Chapter Thirty Nine

Sleeping for nearly five hours, Bella woke them up around eleven in the morning. She was not fussy and crying, she was happy and cooing. But both Jayme and Rex woke up feeling tired and groggy. Dragging herself out of bed, Jayme went to Bella’s crib to pick he up. Taking her to the couch, Jayme changed her diaper and clothes and cleaned her up. Then she fed her.
As Jayme ate some breakfast, her and Rex talked about what they would do today. Rex had an idea but wasn’t sure how Jayme would react. Dressing in nice, summer clothing, Jayme, Rex and Bella set out to see the sights of Hawaii.
Their first stop was to rent a car to get them around the island. Instead of stopping anywhere, they drove everywhere, first looking at the scenery. After hours of driving, they both agreed to stop for lunch. Plus it was time to feed Bella as well.
Before they ate, Jayme took Bella to the women’s bathroom to change and feed her. It was a comfortable, breezy bathroom with a section with lounge chairs where she sat to feed her. Returning to the table, the waitress returned to take their order.
As they waited for their food, Rex presented Jayme with a brochure that highlighted beach weddings. “I know you’re still married, but we could still get married without the license. It just won’t be legally binding. It’ll be just for you and I, until you’re divorced and able to remarry.”
Jayme smiled. “Oh Rex, this is awesome! Yes, I think we should do it.” She said.
“Ok, when were done eating, we’ll go, see when we could do this.” Rex said.
“That would make me happier than you know.” Jayme said. “I love you, Rex.”
Rex reached his hand across the table and placed it on hers. “I love you too.” Rex said. “It would be the perfect beginning to a perfect vacation.”
“Yes, I agree. I think we needed this vacation.”
“More than anything.” Rex agreed.
Jayme looked over the brochure as they ate their lunch. It was something she wanted to check out as soon as they left the restaurant. Driving across town, Rex parked the car before the building and got out. Rex unbuckled Bella’s seat belt and pulled her from the car. Together, Rex and Jayme walked in to discover what their future held.
Being greeted by a young, beautiful, native woman, they turned to face her. “Can I help you?”
“Oh, yes, we’re interested in exchanging our wedding vows. Are we in the right place?” Rex asked.
“Yes, of course. Please, follow me.” She said and led them to another room. On the walls were all the options of matrimonial bliss. Jayme explained that they wanted a simple, private wedding with witnesses provided. The woman pointed to one section of the wall that included a simple wedding with no reception. It was just the ceremony.
Jayme explained that they would provide their own clothing and accessories. Making an appointment for later that evening, they would have a simple, sunset wedding on the beach. However, it included some pictures, a bottle of champagne, a small wedding cake and a signed marriage license. Leaving the premises, Jayme insisted on a formal store where they would purchase a gown and a tuxedo that they would probably wear again at their real wedding.
Jayme chose a simple, off-white, satin gown that was snug and hung down just past her knees. It was sleeveless, a summer wedding gown. Embellished with sequins and pearls, the gown was costly but Jayme didn’t care. It would be the last wedding gown she wore. Although she thought about the last gown like that as well.
Jayme completed her outfit with a pair of off-white, satin heels with a tiara containing the veil. Rex picked a jet black tuxedo with an off-white cummerbund and bow tie that matched Jayme’s gown. His shirt was off-white as well. After leaving the formal store, they returned to the cabin. Jayme located a nearby salon where she could have her hair done.
Returning to the small venue around six, the scene was already set up and decorated. There were a small crowd of onlookers who attended the wedding just for the experience. Before the actual ceremony, they did a quick rehearsal so Jayme and Rex knew what to expect. The minister’s wife cared for Bella while she attended the event.
The light of the sun dimmed the land as it sunk into the water behind them. The candles flickered in the slight breeze coming off the ocean. It was perfect light, perfect ambiance. The guests in the seats were all quiet and mesmerized by the lovely couple. Jayme was stunning and between the gown and the light of the candles, they matched the glow of her skin. She was radiant. And Rex was more in love than he’d ever been.
The ticking of time seemed to match her heartbeat as they brushed through their vows and exchanged the rings that Rex had intentionally brought with them. To Jayme, it was the most romantic thing she had ever experienced. She didn’t care if the marriage was legally binding or not, to her it was the most real thing of their vacation.
At the moment the minister granted them their kiss, Rex took Jayme in his arms and leaned her back, resting her against his knee as he leaned down and planted the most passionate kiss on her lips. The kiss was so powerful that she felt as if she were floating. When he stood her back up, a wave of dizziness came over her and she grasped a hold of his shoulders. But the feeling faded as fast as it came on.
Rex and Jayme stayed on the beach for an hour or so after the ceremony to celebrate with the strangers who came to witness the union. People pulled money out of their pocket and handed it to either Rex or Jayme for a gift. By the end of the night, they returned to the cabin with approximately a thousand dollars.
Feeding Bella one last time before laying her down, Rex and Jayme were both overly exhausted. But they still found the strength to make love. It was the moment that consummated their marriage.
