Emily was up before the sunrise, excited to share how she wanted to spend the day after reviewing all the brochures Tim gave her.

She sat out on the railing of her bungalow, waiting for someone to get up. Soon she saw Tim walking out onto his porch, stretching a bit just as Caroline followed out behind him. They briefly wrapped their arms around each other before walking across the beach to the shoreline.

Smiling, she watched as they walked hand in hand as the sun began to rise.  'They are so lucky, I can only hope to have a love like theirs someday' she thought to herself.

****

"Ok, Squirt what did you decide" Tim asked as they all sat down around the table. Dena had made breakfast for everyone of eggs, fresh fruits and of course, bacon just for Tim.

Emily rattled off how she wanted to take the half day tour through the safari, the botanical gardens and snorkling, stating not necessarily in that order. Then to top it off she wanted to go to dinner at A Grand Old House.

Dena shook her head as she poured a cup of coffee, Caroline smiled at her excitement while Tim furrowed his brow at her. "Em, that's quite a bit to squeeze into one day" he told her "I'm not sure that's a good idea, the doing everything all today." Emily pouted a bit as she played with her food.

Caroline hated to see her disappointed "why not do everything" she stated looking at Tim.

"Darlin, you know that's quite a bit for you to do. Maybe pick one thing and dinner" he stated.

"I'll be fine. I think it would all be fun. We could start off with the snorkeling,  then the safari, then the gardens before dinner" Caroline replied, rubbing his arm gently.

Emily looked up, hoping Tim would agree. "Caroline, I don't know.." he answered.

Dena added, "Caroline we don't want to risk your health. I know Emily will understand if we choose one and dinner. Right Em?"

Emily didn't want anything to happen to Caroline, especially because of her. She smiled slightly "it's ok. We can do that but you pick Caroline".

"I pick all of it" Caroline smiled as she nudged Tim. "I will be fine, I feel fine. We need to have fun and I've never been snorkeling before. Plus, cool waters, then car safari, followed by cool gardens to air conditioned dinner.  It's a perfect plan, Em" she told everyone.

Tim looked at Caroline, concerned. She tapped his lips with her finger " not another word, mister. That's the plan" she giggled.

Tim gave in reluctantly while Emily squealed and ran over to Caroline giving her a big hug, "Thank you, thank you, thank you" she exclaimed. Dena and Tim exchanged looks, knowing it may not be the best idea but it was Caroline's choice.

****

Caroline noticed Tim was very quiet as she was packing a bag with change of clothes for the days excursion.

"Are you upset with me" she asked turning towards him as he stood near by.

"No" he said quietly as he pulled her towards him. "I'm...just...concerned this will all be too much for you today" he said resting his head on top of hers.

"Baby, I'm fine. I need this as much as Emily does. She may never get a chance to travel to such an exotic place again and I want her to enjoy everything she can. Promise me, you won't worry the whole time and enjoy yourself too" she told him.

Tim held her tighter "IF you start to have any problems at all, you tell me.  Bring your medications too, ok" he replied. She assured him she would as they parted to finish getting ready.

****

Watching Tim walking around with a man bun, fins and his snorkel mask had his family laughing hysterically. "What" he said "they ain't cowboy boots ya know" as he flopped his feet approaching the instructor.

After their instructions were given, each entered one at a time, even Dena, keeping close by each other as they swam along the reef, staying at the more shallow depth. They encountered eagle rays, sea turtles and grouper along the colorful reefs. Tim had asked for a group picture be taken of them all together while underwater. He and Caroline took their masks off for a quick underwater kiss that the photographer captured as well.

"I can't believe I touched a sea turtle" Emily laughed as they handed back the snorkeling gear.

"The colorful reefs, the many schools of fish. It was breath taking" Dena added.

Tim went to the counter to pickup their photos while the girls changed into dry clothing. Caroline stood outside the changing rooms as Tim walked up, sliding his arm around her shoulder. "How are you doing beautiful " he asked. "Just fine" she replied with a smile. Tim showed her the photos, he made sure to get extra copies of each.

****

The safari ride was a bit warmer than Caroline anticipated however with the roof as shade and her sunglasses to darken her eyes, she was holding up well. Tim kept watching her to be sure, offering her water every few minutes. She loved him dearly, but sometimes he was a bit overprotective, but she would never push him away.  She just smiled and nodded that she was ok.

