Chapter 43 I Don't Like That Guy at All

"I came to see you today, and it's just between us." "He mentioned his condition is treatable. Just hang in there, okay? Sometimes, keeping secrets is for the best." "Got it. Really appreciate you sharing with me." "Don't mention it. I'm here to make you feel better. And hey, I don't like that guy at all, okay?" Lorraine's eyes showed she was sorry. "About throwing that ring at you, I'm really sorry. I loved that ring, but I just lost it for a moment. Please don't be mad." Charlotte stretched out her hand warmly. "We can move on from what happened. No hard feelings." Lorraine grasped her hand. "Guess we're friends now." Lorraine waved goodbye to Charlotte, then headed off to see Frank at his office. She had been nervous Charlotte might be mad at her, but Charlotte's kindness washed those fears away. Understanding what happened before, Lorraine felt lighter, like she didn't have to worry so much anymore. "Honey," Lorraine called out, pushing open Frank's office door. The office had been super busy lately because of stuff that happened earlier, so Frank was staying late a lot. Frank looked up, surprised, as Lorraine walked in. "Hey, what's up?" Lorraine handed him her surprise - a chocolate cake and an iced coffee. "Just thought you might need a pick-me-up." Frank gave her a cozy bear hug. "Feeling way better now. How about we swing by your dad's place soon?" Frank really was thankful for all the help his father-in-law gave him. He thought he should drop by and say thanks – it just didn't feel right not to. Frank knew that without his help, those rough days would have been way harder. "Can't wait. You coming home early tonight?" Frank gave a quick nod. "Just gotta wrap up a few things here, then I'm all yours." Lorraine's smile couldn't have been brighter; knowing Frank's love was the best. Meanwhile, Luke had been in the study, phone glued to his ear, arranging stuff non-stop. Charlotte figured he was swamped with work and let him be. The day they were leaving, Luke swapped his suit for jeans and a T-shirt, looking like he just graduated. Balancing their little one and a suitcase, he was all set for their trip. Andy was pitching in, hauling bags to the car. Charlotte raised an eyebrow at the mountain of luggage. "Do we need all this?" Luke shrugged. "Better safe than sorry, especially for the kiddos." Charlotte reached to help, but Luke was on it. "You're getting the hang of this dad thing," she said. Luke grinned. "Been cramming on those parenting blogs. I'm new at this, but I'm giving it my all." Luke had everything packed and set. Just when Charlotte thought they were all set to go, Luke brought out one more huge suitcase. "What's in there?" Charlotte's eyes were wide with curiosity. "Can't tell you yet." Charlotte kept wondering about that mysterious suitcase all the way to the airport. At the airport, Sofia whispered to Luke, making sure they had everything. Luke nodded confidently, assuring everyone. On the plane, Andy and Lilya couldn't take their eyes off the window, totally wowed by the sky. Lilya thought the clouds looked like soft, puffy marshmallows. After a long five-hour flight, they landed at Tropis Island. Charlotte was a bit worried about all their bags, but friendly hotel staff members were right there to help them out as soon as they landed. As they walked together, they turned heads. Some bold girls even came over, asking for Luke's and Caelan's numbers. Charlotte and Sofia got some looks too, but one cool stare from Luke, and everyone backed off. At the airport, some people mistook Luke's group for celebrities because they all looked super cool. Luke didn't come to Tropis Island often, but he always had this awesome suite waiting for him at his hotel. It was like their own little palace. Charlotte was surprised to see Luke had more than just his jewelry business. He was like a secret millionaire. Caelan threw his bags down and crashed on the couch. "No more marriage talk from my parents. Finally!" "Yeah, but you'll have to deal with it when you go back. Wouldn't it be easier to just find a girlfriend?" Sofia teased, "Or you could move out. That'd give you some peace." "Work keeps me super busy, and I'm hardly ever home. But I try to hang out with my family whenever I can. It was all cool until Luke tied the knot out of nowhere. Now, my folks won't stop bugging me about getting hitched too." Luke walked in with more bags. "Hey, am I the bad guy now?" "No way, Luke. I need you on my side with my parents." Luke said with a friendly nudge, "Hey, you can't just dodge this stuff forever. Why not look around while we're here? Maybe you'll find a woman who's just your type." Caelan sighed, "Can't a guy catch a break, even on vacation?" Charlotte gently rocked Lilya, who was snoozing peacefully in her arms. She didn't want to put her down and risk waking her up.