than a bolt of lightning. I realized that I never actually took Mel out on a date. I felt like such a crappy husband. So immediately I started brainstorming ideas for our date.

After two hours and thinking about nothing great, I called my best friend for advice. Worst decision. I hung up instantly when he said I should take her back to the mental institution that she escaped from. Then I called Jules, and he advised me to call one of Mel's friends. Which was the greatest advice ever. Note to myself, always call Jules first. So that's how I ended up calling Danny and she told me that Mel adores beaches. It didn't take my brain too long to devise a plan. I once again called my friend; he is an idiot most of the time but he's also the guy who'd jump into the water for me without any hesitation. I filled him in with all the details and then I was on my way to get my wife. But she made me wait for two long hours.

"You're the bestest boyfriend ever!" She announces, enthusiastically before throwing her arms around my neck and squeezing me in the tightest hug.

"Husband." I correct her and just when I'm about to circle my arms around her, she detaches herself from me and goes to open the door. On impulse, I yell loudly, making her halt in her movements. "STOP!"

Mel gets startled. "WHAT? What is it?!"

"Let me get the door for you." I say sheepishly in a normal tone.

"Oh, okieee!" She beams, her body squirming barely able to contain her excitement.

I hastily take off my seatbelt and rush to her side of the door. Grabbing the handle, I pull on it and open the door for my wife.

Bowing down a bit and I offer her my right hand. "M'lady."

She nods in gratitude, still grinning from ear to ear. Her smaller, softer hand lands in mine and I grasp on it before lightly kissing her knuckles.

"Kind sir." She curtsies and my smile only gets bigger.

I clasp her hand in mine tightly. Closing the door, I lead her down the wooden steps and to the way to the beach.

I hope the knucklehead that I call my best friend has everything ready like we planned. Or else he better start planning to move out of this country before I get my hands on him. I want this to go perfectly.

As soon as our feet touch the sand my wife ditches me without any care. I'd be offended if I didn't know her. Boy, did I underestimate her love for the ocean.

She takes off her shoes and tosses them at me, one at a time, almost hitting me in the face. Thanks to my speedy reflex, I manage to dodge the shoes attack. Within a blink of my eyes, Mel disappears from my sight and sprints straight to the water.