Longing For The Beach Billionaire Daddy
Chapter 216

*Michael*

“Michael! Did you check and make sure we packed the portable breast pump? I know the one that plugs into the wall is in one of the suitcases, but the portable one will be easier to use on the beach,” Shelby yelled from the living room, her voice a mix of eagerness and stress. Packing for a family vacation seemed to feel a lot like moving states away.

We had everything packed and ready to go, and our driver was waiting out front to take us to the airport where our private jet was waiting to whisk us away for our much-needed getaway. I was running around making sure we had grabbed everything the babies were going to need during the flight.

“Yes, I put it in the big, black diaper bag, along with some milk collection bags and the charging cord,” I yelled back as I zipped my suitcase and sat it by the front door. Shelby had gone shopping yesterday and bought new beach clothes for the four of us, and I had just packed everything up.

“Alright, we have triple-checked the house. I think we have everything. Let’s get into the car. If there’s anything we’ve forgotten, we’ll just buy new when we land.” I grabbed Shelby from behind and pulled her close to me, kissing her neck and smelling the floral scent of her shampoo. She shooed me away, urging me to head outside.

I grabbed Amelia’s car seat, and Shelby grabbed Thomas’, then we walked out the door and loaded them into the waiting SUV. My driver ran up and helped us load our bags into the back, and I thanked him as we pulled away.

“Please tell me where we’re going. I hate surprises,” Shelby pouted for the fortieth time since I asked her to go on vacation. Her lips were pursed and she had the most adorable wrinkle on her forehead while she looked at me.

I laughed and rolled my eyes at her. “No, absolutely not. You’ll find out when we land, you impatient minx.”

I stared at my wife as she grinned up at me. Her vibrant blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and her red hair was radiant from the spa day she indulged herself in yesterday. I had to force her to treat herself, but damn it, she deserved it. She had been working so hard to be a good employee and take care of our babies, spoiling herself was necessary.

“Tell me more about what you bought for vacation when you went shopping yesterday,” I asked to distract her from asking about our destination again.

“Oh, I got so much stuff! I bought four new swimsuits for myself. Plus, one for you and some little matching swimsuits for the babies. I also grabbed a couple of beach towels and some matching hats. We have enough sunscreen to last us through this entire trip, and I made sure to pack a few extra bottles in case we need them,” she paused to take a breath before continuing.

“I grabbed three new books to read, and I made sure to grab a few sundresses and some comfortable flats in case we explore on foot. I also bought two new lingerie sets to make myself less like a new mom and more like the old me. I spent entirely too much money, but I was so excited to travel, I went overboard,” Shelby finished with excitement.

“Don’t worry about the money. I told you to splurge, and I meant it,” I reassured her as I grabbed her hand and kissed her palm.

“We’re here,” the driver said as he lowered the partition separating the driver’s seat from the back of the SUV.

The car slowed to a stop, and we stepped out onto the tarmac to board the private jet. Everything was white and pristine, from the gleaming exterior to the plush leather seats decorated with gold trimmings. We brought the babies into the plane and buckled them into their waiting car seats.

“This jet is gorgeous, Michael,” Shelby said as she looked around in awe. The floor was covered in a deep navy blue carpet, and the walls were lined with mahogany wood paneling. The windows would offer a gorgeous view of the clouds once we were up in the air, and I was excited to watch Shelby view the ocean once we started to descend in a few hours.

A kind flight attendant stepped out from the front of the plane and said, “Hello, my name is Angela. I’ll be flying with you today. Would you like me to brew some coffee and carry out sandwiches for the two of you?”

“Thank you, Angela. That would be great,” I replied as I settled into my seat.

As Angela went to the galley to start preparing our food, Shelby and I started to relax and take in the luxurious surroundings. We held hands and chatted about everything and anything, excited to have some time alone without the stress of our everyday lives.

As the jet took off, I pulled Shelby onto my lap and kissed her deeply. She m****d softly into my mouth. This vacation was going to provide the perfect environment for us to rediscover our passion for each other.

The flight was smooth, albeit long, and we enjoyed the sandwiches and coffee that Angela had brought out for us to celebrate the start of our vacation. Other than nursing a few times, the babies slept soundly in their car seats, and we were grateful for the peace and quiet.

We started to descend, and I watched Shelby’s eyes widen in amazement as she took in the stunning view of the ocean and the island below us.

“Welcome to Maui,” the pilot’s voice came through the speakers.

“It’s even more beautiful than I imagined,” she whispered, staring out the windows longingly.

