Tides and Tidings

Chapter 11

Blythe

T he car ride here was comfortably quiet except for the occasional conversation. There were no bathroom breaks, no “Are we there yet,” and best of all, no listening to Wren’s playlist of her favorite songs. Don’t get me wrong, the version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star she loves was quite the bop, but being able to listen to our songs was glorious.

We exited the highway in an area I recognized. “Savannah?” I asked, trying to figure out if this was our final destination.

We pulled up to a stoplight, and Charlie waved his hands, “Surprise!”

I couldn’t help but smile, “You know I love this place.”

Charlie threaded his fingers through mine on the center console before lifting my hand to his lips. “I think you’ll like this place even more after the night we have in store.”

As we drove through the downtown area, decked out from head-to-toe in Christmas decorations, I couldn’t help but reflect on the first time we visited here. It was early this year, and we had only been dating for four months; I hadn’t even moved in with the Hannigan duo yet. Charlie suggested one random Saturday that we pack up and take a day trip to Savannah to go to the zoo. The day—from start to finish—was perfect. We had so many laughs that my cheeks hurt from smiling when we got home.

I stared out the window, admiring the scenery. “What’s first on our list?”

“First,” we pulled into the parking lot for the nicest hotel I’ve ever seen, “we check-in.”

“Here?” I tapped the glass of the window.

“No, three blocks away, but I’m just parking here.” He joked.

Charlie insisted on carrying all the bags into the massive lobby. The hotel was right on the riverfront, with windows from floor to ceiling spanned two floors. This place was so fancy; balcony rooms looked out over the lobby. My mouth hung open as I took in the place, “This looks expensive.”

He cocked his head while looking at me, “Don’t worry about it.”

“But…”

He pressed a finger to my lips as we stood at the reception desk. “Shhh.”

I sighed, knowing that this place was way too fancy. The floors were made of marble that clacked loudly when you walked on them. The woman at the desk handed over our room keys. “Please take that escalator up to the next floor. Then, on the left-hand side, you will find the elevators. Ride that up to the top floor, and your room will be at the end of the hallway.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

We rode the elevator up to the top floor. Imagine my surprise when we roll up to the damn suite. “Charlie…”

He gave me a devious grin as he opened the door, “Yes?”

My eyes went wide, and I scanned the room. This was over the top. Legitimately the biggest and nicest hotel room I have ever seen. “Are you secretly a millionaire or something?”

“Fuck no. I just love you and want you to have a nice night.” He kissed the side of my head, “Look outside,” he motioned to the balcony.

My mouth hung open as I stepped outside. We had the most stunning view of the river and bridge. It was beautiful during the day, but I knew at night that this would be incredibly romantic. The warm December air kissed my skin, and I relaxed as Charlie wrapped his arms around me.

“You’re spoiling me.” I looked him in the eyes. Guilt bubbled up. Ever since I was a little girl, I felt guilty whenever someone would spoil me. I like being the gift-giver, not the gift-receiver.

“You have no idea what else I have up my sleeve.”

I plopped down on the bed and immediately sunk in. “This is the comfiest bed I’ve ever laid in. Holy crap.”

Charlie laid down next to me. “Oh…you’re not wrong.” His eyes closed, “We have a few hours until dinner. Want to go head out?”

“How much time do we have before dinner?”

He checked his watch, “Seven hours until the reservation. How long do you need to get ready?”

I tapped my chin, “Maybe an hour? I have to shower and do hair and makeup.”

“I can work with that.” Charlie seemed nervous. He had concerns about leaving the coffee shop in someone else’s hands, so I guess that’s the issue.

“Let me just freshen up, and we can head out.”

He shot me Wren’s signature double thumbs up as I slipped into the massive bathroom.

“Did you know that this room has a bang tub?” I called from behind the closed door.

“Sure did.” I could practically hear the grin in his voice.