"I've got a little surprise for you" Tim told her while walking to the parking lot after the assembly.

"Oh really, like you coming home early for this wasn't enough" she laughed as they approached their vehicles.

He turned her to face him, lifting her chin gently "I wouldn't have missed this for the world. I am so very, very proud of you " he told her before gently kissing her lips. Caroline let out a soft moan. Tim smiled against her lips from her response. "Missed me, huh" he teased. "Maybe a little" she teased back before they stepped apart to drive home.

****
As they lay in each others arms for the night Tim finally explained his surprise. "I've rented a beach house on the gulf coast of Florida for the next four days. You've been working so hard and we've been apart so much lately, I thought a mini vacation would be nice. Just the two of us".

Caroline was resting her head on his chest, listening as he spoke. "Sounds perfect" she said softly trying to hold back a yawn. Tim moved his head slightly to the side, smiling he said "get some sleep darlin, we'll head to the airport around 10:30".

"Ok, sounds...good" she replied, starting to drift off.

"Did you take your meds" he asked.

"Uh huh" she whispered.

"I love you" he whispered, kissing the top of her head.

****
The beach house was perfect with an ocean view from every angle of the house. Caroline's favorite was from the second floor bedroom. Three of the walls were full length glass facing the west. "The sunsets must be phenomenal" she remarked as they placed their bags on the bed before stepping out onto the balcony.

Tim walked up behind her sliding his arms around her waste, resting his head on her shoulder. "You like" he asked before kissing her neck.

"I like, very much but you spoil me" she replied leaning into him.

"I just want to make you happy" he stated.

"You do make me happy, very happy" she replied while touching the side of his face.

"What would you like to do first " he asked as he turned her towards him.

"I noticed they have cabana huts on the beach. Let's just relax out there for today, if that's ok" she answered.

"Sounds good. I'll go change and then we can grab something light to eat while we relax" Tim replied.

"Sounds good. I'll unpack my clothes" she told him, opening her suitcase. She hung up the 2 dresses she brought placing the matching shoes on the floor beneath. Then unpacked her capris, shorts, tops and nightwear putting them in the dresser. Leaving  out her bathing suit and surong, Tim smiled as he noticed she brought her bikini, happy she finally felt comfortable to wear it.

****

Dinner reservations were for 7pm at a restaurant located on the nearby pier.  Both were craving authentic seafood and ordered seperate platters to share, giving each of them a chance to enjoy multiple choices. Lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops wrapped in bacon to name a few accompanied by a bottle of a light white wine as well.

Caroline gazed out the window as the sun began to set. Tim slid his arm around her shoulder "beautiful isn't it" he remarked. Caroline simply nodded. He lightly turned her chin towards him "Are you ok?"

Caroline looked into his dark eyes, smiling slightly she lightly kissed his lips "enjoying the views" she replied.

"Views? " he questioned.

"Yes, the sunset and the love of my life before me" she replied.