Eternal Bloom - Book 5 (The Ruby Ring Saga) Read online

  “You’ve done a fantastic job,” Liz said. “I’m impressed. I truly am.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Are you hungry?” she suddenly asked.

  I touched my big, bulging stomach. “I’m always hungry.”

  “Great! Let’s go pig out at Jerry’s Grill.” Her eyes widened. “We can get a huge burger and loaded French fries with tons and tons of cheese.”

  “How about desert first?” I asked. “I really want to try Alexander’s cake.”

  “I’ve never been one to say no to cake.”

  I glanced down and stared at the cake. “Victor and I were supposed to have a fabulous wedding. I picked out the prettiest wedding cake.”

  “Quit talking that way. I know you’re moody from being pregnant and facing death is never fun, either, but don’t give up. You’re going to have that wedding of yours. You’re going to walk down that church isle and all your friends and family are going to smile as you radiantly shine in that big fluffy wedding gown. And then you and Victor are going to have a fabulous life and raise your beautiful son.”

  I smiled. “I picked the color of your bridesmaid’s dress.”

  “I thought Beth was going to be your maid of honor. Unless you’re still pissed over the Frank thing.”

  “I’m so over Frank,” I said. “Beth is going to be my maid of honor, but you’re going to be my matron of honor.”

  She scooped herself a piece of cake. “I’d be so honored, Sarah. Thank you for choosing me to be part of your special day.”

  “Well, you’re my sister and Mom said I had to let you in my wedding.

  She playfully slugged me, then smirked. “I’m not sure if I want to hear what my dress is going to look like. But we are definitely heading in the right direction. We’re talking about hope and a future. So what’s the lucky color?”

  I took a big bite of Alexander’s delicious birthday cake.

  “Well?”

  “My mouth is full,” I muttered.

  “And since when did that matter.”

  I playfully slugged her. “It’s royal blue. You’re going to wear a blue, silk gown with spaghetti straps.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I’m so glad to hear that! And so will Beth. I thought you were going to put us in some frilly, purple number.”

  “You deserve it. But I wouldn’t do that to you. This wedding is still on,” I said. “I’m going to go get that flower. I’m going to get my life back and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure I live to see the wedding I’ve been dreaming of my entire life.”

  Liz smiled. “Yep. The second you get back from your exotic trip, we’ll work on all the small details. Now you’re getting a limo, right? Because I can’t be seen riding around in my junker car.”

  I laughed. “Isn’t this supposed to be my day?”

  We both laughed as we cleaned everything up and then left for the restaurant to ‘pig out’. I knew my sister was on an emotional roller-coaster just like the rest of us. She tried to smile and act cheerful, but underneath I knew how upset she really was. I tried to stay positive but the ‘what if’ kept rearing its ugly head. What if the cure didn’t work? I refused to believe that and gave myself positive pep talks. I had to stay strong not only for myself but for my unborn son. He needed me more than anything. And I was going to be there for him...whatever it took.

  Chapter 13

  It took Victor a while to come to the conclusion that the trip to Purity Island was worth it to save my life. We packed our bags and took the ten hour flight out to Nadi, Fiji. It was simple enough, because Jackson had served as our travel agents; he made all the plans and reservations for us, and all we had to do was follow the notes he left for us in a folder.

  We boarded the plane and Victor loaded my bag into the overhead carrier. The plane took off and I looked at the blue sky and clouds passing by me. I always loved the window seat. The stewardess doted on me. She brought me hot towels, lotions, neck pillows, healthy snacks, eye masks, and extra drinks.

  I glanced at Victor. “Why is she paying so much attention to me?”

  “Because you’re a first class patron.”

  “Or maybe it’s because I’m pregnant.”

  When she came back over, she smiled and offered me another bottled water.

  “I’m fine,” I said. “But thank you.”

  “But I insist,” she said. “Jackson’s orders.”

  I reached for the bottle. “Thank you.” I then turned and looked at Victor. “There you have it. Jackson is involved.”

  “I told him I wanted you pampered every step of the way.”

  “You didn’t?”

