Chapter 48: Chapter 48
The next few days, Sofia and Davion were lost in one another. With Davion perfectly fit, he didn't leave any opportunity to make love to his Sofia. Celestine was becoming a handful and with each passing day, her antics and gurgle stole their heart. Davion took his little family out to the neighborhood park for a stroll every day and Sofia looked forward to that little outing.
The days passed by and Sofia seriously contemplated pursuing her studies. She enrolled herself into FIDM at the University of Nevada, Reno to continue where she had left off. Davion appreciated her efforts and encouraged her sincerely. She couldn't go to college with Celestine needing to be breastfed every two hours so she opted for online classes. This with 4very passing day, her routine started getting hectic as she struggled to cope with Celestine, Davion as well as her studies. Davion understood her perfectly and many nights he just cuddled her to sleep.
Sofia connected to Victoria many times and found out that she had started attending therapy sessions that were doing her and her baby good.
"Will you come to see me after my delivery? It's been so long since we met," said Victoria in a low and dull tone. Nothing excited her these days but due looked forward to seeing her twin and her niece. Sofia could understand her perfectly and have always asked after her health. After the first time when she had told Sofia the details, she had never asked anything else after that. In fact, Sofia had kept her promise too. She could trust her more than anyone else in the world.
"Of course, I will, Vicky," promised Sofia. The months passed by and Celestine started growing naughtier and more beautiful day by day. Davion developed a sweet bond with her and played with her every day after returning from work. One day, Davion announced that Colton was coming over to dinner. So, Greta made a special dinner for him. They all sat down to eat but Sofia noticed that Colton wasn't his usual self. He ate very little and hardly talked about anything else other than work. Sofia noted his unshaved beard, the dark circles underneath his eyes, the sad look on his face. Was it because of Victoria? She noted that he avoided her eyes all throughout the meal.
The dinner was over and Sofia went to the nursery to cater to Celestine. She wanted to talk to Colton and ask him about the friend who took advantage of Victoria but was afraid to ask due to Victoria's threat. She decided to speak to Victoria about asking Colton soon since her pregnancy would be known in a month or two.
Three months passed by and Celestine learned new things every day but what amazed them every time was her bright toothless smile. Davion seemed to be bowled over by it.
"Her smiles are just like yours," said Davion appreciatively. It made her heart skip a beat to hear that he still found her as attractive as he did the first time he saw her.
"I need to travel to Lake Tahoe this Friday. I want you and Celestine to accompany me. It's been over a year since we have been on a holiday. It'll be a nice break for you," said Davion expectantly.
"But Celestine is so little. Can she travel?" asked a worried Sofia.
"It's just a one and a half hour's drive away. I'm sure she can," said Davion. So with two days remaining, Sofia was busy packing for the trip. She completely forgot about Victoria's plan to announce her pregnancy to their parents. At last, it was Friday and they were all packed to travel. Even Greta and Mrs. Brunswick decided to accompany them as they too needed a holiday! Davion didn't mind and they loaded a mountain load of luggage into Davion's limousine.
"So many? We're just going on a four-day trip," said Davion but no one paid any heed to him.
"These are all essentials, Davion," said Sofia, making him roll his eyes around them. Finally, they were all settled inside the huge car and set off towards Lake Tahoe. Baby Celestine gurgled and entertained them all the way. Sofia had fed her before leaving and had expressed some milk in case she was hungry again. Celestine fell asleep after an hour and Sofia and Davion relaxed with a drink. Greta and Jane Brunswick had developed a good friendship and they whispered and chatted at the back of the limousine while keeping an eye upon Celestine.
They finally reached the shores of Lake Tahoe where Davion's casino and the hotel were located. Sofia watched the breath-taking beauty of Lake Tahoe, North America's largest alpine lake right in front of her. Bounded by the majestic peaks of the Sierra, the place was nothing short of heaven on earth.
"It's beautiful!" exclaimed Sofia as she walked alongside Davion who carried Celestine in his arms.
"I'm glad that I brought you both along, else I would never have gotten any work done," said Davion.
He led her towards his emerald cottage where he usually stayed when he visited the property. It had a two-bedroom suite and an additional guest bathroom, pantry and seating area, and an expansive, statement-making terrace/balcony. Greta and Jane helped unload their luggage and followed them inside. They would occupy the other room while Davion, Sofia, and Celestine would sleep in the master bedroom.
"Why don't you settle down? I need to meet the manager and get some work done. I'll see you at lunchtime," said Davion, kissing Sofia's forehead and walking away. Sofia fed Celestine and walked out to the terrace to check out the amazing views all around. She was glad that she had accompanied him here. The last trip that she had gone with him was to LA for their honeymoon when Celestine had been conceived. She pushed Celestine's stroller and walked around the small terrace, inhaling the fresh air. Her phone buzzed with an incoming call from her mom. Sofia gasped remembering that Victoria was about to announce her pregnancy to their parents. She wondered how her parents had accepted the news.