Back to Basics

Chapter 50: Bright Future

Natalia felt her heart palpitating out of her chest. She brings a hand up to her mouth as her tears of joy fall. She nods her head fearing her voice. He grins reaching into his pocket pulling out a beautiful ring and sliding it on her finger. She couldn't help but laugh in glee before cupping his face in her hands and crashing her lips to his. He reciprocates and grasps the nape of her neck continuing to let their lips dance in harmony. She was beyond the stars in happiness right now. She was engaged to the man she loves!

"WOOHOO!"

The couple pulls apart looking over to find Cass and Keith standing their smiling. Jackson stands helping Nat up before Cass comes barreling at them engulfing them both as she continues to squeal in joy. After successfully getting her feel for the newly engaged couple she releases them as Keith walks up to his baby sister. Natalia wipes her tears before engulfing her brother who holds her firmly kissing the crown of her head. Cass then giving Jackson another hug. Keith pulls back to look down at his sister. 

"I'm happy for you sis... even if it is with city slick."

Nat just rolls her eyes playfully shoving his shoulder as he smirks down at her. He releases her stepping over to the man as Cass comes back squeezing Nat as tight as she can. Nat just giggles holding her back before Cass jumps back grabbing her hand looking at the diamond ring on her hand. 

"It's beautiful Nat"

"Yea... It is." she says in amazement looking at the ring. 

She glances over to find Keith smiling along with Jackson as they talk. The sight warming her heart knowing Keith can be stubborn when he wants to be. Jackson catches her eyes and takes the step to her wrapping his arm around her waist kissing her soundly. 

"Awww"

Nat and Jackson pull apart laughing at Cass' but Keith's face is stoic once again. Cass slaps his chest making him drop the face and wrap his arm around her. After a bit more time, Keith drags Cass off the balcony giving the newly engaged couple some privacy. Jackson pulls her back into his arms swinging her around making her giggle. They begin hearing some slow music and turn to find Cass sprinting off the balcony after turning on the stereo. Nat couldn't help but shake her head at her crazy best friend. They dance for some time before finally retiring to the room. 

The evening spent in utter bliss as Jackson gets acquainted with every curve of Natalia's body. His lips not leaving a spot bare from his touch. Nat practically drowned in ecstasy last night loving every moment of it. She never felt more like a goddess than watching as he cherished her over and over again. She wanted to give him the same pleasure but he refused wanting to her to relax and just enjoy every minute of it. 

The next morning brought sunlight dancing through the sheer curtains that did little to cover the morning horizon. Nat laid bare under the sheet with Jackson curled around her back. She gently slid out turning to find him still knocked out. She reached for the hotel robe sliding it on before stepping out on the balcony. She couldn't believe the sight of Cass being awake before her. Cass her legs propped up on the table with a cup of coffee in her hand and a cup of juice on the table. Cass' eyes snap to her with a serene smile as she gently nudges the juice in her direction. Nat just wraps the robe tighter around her before going over to sit in the seat next to her best friend taking the drink both looking out at the crashing waves rolling in wave. 

"I can't believe how incredibly lucky I am." Cass says making Nat look to her. Her eyes however remain locked on the water. "I mean, look where we are." Her arms gesturing to the sight below them. 

"We are.." Nat says nodding in agreement.

"I can't describe to you Nat how much you mean to me." Cass says lowly with her eyes finally drifting to the brunette beside her. Nat reaches over taking Cass' hand into her own. "Do you realize how lost I was without you?"

"Cass-"

Cass shakes her head shutting her up as her eyes well up. She unconsciously squeezes Nat's hand. "My life before you was like a movie. I was just watching it pass by and felt as if I had no say in it."

Nat chuckles turning her attention back out at the water along with Cass. "You were a pretty stubborn princess."

Cass sighs recalling their earlier days as if it was yesterday. "So much has passed through the years but you were always with me in one way or another."

They stay silent for a moment before Nat speaks up. "Cass, I want to ask you something... Why didn't you tell me about Landon sooner?"

Cass' face drops forward for a moment before she lifts it again. "I guess... I was ashamed and felt like some part of it had to be my fault."

"Cass..."

"I know, now looking back... I know it was not my fault but at the time.." She trails off before taking a deep inhale releasing it slowly. "I just was worried I would disappoint you."

Nat squeezes her hand tightly tugging her hand slightly making Cass turn to her with watery eyes. "You have NEVER and WILL NEVER disappoint me... do you understand me?"

Cass nods her head smiling through the tears at her rock. They both turn back to the rolling waves still holding each others hands. 

"God this feels surreal."

"It feels like a slice of heaven," Nat agrees. 

"Okay enough of this," Cass stands up tugging Nat up as well before sitting her down at the table nearby. Cass walks over silently slipping into their room making Nat look to the door with furrowed brows. She comes out a moment later with her cellphone as she makes a face. "You could have warned me."

Nat laughs at her expression while Cass hands her the phone. She takes it looking at Cass confused. Cass just sits down across from her making her hold the phone in her left hand. She begins hearing clicks and realizes she is taking photos of the engagement ring. 

After getting the shot she wanted, she sent it to Nat. Not longer after Keith came out on the balcony finding the girls talking and laughing as they continued enjoying the morning breeze. Jackson didn't awake until a while later still with his bed hair. He had thankful thrown on some shorts but was shirtless leaving Nat to drink in his delectable chest. He only winked in return taking the seat beside her. 

That day they traveled around the island shopping and enjoying the local life. It was such a different scenery from the ranch. Nat however was beginning to feel homesick. She wanted to see her boy. That evening they dined at luau before retiring to their rooms. Nat was exhausted and practically fell asleep hitting the mattress. Jackson's form curling to her back giving her the comfort she craves.