The jet came to a stop on the runway, and we gathered our things and stepped out into the warm sun. Our car was waiting to take us to the private home we’d rented on the beach. The staff loaded our belongings as Shelby and I buckled the twins into the back seat.

Shelby and I couldn’t contain our excitement as we drove down the winding road to the beachfront house. The tropical air filled my lungs, and I marveled at the lush foliage surrounding us. We stepped out of the car and were at once in awe of how luxurious the home was.

The house was large and grand with a modern fa?ade and windows that spanned from floor to ceiling, showcasing an expansive view of the shimmering ocean private beach. Because of the time difference, the sun was already beginning to set. We entered the house and stopped in our tracks to marvel at the brilliant shades of pink, and orange, reflecting off of the calm waters outside the windows.

“Michael, I don’t have words. This is the most gorgeous place I’ve ever been.” Shelby hugged Amelia close and leaned into me as she admired the view.

“It’s something else, isn’t it?” I walked her to the back patio and opened the sliding doors. The sound of nature and the ocean splashing greeted us warmly.

“I’ve arranged dinner for us tonight. It’s going to be catered by an incredible local chef. I figured we’d stay in to get ahead of the jet lag. The babies already have a stocked nursery in the bedroom adjoining ours, so we don’t have to stress about setting anything up,” I said, pointing to the two large bedrooms to the left.

Shelby’s face lit up, and she said, “You really thought of everything.”

“Only the best for my family, Shelby. You know this,” I winked as we made our way inside our bedroom to change for dinner.

The master bedroom was a sight to behold with royal blue walls and a large California king bed covered in fluffy pillows and blankets in the center of the room, beckoning us to lounge and relax after our long journey. To the right was a cozy sitting area complete with oversized chairs, ottomans, and a plush rug that felt amazing on my tired feet.

I finished dressing first, so I waited in the living room, entertaining the twins, while Shelby finished freshening up. A few minutes later, I heard Shelby’s bare feet padding against the hardwood floor. She stopped before me with a swish of her pale yellow sundress, the sunlight streaming through the glass highlighting the delicate flowers embroidered on the bodice. Her golden hair spilled past her shoulders, and she beamed at me while I picked my jaw up from the floor.

“Shelby, you’re more stunning than the entire island of Maui,” I complimented her while I looked her over from head to toe.

“That means a lot coming from the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on,” Shelby replied as she stood on her tiptoes and planted a firm k**s against my lips.

We sat on the floor with the babies and relaxed. Amelia and Thomas were getting so close to rolling over on their own, and we were helping them strengthen their muscles with some exercises their physical therapist has shown us. We were interrupted by the doorbell ringing.

The chef had arrived, and he brought with him a stunning spread of local delicacies–succulent fresh fish, Kauai shrimp, creamy coconut curry dishes, and tropical fruit sides. The smell alone was intoxicating. “Please follow me this way,” I said as I led him to the patio.

The chef set everything out and beckoned us to have a seat. We settled the twins into their highchairs and began to enjoy our meal as the sun dipped down behind the ocean. Shelby m****d as she took a bite of the flavorful food. We savored every bite of the fresh fish, cooked to perfection, with a light citrus sauce. The Kauai shrimp were juicy and succulent, and the coconut curry dishes had just enough spice to keep things interesting without overpowering the flavor of the dish. Each course was accompanied by vibrant tropical fruits which added a light sweetness to each bite.

“Can we bring the chef with us back to the mainland?” Shelby muttered around a mouthful of shrimp.

“My god, it’s tempting isn’t it?” I asked.

“I could eat this every day. I just wish I could cook this well. Maybe you should buy your wife some lessons, huh?” Shelby chuckled, poking fun at her inexperience in the kitchen.

“You know I’d do anything for you, my love. If you wanted to learn to cook, I’d move chefs into our home to teach you every evening,” I said seriously, wanting her to know that I‘d do anything to make her happy.

“I know you would, and I’d do the same for you and Thomas and Amelia. Thank you so much for arranging this vacation, Michael. I don’t think I realized how burnt out I was until you brought up getting away for a bit,” Shelby’s shoulders sag a bit with this admission like she’s ashamed of being tired.

“Parenting is exhausting, babe. Not only are you solely providing all of their nourishment from your body, but you also had surgery to bring them into this world. There’s no shame in being exhausted. Please don’t feel like that makes you less than,” I reassured her.

“My god, you’re perfect. How do you always know what to say?” Shelby said with unshed tears in her eyes.

We finished our meal, only interrupted occasionally by the happy squeals of our children, a squawking bird, and the waves slapping the beach before us.