Chapter 153 Wildlife
This was Emily’s first time ever visiting Fiji. It was evening when they got off the plane, and she couldn’t see the landscape, but the air embraced her with its balmy warmth and brought the smell of fragrant flowers.
Arriving at the five-star hotel, they were greeted by a friendly and polite young woman who offered them a free basket of fresh fruit.
“Wow! Thank you!” Emily said. She could smell the intriguing scents of the fruit, some of which she had never heard of before.
Another hotel employee took them up to the room and showed them the state-of-the-art entertainment system. Here, there was another complimentary snack platter and an assortment of drinks. And on top of the bedspread they found a small platter filled with gourmet chocolates.
“It’s pretty standard for a five-star hotel to provide gifts,” Byron said, looking amused at her effusive thanks when they were left alone in the suite.
“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t say thank you and be happy about it,” Emily remarked.
“True,” he said. “Your enjoyment of life is contagious.”
Emily plopped onto the bed and tried one of the chocolates. It was a delectably fine dark chocolate with a hint of passionfruit.
“Now if there’s lots of wildlife here,” she said, “I’ll be in heaven.”
“I’m sure you’ll find some wildlife,” Byron said, smiling. “Even if you have to scour the land and the ocean.”
It wasn’t long before they found wildlife, though it wasn’t exactly the kind the guide books promised.
On their way to see some wild birds in the forest, they stopped in a small village. While the tour guide took a small break, Emily spotted a few dogs hanging around the gas station.
It was pretty common for people to let their dogs run free in this part of the world, so she wasn’t too worried, but then she saw that one of the dogs was constantly itching itself as if trying to get rid of fleas. It was an orangy-yellow mutt with a fox-like muzzle.
It must have been quite an infestation because the whole time she was watching, the dog hardly stopped trying to scratch its coat with its back legs. She also noticed the poor thing only had one eye. It seemed like the other one had been lost in a fight with another dog or from abuse by a human because of the elongated scar left behind. The quick rest stop turned into a longer break as Emily tried to find out more about the dog.
According to the gas station attendant and some of the local people from the village, the dog didn’t belong to anyone. They also pointed out three other dogs who were strays.
Emily could well believe it because the dogs looked so gaunt. “We have to take them to the local shelter,” she said.
“I knew our honeymoon would turn into a wild dog chase,” Byron remarked, though he didn’t seem too upset by it.
Emily felt guilty for interrupting what was supposed to be a carefree sightseeing tour. “Sorry,” she said, “I know we’re supposed to be vacationing, and it’s probably not too much fun for you.”
“It’s not a problem,” Byron said, looking at her with affection, “I’m really proud of you for taking care of these dogs. I’ll call the local animal shelter and find out what they can do.”
“They’re usually overwhelmed with dogs,” their guide said. “But if you’re willing to sponsor them, the shelter might be able to find kennels and someone to take care of them.”
“I can do that,” Emily said, “I’ll sponsor them!”
They spent much of the day talking to the shelter workers and helping them lure and catch the dogs. It was not the same as going on a wilderness tour, but it was quite an adventure.
By the end of the afternoon, all four stray dogs were caught, and Emily and Byron went to the shelter to see where they would be housed. Nearly all the kennels were full, but there was enough room to place the new residents.
Finally, when she was satisfied that the dogs were safe and taken care of, Emily returned to the hotel. She collapsed into a comfortable deck chair on the balcony of their suite and enjoyed the colorful sunset.
Byron brought tropical juices for them, and they were both able to relax after their long day.
“Saving the world, one dog at a time, huh?” Byron said.
“Yeah. But tomorrow we’ll do fun stuff, I promise.”
“It’s okay,” he replied, “So far, this has been a very exciting honeymoon.”
He got up from his comfy seat and kneeled down beside her. “Although…” he said, “I can think of a way to make it even more exciting.”
He kissed her hand, and she giggled as the prickly hairs around his mouth tickled her skin.
“I like where you’re going with this,” Emily said.
Then his lips were in the fold of her elbow, at her neck, and touching her mouth. He leaned closer and closer to her, then pulled her up from the seat and carried her to the bedroom.
“After all,” he said, laying her down on the bed, “this is what a honeymoon is for…”
His lips created shimmering fires of pleasure everywhere they touched on her face, her neck, and her chest.
“Making love?” Her fingers crawled stealthily underneath his shirt, feeling the hard muscles beneath the linen fabric.
“Yes, but I was also thinking… procreation.”
“What?” Emily felt nearly all of her desire suddenly evaporate. “You want to have a baby? Now?!”