Caroline had brought her camera along, taking several photos of the wild animals and the majestic view often making her think of lands far away she would love to travel to. She took candids of her family, of their reactions to the sights they observed.  She was extremely happy to be sharing these moments with them.

"Caroline, can I take a picture of you and Tim" Emily asked "I see you snapping away at us, you need pictures of you too ".

Caroline handed her the camera. She took pictures of them serious, goofy and with the tour guide.  Then Emily asked the guide if he would take a few of all of them together which he gladly obliged.

****

Back in the car heading to the gardens, Caroline turned the air conditioning up a bit more. She was still holding up fine but wanted to be sure not to trigger a headache. She took her medication as a precaution causing Tim to raise a brow in question. He found a small cafe and suggested they stop for a light snack. As they walked towards the cafe he asked her quietly if she was in pain. "Darlin, please don't hide it if you are, they will understand" he told her. Caroline explained she was trying to prevent any, that's why she took it and assured him she was not in pain. She was having a good day and did not want to spoil it.

****

They reached the botanical gardens late afternoon. Once again Caroline took her camera from the car to grab photos of family as well as subjects for future paintings. Several areas reminded both her and Tim of the gardens back home as they strolled hand in hand together. Caroline began to feel a bit homesick, missing their picnics under the tree where Tim wrote their names. She slipped her arm through his, leaning her head gently against his shoulder "I love you" she whispered. He stopped and turned, lifting her chin gently, looking into those green eyes that always makes him weak in the knees "I love you with all my heart" he whispered against her lips before kissing her for several minutes.

Emily tapped her mother on the arm, "Momma, look aren't they something " she remarked.

Dena smiled, "that Emily, is a love to last a lifetime".

****

Reservations were made for 7 pm at the restaurant Emily requested, A Grand Old House. The charm of the former plantation with it's panoramic waterfront view was much more than anyone anticipated. Tim had reserved a table inside however once they saw the dining area overlooking the ocean, both Emily and Caroline pleaded for seating outside.

"I think you're out numbered on this one, Tim" his mom stated.

"I think so too but this view is amazing" he replied.

Once seated drinks were ordered while they reviewed the menu. "Oh my, how can anyone decide" Dena exclaimed looking over the various appetizers and entrees. Tim spoke up, "I know what I want, the Wahoo - anything wrapped in bacon is sure to be good " making the others laugh.

"I definitely want something I can't get back home" Emily said, deciding  on the Seafood Medley with pan grilled squid, jumbo shrimp and baby octopus.

Dena raised her eyebrows at Emily, "squid, octopus...girl, are you sure " she asked her daughter. "Yes, ma'am" Emily replied.  Dena chose to play it safe and ordered the pan grilled lobster.

Caroline couldn't have seafood due to one of her medications, she chose the herb and dijon mustard crusted rack of lamb instead.

"This is an absolutely perfect ending to a perfect day" Emily stated as they finished their meals.

"Yes it has, Emily. Thank you so much for planning our day" Caroline told her with a smile.

"No, thank you Caroline" she replied as she walked over, giving her a huge hug.

Tim smiled, he loved seeing them together, all of them, his family.

Dena excused herself to use the ladies room while the rest talked about their favorite parts from today. Emily really enjoyed the snorkeling. Caroline agreed, commenting on how vibrant the colors were underwater. Tim looked out over the ocean, noticing the sun was setting and the sky colors were changing.

"Do you feel up to talking a walk along the beach" he asked Caroline as his mothrr returned to the table. "Absolutely" she replied.

"Great, let me take care of the bill and we'll be set" Tim stated as he began to get up.

"No need" his mother told him "I took care of it".

"Momma, this was our treat. You didn't need to do that" Tim replied.

"Nonsense, you've taken care of everything from our flights, our housing, food, everything. This was the least I could do to thank you" Dena replied.

Caroline reached across the table, gently squeezing Dena's hand " thank you very much. We appreciate all you've done as well" she told her.

"We're going to take a walk on the beach, would you like to join us" Caroline asked. Emily began to get up when Dena touched her arm " I think we'll set here and finish our drinks, but please you two go ahead and enjoy it" she replied.  Emily gave her mother an odd look but didn't say anything as Tim pulled the chair out for Caroline to step away from the table.  He took her hand and led her to the stairs that would take them to the beach.

"Are you feeling alright Momma? Why didn't you want to go too " Emily asked.

"Oh I'm fine. They just need a bit of time by themselves, that's all. This place is beautiful. They should be able to enjoy some time alone, that's all" she said smiling to Emily as she sipped her wine.