The sun had completely risen now and tropical birds began making their calls outside of the cabin. Its sound reminded Marco of home.
“Sabrina, if you don't want to come with me when I go back home, I'll understand,” he said. “I'll be heartbroken, but I won't blame you in that decision.”
“I just have a lot to think about,” she said. She held up her hand. “I'm not saying no, but let me have some time to allow this all to sink in.”
“Of course,” Marco said, happy to hear that Sabrina was still willing to consider it.
He'd told her a lot about his life, but one thing he had avoided mentioning was his stepmother's hatred for common folk. It was on his mind, but he'd thrown enough at Sabrina for one morning and didn't want to scare her. Magdalena had most of the politicians in court on her side. She was a powerful woman in Orsino politics, and not someone to be taken lightly.
I refuse to let Magdalena have an influence on my decisions, he thought. I love Sabrina and I want to marry her. That's the bottom line.
“I just want you to know that I'm serious when I tell you that being with you makes me the happiest man in the world,” Marco said. “I've been spoiled with the finest clothes and food and home for all of my days, but I never realized what true happiness felt like until I met you.”
Sabrina sighed and snuggled up next to him. Her touch put Marco at ease.
“You make me feel beautiful,” she said. “And that's something that no amount of money or hard work could have ever afforded me.”
He kissed the side of her neck, breathing her in as he held her close. They embraced for a while, letting the morning sun warm them as it poured in through the back patio doors.
I can make this relationship work and I need to show Sabrina that, he thought. Never in my life have I felt this way about someone and I won't let anything ruin this. Not Magdalena, not my father and not my position of royalty. From now on, I'll be completely open with her. I'll tell her everything. No more secrets, no more hiding.
Chapter 15
Sabrina
Sabrina stood on the dock, the sea air whipping her hair around as she watched as Marco speak with the boat captain. Marco had scheduled a boat tour around the island, which included a stop at one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. She was super excited about it and planned on taking lots of pictures so that she could send them to her parents.
“Marco, how long until we leave?” she asked. “I need to make a phone call.”
Marco looked up and then exchanged some words with the captain, an older gentleman who wore a tan fishing vest. After conversing for a minute, Marco said, “Take as much time as you need. We're just getting the boat ready, but there's no rush.”
“Okay, thanks.” Sabrina said as she stepped off of the dock and back onto the beach. She dug into the front pocket of her shorts and pulled out her cell. There was only a couple of days until Marco would be leaving for Orsino Island. Sabrina still hadn't made up her mind as to whether or not she'd be joining him. She needed the council of someone she trusted, someone who would give it to her straight, someone whose advice she cherished more than anything. So she called Aunt Faye.
The phone rang two times before Faye picked up. She sounded very excited to receive the call.
“Bean!” she cried out, her accent coming through strongly. “What in the world has taken you so long to call me?”
“Sorry, Aunt Faye,” Sabrina said. “This job has been taking up most of my free time.”
“No need for apologies,” Faye said. “It's so good to hear your voice. How are things going? Are you enjoying your travels?”
“Very much so. We went to New York first and that was amazing. But you'll never guess where I am now.” Sabrina walked down the shore, her bare feet sinking into the hot sand with each step.
“You know I'm horrible at guessing games,” Faye said. “Where are you, love?”
“Hawaii,” Sabrina said, proudly. “I'm walking on the beach as we speak.”
“That's incredible,” Faye said, her excitement mirroring Sabrina's. “Have you told your parents where you are? They'd never believe you.”
“They didn't believe me until I sent them pictures,” she said, stopping her trek through the sand to take a seat under a palm tree.
“Make sure to send me pictures as well,” Faye demanded. “If your parents got some, I want some too.”
“How are they doing?” Sabrina asked. “Did Dad find work yet?”
“No, not yet,” she said, with a sigh. “But he's hanging in there. I know he'll find something soon, as long as he doesn't get discouraged. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of work to go around at the moment, especially for factory workers. Your dad is creative, though. He'll make something happen.”
Sabrina closed her eyes, squeezing them firmly to keep a tear from leaking out. “I really miss everyone back home. But I'm glad to hear that things are going okay overall. You're right, Dad will figure something out.”