In the following days, Deanna and Lance spent their time exploring the island. During this period, the children who had previously played volleyball with them, including Eva, came to find Deanna several times. This disrupted the couple's anticipated alone time just as it was beginning.
On the fifth day, as they prepared to leave, they informed Eva and the other children to prevent them from coming over later. The children were reluctant to see them go and brought gifts for the couple.
"Pretty sister, will you come back?" Eva asked, looking at Deanna with hopeful eyes. The other children looked at her with reluctance, asking, "Pretty sister, can't you stay?"
Deanna felt a pang of sadness but explained gently, "I can't stay. I have two children at home who need me, and I also have to work. But I promise I'll come back to visit whenever I can."
The children, though disappointed, accepted her explanation and handed over their gifts.
"Pretty sister, this big seashell is for you, and these two are for your brother and sister," one child said. "These pearls are for you too. My mommy says pearls are very precious," another added. "Take this fish back with you," a third child offered.
Deanna couldn't refuse their heartfelt gifts and accepted them all. Back on the yacht, she carefully placed the children's gifts in a safe spot and smiled warmly at Lance, who looked somewhat displeased. "Next time, we can bring Gregory and Chloe. They would love having so many playmates."
"They might be happy, but I'm not," Lance replied, frowning deliberately.
Deanna laughed at his expression. "Still upset?" she teased.
How could he not be upset? He had finally managed to leave the kids with their grandparents to enjoy some alone time with Deanna, only for their plans to be interrupted by unexpected company.
Seeing his silence, Deanna walked over, wrapped her arms around his neck, and stood on tiptoe to kiss his lips. "Alright, don't be mad. Next time, I'll go out with you alone. No Gregory and Chloe, and I won't play with anyone else who comes along."
Lance finally smiled. "You said it. Next time it's just us. Gregory and Chloe are yours to handle."
"You tricked me!" Deanna realized belatedly that Lance had been scheming.
Lance laughed but denied it. "I didn't say anything. How did I trick you?"
Deanna was speechless and decided that if she paid him any more attention, she would be a fool.
Sensing her thoughts, Lance quickly pulled her into a hug and whispered soothingly, "Are you upset? I was just joking."
At first, Deanna tried to act aloof, but Lance's kisses and embraces eventually broke through her defenses.
After spending a warm day and night on the yacht, they finally arrived at the Cloudmere dock. Xavier was already waiting with the car parked by the roadside.
As they drove home, Deanna asked Xavier about any happenings during their absence. "Everything is fine at home, missus. Master Gregory and Miss Chloe missed you every day," Xavier reported honestly.
Deanna nodded in acknowledgment. Lance then inquired about company matters, which Xavier detailed one by one.
When they arrived home, it was still a school day, so the children were not there yet. Only Grandma Ashley was home. Seeing the young couple return, Old Ashley took Deanna's hand and asked about their trip.
"It was wonderful. Next time, we'll take you with us. Lance has built a large courtyard there," Deanna shared enthusiastically about the island.
Old Ashley smiled warmly at her granddaughter's happiness. After listening to Deanna's stories, she patted her hand and said earnestly, "I can see that Lance cares for you even more than you care for him. You both must cherish each other."
"I know, Grandma. Don't worry about us," Deanna reassured her.
She had always felt that Lance's feelings for her and his actions showed more devotion than hers.
After chatting for a while, Deanna felt tired and decided to rest upstairs. Despite having rested on the yacht, she was still exhausted from the journey.
She slept until evening and woke up to find Gregory and Chloe already home, eagerly unwrapping the gifts she had brought back.
Seeing her awake, the children ran over joyfully. "Mommy, you're awake!" they exclaimed.