  He smiled. “I did. I want nothing but the best when it comes to my beautiful wife.”

  Turbulence shook the plane, and I sucked in a deep breath.

  Victor gripped my hand. “It’s okay, my love.”

  “I get a little freaked out when it comes to flying, but you’re as cool as a cucumber.”

  He looked out the window and stared at the blue sky and wisps of clouds. “It’s amazing.”

  “I tried to explain airplanes to you before, remember? When I sketched one for you?”

  “Your picture was...a little different.”

  I laughed and playfully nudged him. “I’m not the artist in the family.”

  “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that we could fly, especially in a carriage in the sky. Your world is nothing short of amazing.”

  “Wait a minute, Highness. Did you just compliment my modern world?”

  He squeezed my hand. “It’s not where I choose to live, but there are many admirable things here, truly fantastic things.”

  “I’m so glad you’ve gotten the opportunity to explore and experience it, if only for a little while.”

  “It helps me to understand you more. I wish my world had some of your technology,” Victor said.

  I winked. “Did you really just say that? Pinch me. I think I’m dreaming.”

  He let out a low chuckle.

  “Am I winning you over, my love?”

  He smiled. “I do understand why you love it here so much. The landscape is beautiful, and your customs and traditions like Christmas and Easter are wonderful. I’ve met most of your relatives, from cousins to aunts, and they have been warm, friendly, and accepting. They make me feel like family. Your world is so much more advanced than mine. All in all, it’s a wonderful place to live.”

  * * *

  When the plane landed, we disembarked and met our contact that Jackson had arranged. He took us by Jeep to a boat where an Immortal team was ready and waiting. We introduced ourselves and boarded the small, sailing yacht. Out of all the places I’d ever been, I knew this was one travel adventure I’d never forget.

  “Are you ready to visit the island?” Victor said.

  “I’ve never been more ready,” I answered.

  The wind blew through my hair as I watched dolphins race in the bow wave of the boat. I looked out across the bluish water that seemed to stretch for mile and miles. Everything seemed so peaceful and serene. I leaned over the railing, and the cool spray from the ocean misted my face. It almost felt like Victor and I were merely on vacation, enjoying a carefree boat ride.

  Still, I knew the harsh reality of the situation. My life would most likely end in days, if not sooner. Finding the blossom was my last-ditch effort to survive. It infuriated me that my life depended on a crazy myth, but I knew there had to be some truth; otherwise, Jackson never would have funded the mission. I had no idea that Jackson needed me as much as I needed him, that he’d been working nonstop since the minimart to find a cure for me. Regardless of his motives, I was willing to do anything to have a happy life with my child.

  When Victor kissed my lips, I smiled. I loved how the wind ruffled his dark hair and the sunlight danced and sparkled in his blue eyes. I couldn’t help but wonder if we were spending our last days together.

  “We shall triumph, my love,” he said, pushing
a stray strand of hair from my face.

  “You bet,” I said confidently.

  Victor and I got comfortable at the bow of the boat. Time flew by, and the next thing I knew, hours had dwindled away.

  A crewman walked over to us and pointed. “We have arrived,” he said.

  I swallowed hard. From a distance, the island looked dark and ominous. “This could be it, baby,” I said, hoping the myth was true.

  Victor wrapped his arm around me. “We will not leave that island without that blossom.”

  I leaned into his chest. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

  “I love you, Sarah,” he said.

  “I love you too.”

  * * *

  Dazzling streaks of lightning crisscrossed the dark sky, quickly followed by a howling wind. My breath quickened. I lifted my hands and felt light droplets on my skin. I swallowed as I tried to calm my nerves.

  “It’s an omen!” a man cried. “We shouldn’t be anywhere near this island!”

  Another man grabbed his arm. “Listen, if we don’t deliver the couple to the island and take them back safely, we don’t get paid.”

  “I don’t care. We must leave. The island is cursed! I’d rather have my life than a little gold in my pocket!”

  “Nonsense! Payment won’t be made until they reach the island, get whatever it is they’re looking for, and return safely. We’re being paid over a million dollars, and I won’t turn my back on that kind of money because of your superstitions, you jerk.”

