To The Future - complete

Chapter Eleven

The morning had been hectic, rushing round making sure they'd got everything for their holiday. Grace had been so excited, she had got up at the crack of dawn, bouncing around rushing Connie to get ready. Jacob had been right, Grace loved the idea of a holiday.
They had arrived at the cottage just after dinner and unpacked straight away, a trip to the supermarket was first on the agenda to get food and other essentials.
Grace came running up to Connie who was laid on a Sun lounger enjoying the warm weather.
"Mum! This place is amazing, I love it. Me and Jacob found a secret path down to the beach, theres rock pools too."
Jacob had taken Grace out exploring leaving Connie to have some quiet time.
Connie smiled at her daughter's excitement.
"We'll take your bucket and spade down tomorrow if you want Grace, see if we can find some sea creatures!" Jacob said as he approached from the bottom of the garden.

It was night time and the seating area was lit up by tiny fairy lights dotted around giving off a warm glow. Grace had gone to bed so Connie and Jacob decided to relax on the decking together. It was still quite warm even though the sun had gone down and a light breeze had picked up. They were cuddled up on a oversized comfy chair with a bottle of wine sharing childhood stories.
Jacob sat with one arm over Connie's shoulder and with his other hand lightly rubbing her her knuckles with his thumb, she was resting her head on his chest listening to his heart beat.
"What you thinking about?" She asked. Jacob looked down at Connie placing a kiss in her hair.
"I'm thinking how lucky I am, to be here with you and Grace. I didn't think I'd ever find this kind of happiness you know. I love you Connie and your daughter." Connie looked up into his eyes.
"I really don't know what I didn't to deserve you in my life Jacob. I love you too."

The next morning after breakfast the three of them wondered down the trail that Jacob and Grace found yesterday.
They spent a few hours searching the rock pools, at dinner time they found a nice spot up the beach for a picnic.
"Can we try out the barbecue for our tea tonight?" Asked Grace. Both Connie and Jacob agreed it would be a good idea.
"I'm really enjoying our first family holiday so far mum." Connie looked up and smile at Jacob.
"Ye, me too sweetie."
"Thank you both, this is the best birthday present ever!" Continued Grace, not knowing there was another surprise waiting for her when she got home.

The rest of the holiday pasted far to quickly. There was trips to the local zoo and theme park, swimming in the sea, shopping and after Grace went to bed Connie and Jacob managed to get some alone time "relaxing" in the hot tub.
All to soon it was time to repack their belongings and head home.
Grace was sat quietly in the back of the car just looking out the window.
"You ok Gracie?" Asked Jacob looking back in the mirror.
"Ye, I'm ok. Just wished we could stay longer."
"Don't be sad sweetie, we'll come back another time, promise. Besides it's your birthday tomorrow, I'm sure they'll be some more surprises." Connie smiled.
Grace perked up straight away. "What surprises, can I have a hint?... please? Pretty please?"