The following day, Jayme and Rex decided to spend the day in the cabin, ordering delivery. It was a day of rest and recuperation. Something they both needed immensely. The two of them just lounged around the room all day, watching TV and playing with Bella. Rex enjoyed the fact that he could spend the day bonding with Bella as well as with Jayme.
But toward the end of the evening, they both grew bored and decided to go for a walk. Exiting the cabin on the ocean side, they walked barefoot along the beach. Holding hands and laughing, they enjoyed the water splashing around their ankles. They took turns holding Bella.
With the light of the new dawn came new opportunities. Jayme woke just as the sun was coming up. She quietly cared for Bella so to not wake up Rex. He needed his sleep too. Just after she finished feeding Bella, Rex climbed out of bed. Jayme handed Bella to Rex and gathered some clothes to take a hot shower. The early June air was slightly chilly to Jayme.
Leaving the cabin, they located a baby store. Going inside just to kill time and wander, Jayme found a baby backpack. It was a baby carrier that wore as a backpack. She purchased it along with some other supplies, such as diapers, wipes, pacifiers, new clothes, and teething accessories. Packing everything into the backpack, they left the store.
“I have an idea, now that you have that baby carrier.” Rex said.
“What’s that?” Jayme asked.
“I think we should go explore the island on horseback.” Rex suggested.
“Horses? Anything that has to do with horses, you can count me in.”
“I remember your love for horses.” Rex said, “I’m truly surprised you don’t own any.”
“Let’s finish our house first, then we’ll repair the barn and fence and fill it with horses.” Jayme said.
“I remember seeing an advertisement for horseback riding. I just have to figure out where it is.” Rex said.
“Let’s stop and ask.” Jayme suggested.
“No, I’ll find it.” Rex declined and continued driving.
After thirty minutes of driving, he found the sign he had saw before. It gave basic directions that Jayme was better at following. She assisted him, telling him which way to go. Seeing another sign, they turned down a long driveway that led to the stables. There were numerous people standing around with horses. Some of the horses were already saddled and some were just being saddled.
Jayme and Rex got out of the car and walked into the office. It was quite costly to rent the horses for the ninety minute ride. But they didn’t care, they had all the money from the wedding. As the stable hands prepared their horses, Jayme and Rex decided that Rex would be the one carrying Bella in her back pack. He was a more seasoned rider. Jayme was mediocre and felt Bella was safer with Rex.
The first horse they brought out was for a more experienced rider. The gelding was a brown and white paint named ‘Jericho’. The horse they brought for Jayme was a smaller palomino named ‘Goldie’. Mounting their horses, there were five other people in their group, plus the two guides. They started out in a northerly direction.
Throughout their ride, they saw wildlife, such as deer, raccoon, porcupine, squirrels, and wild pigs. The wildlife seemed to be used to people as they didn’t run away. Halfway thorough their ride, something spooked Goldie and some other horses, causing her to bolt and buck. Jayme flew over the horses neck, landing hard on the ground.
Rex saw her and immediately jumped off of his horse. Jayme lay on the ground motionless. Kneeling down beside her, Rex tugged on her, rolling her onto her back. It was when he saw the bloody injury to her forehead and the bloody rock that lay beside her head. “I think someone should call for an ambulance.” Rex said as he felt the pulse in her neck.
Being a police officer, he has had basic medical training. He knew this injury could be worse than what it looks like, especially being that she’s unconscious. Utilizing his medical skills, Rex examined the wound on her head, seeing it instantly swelling. Opening her eyelids, Rex saw that Jayme’s eyes were dilating as they should be. That, was a good sign.
Brushing her hair, he tried to wake her. “Jayme…” He said.
Watching as a frown came to her face, Rex saw she was waking up. Raising her hand, she felt the injury to her forehead and knew it was painful. As Jayme tried to sit up, Rex placed his hand on her chest and wouldn’t let her sit up. “Just relax, lay here for a few minutes.” Rex said, still stroking her head. “We’ve called for an ambulance.” Rex said.
Again, Jayme tried to sit up. “I’m fine…” She said and felt the incredible dizziness and nausea. She laid back down and the dizziness went away. She looked up at Rex and shook her head. She knew he was right, she needed to relax and rest.
The area they were located was well traveled and the ambulance was able to drive to them. Still carrying Bella, Rex climbed into the back of the ambulance with Jayme. The paramedic examined her as the other drove towards the hospital. Showing signs of a concussion, the paramedic suspected no other injuries.
At the hospital, the doctor confirmed the paramedic’s assumption. Jayme did suffer from a concussion. The doctor released her with some medicine to help with her nausea. Rex hailed a cab for them to take back to the cabin. Then Rex took the cab alone to go pick up their rental car that was left at the horse stables.
Trying to find his way back to the cabin, Rex took a wrong turn and got lost. A drive that should’ve took half an hour took three hours before he found his way back to the cabin. Concerned and prepared to apologize, Rex walked to the room door to find it slightly open. Walking inside, Jayme and Bella were not there. Her purse was in the drawer along with her phone and keys. Rex dropped to his knees and hollered. “No.”