  Victor gripped the rail and struggled to keep his footing. Rain poured, and the waves grew taller and frothier with each passing moment. “I see the island, just a few miles away. We’re so close.”

  “They’re threatening to go back,” I said. “They think the storm is a bad omen.”

  A bolt of electricity branched across the clouds like a neon spider web, and another clap of angry thunder made me jump.

  Victor wrapped an arm around me as the boat shuddered. “We’ve got less than two weeks!” he shouted, water streaming down his face and hair. “We’ll never find this island again on our own, especially not before the baby is born.”

  Just then, a huge plume of salty, white spray burst into the air and splashed over me. I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. “I’m not leaving! We’ve come too far.”

  “Let’s find the captain,” he said, water dripping from his nose, chin, and hair.

  We charged through the sheets of rain as thunder crashed overhead. Angry waves exploded against the hull and filled the air with tumbling water. The boat pitched as a wave broke over the side rail, ramming into my legs. I grabbed hold of a deck chair that was mounted to the floor and tried to steady myself. Water, at least four or five inches deep, spread across the fiberglass exterior, threatening to wash my feet out from under me.

  With my pregnant belly jutting out in front of me, I slowly waddled toward the cabin door. Just above me, another crack of thunder exploded. Goosebumps pimpled my skin. There was more blindingly white light before the single streak of lightning broke into several branches. I breathed in and out deeply, hoping to make it to the cabin.

  The boat lurched again. Shivering, I shielded my face with an arm, clenching my teeth as I inched forward. Stinging rain pounded down harder. I started to slip, but Victor caught me, there for me as always. As I pushed myself up, an enormous wall of water rose high above us, crested, and slowly fell over our heads like a collapsing building. I tried to scream and swallowed a lungful of bitter seawater as I slammed into something hard. I wrapped my arms around it, the rail, and clung with all my might. A shudder ripped through my body, and salt stung my eyes and throat, but I didn’t dare let go. My heart lurched. In a blur, I scrambled up, coughing and choking, and that was when I noticed that the boat was turning around. The wind whipped across my face as I cried out, “No! We can’t go back! We can’t! Stop!”

  Victor shielded his eyes and peered out through the driving rain. He grabbed the crewman’s hand. “Why are we turning around?”

  “The storm will take this boat down!” the seaman yelled. “The island doesn’t want us here, and the sea will swallow us if we stay!”

  “Take us to the island!” Victor demanded.

  The captain shielded his face from the rain. “I can’t. My men are too frightened, and I cannot man this ship on my own. I cannot risk a mutiny.”

  Something cold swirled around my ankles. Water! Rushing in...fast! I gasped. Floating floorboards, cushions, charts, and magazines sloshed about the deck. I froze, and my breath caught in my throat.

  Goosebumps covered my arms as the boat teetered on the crest of a mountainous swell. Tilting forward, the vessel dropped through the air like an elevator in free fall. I clenched my teeth, gripping the doorframe till my knuckles went white. When the boat slammed into the trench, a towering surge of saltwater crashed over my head. I pushed back wet strands of tangled hair and wiped my eyes. Victor staggered and grabbed hold of the rail as rain sheeted down, his drenched clothes clinging to his muscled body.

  The boat pitched, and I fought to keep my balance. I hung on as another wave slammed into our ship like a giant fist. The storm dumped another huge wave onto the deck, knocking my feet out from under me. I grunted from the sudden impact, and my mouth dropped as the boat started to speed away from the island.

  “No!” I shouted. “Stop them, Victor! We can’t give up!” My stomach sank.

  “Sarah, they’re scared to death. They say there is a vile curse on the island. They will not listen to us.”

  I sucked in a sharp gulp of air. “Then you must compel them.”

  A frown formed on his lips. “I cannot compel Immortals. They’re afraid the waves are going to rip the boat apart board by board.”

  The back of my throat felt dry, and a rush of heat swept over me in spite of the cold water soaking my clothes.

  “Then we’ll swim to the island,” I shouted over the roaring rain. “We didn’t come all this way for nothing.”

  He nodded and handed me a life vest. I adjusted my vest, pulled the canvas straps, and snapped the buckle around my waist. “Ready?”

  He nodded again, and we both climbed over the rail. The waves were huge, bellowing with loud roars, as if the sea was belching. With a giant leap, we plunged into the tumult. Water rushed down my throat and up my nose, and I fought to keep my head above the surface. As I realized just how rough the waves were, I feared we had made the wrong decision; I suddenly felt as if I could relate to a helpless little sock in a giant washing machine.

  Chapter 14

  “Victor!” I yelled.

  “Sarah,” he said, swimming over to me.

  I could hear the crew’s incoherent shouts over the booming thunder. I screamed, flailing and flapping my arms to stay above the current. I forced my mouth shut to avoid swallowing too much saltwater. When I looked up, I could only see the top halves of their bodies, ducking and rising out of view. Finally, they flung a rope over the side of the boat, and someone screamed something to me, though I had no idea what he said.

  Again, I was faced with a difficult choice. Should I reach for the rope? No! I’ll take my chances and swim to the island.

  A giant explosion of white water rushed over the vessel, followed by a loud crack and a dull thud. The rigging and sails crashed to the deck, along with the eighty-foot mast. I glanced around in frantic disbelief but saw nothing but rising mountains of water. Gasping for breath, I tried not to choke on the salty foam being thrust into my mouth by the wild, tumbling waves. I focused my attention back on Victor.

  The force of the wave pushed me down, spinning me around in total darkness like I was caught in yet another rinse cycle. I held my breath, my lungs burning for sweet release and fresh oxygen. If I don’t get air soon...

  The pressure in my ears was unbearable. When the spinning stopped, my lungs were on fire, and I flailed my arms, trying to orient myself. Am I upside down or right side up? I forced myself to stop struggl
ing and let my body float. Okay. Now I know the way. Powerful kicks propelled me upward. Just before my lungs collapsed, I burst through the surface.

  Apart from the flashes of lightning, I saw nothing but pitch black. My hands moved around me, frantic to grasp something—anything—but there was only water. A deafening roar like a passing train filled my ears, and I clutched my lifejacket for dear life.

  I coughed, exhausted, and my body trembled with the effort to keep myself afloat. There was no way I would let the undertow drag me down.

  Dizziness washed over me as I struggled to free myself from the spiraling water. My lungs were burning, and I opened my mouth to scream, but saltwater rushed in. An explosion of bubbles surrounded me, brushing across my skin. A tremendous force pushed me upward, faster and faster. Bursting through the surface, I sucked in desperate gulps of air—wonderful, glorious, awesome air.

  I heard Victor’s voice and swam to it through the darkness. When I saw an outline in the darkness bobbing up and down in the water, I knew it was my brave husband. “Victor!” I screamed.

  “Sarah!” his frantic answer was.

  My heart leapt in response to the familiar voice. I exhaled and wiped the tears away, overwhelmed with relief. Smiling, I forced my burning muscles to propel me through the water. The waves began to calm, and I glanced around for the boat. The sun peeked from the clouds, and while that was a good sign that Mother Nature’s little temper tantrum was over, the boat was nowhere in sight; it was as if the boat itself had thrown the island into a rage.

  “Sarah!” Victor yelled. He met me halfway and threw his arms around me. “Are you okay?” His voice wavered. Treading water, he stroked the hair from my face.

  “I’m fine,” I said. “What about you? Are you okay, baby?”

  “Yes, I’m fine, but I am confused. Why did the storm stop so suddenly?”

  “I don’t know,” I said, “but for now, let’s just get to that island.”

  Drifting clouds floated above us, turning from gold to brown, then to purple, pink, and orange. I stared at our picturesque surroundings in awe. Morning mist hung over a landscape that stretched for miles and miles. Palm trees lined the beach, and in the distance, green mountains dotted with color towered high into the sky. Canopies of leaves in the glowing hues of autumn decorated the skyline. Where the sun peered through, everything seemed to glisten. Truly, it was like some majestic island right out of a fairytale. I only hoped it would be our happily-ever-after.